Last Friday someone noticed a dog lying in the grass near Franklin.

They notified Ulysse Dumesnil, a local animal rescuer and newly-installed president of the Franklin Chapter of the Humane Society of Louisiana.

The dog could not stand or walk, so Ulysse carried him back to his house where he fed and watered the dog and made him comfortable.

Dumesnil named the dog Buck after the color of his skin. Buck was extremely malnourished and unable to support himself because his left rear leg was broken.

Dumesnil and the local chapter of the statewide Humane Society are seeking donations from the public to defray the cost of Buck’s anticipated surgery.

“We just formed the Franklin Chapter of the Humane Society a few weeks ago, and we have yet to do any fundraising to support our programs,” Dumesnil said. “We hope to do several events this year to raise funds to help animals in need, but our coffers are presently empty, so we have to appeal directly to the caring members of our community, to see if a few good Samaritans can pitch in to help Buck. We estimate that Buck’s surgery will cost around $500, so we are asking individuals and businesses to kindly chip in what they can to help this wonderful and friendly 1-year-old pit bull get the medical attention he deserves. With the help of the Humane Society of Louisiana, we’ve created Buck’s Medical Fund and all the donations raised for his surgery will be placed in his account. We will keep or place Buck in a great home once he has made a full recovery.”

Donations are tax-deductible and can be sent to the Humane Society of Louisiana at P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, La. 70174. Donations may also be sent directly to Adrienne’s Animal Hospital, 605 King St., Franklin, La. 70538; however, checks written to Adrienne’s Animal Hospital do not qualify as a tax deduction. In the check memo space of each check or money order, please write “Buck’s Medical Fund.”