CHAMP THE MIRACLE DOG



Beauty from the Ashes

By Barbara Caruso

It's not a new theme- the triumph of goodness over evil; but every time it actually happens, it puts a song in our hearts, a twinkle in our eyes, and a spring in our steps.

Last October, it seemed that a Vadar emerged from the shadows and committed a deed so cruel, so heartless and so despicable that even Luke Skywalker wondered if he could vanquish its effects.

A small beagle puppy had been the victim of a person who threw a caustic substance on more than three-quarters of his body; causing him to look like a broiled piece of meat. Veteran animal rescuers cried upon seeing him and from hearing his howls and whimpers. Here it appeared that Satan's blackness clouded the sun.

Then a passerby, Jennifer Velardo, spotted the beagle, saw his distress and called Paterson’s Animal Control Officer John De Condo. The minions of goodness descended and a remarkable saga began.

In most situations, the dog would have been euthanized. However, after a consultation with the veterinarian, De Cando looked into the dog's eyes, saw an indomitable spirit, and decided to give Beagle Boy (as he was now called) a chance; in fact as many chances as possible.

Marge Kane of Start II, an organization that rescues animals and runs low-cost spray/neuter programs solicited the aid of Janice and Michael Martin of Fair Lawn; a remarkable couple who rehabilitate and care for abused puppies.

The sun was brightening the sky around the beagle puppy. The Martins took over. For two weeks, they gave him antiseptic baths, applied ointments and administered the medicines. Day and night they worked to restore Beagle Boy physically and emotionally. They too saw something in his eyes which said: “Help ne. I want to live, I want to wag my tail, I want to give kisses”.

Often working around the clock, the Martins brought him back to life. It was not simply the physical care; it was their love – the most potent force against hate. Overtly and subliminally, they let the puppy know that he was safe; that he could trust.

After two weeks, he came to the front of his cage; wagging his tail weakly. From this point on, he slept with them every night. A new dog with a new name: champ emerged. The phoenix had risen from the ashes.

Through the untiring efforts of Marge Kane, the media caught on to the story and flew away with it. Hearts and pocketbooks opened. A tidal wave of donations swept in along with adoption offers from as far away as California and England. The Martins, thoroughly mesmerized by Champ, decided to formally adopt him. He had found his “forever” home.

Today, Luke Skywalker smiles. Champ, a true canine Rocky Balboa, goes to high schools and elementary schools so that the Martins can tell his remarkable story. Everyone responds to his wagging tail and his warm kisses. Some parts of his body will always be hairless but his spirit radiates, sparkles, and gleams.

Champ’s victory is a victory for all of us. One inhumane act of ferocity brought out the goodness of hundreds of people. “He’s a miracle” the Martins say; which of the course he is. Where there is love, there are miracles.