Community Rallies to Bring Snoopy Home

Snoopy, a 6-year-old, 75-pound chocolate Labrador retriever, ran off last weekend and was hit by a car on Philyaw Road. The impact left him with a spinal injury and without the use of his hind legs.

"I was screaming. I called my mom and was crying, and she thought one of the kids got hit," said Julie Snider, whose 5-year-old son, Zach, owns Snoopy.

Zach has muscular dystrophy, a degenerative disease that usually claims its victims by age 20. But Snoopy is his closest companion, often serving as a warm, furry blanket.

"They just are really close. I mean, Snoopy follows him," Snider said. "Snoopy doesn't want to be left alone. He follows those kids (and) sleeps in the bed with Zach."

After a brief stay at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Snoopy is recovering at the Animal Rehabilitation and Wellness Hospital in Cary.

An MRI shows Snoopy has no fractured bones, but he is unable to control his bladder or bowels. His prognosis is unclear.

"He does have some spinal cord trauma, so we'll have to see how that develops," said Dr. Kevin Jones, a veterinarian at the Animal Rehabilitation and Wellness Hospital.

Snoopy's medical care is too much of a financial burden for the Sniders, but word quickly spread of their need and community members responded. Nearly 50 people have sent the family letters that pledged more than enough money to pay the veterinary bills.

"They sent some really great stuff," Snider said, thanking the community for its support.