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By TIM UNRUH

Salina Journal

Buddy the beagle is settling into his Salina home and making the transition from a shy, suspicious animal to a happy young dog.

"I have to watch my countertops," Yancy Trostle said.

Trostle trapped and rescued the beagle Dec. 31 near Kanopolis Lake, after the dog was loose for nearly two months.

But there are costly concerns with the dog's health, and Trostle is asking for help. After visiting Weckel Pet Care in Salina on Tuesday, Buddy is being treated for fleas, ear mites and worms and is up-to-date on his vaccinations.

"One thing that was very upsetting was that we found he has heartworms," Trostle said.

Buddy's overall exam went well, veterinarian Stephanie Weckel said, and she's hopeful for a full recovery after treatment to kill the adult worms living in Buddy's heart.

"We think we caught it early," she said. "We think he's gonna do fine."

After spending $250 on Buddy's first visit, Trostle wonders where he's going to find another $600 to $800 for the heartworm treatment.

A friend suggested that Trostle think of ways to raise money through donations.

On Thursday, the mechanic at Salina Regional Health Center established the Yancy Trostle for Buddy Fund at First Bank Kansas. The bank started the fund drive with a $50 deposit.

For opening the account, Buddy was given a bowl set that he will use for food and water, Trostle said.

The account is capped at $800, he said, and if the dog's treatment costs less than what is raised, the balance will be donated to the Salina Animal Shelter.

"There will only be two withdrawals from the account," Trostle said. "Nothing is going to me."

Checks may be written to the bank, but note on the check that the money is for the "Yancy Trostle for Buddy" account, Trostle said.

Donations will be accepted at all First Bank Kansas locations -- 235 S. Santa Fe, 2860 S. Ninth, 1333 W. Crawford, and at branches in Assaria, Abilene, Kanopolis, Ellsworth and McPherson.

Formerly owned by a South Carolina hunter, Buddy escaped during an early November visit to the lake in eastern Ellsworth County, wearing a shock collar that caused deep sores on his neck.

Full-time and part-time residents at Kanopolis Lake learned of the dog running loose and tried to lure him with food. Trostle set live traps, but Buddy was able to take the bait without being trapped.

On Dec. 30 he fashioned a trap using sections of rope, a boat anchor and a pork chop at a dog kennel. Buddy took the bait and tugged on the rope that caused the gate to close, trapping him early on New Year's Eve.

-- Reporter Tim Unruh can be reached at 822-1419 or by email at tunruh@salina.com.

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