Disasters come in many varieties. The wildfires that blazed through Oklahoma and Texas in 2005 and 2006 are a scorching example of the devastation a natural disaster can bring to the lives of people and their four-legged family members. This past February, one such wildfire erupted near Braggs, Okla., burning 600 acres, two barns and three houses.

One of those homes belonged to Krystal and David Toland and their three dogs, including their beloved pit bull terrier, Sammy. While the Tolands were at work, the fire engulfed their property, leaving their home a total loss. Firefighters rescued the dogs, but not before Sammy’s back caught fire, burning one-third of his body. Sammy was raced to the Animal Medical Center in Muskogee for initial treatment, but the prognosis was poor, as Sammy’s injuries were beyond the scope of normal treatment.

Desperate to save Sammy, and having lost everything except their beloved pets, David and Krystal contacted HSUS’s Southwest Regional Office for advice and assistance. When Cynthia Armstrong at the regional office learned of the Tolands’ devastating loss and the critical nature of Sammy’s injuries, she immediately contacted Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and arranged for Sammy to be admitted as an emergency patient for assessment and possible treatment. Many families would have euthanized a dog with such severe injuries, but veterinarians at the university felt that Sammy was a survivor. The HSUS assisted by securing grant funds to sponsor Sammy’s recovery, and Cynthia worked with the OSU public relations officer, Derinda Lowe, to launch a campaign to help cover the cost of Sammy’s surgeries and intensive care.

OSU veterinarians performed 10 surgeries to remove damaged skin and performed procedures so that Sammy could receive skin grafts to his back, shoulders, sides and thighs. “While many dogs would have acted aggressively during such stressful procedures, Sammy has been affectionate and patient with his caregivers,” said Dr. Jim Giles of OSU. “He’s a big lap dog, and the students just love him!”

On April 4 Sammy was finally ready to go home after five weeks of treatment. OSU veterinarians sent along special instructions for Sammy’s continued care and bid a final farewell to their good-natured patient.

“That’s part of the success, when you get them back to the family they are part of and love,” said Mark Rochat, chief of surgery.

Armstrong said that Krystal and David are now renting a house in Muskogee, and life is returning to normal, especially now that Sammy’s home again.