Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - 'Slayer' saved by puppy love

'Slayer' saved by puppy love

Dec 05, 2007 - 04:04:52 CST

By JENNY MICHAEL
Bismarck Tribune

Sniffing the piece of leftover Thanksgiving turkey dangling in front of her nose, Slayer's head shakes and she tries to jump at the piece of meat. When she's finally allowed to go after it, the turkey disappears with a single gobble.

She seems like a different dog to Ginger Urban and Rob Andrews than the one they adopted the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Of course, the squirming brown and black puppy had reasons to be unhappy before she came to live with Urban and Andrews.

Urban was driving home from work at Best Stop, 1320 E. Boulevard Ave., shortly after midnight on Nov. 24 when she saw something being tossed out of the vehicle in front of her. She didn't recognize immediately what had gone out the window until she saw the wide eyes of a puppy staring at her as she stopped for a red light.

Urban picked up the puppy and called police. The puppy was taken to the pound for the night. And the next morning, Urban and Andrews decided to add the puppy to their animal collection, already consisting of three cats.

When Slayer first came to live at their apartment, she was not the active puppy shaking with anticipation she is now. She just laid around, taking little interest in the food and toys around her. Urban thinks whoever had her before probably had her in a kennel all the time.

"She didn't even play with toys when we first got her," Andrews said.

Now she loves playing with her chew toys and with the three cats, eating leftover turkey and getting treats.

"She wants to play with the cats, but the cats aren't sure yet,"Andrews said.

Slayer, so named because of Andrews' affinity for video games, also has picked up a few other monikers in the past week. Urban calls her "Angel Baby," and others have labeled her "Lucky" and "The Miracle Dog of Christmas."

But Slayer hasn't been so lucky in everything. A few days after taking her in, Andrews and Urban noticed their new puppy was itching and biting at her skin and her hair was falling out. They took her to the veterinarian, where they learned she has scabies, a contagious skin disease caused by a mite that burrows under the skin.

"It's like a little bug that gets into the skin,"Andrews said.

Slayer is quarantined from being around other animals when not wearing clothing or bandages that cover the infected areas of her skin. So, she doesn't get to run around the apartment as much as she probably would like. Urban said Slayer should be able to come out of her kennel on Dec. 28.

While she can't run around much now, Slayer is pretty much like any other puppy - chewing on everything she can find.

"She likes chewing on hair," Urban said, pulling her reddish-brown strands from within reach of Slayer's clamping jaws.

Fingers, too, seem to be favorite playthings of the playful puppy.

"Stop! That hurts!"Andrews said as the tiny dog chomped on his hand. "You've got to stop chewing on people."

Whoever tossed Slayer from the pickup has not been found. Urban said she did not see a license plate on the vehicle, which she described as an old, dark blue, rusty Chevy pickup.

"I just thought, 'How would those people feel if it happened to them?' " Urban said.

While a cruel act brought Slayer to Urban and Andrews, the new puppy owners have been overwhelmed by the kindness of others in helping them care for the new member of their family. Several local pet shops have donated items for Slayer, such as chew toys, a sweater and treats. Employees at a restaurant even pitched in a plastic apron and some plastic gloves after overhearing Urban and Andrews talk about Slayer's scabies.

A woman in their apartment building has let them use a kennel to keep Slayer in while her scabies clear up, and Urban's boss let her put out a donation jar so "anyone who loves puppies" can help out with the animal.

Urban and Andrews plan to have Slayer "write" thank you notes to all of her benefactors by ink stamping her ever-growing paws on the notes.

Slayer wasn't the first pet Urban had rescued from an unsure future. A large orange cat, named Max, was found along the interstate and moved in with Andrews and Urban and their other two cats.

"We already had two, but people are cruel to animals and they gave us two more," Urban said.

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Comments

Online Editor wrote on Dec 7, 2007 2:20 PM:

" To all readers: A number of people have contacted us about donations for slayer and to tell about the outpouring of generosity. It sounds as thought Slayer is well taken care of. If you still feel moved to give, please consider donating to Central Dakota Humane Society or another charity. "

Slayer wrote on Dec 7, 2007 11:05 AM:

" I am sorry all this is not a scam. It is real If anyone would like to see slayer he has to go to the vet to get dewormed because we just found out he has roundworms with his scabies. I have to take him to missouri valley vet to get treatment today at 2. This is no scam I am not that cold hearted to do that. You can ask Missouri Valley Vet and also Pinehurst Vet and they will tell you that this is real. "

