Kirby "Splat" Napier

Thursday, October 5th, 2000 on my way to work downtown, I witnessed a puppy get hit by a car in three lanes of traffic. The driver, of course, didn't stop. I quickly pulled over, scooped up the injured pup, and took it to Michigan Road Animal Hospital, our family Veterinarian. I waited for a little while to see if the small brown pup would be all right. A short time later, Dr. Hurd came out and told me he did not know yet if the puppy was going to be okay. She was in shock, getting fluids, and getting ready to have radiographs taken. He knew the circumstances surrounding my "rescue" of the little pup, and questioned whether I would be adding a new pet to our family. I wasn't sure because my husband and I already have one dog who is almost 17 years old! However, I would definitely think about it.

Later, after speaking to my husband about the little pup's situation, his initial reaction was "no". My main concern then became finding the puppy a special home, where it could expect a much nicer life than the one it had just come from. After a phone call from Dr. Hurd that night, we found out "it's a girl". She was not only holding her own, but had no broken bones as well. She would have to remain hospitalized though, so the staff could monitor her for any internal injuries, and we were to expect a call the next day to see if she would make it.

The next day I received a phone call. Interestingly enough, it was my husband reporting in on the puppy, not Dr. Hurd! "I checked in on 'Splat' today, and she is pretty cute." I didn't understand at first. "Who is 'Splat'?", I thought to myself. Then I realized he was talking about the puppy. I took that as a yes, that we would keep her.

"Splat" came home on Monday, October 9th after a smooth recuperation, and a couple of warm baths. She also came home parasite free as she was covered in fleas when I brought her in, adding to her misery. She was approximately 9 weeks old and weighed about 15 pounds. She is about 26 pounds now and she is one great puppy. She is happy all the time and the friendliest little thing you've ever met. We did change her name to Kirby (she inhales her food like a vacuum cleaner), but her middle name is still Splat.

We are blessed to have her. It was meant to be.

Rebecca Napier


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