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2003
Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA) - Ace - New York
Indy Homes for Huskies - Trooper - IndianaTrooper, a young black and white male, was rescued with part of a hind leg missing, which severely reduced his mobility and balance. The stump was too long and Trooper wanted to use this shortened leg with the consequence that it couldn't heal properly and clearly caused him a great deal of pain. Julie Hoffmann (Indy Homes for Huskies) described him: "We can only imagine that his back and hips must ache all the time from the awkward positions he has to put his body in to make even the simplest of maneuvers. Just watching him [try] to sit or lie down is enough to make you wince in sympathy." Trooper's veterinarian performed a mid-femoral shaft amputation and has every expectation that the surgery site will heal well and that Trooper will enjoy a pain-free life, adapting well to three legs without the added encumbrance of an appendage he couldn't control. Julie sent us many photos: these two demonstrate the marked difference in Trooper's stance before and after the surgery:
Trooper recuperated with his foster mom, Tina Bassett. And when he was well enough, he went to his "forever" family. Here's what Tina writes about his new home:
Adopt A Rescue Pet/Siberian Husky Referral of Nevada - Blue Boy - Nevada
Carolina Siberian Rescue - Chance, Knuks, Nakita, Pearl and Zane - North CarolinaJacki Cornman, president of Carolina Siberian Rescue, contacted us about five young Siberians ranging in age from 1-4: two girls and three boys. We dubbed them "the Carolina 5." All had tested positive for heartworms and were in need of treatment. The prognosis for all was excellent. Jacki reports that Chance has already found her "forever" family and the other four will be placed as well. ![]() Clockwise from upper left: Zane, Knuks, Nakita, Chance, Pearl We were very pleased to contribute funds to aid "the Carolina 5." (November 2003)
Husky House Inc. - Blade - New York
Update: Lorraine Healy writes that Blade is doing extremely well, "eating like a little piggy and gaining weight." He is in foster care. Lorraine describes him as a "sweet boy with great house manners who loves to snuggle. He is a gem!" He has another round of treatment which will last two months, but Lorraine says "I am so glad we saved this boy!" (December 2003)
Humane Society of Fayetteville/Lincoln County - Dusty - Tennessee
Dusty was scheduled for amputation of his right hind leg, but x-rays revealed that he had been treated earlier with a pin which had migrated close to the sciatic nerve causing him acute pain for many months. The pin was surgically removed, and with a short course of physical therapy, Dusty's atrophied leg muscles will recover and he'll regain the use of his leg. We are all thrilled. The SOS-SRF was delighted to contribute to Dusty's treatment--and even more delighted that the treatment did not involve amputation! Marian will be fostering Dusty till she finds a suitable forever home for him. We're looking forward to some "after" photos of a happier, pain-free Dusty. (November 2003)
Where Angels Run (Pit Bull Rescue) - Foxy - Arkansas
Indy Homes for Huskies - Wanatah - Indiana
Indy Homes for Huskies was able to find Wanatah a foster home, and Julie Hoffmann applied for funding for this "wonderful, friendly, loving, laid-back guy." Wanatah's tumour was a cancerous nerve sheath tumour which was operated on aggressively so the risk of a malignant recurrence is minimal. Wanatah is still with his foster family, and Julie writes that "we will, of course, only consider applications from a person or family willing and financially able to handle his veterinary needs should the cancer recur." The SOS-SRF was very happy to help with Wanatah's surgery, and we wish him a long and happy life. (October 2003) Update: Wanatah has been adopted! He is adjusting well to his new home and new "brother." He and Fezzik play together every chance they get. His new mom writes: "He is a joy to us every day. I cannot tell you much we love this dog and how much our dog (Fezzik) is loving him too! He has truly been a godsend to us." (December 2003)
Paws & Prayers Pet Rescue, Inc. - Rosie - Ohio
We were pleased to assist with Rosie's heartworm treatment and look forward to hearing that she will soon be well and with a loving family. (October, 2003)
