2010
Here are the dogs we have helped so far in 2010. We are pleased to make contributions towards their medical expenses to ensure happy and healthy lives for them all.
Journey's End Ranch Animal Sanctuary - Tara - Arizona
Imagine living nine years of your life on an eight-foot chain without adequate shelter. This was Tara's existence until Cathy finally persuaded Tara's owner to relinquish her to Journey's End, Cathy's non-profit sanctuary. Tara was emaciated, with a horrible coat, and bloody diarrhea. Cathy suspected thyroid and IBD problems and investigated further with an endocrinologist who advised soloxine and then a complete blood work up.
Cathy reports that the soloxine immediately improved Tara's health. Her fur has begun to grow again and she has gained five pounds. In addition, her bowel problems have cleared up, and she has become playful once more.
Tara needed extensive blood tests to diagnose her problems. She is now well on the road to recovery and is assured a final sanctuary with Cathy for her remaining years. We were delighted to fund Tara's veterinary expenses. (March 2010)
Independent - Missy - Tennessee
Missy, a seven-year old black and white girl with brown eyes, is AKC Myla's Mischief Maker. Even a winning show dog can end up in a rescue situation!
This is a heartbreaking story. Missy's owner is battling cancer and is unable to keep her. He had bought her from a breeder at the same time he adopted a dog from Judy. Judy took her dog back and because the two had never been separated, took Missy as well. Judy found a 2 cm. mammary mass on Missy and the vet's recommendation was a partial mastectomy and a spay. After preliminary tests and x-rays to ensure there were no further internal tumours, MIssy had her surgery.
Her companion will be happy to have her back: he has been anxious and pacing around the house looking for her!
We thank Judy for taking Missy (as well as her own dog back) and hope they both continue to have a happy life together.
We were very pleased to fund Missy's surgery. (March 2010)
Independent in collaboration with Two By Two Rescue - Bowie - Alabama
Bowie, a white, bi-eyed girl approximately two years old, walked into the warehouse of a building where Michael McKoewn works. He writes "she was friendly but a little nervous. Her coat was matted and she had paint on her. She had no tags and the skin on her neck was worn to blisters where her collar was. I couldn't in my heart leave her there so I took her home to protect her and find her a home." Michael contacted us to see if we could provide help with her medical expenses.
We suggested that Michael contact Two by Two Rescue and they are now working together to help this lovely girl. Bowie was vetted and is heartworm positive, but her prognosis for recovery is excellent. Once her treatment is complete, Sonya at Two by Two will work with Michael, the good Samaritan, to find Bowie a loving forever family.
We were very happy to pay for Bowie's treatment. (March 2010)
Sasha's Legacy of Idaho Siberian and Malamute Rescue - Zeke - Idaho
This year-old boy was at an animal shelter in Wyoming which contacted Karen to see if she could take him. Karen writes that "Zeke's left hind leg is shorter than his right and he is in pain. His left hip is luxated and 'pops' when flexed. He needs a femoral head osteotomy to correct this."
The Wyoming shelter with its limited resources was unable to perform this surgery so Zeke travelled to Idaho to have the procedure. His prognosis for a full recovery is excellent. Karen updated us a few days ago: "Zeke now has a complete new hip - reconstructed - and is healthy. He is already walking on it and will start therapy soon. Now we will find him the best home ever!"
We were happy to provide funding to enable Zeke to have a pain-free life. (March 2010)
Texas Husky Rescue, Inc. - Justin - Justin
Nine-month old Justin was at a shelter in Fort Hood which planned to euthanize him because he required extensive - and expensive - surgery: his leg was fractured in two places. Lacie rescued Justin and writes that he has had his surgeries and is expected to make a full recovery. He is available for adoption. In the meantime, his foster mom reports that he is already trying to play and run with the other huskies.
We were able to contribute substantially to help Justin. (February 2010)
Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue - Finian - Indiana
NLSDR agreed to take this gorgeous young pup into their rescue thinking he would quickly be adopted. He had shown no signs of physical impairment when assessed and impressed everyone with his calm and friendly behaviour. It wasn't long after that Julie noticed he was favouring his right rear leg. After x-rays and exams it became evident that Finian needed a right femoral head osteotomy.
Julie writes that "Finian is recovering nicely and is using his leg more all the time. He is just a fabulous dog and his foster mom says that he is the nicest, easiest, best-behaved dog she's ever fostered."
We were delighted to pay for Finian's surgery and wish him a healthy, happy future in his new forever home. Yes--Finian has a new family and a new brother, and Julie reports that the two dogs are doing very well together. (February 2010)
Husky House - Kiska - New Jersey
Kiska is a 10-month old pup with blue eyes. She was in a Georgia shelter and scheduled to be gassed. Kiska was very underweight and also pregnant. Husky House organized her transport to New Jersey the night before her PTS date. Kiska developed pneumonia with other complications which necessitated emergency and supportive care.
She recovered well and has a home waiting once she is spayed. Alas, several of her puppies died.
We were pleased to help with Kiska's considerable expenses. (January 2010)
