Guide dog nearly dies, dragged on SkyTrain platform
Posted October 3, 2010 12:13 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BURNABY (NEWS1130) – A guide dog nearly died, after being dragged along the Lougheed SkyTrain Station platform last week. A blind woman was with her dog on the train, when it suddenly hopped off onto the platform.
However, its leash got caught in the sliding doors, and it was dragged until the leash finally snapped once the dog hit the guide way.
TransLink’s Ken Hardie says this is a unique situation and there is no reason for people to feel that riding the train is unsafe. “The safety systems on SkyTrain did work appropriately, from the stand point of the automated systems, it shut everything down. There were SkyTrain attendants nearby to react.”
The owner has filed a formal complaint, but Hardie can’t guarantee TransLink will pay for any medical bill, which the dog’s treating veterinarian says is now in the $15,000 range.
Dr. Laurence Braun with Canada West Veterinary Clinic says she is hoping for full recovery. “Palm is actually doing very well, so we’re very pleased with how she is doing, considering how severe the injuries were. She is able to eat a little bit, and she is keeping it down, she is able to stand, she recognizes her owner, and she is really happy to spend time with them, so for dogs, that is all really good signs.”
She says the dog should be able to go home within a week, but it may take several months before it can go back to being a guide dog again.
Braun says to donate, call the clinic at 604-473-4882 and the money will be applied directly to Palm’s account.
