INSPIRING STORY OF THE WEEK – FIGO by Rod DiGruttolo
INSPIRING STORY OF THE WEEK
FIGO, THE MIRACLE DOG
by ROD DIGRUTTOLO
This is the inspiring story of a guide dog put to the ultimate test, after sustaining injuries to protect his owner.
Audrey, a woman who is legally blind, and her Guide Dog, Figo, were crossing the street when suddenly she was laying on the pavement, suffering excruciating pain. Her elbow, ankle and ribs were severely terribly, yet her main concern was Figo. Somehow he made it to her side in those frightening, confused minutes following the crash. His leg was badly cut, but even so, he struggled to be at her side.
Witnesses reported that they saw a woman and her dog start to cross the street just as a Minibus was turning the corner. The bus driver didn’t see Audrey and Figo until the last second. Figo responded instantly, leaping between Audrey and the bus to cushion her from the brunt of the impact. Audrey’s injuries most probably would have been fatal if not for Figo.
Figo, a Miracle Dog – Courtesy of Middlebranch Veterinary, Carmel, NY
Figo’s inspiring story continues
While some witnesses called 911, others rushed to aid the injured pair. Figo was balancing on three legs, bleeding and in pain from a gash that went deep into his bone. Yet he hobbled to Audrey’s side, struggled to stay with her until he knew she was receiving proper care. Watching with soft expressive eyes, he allowed medical personnel access to Audrey as she lay on the pavement, and didn’t leave her side until he saw that she was getting proper care.
Audrey wanted Figo to accompany her to the hospital, but his injuries also required prompt medical care. Figo spent the next three months healing in vetinary care, but his actions so moved another bystander, that he stepped forward to pay all Figo’s vet bills.
One Question Remains
When a guide dog suffers injuries or mental trauma, there is a possibility they will be forced into retirement. Would Figo be able to take up his duties as though nothing had happened?
This story is now published in two Tales2Inspire Collections:
Tales2Inspire ~ The Garnet Collection
(Stories in Feathers and Fur)
OR IN THE DOUBLE HEADER, AWARD WINNING BOOK
Tales2Inspire ~ The Diamond Collection – Series III