Adopt A Husky, Inc. (West) - Rumour - Washington![]() When Tracie Franke of Adopt A Husky--West rescued Rumour, a center-aged red and white piebald lady last October, she was "grossly emaciated (at 30 lbs.). She had an aggressive eye infection oozing green pus; both ears were full of dried blood; and she limped. Her condition was so poor that the shelter had listed her as a mixed breed." Nothing had been done to treat her ailments and a slow and painful death was sure to happen. She was spayed before being released to Tracie, but was in very dire straits as a result of the surgery. With careful nursing and veterinary treatment, Rumour healed. She gained 20 lbs.; her coat grew back; her ears returned to a healthy pink. But one problem remained: her limp. Rumour needed a cruciate ligament repair surgery. This was successful and Rumour has since been adopted by a young couple who reports that she is recuperating beautifully. Tracie writes that Rumour is truly a Siberian Ambassador, and has made 'new' husky owners into 'lifelong' husky owners. And their cats love her too, and ensure that her ears will stay so clean that they will never be infected again." We love happy endings! The SOS-SRF assisted with funding for Rumour's surgery, and applaud Tracie for raising much of the needed money by offering a nail-trimming booth at an Adopt A Husky, Inc. fundraiser hike. (September, 2003)
Siberian Husky Alliance for Rescue and Education (SHARE)- Peggy - TennesseePeggy is a two-year old female Siberian who is fortunate to have found a foster home with SHARE. Peggy suffers from hip dysplasia in both hips. Nannette Clark (SHARE) writes that she is a wonderful dog with an excellent temperament. Peggy will require two expensive hip operations. While she may never be totally without pain, her veterinarian is optimistic that these surgeries will allow her to move with considerably more ease. The SOS-SRF provided funding for Peggy's first hip operation. Nannette is planning to fund-raise for the second surgery. (September, 2003)
American Eskimo Dog Rescue of St. Louis - Trinity - Missouri
Fortunately, Trinity's condition is thought to be mild, and although she will need to be monitored on a yearly basis, her prognosis for a normal life is very good. Trinity has since found her forever home with a couple concerned about her welfare and willing to give this little girl the care and love she needs. Both the SOS-SRF and Adopt A Husky, Inc. provided funds for the specialized diagnostic evaluations. We are grateful to Sandy Michael and the American Eskimo Dog Rescue of St. Louis for caring so much to help our beloved Siberians. (September, 2003)
Independent - Sierra - Missouri
Update: Sierra is in her forever home. Linda wrote us that Sierra seemed to know that someone good was coming to pick her up! When she and her new mom left Linda's, Sierra looked back as if to say "thank you" and then trotted off merrily to her new car! The picture shows Sierra with her new mom, Amy. (December 2003)
Amanda Yeatts - Sandy - Tennessee
We were pleased to provide the funding for Sandy's treatment. (September 2003)
Indy Homes for Huskies - Chance - Indiana
All the dogs we help are very special, but this little girl really tugged at our heartstrings. Julie Hoffmann and Jo Bell (Paws 4 Peace) brought Chance to our attention last June. She had been discovered in a deplorable condition, dragging a piece of chain. A small rural shelter realized her potential (and her friendliness to cats!), but recognized her desperate need of medical care for her skin condition. Indy Homes for Huskies took Chance and applied to us for funding. Initially, it looked like mange, perhaps caused by a thyroid imbalance. As well, Chance tested positive for heartworms. Her veterinarian was sure that the heartworm condition could be reversed with treatment, and thought that the skin condition might be the result of stress. Because of her appearance, Chance was thought to be an older dog, but a geriatric work-up placed her at about 2-3 years old. Her horrible, matted fur was tended to daily by Reyna, a master groomer, who is also Chance's loving foster mom. When Julie saw Chance after Reyna's tender ministrations, she says she almost cried: "Chance now has beautiful strawberry-blond hair covering what used to look like evil acid-burns - her face is still as precious as ever, her legs are woolly, and her tail is starting to fill out. She looks like a different dog until you look into those sweet, soulful eyes! But despite all she's gone through, Chance has maintained her sweet, gentle spirit." She's a beautiful Siberian Husky mix who nuzzles and licks her foster mom's cats! A very special girl who deserves a very special forever home. We were delighted to help with Chance's treatment. The photos really tell the whole story. Upper left and lower right are the before photos; upper right and lower left are recent photos.(August 2003)
Independent - Dakota - California
South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc. - Harley - Florida
Linda Koontz wrote to us about this pretty 5-month old girl with blue eyes. She escaped from her owners' house onto a busy street and suffered severe injuries: she was hit badly in the face and her right hind leg was broken. It was to be expensive surgery that her owners could not afford (they were still paying installments on her purchase!) so they surrendered her to Linda. Harley had her first surgery on her leg (check out that cast!) and was placed in a foster home, but needed a second procedure a few days later since the pin placed in her leg had migrated (you can't keep a good Siberian puppy down!). Harley is recovering well and Linda reports that she desperately wants to play with the other three Siberians in the household. "The only way to keep her still for 8 hours a night is for either her foster mommy or daddy to sleep and snuggle with her on the couch! Now that's true foster dedication!" We were very pleased to be able to help this pup. (July 2003)
