Lola recovering, but can't be adopted yet

Many of you have been wondering about Lola, the Dachshund puppy that was thrown from a third story balcony in March 2012. You may also be wondering what you can do to help.

It’s a shocking story of animal cruelty that people around the world have been talking about. When you first heard about Lola, your first thought was probably, “Is she okay?” And then you wondered why anyone would do something so heinous and cruel.

According to Kendria Dexter’s roommate, Dexter threw her dog over the balcony of their apartment in the heat of an argument over a pair of headphones. The manager of the apartment complex went to Lola’s aid and rushed her to South Alabama Spay and Neuter clinic as she struggled to breath.

Dr. Jeni Knizley says Lola was in critical condition, and she didn't give her much hope of puling through.

Dr. Knizley examined Lola and started her on fluids. Little Lola didn’t have any broken bones, which Dr. Knizley says is “purely a miracle”, but she suffered liver damage which could be long term and result in a shorter life.

Almost a month later, the now 14 week miracle puppy is still in the care of Dr. Knizley and many of you are wondering what’s next for her. Some have even offered to give her a new forever home where she won’t ever be subjected to hurt and abuse again.

Dr. Knizley says more than 150 applications have been filled out, but Lola has not been fully released from medical care. Lola will also have to wait until legal permission is given for her to be adopted out.

Just as you have been wondering how Lola is doing, you’re probably also wondering what will happen to the woman accused of tossing Lola from a third-story balcony. According to Mindy Gilbert from the National Humane Society, Lola’s case falls under the laws in Section 13-A, Article 11 in the Code of Alabama, and Kendria Dexter is facing felony charges.

Lola’s story is a sad one, but it is just one of the thousands of animal abuse cases that occur every day.

“Unfortunately they are more common than we see because a lot of times they never make it in to a veterinarian because they either, nobody ever sees them to be brought in or they die before they can get medical attention. What we’re hoping happens with Lola is that we get a little bit harsher animal cruelty punishments and laws and definitions so it’s easier to prosecute when things like this do happen”, says Dr. Knizley.

You see and hear stories similar to Lola’s, and ask yourself, “What can I do to help stop animal abuse?” Make your voice known to your elected officials. Let them know you care about animals and the laws that protect them.

To find out which bills that would protect animal rights are up for vote, go online to www.Alabama.gov . To find out what’s being voted on, look for the Alabama Legislative Information System Online, or “Alison”. You can search by keyword “animals”. The bills that are currently being voted on will appear. Read them and call and email officials and tell them which bills against animal cruelty you support.

Lola is a fighter and if you’ve been touched by her story, you can make a difference in her life and in the lives of other animals like her by making your voice heard, volunteering at or making donations to local animal rescue organizations, and by adopting your next pet.

Lola's case will go before Judge Harveston on Thursday, April 26, 2012. In the meantime, you can keep with Lola through the Save A Stray animal rescue organization at http://saveastray.rescuegroups.org/.