Featured Visitor: Karla Smith … a promise kept
Six years ago, Karla Smith was driving home from work when she spotted an injured six-month-old puppy on the side of the road. The puppy had been hit by a car and left for dead. Karla made a commitment right then and there to get involved – to do whatever she could for the helpless little dog. She decided to name the puppy Sandy, since she’d found her covered in sand by the roadside.
A visit to the veterinarian revealed that Sandy had a broken back, dislocated hip, paralyzed tail and severe incontinence. It would take Karla three months and two thousand dollars to improve Sandy’s quality of life. Neither Karla nor Sandy ever gave up hope, and eventually the little dog, who had been so gravely injured, was able to run and play and have a near normal life. Unfortunately, Sandy’s incontinence could not be cured.
Determined to do all that she could for Sandy, Karla contacted Best Friends to see if Sandy could come to Utah. Sandy was accepted, and Karla drove 5,000 miles from Florida to Utah to bring Sandy to the Sanctuary - assured that Sandy would have a good life with access to whatever veterinary care she needed.
When Sandy was admitted to Dogtown, she was renamed Sandy Candy, since there were already several other dogs named Sandy living at the Sanctuary.
Eventually, it was time for Karla to leave Best Friends and say good-bye to the little dog who’d been given a second chance at life. But Karla was no ordinary Good Samaritan, and she didn’t just say good-bye. She made a
promise to Sandy Candy…a promise to return.
That promise was made in 2001, and Karla has returned to Best Friends five times. Sandy Candy is still at the Sanctuary, and Karla returns every year to volunteer and shower her with special attention. Not only does Karla come all the way from Florida to spend time with Sandy Candy, but she remains active in Sandy Candy’s life from far-away Florida. She sends care packages (for dogs
and humans) and keeps in contact with Best Friends caregivers.
Karla and Sandy Candy's special relationship is a heartwarming example of the powerful bond between humans and animals. These two have been through so much together, and we know that the story of love between this woman and the little dog she rescued is one that will endure.