Injured Husky Needs Help

This message is posted on behalf of Paws to the Rescue. Do not contact the blog for more information, please contact Paws to the Rescue with inquiries, donations, and assistance:

On Tuesday we received a call about a dog hit by a car lying in the highway - he is a beautiful male husky with blue eyes. He had on a very nice leather collar and flea collar but no ID and is not microchipped. Initial vet services were done (he was fortunate to "only" have a compound fracture to his right front leg) but no owner has come forward and tomorrow his stray hold is up.

He is a bit thin but very sweet and just barely a year old. He cannot come to the shelter with his injury so is in boarding at the vet's office right now. We need donations to cover his vetting so far and a rescue to take in this beautiful boy. Please spread the word and consider making a donation via paypal to jen@pawstotherescue.com or mail to the address below:

Paws to the Rescue
123 Dog & Cat Court
Mullins, SC 29574

If interested in rescuing this boy, please e-mail me at jennaluv2@yahoo.com.

Thank you for helping this boy!!!

Jen Nall, Executive Director
Paws to the Rescue / Animal Shelter of Marion County
www.petfinder.com/shelters/SC41.html
www.myspace.com/pawstotherescue
www.magfundraising.com/Paws_to_the_Rescue
Waiting at the bridge - Nakita "Kita Girl" 03/10/93 - 01/05/08

Canine Renal Failure (A personal story) February 2009

Poutin’ Grace (first posted 2/6/2009)

On Sunday afternoon it was pleasant enough to sit out on the Hawksbill Cabin’s brick terrace and read. At first, I had Gracie and Sofie outside with me, but they kept wandering off in opposite directions and I had to track them down in the side or backyards, so I put them back inside.

About 20 minutes later, I looked over at the windows and caught site of Gracie in pout mode. She actually had fallen asleep with this disgruntled look on her face.

Gracie seems to be coming around these days. Mary has found the secret for getting her to eat the special diet, and Gracie has gained back the pounds she lost. We haven't been to the vet in a few weeks, but things seem to be going well just now.


February 27 Vet Visit (from Mary’s journal, first posted to Hawksbill Cabin blog on 5/22/2009)

Another follow-up visit to the vet for blood and urine testing today.

Gracie’s been shivering and she’s still not eating enough. I’m trying hard to find prescription food that she will eat. She doesn’t like the Hill’s k/d or the Royal Canin Renal, canned or dry.

I’ve tried to incentivize with small amounts of regular dog food, boiled chicken, fresh chicken broth, but she’s not interested. I’m trying her now on a homemade diet based on Hill’s canine restricted protein diet (from our vet, via the internet): 



¼ lb ground beef, not lean

2 cups cooked white rice without salt

1 hard boiled egg, finely chopped

3 slices white bread crumbled

1 teaspoon (5grams) calcium carbonate (ended up grinding up eggs shells for this)


Cook beef in skillet until lightly brown, add rest of ingredients and a little water if too dry. Keep in refrigerator. Yields 1.25 lbs.

(Analysis: 6.9% protein, 5.5% fat, 21.1% carbohydrates, 65.5% moisture)


A 40 lb dog such as Gracie should eat 1.5 lbs of this mixture per day – one batch is slightly less than one day’s worth of food.

Daily amounts according to Hill’s:
5 lb. dog, ¼ lb of food;
10 lb dog, ½ lb of food;
20 lb dog, 1 lb food;
60 lb dog, 2 lbs food;
80 lb dog, 2 ½ lbs food;
100 lb dog, 3 lbs food

Wanted: Driver in Canada

I’ve received a plea for help from someone in Sudbury, Ontario that needs a safe driver/good samaritan who can drive this person and her dog to Toronto so that her dog can have knee surgery.

This person will pay for all expenses for someone that can provide transportation for possibly several trips.

If you can help out, please contact me and I can provide you with the person’s contact info. E-mail me at: gimpydogscom@gmail.com if you can help.

Thanks!

Canine Renal Failure (A personal story) January 2009

A friend of mine recently reached out about his dog, Gracie, who succumbed to renal failure.

Knowing that I hosted the gimpydogs site, he asked if it would be ok for him to post his experiences with the disease for others to learn from. I immediately said yes, because while its great to find out clinical and medical information, having insight on the actual care of a renal failure pup is not only comforting (knowing that others are going through what you have) but educational in not only how things are handled, but quite possibly giving someone an easier way to do things that hadn't been thought of.

The next blog posts will be the Gracie series on experiences with renal failure. We dedicate these posts to Jim and Mary, and to Gracie, who lives whole and free across the Rainbow Bridge until she meets her caring owners once again.

