Chester Rescue Fundraises For Former Death Row Pup’s Surgery

CHESTER, NJ — NJ South Hills Pet Rescue took a leap of faith when they rescued “Langdon” a pup on dog death row who was shuttled up from North Carolina, after he was only hours away from being euthanized.

With one back leg immobile from multiple fractures, volunteers in North Carolina from Second Chance Pet Adoptions met with reps from the Chester-based NJ South Hills Pet Rescue - their partner up north - to give this young dog another chance.

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Langdon had hours to spare left because of his leg, a reason why he was pushed up so quickly on the euthanization list, which a doctor in North Carolina suggested should be amputated if he did in fact make it out from the overcrowded shelter.

Both rescues, on the other hand, believed Langdon had a brighter future ahead and plucked him out of the lineup, with under three hours to spare.

With no foster having stepped up to the plate at that point, but a New Jersey veterinarian willing to operate on his leg and saying his prognosis for recovery and normalcy were positive, NJ South Hills Pet Rescue wasn’t financially-ready for the surgery at the time - but was willing to take Langdon in and begin the process.

“The thought that this spectacular dog was almost euthanized makes us very sad,” they wrote in a social media post. “We know that there are so many others just like him that deserve this too.”

Since Langdon arrived in New Jersey on Nov. 1, it’s been a whirlwind time for him, with his surgery the very next day at Animerge, with Dr. Roxane Collins and Dr. Andrea Freeman, who operated on him.

After returning from the vet’s office after his surgery, Langdon was placed in his medical foster home, where he has had crate time to rest, blended with time to re-learn to use his leg.

“He is doing fantastic and enjoying his short walks and special treats,” the rescue wrote about Langdon’s progress, with about an eight-week rest and recovery time in a crate for his leg to completely heal.

“He is a delightful dog,” Donna Polizzi, a spokesperson for NJ South Hills Pet Rescue, told Patch on Monday. “The hardest thing is keeping him still because he is happy and playful.”

The rescue initially estimated his surgery would run between $3,500 to $6,000.

Polizzi said anyone looking to donate to NJSH Pet Rescue for Langdon's surgery, could do so by using the donation button on the group's website www.njshpetrescue.org.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.