In mid-January, 2013, I received an email that there might be a giant schnauzer in the Arlington, TX shelter. They had picked him up in one of the busiest street intersections in the area! He had suffered from abuse, neglect and could not walk. I picked him up and took him to my vet. X-rays showed a spiral fracture of his left hind leg, possible tendon damage in his right hind leg, and he was covered in bruises. He also refused to eat. I called my ever-faithful rescue friend, Tina Fields and on January 18, 2013, she came to Dallas to pick him up. We had no idea what was ahead of us. We had no idea that Luther was even going to live.
Luther’s story spread quickly. The outpouring of love, prayers and financial support was amazing. Luther wants to thank everyone who has helped him on his journey back to life, health, and happiness.
Tina and I will always be grateful for your support.
—Jane Chism
UPDATE: November 25, 2017
With deep regret and heavy hearts, we are sad to announce that Luther passed on to the Rainbow Bridge today. Although his heart was strong, his body became too weak so we had to make the difficult decision to let him go.
People always said that Luther was lucky that we found him. Truthfully, we were the lucky ones. Luther was an inspiration to all he met, and to people around the world who knew him only through his Facebook page. He had an enormous capacity to love, and we are better people for having known him. We will miss his bright smiles and sloppy kisses that brought us immeasurable joy every day for the five short years he blessed our lives. He leaves us with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.
To honor his memory, the Love for Luther Endowment has been established at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. This endowment will provide assistance for orthopedic surgery for dogs with chronic, genetic, traumatic conditions and especially dogs who were victims of human abuse. Veterinary students will be provided the opportunity to engage in state-of-the-art orthopedic surgeries and educated regarding the impact of animal abuse.
Donations may be made payable to the Texas A&M Foundation and note “Love for Luther Endowment” in the memo section of your check. All contributions are tax-deductible and should be mailed to:
School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Office of Development
4461 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4461
“But shall the angels call for him, much sooner than we’ve planned, we’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.” —Author Unknown