Gracie's Story

My wife Mary and I lost our Border Collie, Gracie, to Chronic Renal Failure in September 2009. She had been diagnosed with the condition early in 2008, and our vet told us she entered the final stage of the disease in January 2009. Like many pet owners, we immediately went to the web for insight on the disease, and to learn about other owners’ experience treating their pets. We found some comfort there, and I decided to keep a little track record on my blog.

Penny also offered to put these posts up here on gimpy dogs; we very much appreciate the opportunity to honor our pet this way, and hope that our experience can help other owners prepare for the experience.

Thoughts on …Canine Renal Disease (first posted 1/15/09)

I hesitate to write this post - while the Hawksbill Cabin blog is meant to journalize experiences, and is certainly personal, once I make this entry I'll have started down a path revisiting this topic until a final post sometime.

This week our vet diagnosed Gracie as having entered the final stage of chronic renal failure, which means her kidneys aren't clearing all the toxins from her body. She has progressed from a mild stage of the disease which was diagnosed last year. About three weeks ago, she started boycotting her food, and we thought, okay - she really doesn't like the food (a special diet, recommended by the vet, which we were using to treat the early stage with), and the battle to try and get her to eat it isn't worth it.

So last week we went to the vet for alternatives. In the meantime they tested her progress with the disease again, and found that she had lost five pounds over the last month, since our last visit. It was an abrupt weight loss and concerned us.

 We found another version of the special food, wet this time, and a second vet visit yesterday confirmed that her condition had improved. Gracie is still a nut, driven like the Border collie she is, constantly trying to tempt us with her toys, as always. She even tried to convince a Page County Deputy to play football with her over the weekend!

But the simple matter is she is 14, and her body is starting to wear out. The vet told us that some dogs only live a few weeks with final stage renal failure – given the spirits Gracie is in, we don’t think this is the case for her – but it could be months until the end. In any case, the news was that it is likely that we'll lose her this year.
Canine Renal Failure – update 1 (first posted 1/26/2009)

Since I posted on Gracie’s diagnosis of canine renal failure on January 15, we have some updates. We did some web research on the situation. The first thing we learned from other owners is that the disease upsets the stomach so the dog won’t eat. This is what results in food boycotting, which we had been attributing to her not liking the food.

The advice we got on this was that it is most important to get her to eat – even if it’s not necessarily the (expensive) prescription diet. So Mary has begun looking into alternatives, starting with the idea that we might be able to incentivize the food, and she’d checking protein levels on candidate incentives.

Also, we read on another blog that additives such as B- vitamins and safflower oil may be a help (readers finding this blog from a search on Chronic or Canine Renal Failure – please be sure to do your own due diligence, and check with your vet!). Our vet confirmed that these things can be helpful, but she wants to check the dosages the next time we are in. We look forward to that welcome advice.

We got her some Pepcid, and that seems to have quieted the stomach issues. Mary is taking some extra care to make the food more attractive – it’s quite a project. Now mealtimes attract quite a bit of canine attention as both dogs (Gracie and her sister Sofie, the Chow mix) stand patiently in the door of the kitchen, patiently as they can, that is. Mary says, "I'm just glad they're domesticated!" when they finally charge in to the food bowls.

Gracie’s appetite has returned, and she is gaining some of the lost weight back…her energy is back – even during the stomach issues and weight loss period she still wanted to play. She's almost her pesky border collie self again.

January 9 Vet Visit (posted by Mary, added to the Hawksbill Cabin blog 5/21/2009)

Gracie, our 14 year-old Border Collie, has been diagnosed with canine renal failure. Her kidneys have been weakening for about a year. In retrospect, one of the first signs was weakness in her legs; she wouldn’t stand for any length of time, preferring to lie down even if we stopped for a short time on our walks.

She’s also lost a lot of weight. She’s not eating, and really hates the renal prescription dry and wet foods. (And, it’s very difficult to get this special food, too. It either has to be ordered through a vet or bought on line – a big waste of money if the dog won’t eat it. Petsmart sells canned Hill’s k/d and Royal Canin, but a prescription card is needed.)

Loss of appetite is another symptom of the disease. Apparently, the toxins built up in the blood by failing kidneys makes the dog nauseous and can even lead to stomach ulcers.

Perianal-Fistulas

Perianal fistulas or anal furunculosis is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by ulceration of the perianal tissue (tissue surrounding the anus) in the dog.

For some great information and resources, please go to:

Canine Perianal Fistula or Anal Furunculosis site at Critterology

or visit the Tripod support group site that has very extensive information and a support group

Please Help the Broken Puppy

Update 9/7/2009: The broken puppy has been fixed and is recovering, and the best news of all is that there are tons of caring, compassionate, and generous people in the world that have donated enough to cover the broken puppy's medical bills.

Thank you to everyone that helped, and please go check out the Broken Puppy's blog on her progress... and her real name now is "Hope".

Received this link from a friend on twitter (a real friend). Donate at your own risk, I haven't checked it, but it seems reliable enough and for a good cause from good people.

