Copper's Story -- Click on a photo to start the slide show....

Copper was 7 mos old in mid May when he was hit by a car in Chicago. His family took him to an emergency vet. Diagnostics showed that the head of his femur was broken into three pieces and he had several fractures in his hips. His family couldn't afford the extensive medical care he required and they relinquished him to the vet service.
Copper was 7 mos old in mid May when he was hit by a car in Chicago. His family took him to an emergency vet. Diagnostics showed that the head of his femur was broken into three pieces and he had several fractures in his hips. His family couldn't afford the extensive medical care he required and they relinquished him to the vet service.

Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services in Chicago found the name of Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue in a Chicagoland Tails, and released him to our care.
Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services in Chicago found the name of Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue in a Chicagoland Tails, and released him to our care.

The emergency service staff showered affection on Copper -- he's so sweet it's impossible to do anything else! The staff was elated that our breed rescue would take him, care for him, and give him a new start on life.
The emergency service staff showered affection on Copper -- he's so sweet it's impossible to do anything else! The staff was elated that our breed rescue would take him, care for him, and give him a new start on life.

The Ancare Veterinary Clinic in Mendota took in Copper, crumpled and dazed.
The Ancare Veterinary Clinic in Mendota took in Copper, crumpled and dazed.

Staff members gave him warm, 24 hour care.
Staff members gave him warm, 24 hour care.

Dr Dullard and his able assistants performed a femural head osteotomy. The doctor expects that Copper's hip including the other fractures will heal and be strong in time. The doctor calls Copper
Dr Dullard and his able assistants performed a femural head osteotomy. The doctor expects that Copper's hip including the other fractures will heal and be strong in time. The doctor calls Copper "SuperDog!" The day after surgery he was standing and within a couple of days he was out and walking in the yard, trying to lift his leg!

Despite all he's been through Copper is a spunky, extremely affectionate little boy. He greets everyone with his tail wagging, oftentimes so hard that his butt is wagging too, and that hurts!
Despite all he's been through Copper is a spunky, extremely affectionate little boy. He greets everyone with his tail wagging, oftentimes so hard that his butt is wagging too, and that hurts!

We caught this photo after his surgery, outside and at an indiscreet moment...
We caught this photo after his surgery, outside and at an indiscreet moment...

Otherwise his nose is on the ground and he's off on a mission!
Otherwise his nose is on the ground and he's off on a mission!

Copper stayed with Beverly in Oswego while recovering from surgery and lots of broken bones and bruising. His movement was restricted but the pain of minimal motion and healing was evident, day and night.
Copper stayed with Beverly in Oswego while recovering from surgery and lots of broken bones and bruising. His movement was restricted but the pain of minimal motion and healing was evident, day and night.

As of late June 2008 Copper has a new home, with a family that will provide foster care and has
As of late June 2008 Copper has a new home, with a family that will provide foster care and has "first option to adopt." What a happy home, filled with toys!

Copper has set upon the task of marking absolutely every spot in a beautifully landscaped, fenced yard. Wrigley the resident Cavalier also age 9 months keeps watch, becoming a big brother.
Copper has set upon the task of marking absolutely every spot in a beautifully landscaped, fenced yard. Wrigley the resident Cavalier also age 9 months keeps watch, becoming a big brother.

Copper is moving more easily, yelping less with pain, and is healing well. He takes long naps in an always open crate, and when he comes out Wrigley and Fleury a 12 year old Bichon are ready to play. Wrigley seems to know that Copper is not at the top of his game right now, and will give up some ground to Copper in a game of tug.
Copper is moving more easily, yelping less with pain, and is healing well. He takes long naps in an always open crate, and when he comes out Wrigley and Fleury a 12 year old Bichon are ready to play. Wrigley seems to know that Copper is not at the top of his game right now, and will give up some ground to Copper in a game of tug.