Efforts by Denton resident Julie Hudson and the city of Denton Animal Shelter helped a puppy and made way for the creation of an emergency medical fund for animals.

Courtesy photo

Woody, an Australian shepherd puppy, relaxes.

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An 8-week-old Australian shepherd puppy, now named Woody, was picked up as a stray on Feb. 10. He was seriously injured with wounds on his eye, shoulder and lip.

At the request of Debbie Lhotka of Denton Animal Services, the puppy was examined by local veterinarian Dr. Granville Wright. Wright determined that the major injury was due to the puppy being shot by a bow and arrow.

Wright and Lhotka paid the initial medical expenses, since they felt the puppy should be given a chance for adoption and knew the puppy would require additional surgery.

On Feb. 14, Hudson adopted the puppy from the Denton Animal Shelter, giving him his current name.

“I am very grateful to Julie for seeing past Woody’s injuries and future surgery needs,” Lhotka said. “Julie and her husband, Gary, opened their hearts and home to a ‘special-needs’ dog and paid for all the additional medical care.”

In September, Lhotka learned of a national contest sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet pet food and investigated the details.

She then e-mailed several Denton Animal Shelter adopters, including Hudson, asking that they consider entering. The contest was called “A Second Chance at Love” and required a letter describing the story of the rescued dog or cat.

Hudson accepted the challenge and wrote a story about Woody.

The adoption stories from all the contestants were posted on the Science Diet Web site and were judged by a panel. The top prizes would go to one dog and one cat.

On Nov. 14, Woody was selected as one of the top 50 finalists.

On Nov. 21, Hudson was informed that Woody was a top-10 finalist on a list that included five dogs and five cats.

On Dec. 6, Lhotka received word from Hudson that Woody was the dog grand-prize winner.

The grand prize includes awards to the local shelter and to the adopter. The Denton Animal Shelter received a $10,000 donation from Hill’s.

Hudson and Woody received a photo shoot trip to New York that included round-trip airfare, two-night accommodations, transportation and $300 for expenses.

The story of Woody was a catalyst for the formation of an emergency medical fund at the Denton shelter.

In coordination with Lhotka’s initiatives, the Denton Animal Shelter Foundation donated $2,200 in September to establish the fund. Additional donations from local businesses, veterinarians and individuals have been received. 

To donate to the emergency medical fund, forward contributions to the city of Denton Animal Shelter, 300 Woodrow Lane, Denton, TX 76205.