Scammer??? wrote on Dec 7, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Well I will give you Kudos Miss Urban I would have to agree with the person that wrote if you cant take care of your animal don't get one. I also have a rescue pet and it never came across my mind to ask for donations. If anyone wants to make donations it should either be to the vet clinic or the Humane Society. By the way I have heard that this girl has done this before so be careful and don't be scammed. "

TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF wrote on Dec 7, 2007 9:56 AM:

" FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE DONATING THE MONEY TO THESE PEOPLE YOU SHOULD REALLY CALL THE VET CLINIC AND FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION. WHAT THESE PEOPLE DID IS AMAZING AND THE PUPPY SHOULD BE IN GOOD HANDS. I DONATED MONEY TO SOMEONE IN THE PAST AND WHEN I CALLED THE VET CLINIC AND FOUND THAT WHAT I DONATED FOR THERE WAS NO BILL AT ALL. SO EVERYONE BE CAREFULL AND JUST A REMINDER TO ALL OF YOU IT IS CLOSE TO CHRISTMAS, THINK ABOUT IT. PLUS I HAVE 2 DOGS AND ALSO WORK IN A VET CLINIC. "

Vetter wrote on Dec 7, 2007 8:56 AM:

" What a truely heart-warming story. There is a new book out there that is a must read for everyone, especially animal lovers. It's called "Rescuing Sprite; A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish". "

Tara wrote on Dec 7, 2007 8:22 AM:

" I think she may have some Sheltie in her. I guess I didn't get a good look at her the first time. She is definity a mix of something cute. "

PetLove wrote on Dec 7, 2007 1:08 AM:

" So does any one have a clue what type of dog slayer is? She is real cuite pup. "

SNAP! wrote on Dec 6, 2007 10:46 PM:

" All three of my animals were abandoned and I took them in, the last one this past August. She was left at the side of the road. How do I get my story into the paper so others can help me out with the costs? "

Cute Puppy wrote on Dec 6, 2007 9:31 AM:

" Slayer is a unique looking puppy (very cute) if he was from a litter in this area I would hope the "breeder" would know who they gave or sold this puppy to. I hope if that's the case they decide to speak up so someone will be charged with animal abuse "

NoDak John wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:12 AM:

" TO NODAK JOHN wrote on Dec 5, 2007 3:32 PM: " One of these days, you will accidently shoot your cat if your not careful." Not a chance. I am a “gun control” fanatic. I only hit where I want the bullet to go. Mimi (my hunting cat) runs them up the tree and keeps their attention so they don’t do their standard hiding routine. She makes it so easy for me that it is a bit embarrassing. Red squirrels are a plague. They rob bird nests of the fledglings to feed their young, they neuter the gray and fox squirrels to reduce the competition, and if you have a branch too close to a building, they will soon set up residence in your house. Red squirrels are rats in a tuxedo. "

NoDak John wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:02 AM:

" to nodak John. Problem with any poison is that they are not selective. I would therefore not use it. Not quite on subject, but something to know. I lost a few cats before the vet and I figured out the problem. I was feeding rats/mice a warfarin (blood thinner) bait. A dying rodent was easy prey for the cats, and the warfarin caused the cats to bleed to death internally. Vitamin K at the first signs is a cure for your animals, but that is not all that easy to recognize. For the rabbits: Get yourself a “good line of fire” spot which is convenient, and bait them with rabbit pellets. A properly cleaned rifle barrel is a must for accuracy. Lead fouling will “scatter” your rounds. Trouble targeting? Try a 12 gauge with # 2 copper jacketed lead shot magnum load. It will “reach out” rather nicely with a good pattern. "

eastward wrote on Dec 6, 2007 1:17 AM:

" finally a tribune story worth reading. nd needs tougher animal cruelty laws & it starts with a call to your representatives...& keep calling. as seen in the last session, some of them need reminding they are there to represent us. for those that tossed that little pup out the window, you reap what you sough. we will be watching for you. "

Slayer/Angel wrote on Dec 5, 2007 11:14 PM:

" Hi all who commented on this ad My name is Ginger I am the one that took in the puppy and rescued her and she is doing great. For anyone that would like to donate food, toys or treats they may contact me at 701-400-4400, also my address is 1825 Allison Dr.#4 Bismarck ND 58501. if anyone would like to mail us anything on the puppy Thanks for your time in reading the article and for all of the donations. Also the vet that we are taking him to is Missouri Valley Vet. "

haze wrote on Dec 5, 2007 6:45 PM:

" Yes - ND does need stricter laws regarding animal abuse. Can someone tell me where to start? People need to band together on this. HELP! "

to nodak John wrote on Dec 5, 2007 5:40 PM:

