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Help Angel Find Her Wings

December 05, 2008, 3:23PM MT

By Denise A LeBeau

Update: Angel found her forever family!

Update: Angel found her forever family!

by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends staff

Read the update on how Angel made love last - click here

On a brisk Sunday morning in early November, New Yorker Ewelina Badja was on her way home from Prospect Park. She had just been for a run with her Husky and she was detoured from her usual route back to Queens due to the New York Marathon. There were people and traffic everywhere, but amidst the hustle and bustle there was something that quickly caught her eye in the middle of Atlantic Avenue. When she fully realized what she was witnessing, she immediately brought the already slow moving traffic to a halt.

While the traffic clamored, Ewelina jumped out of the car and went to inspect the whimpering dog in obvious distress. The dog looked like she had just been the victim of a hit and run. Ewelina immediately called 411 to see where the closest hospital was, it was pretty far, so she had to act fast. She was able to get the injured pup into her car with the help of a passing stranger. She asked the police if they could help her get to the animal medical facility faster – they could not. She quickly called a friend in Park Slope that might know of a closer clinic. Bingo! The Park Slope Animal Clinic was pretty close. When she finally handed the poor doggie over the Dr. Holloway, she broke down and cried.

Angel first rescued. Her journey to recovery just beginning

The Beginning of A New Life
Thinking this little girl’s injuries would have been too severe to address, Ewelina thought she was bringing in this dog to end her suffering in a humane way. She was quickly surprised and elated to find out “little girl” probably didn’t have irreparable, debilitating brain damage nor any other serious internal injuries. They did have to operate immediately to remove her badly injured eye, they left in the other eye to see if there was a chance that she could retain some sight. It didn’t look hopeful, but just maybe!

Ewelina named her Angel. She had no collar or tags nor was she microchipped. The veterinarian noticed her worn pads and noted she had vomited rice and onions – the typical signs of a street dog scrounging for survival. Angel had a road of recovery ahead of her, but she was in the best hands, and quite a marked improvement over being left for dead on the side of the road.

As Ewelina screened ophthalmologists, Angel took respite at a local dog boarding facility in Brooklyn. She is still currently a favorite resident at Dognosis, and it was astonishing how well she bounced back from her injuries.

“She is extremely calm, she has already learned sit. She is such a sweet girl and everyone at Dognosis has been so nice to her. These are the nicest people I’ve ever met, they take her into their bedroom to sleep. She is getting the best care,” Ewelina exclaimed.

Angel models her new red coat!

Help Comes Calling!
“This is the first time I’ve ever done any kind of rescue like this. I’ve always loved animals, asking my neighbors if they need help with their pets. This situation has just changed my life. It has changed how I feel about people!”

Since Ewelina was new to the rescue world, she wasn’t sure how she would afford all the medical attention Angel would need, how she would afford the mounting boarding costs and what would she do with another pooch her small apartment. Misiu, her Husky, was already suspicious!

She started a blog to capture Angel’s story.

She was put in touch with Mighty Mutts Rescue, and from there things started rolling. People started sending checks to the veterinarian’s office – the donations covered the first round of medical costs.

“People that have nothing to do with me, people I don’t even remotely know have rallied to help. Mighty Mutts have been so great, the people there are so caring. Helping Angel has changed the way I look at people! The support that I have gotten from strangers was so unexpected, there is so much good all around us.”

Angel explores, Misiu patrols!

Where We Go From Here
After consulting with the experts, it was determined that Angel would not retain sight in the eye that was left. However, Angel hardly seems compromised in what she is able to accomplish. She’s just like a regular goofy puppy! Ewelina has also done research on Blinddogs.com to make sure Angel is getting what she needs to help her cope with her disadvantage!

As Ewelina said, “She’s acting just like a regular dog! She’s good with other dogs, and she doesn’t have an ounce of aggression in her. She just needs a home to call her own and people to love her!”

She’s not entirely ready for her new home. One more surgery will combine her spay procedure and an operation to remove her tear ducts. Both should be pretty routine and she should be spunky and up to her happy tricks in no time, ready to bound into her new life.

Angel dreams of sugarplum fairies and a new home

How You Can Help!
You can send donations to help with Angel’s impending operation to:

Attn: Dr. Caporale
Animal Clinic of Queens
7846 Metropolitan Avenue
Middle Village, NY 11379-2929
Please earmark donations for Angel/Ewelina Badja
(718) 821-0100

Are you interested in Fostering or Adopting this little Angel?
Might Mutts Rescue is helping to screen for homes!
Click here to see her profile, and check out the other adoptable pets this wonderful organization has available!

You can also call Michelle, Angel’s adoption coordinator at (212) 875-7538 or email her at marlowe1020@earthlink.net to find out how you can make an Angel part of your life!

images by Ewelina Badja

Comments

Posted December 09, 2008, 12:37AM by claudiap

You are this Angel's wind beneath her wings.

Posted December 05, 2008, 9:37PM by laddie

Wow - Good Job & Bless you! Geri

Posted December 08, 2008, 8:52PM by sierrasusieq

She is a cute dog. I am so glad you rescued her.
I know of a couple blind cats who get around so good you might not think they were blind at all !!
They are amazing!!
Good luck finding the right home for Angel.

Posted December 08, 2008, 11:25AM by Jak

How sweet is she!!
I agree with Geri, Bless you for what you have done
Ewelina, this little one deserved a chance and thanks to you she has it!!!
I hope we get a update once she has found her forever home!!!
J

Posted December 12, 2008, 12:11AM by mariamal

Your story touched my heart. I am currently living in Florida, but 5yrs ago I lived in Middle Village and took my cat, Calvin, to the vet on Metropolitan Avenue. I have sent a check to this vet to also help out with your expenses for Angel. She deserves the best, she has been through a lot. I pray she can find a forever home. Please give us updates on her.

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