Ruger the 3 legged Hunting Machine
Posted by Brad on November 21, 2007
Photo of Ruger owned by Kevin and Melissa Mitchell
   The above photo is a Chocolate Lab whose story came to me by a friend after seeing a photo on a hunting forum I visit. I know you’re probably sitting there thinking what’s so special about a dog in a boat showing off a good days hunt. Granted, there are many good hunting dogs out there, some better than others. Now we meet Ruger.
  Ruger found himself into a bit of trouble at the ripe age of a year and a half. You see, Ruger decided it would be fun to escape from his kennel in search of a neighborhood female in heat. Owners Kevin and Melissa spent three days driving the roads and posting signs in hopes that someone would help return Ruger home safe to his family. Unfortunately, the phone call they recieved was from a local vet stating that someone had called in to report a Chocolate Lab laying in their driveway. Kevin rushed a quarter of mile from his home and found Ruger had been hit by a car was laying along the driveway in pretty bad shape.
 After a few days stay in the vet they determined that Ruger had not broken any bones but his from leg appeared to be paralyzed. They were referred to a specialist in Boise, Idaho where Ruger was signed up for twelve water therapy sessions in hopes of regaining use of the leg. Kevins wife Melissa was there every step of the way ensuring Ruger made it to his appointments on time. After only four or five sessions it was apparent that the therapy was not working, in fact things were looking worse for Ruger, he was developing sores on the paw due to dragging the limb around.
  There wasn’t anything Kevin wouldn’t try for Ruger when it came to saving his hunting partner. After talking it over, the decision was made to amputate Rugers front leg. After the amputation and several thousand dollars later it was like this tragic event never occured. Ruger and Kevin were back at it, chasing waterfowl. Kevin says Ruger is still a powerful swimmer in the rivers and lakes, and one would never guess he’s missing a leg. Kevin brags Ruger is even a stronger swimmer than some four legged dogs.
  Despite Rugers accident, his drive to hunt, swim and overall enjoyment of the outdoors has not been effected the least bit. I’d like to thank Kevin and Melissa for sharing their story here at Southern Adventures and I ask that they continue to share their hunting stories and photos of Ruger in the future.
   One final note about Rugers determination……..well, nevermind, I think this picture speaks a thousand words.
[...] The New Sanctuary wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptRuger the 3 legged Hunting Machine Posted by Brad on November 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment [IMG ruger1.jpg] Photo of Ruger owned by Kevin and Melissa Mitchell    The above photo is a Chocolate Lab whose story came to me by a friend after seeing a photo on a hunting forum I visit. I know you’re probably sitting there thinking what’s so special about a dog in a boat showing off a good days hunt. Granted, there are many good hunting dogs out there, some better than others. Now we meet Ruger.  [...]
November 21st, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Great story Brad,glad I could hook you 2 up
November 21st, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Thanks Doug. I appreciate the lead.
November 21st, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Great post and pictures. Glad it had a happy ending!
November 21st, 2007 at 9:16 pm
What a pleasure to see Ruger get a little recognition in the hunting circles. I live in the Catskill Mountains of NY but have had the pleasure of hunting with Ruger in southern Idaho on several occasions. Seeing him retrieve two ducks from the middle of the Snake River at the same time is a sight I will never forget. Just a super dog from a super family!
November 21st, 2007 at 11:36 pm
I am glad Ruger made it out alright and has returned to the water to do what he loves most. I can empathize with Kevin and Melissa due to the circumstances below.
My chocolate lab, Jackson (~1.5 years old), was hit by a car 3 weeks ago and had two surgeries on his hind legs to repair mangled ligaments in both knees just days later. Several weeks in, and several thousand dollars poorer, I am finding the recovery the hardest part of the whole ordeal. Being young, just out of college, and working long hours has not helped the situation.
Jackson decided to make a break for it a couple Fridays ago with his partner in crime, Ruger (ironic - I know…), a 4 year old black lab, while I was at work. They ended up jumping the fence and running free for a while. I got the dreaded call from the vet who said a good samaritan picked up Jackson after the person in front of her hit him.
Jackson is a beautiful lab with more heart and energy than I have witnessed in any other dog. I cannot wait to get him back to the swamp to retrieve some woodies.
I do not mean to take away from Ruger’s story, but I just had to vent.
Nate
November 23rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Nate,
Hope everything works out for you and your dog Jackson. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Brad
November 23rd, 2007 at 4:33 pm
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June 7th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I am facing the dilemma. Smuggler got hit and smashed his humerus at the joint. Trying to save it but I am afraid I am only prolonging the inevitable. It is heartening to see a tripod lab enjoying the hunt.
February 10th, 2009 at 10:36 am