[nagdu] Florida: Guide dog in St. Pete hit-and-run recovering from surgery

[Ginger Kutsch]

Florida: Guide dog in St. Pete hit-and-run recovering from surgery

JIM HOCKETT/STAFF

Photo: Abbey, a 2-year-old mixed breed, was in the yard with its owner and
reportedly wandered into the street.

Published: November 21, 2012

Source:
http://www2.tbo.com/news/news/2012/nov/21/4/guide-dog-injured-in-st-pete-hit
-and-run-ar-572949/ 

 

A guide dog who was struck by a hit-and-run driver is recovering from
surgery, and St. Petersburg police continue to seek the driver that hit her.

 

Abbey was hit about 10 a.m. Friday at Fifth Avenue North and 29th Street,
police said.

 

James P. Judge, media relations manager for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in
North Tampa, said late Wednesday that the 2-year-old mixed breed was stable
through her surgery and is resting comfortably in intensive care.

 

Abbey's owner, Terry Ellrick, 59, of St. Petersburg, is legally blind,
police said.

 

Ellrick told police he was in his yard with Abbey, who was not on a leash or
harness. Ellrick said Abbey must have run into the street, where she was
struck.

 

Ellrick could not give a description of the vehicle, which kept going after
hitting the dog. Police said there were no witnesses.

 

Responding officers found the dog on the ground covered with a towel. A
friend of Ellrick's said she would drive Abbey to an animal clinic, police
said. Abbey was able to walk, police said, but officers helped lead the dog
to the car and placed her in the back seat.

 

The hospital said it was accepting donations to assist with the cost of care
for Abbey. Anyone wishing to donate was asked to call BluePearl's hospital
at (813) 933-8944.

 

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run should call police at (727)
893-7780.