Carolina Siberian Rescue - Sam - North Carolina
Sam's leg and jaw are healing well, and his vision and hearing are gradually returning. His prognosis is excellent for a happy, normal life and he was adopted in mid-July. The SOS-SRF was pleased to provide funding for Sam's many treatments. (June/July 2003) Adopt A Husky Inc. - Karly - Illinois
Indy Homes for Huskies - Teshni - IndianaTeshni and her partner/littermate Akuma had been surviving on their own for about eight months before a series of events brought them to Julie Hoffmann's attention. They were emaciated, but friendly and gentle, and eager for some petting. With the help of two volunteers, Teshni and Akuma were safe and in a foster home. Cathie (foster mom) took them to be tested and Teshni was diagnosed with heartworm disease.
She has had her treatments and is recuperating well and gaining some much needed weight. The SOS-SRF was pleased to provide funding for Teshni's treatment. We hope that she and Akuma will soon find their forever home together. (May 2003)
Siberian Husky Rescue/Referral of California - Tasha - California
Siberian Husky Rescue/Referral of California - Taz - CaliforniaTaz, a two-year old black and white Siberian tested positive for heartworm disease and underwent treatments. Taz made a complete recovery and found his forever home in August. Here he is at an adoption fair with some friends. ![]() The SOS-SRF contributed funds for Taz's heartworm treatment. (May 2003)
Canine Works (Independent) - Skyla - OhioSandra Stealey rescued Skyla from a shelter that was going to euthanize her. Two days after she arrived, someone entered Sandy's property to leave two puppies, and in the process, allowed Skyla to escape. She returned two days later in severe pain. X-rays revealed a fractured pelvis, possibly from a previous encounter with a car. Skyla was treated with an implant (plate and screws) and her prognosis is excellent for a full recovery. A week after the surgery Skyla had regained her appetite and was dragging Sandy for endless walks around the yard! Sandy writes that "Skyla again has a sparkle in her eye, a plume of a tail, and a spring in her step. . .." The SOS-SRF provided funding for this surgery. (April 2003)
Pet Harbor Rescue & Referral, Inc. - Armstrong - Virginia
Independent - Sage - WashingtonSage, a pretty two-year old dilute black and white Siberian, suffered a laceration on her right foreleg and a severed lateral tendon which needed immediate attention. The gash was sutured and the tendon reattached. Her prognosis is good for a full recovery. The SOS- SRF paid for Sage's treatment. Gail Roberts (Willow Run Siberians) wrote us to say that Sage has been adopted: "She has two new 'brothers' (a young red and white Siberian and an 11-year old Malamute). The Mal chose her!" When they all met, Sage "rushed the dogs--her usual way of saying "Hi--let's play!" Gail had some anxious moments before "the Malamute rolled his eyes then started gently waving his tail. He LOVED her! "Sage has already been on a camping trip, has made herself at home on her new parents' bed, and has found her favorite perch for watching TV." (February 2003)
The Canine Place Therapy Center - Yukon - WashingtonChristine Fitzgerald wrote us about a young male with an undescended testicle encased in a certoli cell tumor. It's a rare condition which has resulted in a loss of coat to Yukon's trunk, neck, and tail. The tumor has been removed and a full recovery is expected. Once Yukon's hormone levels return to normal (in a few months), his coat should return. In the meantime, he will be staying with Christine, then will be available for adoption. Two weeks after his surgery, Christine reports that Yukon's "true personality is beginning to surface . . . now that he can move unhampered by a mass the size of a grapefruit in his groin. He is lively, bouncy, and loves playing rowdy tag with me or my other dogs. No fur yet, but it's early and he has a warm doggie parka to help him though outdoor play/walks. And he's gained 12 lbs. since his surgery!" The SOS-SRF contributed to Yukon's treatment; we're looking forward to an "after" photo from Christine in a few months. (February 2003)
We share both the joy of "our" Siberians as they are healed and find forever homes, and the grief of those caring people who see the dogs they've saved meet a far too early end. We know that these dogs felt love and security in their last months. Chris speaks eloquently about her beloved Yukon: "We had only begun to have our chance at a long, good life together. He was such a gift. A treasure. (I loved his tail. He held it high & curled like a question mark while patrolling the meadows around my house. I imagined his query: is this where I belong at last? Is my safe place here? Yes. Yes!) He died that day in my arms, unafraid, I think. He knew he was loved; he had found a forever home with me."
