Newzealand : Monday, 13 December 2010 (Local Time)
Yells of delight filled with the air as a terminally ill boy in Lower Hutt city was reunited with his beloved dog.
Ruby, a one-year-old cavalier king charles spanial, went missing more than a month ago. She was handed in “seriously underweight and with other health issues”, according to the SPCA-Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
It put the dog in “protective custody” and refused to return her to her owners.
The family hired a lawyer to fight for Ruby’s return.
The stand off came to an end on Saturday, after new Welington SPCA chairman – Craig Shepherd intervened.
Brooklyn Griffen,9, screamed with delight when he and Ruby were reunited, his mother Julie, Hutton, said.
“He screamed so loud. He’s hardly let her out of his sight since.”
Ruby had also perked up, she said, “It’s like she’s come to life, she’s so happy, she’s running around all over the palce barking. It was taking a kid away from their family.”
Ruby had a genetic illness and had always struggled to put on weight, even when treated to special dog food, she said.
Ms. Hutton praised Mr. Shepherd. “He was actually nice.” He said, ‘I’m sorry too far, and I hope we can move on from this’. He’s even invited Ruby out to his farm,” she said.
Mr. Shepherd said he acted to resolve the situation, after taking he reins at the SPCA on Thursday.
“I asked to look at the file, and I made a judgment call. I was sorry things got to the state they did…perhaps they might have been resolved earlier.”
As part of the conditions of Ruby’s return, a vet will monitor her. “Hopefully it’s best solution for Ruby and for Brooklyn.”
Ms. Hutton bought Ruby for $900 on Trade Me as a friend for Brooklyn, who suffers from a mitochondrial diorder. This means he cannot walk, gets sick easily, and has serious physical and developmental problems.
Doctors do not know how long he will live, but he is not expected to make it to a dulthood.
Story and Foto from : www.stuff.co.nz
