Christmas comes early for one old dog

WARWICK — When she was five years old, Tasha, an American Staffordshire Terrier, was taken to a Veterinarian by her owners to be euthanized. They simply didn’t want her anymore.

The veterinarian refused and, instead, tried to find her a new home.

However, after two years with no luck finding one, Tasha was moved to the Warwick Valley Humane Society’s animal shelter.

That was in May of 2010 and to date Tasha, now nine years old, is still patiently waiting to be adopted.

That, imagined Suzyn Barron, president of the Humane Society, would have been first on her Christmas wish list if she actually had one.

But a close second would have been a Kuranda bed.

According to the manufacturer, the Kuranda cot design provides orthopedic comfort good for healthy hips and joints for dogs of all ages and prevents ugly elbow calluses caused from lying on a hard floor. And Veterinarians recommend it as especially beneficial for pets who suffer from hip problems, arthritis or aging. The height of the bed makes it is easier for elderly dogs to get up from the bed than from the floor or low cushions or pads.

Enter Shelter volunteers Jane and Ethan Tuomala.

The youngsters recently raised money to purchase a Kuranda bed for Tasha by selling lemonade with neighbors Jared and Morgan Pietrzak. And their grandmother made up the difference with a donation to help them finally buy Tasha a large all aluminum Kuranda bed.

“Now she is off the floor and onto a comfy Kuranda cot thanks to the Tuomalas,” said Barron. “Eleven dogs at the Warwick shelter also have an aluminum Kuranda bed on their Christmas wish list. And a gift of a Kuranda comfort cot will be greatly appreciated.”

The cost for a Kuranda cot ranges from $82 to $92, depending upon size.

For additional information call 986-2473.