Help fix the broken puppy

Gonzo Needs You Help

This message is posted on behalf of Pits And Rotts For Life Rescue, Inc. Please do not contact gimpydogs regarding this pup, please contact the rescue, and if you can donate, the links below will take you straight to Pits And Rotts For Life Rescue's Web site and you will be donated straight to the rescue:

Gonzo came into rescue on July 16, 2009. He came from the Staten Island, NY shelter. As you see in his pictures, his ear has been very infected. The Dr. looked at it and it does need to be removed. The Dr. is doing everything possible to get Gonzo into surgery for tomorrow-July 17, 2009.

The shelter says Gonzo is around 10 yrs old. The picture they had of him showed some pitmix in him, but as you see, that is not what's really there. Gonzo is Great Dane mix Shephard. Looking at Gonzo's pictures, you see he is somewhat on the skinny side, but Gonzo weighs 70 lbs now, so I can only imagine how much he should really weigh. Gonzo is in pain and has to have this ear removed. Please help us to help him

Pits And Rotts For Life Rescue, Inc is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. All donations are tax deductable.

If you are able to donate, you can go to http://www.pitsandrottsforlife.petfinder.com .

Thank you for anything you are able to help with. It is greatly appreciated.


Susan
Pits And Rotts For Life Rescue, Inc
www.pitsandrottsforlife.petfinder.com
www.pitsandrotts.net
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Lost Dog is found in Paducah, Kentucky

Check out this blog for pictures of a dog that was found in Paducah, Kentucky. Most likely scared from her home by fireworks, lets see if we can’t find her loving pawrents and get her back home.

click here to go to the blog and please spread the word.

TriPaw'd Needed for Cushy Life as a Star

Debbie Pearl, who is with Paws for Effect, is looking to adopt or rescue from a shelter, a larger, [40 lbs, larger preferred] scruffy-looking mutt type 3 legged dog who is missing a rear leg and which is not black. [Technical issues with filming black dogs] Prior training is not important. An outgoing personality is. 

She needs to find this dog pretty soon in order to have time for training. The dog would be in a movie scheduled to start filming in September. 

Debbie was carefully screened with references and a home visit prior to adopting her two dogs from a rescue and offers an excellent home, not just a job. All of her canine performers are rescues that have been adopted from rescues or shelters. 

If you have or know of such a dog, please contact Debbie at: redhusky@pawsforeffect.net and 
send her a picture and the following information:
How old is the dog ?
How big is the dog ?
Breed or mix of breeds ?
What is the personality like ?
Which leg is missing ?
Your name, email address and telephone numbers

FDA Notice Regarding Evanger's Dog Food

If you feed your dog Evangers, please click on this link and read about the FDA action to suspend temporary permit.

Please Help Sinatra

This posting is on behalf of Husky House. Please direct any questions to them.

Sinatra is a 3-4 month old Siberian Husky who has paid the price for losing her way. Sinatra is a stray, and was hit by a car on May 23rd. A good samaritan took her to the Emergency Vet Clinic, but since there was nobody there to claim her, all they could do was give her pain medications and send her to Animal Control, where she sat in a cage sick and injured during the 4 day hold before she could be released to a rescue.

Sinatra has a fractured pelvis, fractured femoral head, broken left tibia and fibula. The vets feel that she needs all of these injuries surgically treated at the same time, or be humanely euthanized. With surgery she is expected to make a full recovery and lead a long, happy, 4-legged life.

Husky House stepped forward and has taken Sinatra under their wing and are giving her the best care available. She was taken to Kansas State for her surgery, but unfortunately has broken out with parvo, delaying surgery until after her recovery. Needless to say, the surgery, parvo treatment, after surgical care, and other incidentals, her expected vet bill will most likely be around $5,000.

Any little bit will help toward paying for this beautiful and innocent pup’s bright and healthy future. Any donation, no matter how small will go toward ensuring that Sinatra will find a family to love and be loved. All donations are tax deductible and Husky House will provide a receipt for anyone that requests one.

Click Here to make a donation to help Sinatra

Please cross post far & wide to help our precious Sinatra. Thank You for your support!

Liver Issue Resources

Liver Disease Information:

Vets Forum

Liver Shunt Information

Liver Shunt Information

More Liver Shunt Information

Liver Disease Support Groups:

Yahoo Groups Canine Liver List

Liver Shunt Support Groups:

Yahoo Liver Shunt and MVD Support list

Cancer Resources

Cancer Information:

Canine Cancer Network

University of Pennsylvania Cancer Symposium

Canine Osteosarcoma (bone tumor)

Hemangiosarcoma

List of Cancer Treatment Trial Centers

Perianal Adenomas

Canine Cancer Awareness Org

Veterinarian Cancer Society

CSU Animal Cancer Center

University of Missouri-Columbia

Hemangiopericytoma

Bone Cancer

Cancer Support Sites:

Yahoo Canine Cancer e-mail list

Grizz's Good Neighbor Pages

Bone Cancer Dog Support List

Please help Jeremiah

Jeremiah is a pup with severely deformed front legs.

