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December 25, 2014 VOLU M E 1 3 | I S SUE 49
LoneTreeVoice.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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A home for the holidays Veterinarian adopts dog abandoned after severe injury By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com The first time L.S. Burstein saw the newest member of his family, Rusty was lying barely conscious on a Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center operating table. The mixedbreed pup was sedated for surgery on a leg broken during a July fall from a truck traveling down a southwestern Colorado highway. “It was a nasty one,” the veterinarian remembered of the fracture. “And apparently it wasn’t the first (injury).” A Good Samaritan driving behind the truck near Durango saw Rusty fall and stopped to help him; the driver of the truck kept going. Lone Tree clinic staff volunteered to care for Rusty after the La Plata County Animal Shelter to which he initially was taken said it didn’t have the money to do so. An examination showed Rusty, then 8 months old, also had a hip fracture on the opposite side of his body. Nerves in his shoulder tore during the fall, leaving him with only one good leg, permanent disabilities and the need for lifelong pain relief. Looking past Rusty’s obvious injuries, Burstein noticed gentle eyes and a happy demeanor. “In spite of his pain, shortly after having the surgery, he still was wanting to try to figure out how to play,” he said. “I don’t think he knows another way. He’s always trying to figure out how to make a game out of everything. “And he’ll cuddle up to pretty much everyone.” Burstein decided to adopt Rusty, bringing him home to join his two other dogs; both are rescues from the Denver Dumb Friends League. “They wrestle all the time,” Burstein said. “They take a nap. When they get up from the nap, they start wrestling again. They’ve knocked over everything they can reach.” In addition to providing Rusty with a
Lone Tree Veterinary’s Dr. L.S. Burstein, left, and Dr. William Moyle pose with Rusty. Burstein adopted the dog, who was badly injured during a fall from a moving truck. Courtesy photo lively, loving home, Burstein realized he could more easily fill the dog’s needs than most other potential adopters. Rusty’s initial five-hour donated surgery would have cost about $4,000. All told, the investment the Lone Tree clinic has made in Rusty would have amounted to a $10,000 bill. “It’s easier for a veterinarian; I have more resources than most,” Burstein said. “Rusty’s always going to be a special-needs kid. On a good day, it takes him about a minute to lie down. With his joints, even the good leg is no longer what you and I would consider good because he’s abusing that one trying to compensate for the other
three. “He’ll be on pain medication permanently and is always going to need physical therapy.” Given his early injuries and chronic pain, Burstein said he can’t predict Rusty’s life expectancy. “It really depends on how his perception of pain progresses,” he said. “Later on, I’m sure he’s going to have to be on harder drugs like morphine. Eventually, I’m sure there will be a price (to pay) for them.” For now, Burstein said Rusty exhibits a pain tolerance “way higher than mine.” And he’s joyfully unaware that his injuries could
be a hindrance. “He’s like the 3-year-old that runs around, saying, `I’m faster than sound!’” As a long-time patient and one of the veterinarians’ pets, Rusty is a regular fixture in the Lone Tree office. His company is among the many benefits staff members have received from having him there. “We look at it as an opportunity for our staff to work with and help a dog that has such severe disabilities,” said center co-director Nancy Moyle. “And it’s a great benefit to help them recover and see such dramatic improvement.”
Dinosaur train on track to delight area children Lone Tree shows coming in January By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe @coloradocommunitymedia.com
“Dinosaur Train Live! Buddy’s Big Adventure” rolls into Lone Tree Arts Center on Jan. 9 and 10 with six performances by Henson puppets for the pre-school set. Courtesy photo
JIM HENSON’S LEGACY Jim Henson (1936-1990), puppeteer, cartoonist, artist, inventor, screenwriter, actor, film director and TV producer, began creating puppets as a high school student. His unique vision grew into “Sesame Street,” “The Muppet Show” and many variations with beloved characters, includ-
ing Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster. His operation grew more sophisticated, working as the New York Workshop and the London Creature Shop, cross-pollinating as more new characters were born and animatronic puppet control systems de-
veloped. When Jim Henson passed away suddenly from an infection, his son Brian took over and company continued to invent new friends. The contact address for the Creature Shop is now in Hollywood.
Anyone who has seen offspring through ages 4-6 or so has marveled at their ability to pronounce and identify the tyrannosaurus, pteranodon and many more prehistoric critters. And, we have noted an almost irrational fondness for trains. And then there are Muppets and other charming Henson puppets in their lives. What could make for a greater attraction for the preschool set than oversized Henson dinosaur puppets that ride on trains and tell a story? “Dinosaur Train — Live! Buddy’s Big Adventure” will bring these TV stars to Lone Tree Arts Center on Jan. 9 and 10 in an interactive musical show created by Jim Henson Studios. Kids will learn about life science, natural history and paleontology as they follow the story.
IF YOU GO “Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train live: Buddy’s Big Adventure” is geared for ages from prekindergarten to second grade and combines science and performing arts. Performances: Jan. 9 at 10 a.m., noon, 6 p.m.; Jan. 10 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. Tickets range from $15 to $25. We have noted that popular children’s programs sell out here, so advance reservations are suggested. Lonetreeartscenter.org, 720-509-1000.
Little Buddy is a proud young tyrannosaurus, living happily in a pteranodon family nest, until he no longer can fit in it. He wonders why and travels across the Mesozoic era to seek advice from King Cryolophorus, who is scheduled to give a big concert in Troodon Town. He will help. But the king is missing! Join Buddy, Tiny, Don and friends and family on a train trip back in time as they search and Buddy learns why he is so special.