On September 23, a rescued pit bull was saved by his guardian, who managed to keep her wits about her and save his life, despite devastating injuries from a fire in her New York area apartment.
Today, the dog, named "Otto," is in boarding and Cara Handtmann, the devoted owner who saved his life, remains hospitalized for treatment of serious burns to her face, arm, chest, abdomen, flank and thigh. Handtmann and her family are struggling to pay for the high boarding costs and a long-time family friend is hoping that she can help.
Handtmann's friend, Kim, emailed the National Dog News Examiner and stated:
A dear family friend was burnt in an apartment fire in New York a couple of weeks ago. She has been in the ICU/Burn unit ever since and the doctor's won't even discuss a release date because her burns have to heal and she still might have to have skin graft surgery.
She rescued her dog Otto from inhumane conditions a year ago, and now poor Otto has been in boarding since the accident and is costing Cara $60 per day.
Otto has special needs - and because of those issues, he requires boarding that keeps him away from other dogs. Kim described Otto's issues:
When she rescued him he was 20 pounds under weight, he was stained yellow from sitting in his own waste, and he had severe environmental and food allergies along with gastrointestinal issues related to his allergies. He also had severe anxiety and fear, and he was severely leash-reactive to other dogs.
Handtmann has a long road to recovery ahead of her and it is unknown how long Otto will remain at the boarding facility. Handtmann's disabled mother, and her sister, have flown from Oregon to be with Cara as she recuperates - during their stay, their own dogs have been placed into boarding and they are incurring their own daily hotel charges.
Anyone who is interested in helping this family can read more about the situation, and make a donation, at this fundraising site, or, by phoning Petsmart at 212-534-2590 (ask for the front desk and they will put money on a gift card that can be used to help pay down the balance). Cara's mother's dogs, Hank and Lucy, are at Mini Paws in Oregon. Donations can be phoned to 503-681-9393.
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