The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s annual Living Legends highlights some of the incredible work that goes on at our hospital every day while celebrating the unbreakable bond that exists between people and their pets. Each year we honor companion animals who survived seemingly insurmountable health challenges because of their owners’ love and dedication, along with the exceptional care and innovative treatment they received from our specialty veterinarians.

Charley, an eightyearold Papillon, was ringing in the New Year with his family in upstate New York when he was suddenly attacked by another dog. The local veterinary ER found broken bones in his neck, which left him unable to walk, but there were no neurologists available nearby to provide further treatment. So, Charley was transferred to AMC, where our ER team took over Charley’s care; our Diagnostic Imaging staff stayed late to perform a CT scan and an MRI when he arrived. The tests revealed both a spinal luxation and a blood clot on Charley’s spinal cord, requiring emergency surgery. Charley spent several days recovering in the ICU, where our Critical Care team monitored his progress and provided pain management around the clock. Although initially it was uncertain if Charley would ever walk again, he now scampers around happily, thanks to the dedicated and collaborative efforts of the AMC team throughout the holiday weekend.