December 12, 2024
As a Catholic and Vincentian University, core values that include truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence, and service are woven into every aspect of life at St. John’s. This became very evident recently when the University community—that usually works together to provide an Education That Elevates—took the time to elevate the spirits of all by saving the life of a canine down on her luck.
While driving near the Queens, NY, campus, Kathryn Ruiz ’23C, a Graduate Assistant in Campus Ministry and student in the Master of Science in Education degree in Teaching Children with Disabilities in Adolescent Education (7–12) program, spotted a stranger waving her down. In the distance she observed a white poodle dodging traffic on the busy street.
Kathryn immediately began to help and guide the lost and injured animal toward the safe and cozy confines of St. John’s. “My boyfriend has worked as a dog trainer and we have volunteered at local animal rescues, so I knew that chasing the dog would only scare it and potentially put it back in harm’s way,” she recalled.
Kathryn was quickly assisted by two deliverymen who were unloading furniture; together, they were able to successfully calm and secure the dog in her arms. She brought it to the University’s Department of Public Safety, where they called the New York Police Department and local animal shelters, veterinarians, and animal hospitals.
“The public safety officers were so kind and helpful,” Kathryn said. “For me, it was a blessing to be in the right place at the right time.”
Upon initial examination, the poodle’s fur was caked with dried blood that seemed to indicate that it was injured or even hit by a car. When a diaper that was taped around its underbelly was removed, they saw a bulging mass on its stomach that was so large it dragged on the ground as the dog walked. It appeared the blood around the dog’s mouth was caused from licking the raw wound.
A quick canvas of neighboring homes on the campus’s perimeter was unsuccessful, and Lynda O’Malley, Ed.D., Director of Public Safety Training, Clery, and Title IX, in the Department of Public Safety, reached out to Brian Browne, Associate Vice President, University Communications and Public Affairs, for help. He emailed a picture and emergency message to the St. John’s Community Dialogue group that includes many local neighbors.
A local veterinarian examined the dog, and a microchip identified a previous owner who had relinquished ownership. The veterinarian confirmed the dog was named Luna and had a tumor that required surgery, estimated to cost $1,500.
Meanwhile, Public Safety Officer Robert Morrissey took the lead in collecting funds to pay for the veterinarian visit and posted some photos of the dog on social media. He was soon overwhelmed with the generosity of strangers and family alike and quickly raised enough money to not only cover the initial care, but the surgery to remove the tumor. Donations for Luna came from inside and outside the St. John’s community.
“It demonstrates the St. John’s spirit and how empathetic strangers can come together to do good,” said Dr. O’Malley.
Christopher Walsh, Director of Facilities Operations, Campus Facilities and Services Department, was the first of several employees to step forward and offer a permanent home for Luna. Mr. Walsh is a long-serving University employee who responds to campus emergencies like pipe breaks, floods, inclement weather events, and other calamities. He was also nursing the recent loss of his dog.
“Until recently, my wife and I had a similar-sized dog, and I wanted to give little Luna a new home,” Mr. Walsh explained.
Luna is now cancer-free and adjusted to her new home. “We kept the name Luna because she responds to it,” Mr. Walsh said. “She’s adorable. She loves to be held and is now happily part of our family.”
“What are the odds that a sick, abandoned dog is discovered by a student adept at handling animals and, through the swift and collaborative efforts of staff and strangers, finds healing while bringing unexpected cheer to a happy new home?” asked Mr. Browne. “Only in New York—and only at St. John’s!”