PULSE Magazine | January 2019 Issue

On the night of Dec 27th while a violent storm was rolling through Austin, Clinical Specialist Tyler Smith & Medic Chris Hunter were driving Demand 2 back to the station when they noticed multiple cars pulled over with their hazards on in an area with no street lights. Demand- 2 turned on their emergency lights, turned around, and pulled over to see what was going on. Two people were out with an elderly limping dog on the side of the road. The dog had been wandering around in the dark and pouring rain with a limp to it's back left leg; the dog also had cataracts. A Travis County Sheriff's Office deputy also stopped and assisted by slowing traffic. When the rain pours, the wind howls and lighting strikes animals can and frequently do become frightened. This story has a happy ending thanks to our animal loving crew who took the time to assist and rescue a dog in need. FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS

Medic Chris Hunter carried the dog back to the station where he was dried off, kept warm, fed, and given water. The medics called and requested Animal Control to respond to their loca- tion. Austin Police Depart- ment officers also showed up and kept the dog com- pany while everyone was waiting on Animal Control to arrive. Animal Control arrived after about an hour and were about to take the dog to an emergency animal clinic when the dog's owner happened to pull into the driveway. Turns out the heavy winds from the storm had blown open the gate and “Scout” the elderly dog had gotten out. The crew found out that Scout was micro- chipped and that his limp was from a chronic condi- tion and not from any trauma that evening. Scout was reunited with his owner and is happily at home once again. Great job everyone!

12