Small dog, big problem

How much is that doggy in the animal shelter?

That is the question the folks at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter are hoping residents will be asking about Wendell. After two separate surgeries, the 3-year-old male terrier mix needs to find a good home where someone can care for him, said shelter Director Nancy Goodwin.

Wendell’s drama began in December, when he had surgery to repair a crushed hip after being hit by a car. “When he got back from the vet he was all healed up. He was up for adoption and was doing great -- running, playing, chasing ball. Until one morning we came in and he was paralyzed and couldn’t walk,” Goodwin said.

Wendell was then sent back to the same veterinarian that performed the first procedure, who said he had an unrelated spinal disk problem that would require back surgery.

So under the knife Wendell went, once again.

Now, surrounded by an array of chew toys and friendly volunteers and staff at the animal shelter, he is walking around again and recovering well.

“Every day somebody is in there with him. Everybody loves him, he’s so cute,” Goodwin said. “We want to try to find him a home. We’re hoping people come in and ask about him.”

But Goodwin wants to caution families with small children against considering Wendell as a pet.

“He can’t handle any rough-housing right now. He just needs someone with a lot of love to give,” Goodwin said.

The Pet Responsibility Committee, the group that originally created the animal shelter in 1975, is the organization that helps handle special situations such as Wendell’s.

“Anything we get like this, that needs extra, is paid for by donations,” Goodwin said. “If anyone wants to donate to the PRC, it would be a big help.”

Wendell’s dilemma has sparked action from even his smallest supporters.

After telling her two sons about the terrier’s need of a second surgery, shelter volunteer Leslie Vance said they got together with other kids in the neighborhood to set up a lemonade stand.

The group of aged 5- to 9-year-olds decided that all of the proceeds from their lemonade stand would go toward Wendell’s surgery. “What was so special is that they all came to that on their own,” Vance said. “They were excited about it, relating the story to adults that would walk by, and then they would jump up and down when someone would donate money.”

All together the children set up three lemonade stands ? decorated with Wendell’s picture and a description of his situation ? that raised $248 toward his surgery.

“It was so cute when the kids came in and gave us the check. They were so happy about it,” Goodwin said.

Vance has been a volunteer at the animal shelter for eight years. “It’s a great animal shelter. It’s well-run and well cared-for. Everybody that works there really cares for all the animals and wants to find good homes for all of them,” Vance said.

For more information on Wendell or other animals at the City of Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, call (949) 497-3552 or visit them at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. cpt.30-sickdog-CPhotoInfoLL1SES5P20060630j1lgdhncDON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Wendell, a 3-year-old terrier mix, is recovering at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter after two surgeries.