Platty; the Fearless Pup.

"Platty - smiling as always"

Human nature is often maligned by media; ignoring the countless stories of compassion, over each solitary case of neglect, and making the exception out to be the rule. It is a form of journalism I find frustrating, as it is both an unfair reflection of reality, and does little more than induce weariness upon one another; when our lives exist to love and connect, not fear and disband.

I write this paragraph, as recently a friend of mine brought to my attention an inspirational story, which proves human compassion is as alive and well as it's ever been. And how – while a few unfortunate accounts of neglected dogs do exist, the vast majority are loved unconditionally, by souls as pure as the animals they care for. To prove this point, I would like to introduce you to the story of Platty; the Fearless Pup…

In early January of 2014, a beautiful 10-year-old Golden Retriever was dumped outside the Tulsa Animal Welfare Shelter, in mid-western Oklahoma, in the United States. Who committed such a cruel, heartless act, was a question nobody could answer. But why they did, was most likely due to his debilitating health. Poor Platty was suffering from a large, cancerous growth on his nose (hence his name – in reference to a unique resemblance to the Platypus), and appeared close to passing over at any day. Literally being left to die alone and afraid, it was a fate no living being should ever have to endure.

As is often with the power of humanity, it wouldn’t take long for another to discover the sheer wonder of Platty. Alli Elmore - a volunteer at the shelter, fell in love with him in an instant, and decided if these were to be his last days, a happy home around loving people to care for, offer attentions, and feed him copious amounts of his favourite Cheez Whiz, was a much more appropriate way to spend these precious moments. Coupled with re-homing the poorly fella, Alli and family created the Platty Memorial Fund; in order to raise money for animal rescues, or those with special needs. As this story of his difficult journey grew, the initial $5,000 target set, had reached well over $11.000; and continues to grow each day. 

"With singer, Carrie Underwood"

Yet still they wanted to help extend his life as much as possible. On taking Platty for a biopsy, his initial diagnosis was grim; the growth was deemed cancerous, and had metastasised into his lungs. As hard as it was to accept, time for Platty seemed very short. However, seeking a further, in-depth opinion, an oncologist determined his illness was in fact a Maxillary Fibrosarcoma; a form of cancer which - while aggressive, was at the very least, localised. More importantly - besides discovering a separate, benign tumour in his spleen - which was eventually removed, the disease had not spread to his lungs, as initially believed; leaving rays of sunlight to shine through an array of dark clouds. While never fully clear of cancer, Platty was also no longer an abandoned dog on the streets, but a well-loved family member - and this is where he finds himself, at the present time.

Unfortunately, the size and aggressive nature of the cancer, leaves full removal as an impossible option. However, this week, Platty begins low-dose radiation treatments, in hope it will shrink the tumour, and allow him to share as much time as possible in this world, with those who love him dearly - and to keep smiles on every last face of the ever expanding well-wishers, of his 20,000 strong Facebook page.  

Human nature is often maligned by media; but in reality, is a far warmer proposition. The exception is neglect, the rule is love. While the story of Platty began with the irresponsibility of one human being, it has continued and grown through the love and compassion of every last person, touched by his brave, incredible journey; this writer included. What could have resulted in another case of an innocent creature dying alone upon a deserted land, has become a source of inspiration, a story of hope, and form of proof that goodness is alive and well in the human race, as much as it forever remains in the animal kingdom. Please send Platty a message of support; every source of positive energy keeps him going another day longer, and  keeps the sun shining, another day brighter… 

To contribute to the Platty Memorial Fund, please CLICK HERE 

To visit Platty's Facebook Page, please CLICK HERE

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