Posted: 6/26/02

Animal rescue welcomes Yodel into loving arms

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

After tearing an ACL in each knee of her hind legs, having grown to 60 lbs. overweight, and being abandoned by her owners, still having life is something Yodel must be thankful for. Ý

For months after being a four-legged hitchhiker along a slippery Minneapolis roadside, the 5 year old husky-mix is finally in loving hands. Ý

As the St. Francis of Assisi Animal Rescue has done so many times before, the volunteer based organization welcomed Yodel into their foster service, no matter what shape she was in. Ý

Now in their fifteenth month of operation, the animal loving agency works to place unwanted dogs and cats from local impounds into permanent homes.ÝIn Yodel's case, much work has yet to be completed before that juncture. Ý

Lynn Nybakke, veterinarian technician for the St. Francis Animal Rescue explained, Yodel was in the worst condition of any animal that has come into their possession. No matter however, she pledges thatÝvery fewÝdogs or cats will be excluded becauseÝthey have gone unwanted.

"Age and breed doesn't matter," Nybakke said. "As long as the animal isn't vicious, we will keep the animal until they find a home."

A lofty goal for the amount of unwanted or strayed animals in the area.

Since their inception, St. Francis Animal Rescue has placed 600 dogs, and 550 cats in permanent homes. Working alongside pet adoption organizations around the metro area, the groups hold weekly adoption days at pet food locations from Woodbury to Elk River. Ý

Most animals St. Francis receives come from local impound facilities. On the sixth day of an animal's stay without becoming claimed, the animal can be released to adoption agencies similar to St. Francis. If not, the animal in most cases will be euthanized the following day.

Once the animal is under the care of St. Francis, animals will receive vaccinations, tests, and become spayed or neutered. The next step places the animal in a temporary foster home until a permanent owner can be found. Ý Adoptions come with a fee, but it covers the shots the animal received, and includes a crate, collar, and ID for the dog or cat.

Although Yodel hasn't found a permanent home yet, she is well taken care of medically and at a temporary home. Ý

When the husky was first examined, she weighed an immense 120 lbs. As a result of hypothyroidism, Yodel needed medicines to return her low functioning thyroid from growing any larger. The weight gain had also taken its toll onÝher much thinner legs, stretching the ligaments allowing her knees to bend.Ý

"Dogs are good at concealing pain and injury,"ÝNybakke explained.

But aÝpatch of ice, and a slip later found Yodel with two torn Anterior Crucial Ligaments (ACLs). Ý

One more problem: Yodel couldn't have surgery to fix her ligaments until she lost all her extraÝsixty pounds.Ý Ý

The battle ofÝYodel's bulgeÝwas on.

Lucky for pain-killers, thyroid medicine. and the patience of K-9 Camp foster owner Kelly Hoff,ÝYodelÝhas lostÝ30 lbs.Ýin three months and is almost ready for her long awaited surgery. Ý

For St. Francis of Assisi Animal Rescue, surgery is the most costly measure they take care of.ÝFor a non-profit organization however, donations are greatly needed to help fund Yodel's $1000 surgery. Ý

They greatly welcome animal loving people to volunteer as a temporary foster home, a helping hand with transporting the animals to adoption days and veterinarian appointments, or simply helping any way possible. Ý

Donations of dog and cat food, supplies, crates, kennels, etc., are also in need and greatly appreciated as well.

To financially helpÝYodel or the St. Francis Organiztion, please sendÝmoney to: St. Francis Animal Rescue, 22983 W. Martin LakeÝDr., Stacy, MN 55079. Ý

For information on the organization, please contact Roni Bergerson at 612-387-4869, or visit www.stfrananimal.org

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