Mica... Just another thrown away dog...

In July of 2004, Mica was just a matted, underweight, unruly, intact, adult Alaskan Malamute.  He had been living behind a restaurant on a busy highway in Catawba County, NC.  Several people had tried to catch him, but he was untrusting of strangers, and eluded any well intentioned rescue attempts.  Restaurant employees were leaving scraps of steaks, salad and bread out for a large hungry dog. 

Malamutes possess a very dense double coat that helps to keep them warm in the winter, but in July in North Carolina, it was causing Mica to suffer.  Apparently, after several weeks, Mica wanted to get out of the heat and nearly jumped into one of Fran's co-worker's cars. Fran was asked to come and look at this stray and determine his breeding. As a former Malamute owner, she immediately recognized this as a very Handsome Alaskan Malamute.  However, he was in bad shape.  While his big fluffy coat made him look "big" it only took Fran feeling his spine as she ran her hands down his back to determine he had been starving.  His ears had been bitten by flies and were bloody and scabbed. 

After unsuccessful attempts at trying to find his owner, hoping that he had simply "run away", it was apparent that he was dumped behind the restaurant.  He had some Malamute traits that perhaps made him an unwelcome dog in someone's home.  Mica was turned over to a rescue group since Fran's home was overflowing with dogs, cats and horses. Just 2 days after he was released to Alexander Animal Action League, Fran made the decision to take Mica home.  He was sent to be neutered and receive his vaccinations.  Unfortunately, it was discovered at that time, that he was also Heartworm Positive.  While the cost of the treatment was steep, the AAAL personnel and Fran decided to split the cost of treatment to save this dog's life. 

While it is not an easy treatment, Mica soldiered on through his injections and became a favorite at the Conover Vet Hospital.  Thanks to the care of Dr. Donald Whitener  and staff, Mica recovered and began his training to become a successful family member.  

Today, Fran reports that Mica has become somewhat of a celebrity!  He has been featured in two Malamute calendars and has been the featured guest at some local schools to help teach about pet responsibility.  In addition, Mica has been the inspiration for many of her clients with difficult dogs.  They see how well behaved Mica is and they know there is HOPE for all dogs!! Of course, the senior cats in Fran's house are not so sure about that!!

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