In January IrishAnimals.com posted this plea from Sharon and Tara. "Brian is a young Black Labrador. He was taken to the Animal Clinic in the Ashtown Dog Pound by the Gardai after he was found on the side of the road after being hit by a car. Brian is definitely from a family home as he is well behaved and extremely affectionate, but because his owners have not come forward to claim him in the 5 days allocated to strays and due to his injuries, he was due to be put to sleep last week. Just as the vet was about to do this Brian gave him a big kiss and the vet just couldn't do it. Brian has been given 10 more days to find a home and funding for the remaining surgery. Brian's surgery is costly even at rescue rates so fund raising has started. If a home is not found after his 10 days but his surgery is complete he will be placed in foster care until a suitable loving home is found. If you would like to donate towards this you can do so by contact us." A week later: Obviously Brian touched our hearts - Sharon says she received calls from many people, even someone in Spain. Leighton & Laura in Dublin were adamant that they were the ones adopting Brian. Vicky at the Animal Clinic called to tell IrishAnimals.com that they also received many calls about Brian. "We wish to thank Gillian, Andrew and Marion for their generous donations. Vet Syd Nagel will perform the operation this week. There is also a lovely home with Leighton and Laura awaiting Brian when he emerges from surgery." It was touch and go after the first two surgeries. Brian developed diarrhoea and vomiting, and he also became depressed. However Leighton and Laura and everyone at the surgery rooted for him to get through it, and the third surgery was a success.

Brian goes home .....

Out he thought he'd never get. After enduring three surgeries, and a month in the Clinic, Brian was given the all clear to go home and rest and heal from his surgeries. Sharon tells us that Leighton and Laura had strict instructions about keeping pressure off of Brian's back legs while he healed. However, Brian was so excited to go home, that he practically somersaulted himself into their car.

Brian, with all his creature comforts

The patient, being, well, patient....

Enduring stupid human tricks....

And now a word from Brian's new family ..... [Thu, 7 Feb 2002 ] "Here are a few photos of Brian in his new home. I would like to thank all the vet's nurses and Syd Nagle who looked after Brian, especially Maria who kept me updated on Brian over the last few weeks. Also thanks to all the kind people who made donations to pay for Brian's operations. Brian is doing well and seems very happy in his new home. Thanks for everything." Leighton & Laura