" Keep shooting them squirels.. i have some rabits in my yard that keep killing my grass if you would like to help out? I was just thinking of rat poison. you think that would work? "

joann wrote on Dec 5, 2007 5:01 PM:

" Why does bismarck not have a law that says an animal cannot be caged all the time, what type of life is this for an animal, like a dog and cat. You need stricker laws. mean to animals, the human is next. "

bad omen wrote on Dec 5, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Well I hope they are proud of what they did i'm sure on judgement day they get thrown somewhere I'd hate to have to live with that bad omen! yikes! I'm glad to hear the puppy is ok and well taken care of. nobody or no animal should be thrown anywhere. "

TO NODAK JOHN wrote on Dec 5, 2007 3:32 PM:

" One of these days, you will accidently shoot your cat if your not careful. "

To Nodak John wrote on Dec 5, 2007 3:20 PM:

" and what have the squirrels done to you that you feel the desire to kill them? "

Callie wrote on Dec 5, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Wonderful story, wonderful people. I hope law enforcement is able to pursue this. This is why we need tougher laws, and the willingness to pursue these kind of people and give them what they deserve (and then some). Furkids are the best. "

cheryl wrote on Dec 5, 2007 12:29 PM:

" We also received our loving dog when someone threw him out the back of a moving truck west of Mandan. That was 9 years ago and he is a blessing from God!!! He was abused and had dislocated hips and fleas and his ears were bloody from the flies biting. He was scared of everyone and everything especially men. He has done a 360 and he is a beautiful full bread collie(lassie) and we love him dearly! All they want is to be loved!! They never found our inhumane animal handler either but someday he will be punished. Slayer will be forever grateful to you both. "

NoDak John wrote on Dec 5, 2007 12:16 PM:

" I surely can relate to that situation. Someone else's "trash" became our treasure. When she came to our door in early may, she was as thin as a rail. I doubt that she would have lasted even a week without our help. Before we felt she \was in good enough shape to be neutered, she became pregnant. By the time she had the kittens, we had her in pretty good shape. She and 2 of her kittens live with us and they are a treasure. Someone surely threw a real blessing away, and we were the beneficiaries. Those three give us at least 3 good chuckles a day with their antics. Momma cat (Happy) is the lovingest lap cat I have ever seen. Mimi is my shadow and follows me everywhere. When I pick up the rifle she runs for the door because she knows the WE are going hunting. She trees the red squirrels and I shoot them. "

Pet Lover X2 wrote on Dec 5, 2007 10:47 AM:

" Hi. I would be willing to donate to the vet clinic too. Please do post the clinic you bring Slayer to. "

Great Story- wrote on Dec 5, 2007 10:10 AM:

" Good news story-my vote would be to find the people that tossed the dog out the window, and return the "favor" . . . see how they would like being thrown from a moving vehicle. "

REX wrote on Dec 5, 2007 9:33 AM:

" Tara, I vote they throw the wife out the window and keep the dog. "

proud wrote on Dec 5, 2007 9:12 AM:

" I'm so proud of these folks. It brings me to tears! And what horrible human being would literally throw away an animal, especially now in the cold of winter. What comes around goes around. Kudos to you, Ginger & Rob! "

Tarzan wrote on Dec 5, 2007 9:04 AM:

" Don't let your dog jump up for food like that. It will quickly become an unbreakable habit and it won't be cute coming from a full grown dog. "

Barb wrote on Dec 5, 2007 9:03 AM:

" What a wonderful story! It is just heartwarming..I am a dog lover and It just made me smile reading this story-- :>) "

Animal Lover wrote on Dec 5, 2007 8:37 AM:

" Good for them for taking in the puppy. Who ever threw this little puppy out the window should have the same thing done to them, only with the vehicle going over 100 mph. People need to realize that if you are going to have an animal, they will cost money and you need to take care of them and get the spayed or neutered. If you can't care for an animal, don't be so stupid and get one. "

Tara wrote on Dec 5, 2007 8:13 AM:

" What is doing to happen next is that same person who threw the puppy out the window, will be throwing either their wife, husband, or child out the window of a moving vehicle. "

Right On wrote on Dec 5, 2007 8:10 AM:

" Awesome story. Thanks Bismarck Tribune for keeping us posted with this touching story how the little furry angels can touch our lives if we give them a little love. "

Tommy wrote on Dec 5, 2007 7:17 AM:

" wonderful heartwarming story great for the holiday season. "

Pet Lover wrote on Dec 5, 2007 7:08 AM:

" I'd be willing to donate some money toward the vet bill. If you post the vet clinic, I will be more than happy to send them some money to go towards the bill. "

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