BCT funds and dedicated vet care save wildfire victim and give hope to her family
Alice, approximately two months into her recovery. (photos courtesy of Dr. Sarah Sleeba)
The Hokanson family waited anxiously behind the fire line worried about their Labrador Alice while the Texas wildfire moved toward their home. The family had been refused entry by authorities when the wildfire broke out in September, 2011 and they were unable to get to her.
Alice was in the fenced yard when the Bastrop wildfire reached the Hokanson property. The fire consumed their home but a portion of the fence burned down, providing Alice with a way out. She went missing for days before being found by a fire fighter. She had suffered severe burns all over her body and several of her toes were immediately amputated at a triage center. Her family was notified and Alice was evacuated to the Houston area and taken to Banfield Pet Hospital in Magnolia, Texas.
Nearly 35,000 acres burned and more than 1,500 homes were lost, including the Hokason family’s belongings. But they still had Alice. While out of immediate danger, Alice’s long-term prognosis was not good without extensive medical intervention. She needed additional surgery and therapy to treat her burns and her family was unable to afford the veterinary bills now.
“When Alice first arrived she was unable to stand and in a lot of pain,” said veterinarian Dr. Sarah Sleeba. “But, despite everything, Alice still managed to wag her tail and give kisses when we would pet her, and that told me that she was ready to get better—she just needed a little help.”
Help included additional surgery, hydrotherapy for her feet, pain management, and ongoing wound care which was covered by Banfield Charitable Trust HOPE Fund. Alice required 24-hour nursing care in the early stages of her recovery so she spent her days at the hospital and evenings at Dr. Sleeba’s home.
Dr. Sarah Sleeba with Alice.
“Even though recovery was slow, Alice’s spirit never faltered, which helped to keep us all going,” Dr. Sleeba said.
Two months later, with hair starting to re-grow on her burn spots and a strong desire to run around like any dog would, Alice was reunited with the Hokanson family and served as a ray of hope.
“Having her back makes our new place seem more like a home,” said Alice’s owner, Paul Hokanson.
Alice served as inspiration for Dr. Sleeba, as well. “Seeing Alice run up to her family and give them a kiss made all of the hard work and sleepless nights worth it. We could all learn something from Alice’s determination.”
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