Congratulations to
Crystal and Mike Hippard.
Winners of the the
Behavior Makeover contest!

Mike and Crystal Hippard (standing)
with Pat Becker, Kaylan Head and Dixie

Dixie is the name of Crystal and Mike Hippard’s Dog. She was born of a Pit Bull bitch, and a Great Dane sire. About six weeks into her life, her owner, the Hippard’s neighbor deserted her, her Mother, and her siblings. Crystal and Mike found the hapless litter, and their Mama, and took them in. Five pups survived. They placed two with Mike’s folks, and one with Crystal’s sister. Dixie contracted the Parvo virus and all were treated.

The neighbor came back to get items from his house and told Mike and Crystal they could keep the mama and Litter. As he left their house he accidentally ran over Dixie. Dixie had her leg in a cast for six weeks and was confined to a crate for that length of time. Because she was so young, the leg healed.  

Mike put in an underground fence, and all was well—until the electricity failed. The Mama and Dixie escaped to explore. The male sibling was intimidated enough by the thought of the fence that he elected to stay behind. As Dixie and her mom roamed around in the woods behind their property, apparently someone shot them both with a rifle!  Sadly, the mother dog bled to death. Dixie drug herself all the way back to the house on two legs. One hind leg had been all but shot off. One front leg was broken very badly. The hind leg had to be amputated and the front leg set with pins.  

Their Veterinarian, Dr. Streeter, had to do a bone graft last week. They’re not sure whether or not the leg will heal. If not Dixie will have one front leg and one back leg. With her bright and positive attitude I’ll bet she’ll be as happy as if she still had all four!

Because Dixie is still convalescing ----- Kaylan has graciously consented to provide free obedience lessons to the remaining male and one of Dixie’s sisters.