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Abused dog makes progress with high-tech care

When we last saw Saint the rescue dog in October, he was paralyzed. His hind legs could not support him. He's doing a lot better now.

<p>Rahabilitation at an Arlington veterinary facility is helping Saint the rescue dog recover from devastating injuries.</p>

ARLINGTON — When we last saw Saint the rescue dog in October, he was paralyzed. His hind legs could not support him.

He had been found in rural Parker County, shot in the back, and tethered to a tree with no food or water.

A man was eventually charged in connection with the case, but Saint is not looking back. And neither is his new family, or his physical therapist.

Saint’s hind legs are starting to work again.

On Monday, he pumped all four legs on an underwater treadmill. It's like going for an endless walk (and getting treats every few seconds for the effort).

Saint can take only a few steps at a time, but he’s come a long way, thanks to the Arlington police officer and her husband who adopted him.

And thanks to a canine physical therapist who works with Saint for free at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital in South Arlington. It’s a 24-hour clinic filled with medical technology.

Rahabilitation at an Arlington veterinary facility is helping Saint the rescue dog recover from devastating injuries.

Saint is not much to look at... a big, brown mutt with a massive square head. But despite what he’s been through, he’s a people dog.

Arlington cop Stacie Brown fostered Saint, then couldn’t let go. “You can’t help but fall in love with Saint,” she smiled. Her husband Alan couldn’t give up on Saint, either. Alan happens to be a dog trainer.

Rahabilitation at an Arlington veterinary facility is helping Saint the rescue dog recover from devastating injuries.

Canine physical therapist Steven Hooker heard about Saint’s story and was trying to find him when Saint found Hooker. Alan Brown brought the dog to see veterinary surgeon Antonio Bowens.

“I stuck my head in and asked Mr. Brown, 'By chance is his name Saint?' 'Oh my gosh! I’ve been trying to get a hold of you guys,'” he recalled. “It was meant to be.”

Hooker has refused payment for months of high-end therapy. “If you do something for a dog like him, it’s worthwhile,” he grinned, as he enticed Saint to walk with treats.

Rahabilitation at an Arlington veterinary facility is helping Saint the rescue dog recover from devastating injuries.

Saint has come so far that his therapist thinks he might even walk on his own someday.

On Monday, Officer Brown opened a GoFundMe account. But the money is not for Saint; she said the funds will go to the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital to help others who can’t afford treatment for their pets.

Dr. Bowens said clients are calling from as far away as Louisiana for the clinic’s high-tech treatment potential.

Stacie Brown marvels at all the angels that have come into Saint’s life, starting with Animal Control officers in Parker County, who refused to euthanize the wounded dog.

“Weird how everything is connected so easily,” Brown said.

Paying it forward is part of why Stacie Brown is Officer of the Year in Arlington.

Pawing it forward works, too.

Rahabilitation at an Arlington veterinary facility is helping Saint the rescue dog recover from devastating injuries.

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