A MIRACLE DOG and HER MIRACLE FRIENDS

STREAKING THROUGH THE YEARS

- a pictorial history and an update -

©2009 Robert C Burnham

As I watched my dog Streaker fall off that cliff just eleven days ago, my heart dropped into my stomach.  We were at the St Helena overlook in Letchworth State Park in Western New York.  It was to be an exciting day, my first day back to Letchworth in twenty-two years.  The eight deer we saw entering the park seem to be an omen of a great day ahead.  As we parked I first let Streaker out, as is the norm, while I fidgeted behind the seat for her leash, our water bottles and of course the camera; pausing to put new batteries in the camera.  As I was opening the batteries, Streaker barked and started to run and I, as a thousand other times in our travels, was not concern.  For a split-second I failed to remind myself just where we were; as I looked after her, I caught a glimpse of just her tail, still flying high as it always does when she runs, as she dropped over the gorge. 

The spot she went over had a 110’ drop to the Genesee River below.  She should have been killed.  I should have been shot.  In my agony and in front of the first responding officer I cried out to the Lord to please bring her back.  I have no clout with the Lord, no gracious gestures towards my fellow man to hold up to the Lord and certainly no treasures stored in Heaven in which to draw off.  I had nothing to offer my creator in exchange for this impossible want.  I wanted my dog, who I just watch fall more than ten stories; to be alright, to be alive.  Fortunately God has unconditional love for His creations, even a wretched soul like me.

As I sobbed in abandoned anguish, she was brought back to me, wrapped in a blanket and nestled in the arms of a New York State Park Rescue Officer.  And she came back with angels, countless angels, angels who charity, love, professionalism and prayers made her sheer survival possible.  I cannot possibly list all the angels that have been present since that near-tragic moment.  Many of them spend their off-time right here on my beloved Gather.  Jan S. said it best, I think, when she said that she believed Streaker at the moment was the most prayed for animal in the world.  I believe that. 

I do not want to downplay a single soul’s participation in being there for Streaker and for myself.  If all you could do was kneel and pray to the Lord or humbly thank the universe for Streaker’s love and life, that was enough and I’ll never know the individual that was the first to catch God’s ear.  I am appreciative and graciously indebted to every single one of you and Streaker and I will survive to pay all your kindnesses forward.  You have my word on that.  You are all equally dear to me, to her.  With that said, I want to offer a humble, additional thank you for the angels who helped supply the resources required to get Streaker the care she needed.  Thank you Beverly, Jennifer, Georgiana, Diane, Rhetta, Randi (Aunt Randi to Streaker), Cynthia, David, Tom, Maryanne, Renda, Douglas & Kathleen, Caroline, Janie, Joanne and Pia.  May you all know similar blessings as Streaker and I when troubles cross your path.  Saying “I love you" doesn’t seem grand enough but please know it is real enough.

Streaker went back to the vet’s yesterday; Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center.  Just eight days ago she was wheeled in to see Dr. Kloc, DVM and Surgeon with more than 35 years of experience on his resume.  Yesterday, there was no gurney.  Streaker walked in between fellow Gather David Flynn and me.  David Flynn showed up in person to offer me encouragement and his friendship.

Dr. Kloc was a little startled at the progress Streaker has made in just one week.  She still has her injury to her lung (a ‘bulla’ for you non-med students) and three fractures to her pelvic, two of which are, though painful, insignificant to her eventual recovery as they occur in areas where no body weight is distributed.  The third fracture, the one that supports her hind body weight, has already begun healing.  What looked like months last week in order for her to stand and walk without the soft brace between her hind legs may now be only a month.  Dr. Kloc is of the opinion that if she gets solid rest over the next several weeks, the soft brace can be removed and she will stand and walk on her own, barring any setbacks. 

I still have to pay attention to her breathing as we continue to monitor the bulla on her lung for any more air seepage and to keep her eating.  Her full recovery will still be a long one.  She will not be out sliding in the snow with me comes December, something I was truly looking forward to seeing she’s never seen more than a sprinkling, but I will be bringing a snowball or two into the house for her to play with.  I am optimistic; not only for her recovery but also that the necessary rehabilitation and follow-up vet visits will not be a financial hindrance.  The Beverly I mentioned earlier is not on Gather.  She found Streaker and I after reading the news account of her fall and as of yesterday, Ms. Beverly has pledged the necessary funds to Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center; the same veterinary medical clinic that she and her late husband, City Judge Lawrence Schultz of Batavia NY, always entrusted the care of their own pets to over a period of thirty years.  Streaker has now become Ms. Beverly’s adopted grand-puppy.

Many of you know of Streaker, some of you have met her and others, through this post, may be meeting her for the first time.  I have decided to share a little pictorial of my world traveling, world-known little canine sidekick who God and His angels have allowed to stick around a while longer.  Please enjoy the photos.  We will go in reverse chronological order.  God Bless.

Ps: If you feel your name should have been mentioned and wasn’t; it probably should have been.  Please feel free to write “I helped” or “I prayed” in your comment.

Today (care pkg from new grand-mommy):

Yesterday: (That's special friend & fellow Gather David Flynn)

This week, recovering at home:

2009 Galveston Island and the Destruction of Hurricane Ike:

2008 Holidays, First snow in Houston in twenty years:

2007 In the mountains on the New Mexico - Mexico Border:

2006 San Antonio Riverwalk:

2005 Farm Friends (pregnancy showing in the small photo):

2004 Kayak School:

2003 Herding Horses:

~ Thanks for coming  along l'il doggies.  We'll see you again ~