Husky Camp Siberian Husky Rescue - Topeka - CaliforniaTopeka (a dilute red and white female Siberian) had lived her entire three years without proper bladder function. She was born with a renal system deformity, and when Deana Case wrote to us for assistance, Topeka's kidneys were inflamed, her ureters no longer connected to her bladder, and her condition perilous. The SOS-SRF was pleased to be able to help with Topeka's complicated and life-saving surgery.
Hendricks County Humane Society and Husky Rescue - Rudy - IndianaJulie Bates, a volunteer at this shelter, saw a beautiful Siberian in need of help: Rudy was in danger of being euthanized. With the help of Julie Hoffmann at Southside Animal Shelter, Julie Bates managed to rescue Rudy and find a potential adopter. Meanwhile, she discovered that Rudy had tested positive for heartworms. The SOS-SRF paid for Rudy's heartworm treatment and Julie cared for him during this crucial time. As she writes, "so many of us pulled together to make this happen and we are so close to getting this dog a good home." And Julie Hoffmann writes that "despite the sadness in his eyes, Rudy is an affectionate dog who seems to keep 'putting his heart out there.' He's a sweet young dog who really deserves to learn that life can be a wonderful thing." (January 2003)
Before After
Update (August 2003) - We love happy endings! Here's what Rudy's mom wrote us: "Rudy has become one of the family. He is very gentle with both the cat and our daughter. It is quite funny because instead of the dog attacking our cat, Clark, she will go after Rudy. Rudy just ignores her and goes on past. He has really filled out and now I have to be sure not to feed him too much. I don't want a fat dog. "He has really blossomed since we got him. Even when we travel he goes with us. Rudy goes with me every chance he gets. When he hears my keys, he is right at the door. He loves going to the barn with me to feed the horse. Rudy is a very well mannered dog. He doesn't bark (unless he is really happy). He is so good that he gets to roam around the whole house even when we are gone. He usually just sleeps in his crate. We call it his bedroom. He is very happy with us and we are very happy with him!!! Thank you so much for all you did to help with him. That goes for everyone who helped out!! He has a heart of gold and we are so happy to have him with us."
Siberian Husky Referral of Nevada - Naya - NevadaCheryl Lentz wrote us about Naya, a young female Siberian, who was diagnosed with Nerve Sheath Tumor (cancer) on her right front leg. Amputation was the only option as the leg was essentially dying. Cheryl and her colleagues managed to secure some funds to assist with Naya's surgery, and the veterinarians involved in the surgery reduced their fees substantially to help Naya--a gesture we all applaud. Cheryl writes that her recovery is going very well. "She is quite the affectionate and sometimes mischievous little Siberian angel. She finally has had her stitches and staples removed. She has more than peach fuzz now growing back, and she has licks and kisses to offer all who come by. It's good to see her prancing. . .."
Update! Naya has been adopted! Cheryl Lentz writes "It is with tearful joy that I announce the adoption of our three-legged miracle, Naya. Our little angel has found a wonderful home in California." (June 2003)
Husky House Inc. - Robbie - New York
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