2007 Annual Report - MaxFund

W I L L I E B U T L E R
H A S B E E N R E S C U E D !
By Lora Alla, Shelter Dog Coordinator
ESRA, Rocky Mt. Region, Denver, CO
On Wednesday, November 1, a hiker was hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake City,
Utah. The hiker saw something strange. He went to investigate. What he found shocked him.
Wrapped tightly in a blanket with heavy logs on top was a black and white, 10 year old, male English
Springer Spaniel. The dog was trapped. The dog could not move. The hiker called animal control for help.
The dog was freed and rushed to the vet. The poor dog had a temperature of 94 degrees. He also was diagnosed
with a grade 2 to 3 heart murmur, chronic anemia and liver issues. It was also feared that he had a pulmonary
edema. The dog was in bad shape. He weighed 24 lbs. In addition to his health problems, he was severely
matted and the shelter had to shave him. No one knows how long the dog was in the canyon.
On Thursday, November 2, I got a call from April Harris, Adoption Coordinator at Salt Lake Animal Services.
She needed help. I contacted Carlee Mashak, ESRA volunteer in Salt Lake City, and told her the story.
Carlee called April and suggested that the media be contacted in hopes of getting the dog on the news and
find the person or persons who did this horrible thing. Two Salt Lake City TV stations put the dog on the
news. I was told CNN picked up the story. Everyone was very concerned and horrified that someone would
abandon an animal in this fashion. The community donated money for the dog’s care. The vet and shelter
worked hard to save his life. Carlee visited the dog at the shelter and was heartbroken.
Willy Butler slowly started to improve, but he was not out of danger. On Monday, November 13, there was
still a strong possibility that Willy Butler would be put to sleep. A few days later, Willy Butler was cleared to
go to rescue and rescue only. His health improved dramatically. His liver and kidney functions are good. He
does not have a pulmonary edema. He has gained over 20 pounds. He should weigh about 55 lbs. (he is a
big bench bred Springer). Sadly, Willy Butler still has chronic anemia and heart issues.
A transport was quickly put together and Willy Butler arrived in Boulder today. Then it was off to Denver to
the MaxFund where Willy Butler is resting quietly. I am sure the employees and volunteers at the MaxFund
will take great care of Willy Butler.
I was able to visit Willy Butler this afternoon at the MaxFund. I cannot tell you how happy I am to finally meet
him. Willy Butler likes people, other dogs and cats. He loves to play in the water. He is very sweet and gentle. He
is a little afraid.
By by Bill and Sally Farrell
We became foster parents to Willie in mid December after visiting with him at the MaxFund and the Douglas
County Animal Hospital where he was being treated. At that time his weight was up to about 47
pounds. We couldn’t adopt him until he was neutered and finished his medications for some health problems.
Happily he was quickly given a clean bill of health, neutered and we were able
to adopt him in February. And what a joy he has been! He’s such a happy,
friendly dog. Loves people and Bill is his very special person. Initially we
didn’t know if he was even house-broken, let alone knew any
commands. Turned out he was and did.
The first day we brought him home in December, he investigated every
corner of the house. He seemed delighted with everything he found.
He loved racing up and down the steps, skidding around corners
and generally making himself at home. He would follow us
everywhere we went. Any cupboard that was opened got a
thorough sniffing. The first night we put a blanket at the foot of our
bed for him to sleep on. When I got into bed he joyfully leaped up as
if that was where he expected to sleep, but when told “no”, he got
down right away. He ended up sleeping across the room, we think so he could keep an eye on us!
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