Orphan Annie off to New York

AFTER undergoing major life-saving surgery, a young Limerick orphan has been sent to New York for further treatment.

Fifteen-month-old Annie is now receiving a course of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in Albany, New York, following surgery to save a badly broken leg.

Annie is a lurcher - a crossbred dog - who was rescued by members of Limerick Animal Welfare following day and night searches in Castletroy.

Niamh Allen of LAW said they had received reports of a dog straying with a very badly injured leg. She said: “We spent two weeks trying to catch her, as she was very nervous. Somebody had tried to repair the leg by tying a splint with cord around the injury. It had become horribly infected.”

After eventually capturing Annie, three Limerick vets, Mike Canty, Hugh O’Callaghan and Leeanne Elverston managed to save Annie and her leg.

Annie recuperated at the home of LAW member Christine Samways in Newport.

Ms Allen said: “She will need a lot of work to be done on the leg and we do not have the physiotherapy or hydrotherapy facilities this would entail. But we managed to get in contact with animal lovers in Albany, New York, who will give her a new home and ensure she gets the necessary treatment that is available out there. ”

Annie arrived in New York State last Saturday.

An English animal lover sent Limerick Animal Welfare a cheque for £1,000 (€1,475) to help pay for Annie’s treatment.