Written by a CP Intakes CoordinatorJessica Lynch left Palestine, West Virginia on Sept. 19, 2001 for basic training. In January 2002 word came that she would be shipping out to Iraq. Who can forget the story of the terrible tragedy when a Humvee of the 507th Maintenance Company came under ambush, Jessica Lynch, broken and battered was captured and her comrades perished. For nine days Jessica lay in an Iraqi hospital not knowing what had happened, if anyone knew where she was or if she'd survive her injuries. Jessica's injuries were not only physical but emotional. An Iraqi doctor saved her life and a local nurse became her personal protector. After her rescue, Jessica entered Walter Reed for a 100 day rehabilitation. She learned to walk as her broken bones slowly healed. She also had neurological damage and emotional trauma to overcome. Her rehabilitation continued after she left Walter Reed. Slowly Jessica Lynch overcame the adversities that were not of her making. What tenacity and spirit!
Saturday, Col. Potter welcomed Jessica, a 9 year old, reddish wheaten girl who needed rescued from her tormentors and demons. Jessica's owner got her as a young puppy - six weeks old as the story goes. Fast forward. Five years ago Jessica's tail was nicked by a groomer, a small nick. It healed but something was wrong. Jessica kept digging at her tail. She received vet care and everything seemed to be on the mend until two years ago. Her tail became a source of pain and discomfort. Her owner took her to a vet again. She was convinced Jessica had OCD and was obsessed with her tail. The owner wanted the dog "fixed" or she was going to put her down. The vet refused and offered a plan of treatment. Instead of receiving treatment for physical problems, Jessica was given Prozac and Valium. Jessica was still broken so she was taken to another vet to get "fixed". Options were discussed for physical treatment but once again behavior drugs won out at the owner's insistence. After four vets refused to put Jessica down, a vet tech at yet another vet clinic asked if she could have Jessica. With the help of the vet tech, Jessica received some physical relief and her behavior improved. The pain and demons would return from time to time causing Jessica to attack her tail. Different options were discussed but a wait and see plan was chosen. DESPAIR was setting in.
In the few months the vet tech had Jessica, many treatments were tried, each with some degree of success. Jessica had acupuncture, deep massages, T-touch, as well as many holistic and herbal medicines. Animal communicators were consulted. The story of abuse and suffering emerged regarding Jessica's past. The pain and demons returned with a vengeance last week. Finally out of DESPERATION, Jessica did what no one would do for her - she amputated her own tail. The small town vet clinic that was treating her did not have the resources or equipment to handle the situation. Jessica came rushing into Col. Potter with the HOPE of erasing the pain and demons. In spite of her pain, Jessica is a sweet girl who knows how to dance. Please send positive thoughts and prayers for Jessica. She will be at the vet first thing Monday morning for evaluation and treatment to make her whole. May her rehab be pain free and sweet.
