Family dog released from quarantine

PACE, Fla. (WALA) - Six months ago, we told you about a 10-year-old family dog that was bitten by a rabid raccoon in Pace, Florida. After six months of being quarantined Scooby was back in his favorite spot, in the middle of his family's couch.

"He hasn't changed. He's still the same couch potato," said David Lesher.

In July 2009, Scooby was bitten by the raccoon in the middle of the day.

"My girls and I were out, and we came home and let Scooby and Sierra and our other dog Jackson out into the back yard. Within minutes, I heard this terrible noise and I went out and upon calling them, Scooby came from around the back of our little shed and he had a raccoon attached hanging from his face," said Diane Lesher.

Diane immediately took Scooby to the vet, and the raccoon was tested for rabies.

"She called me and told me, 'The test was positive, what are we going to do?' I said we have to give him a chance. We owe him that. We've had him for 10 years, so we at least own him six months. It's been hard," David said.

Last Saturday, Scooby was set free.

"The lady showed up and she looked at him and she said he looks wonderful and all the kids were in the back yard, and David and I were there, and she said, 'Go ahead and open it up and let him out'. And at first he came out and he looked a minute and my husband spoke to him and he just went wild. He was running between us, his tail was going, he was whimpering. It was like he didn't know who to get to first," Diane added.

"It was better than Christmas. It was better than any birthday I've ever had. It was wonderful," said David.

The Leshers say other than quarantine, the only other option they were given was euthanasia, something they didn't even consider.

"Had we not given him a chance we never would've known. By giving him a chance we have him today," said Diane.

And the family said they love him more than ever.

Diane said she would encourage anyone who has a pet to get them vaccinated for rabies every year. She says her pets will never be late on the vaccine again.