Noahs Ark rescue (awaiting their 501c3 status) is asking for donations for the surgery that will help Jeremiah walk without pain and live a normal, happy life.

Please consider donating even a little bit to help this poor neglected pup know what its like to run free of pain.

pictures, updates, and a place to donate is located here.

Help a pup live

Remy, a beloved rescued pittie has lymphoma and his owners want to help him live. Unfortunately they are unable to come up with the cost of the treatments that may give Remy more time in this world.

We know that times are hard, and you all have problems of your own, but if you can spare even a dollar to helping Remy get the treatment he needs, please consider donating.

You can see Remy’s updates and donate through ChipIn at this link

A Gimpy In Mexico Needs Help

Tripawds (an excellent organization that helps dogs with amputations) has asked me to post on behalf of a Mexican rescue organization that has found a dog missing both front legs.

Below is a post from the rescue, please note, their Web site is in Spanish:

We are a small association with limited money resources, dedicated to rescue mistreated dogs. Unfortunately Mexico is a country without the right law to protect animals; there is much cruelty towards them due to lack of understanding and education. Animals in general are being tortured terribly daily.

Here is our page: http://www.andes.org.mx (only in spanish) If you make a clic on the dog´s face and then on PATROCINA UN PERRO ENFERMO (sponsor a sick dog) or PATROCINA A UN PERRO A DISTANCIA (sponsor a dog from far away)

Here, you will see the pictures; before and after; how they were rescued and when they are safe and in health.

In this country is almost IMPOSSIBLE that someone would adopt a disabled or an elder dog.

This association is focused toward dogs in this kind of situation. Old dogs are thrown out of the household because they are good for nothing.

In our page there is a place that reads: ADOPCIONES CON AMOR (adoptions with love) There you will find the dogs that fortunately found a responsible family that adopted them.

SEBASTIAN is being kept in a veterinarian because we have not found a responsible adoption, dog is very much afraid because he lived in isolation away from people, he lived in a huge piece of land with several caves. We walked for more than an hour before finding him. Fortunately some youngsters told us about this situation, occasionally they would feed him with food that was found in the trash. For SEBASTIAN everything is new, we are working a lot to make him confident on people again. (note: click here for a video of SEBASTIAN)

I cannot bring him to my apartment because I have 7 female dogs also rescued from street.

In our association we have cemented floor which would be very hurting for his elbows; would be great to have him living in a garden or a ceramic floor.

Thank you much in advance if there could be some help for this poor doggie.

My association is called: ANDES, ANIMALES DESAMPARADOS, A.C.

Thank you also for the donation, it is much appreciated.

Best wishes always.

The Tripawds forum members are discussing ways to help SEBASTIAN (click here to read the posts), and if there is anyone in Mexico, or in that area that can help bring SEBASTIAN across the border toward Big Bend National Park, where Rene and Jim (Tripawds) can get him to help him get the care he needs and find a good home, please contact Jerry or Rene at: jerry@tripawds.com

Also, Andes, Animales Desampardos, A.C. could use some donations for all of the good work they do for the dogs in Mexico that need help. They do have a paypal donation button on their site.

An appeal for help for someone who was helping

I received this from a friend of mine and got permission from her to post it here. I know funds are tight and times are hard, and its hard to be grateful for what we have or don't have, but some others have it worse. Please consider donating even a little bit:

This is very personal for me. I am absolutely devastated to have just learned an hour ago that Linda Money, a long-time friend of mine in rescue, and her husband, Kevin, had a fire in their home last Thursday and lost everything - including 31 animals - some family pets - others waiting for a forever home.
My heart is absolutely broken for her, him and the animals they lost. The firemen had to restrain Kevin from reentering the house to save more animals, and he was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition that day but has since been released. Linda was not at home at the time.

I've known Linda for many, many years - and there is no bigger heart for the animals than hers. I am almost beyond speech as to what to say about Linda and her good deeds. She has saved countless dogs, is an integral organizer for many big name dog events around Memphis, including the St. Jude Showcase of Dogs - and her heart is always, always working for the next dog who needed her - whatever it is - wherever it is. Whenever I brought one of my siberians to Showcase, Linda always made a point of bringing the kids from St. Jude over to see them, because of their cute tricks and exceptionally nice manners. She was always a good go-to person with questions, and always, always an advocate for the animals.

For those who'd like to read about the fire, here is a link to the news
article
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/feb/14/traumatized-again/
And I have a PDF flyer if anyone would like it to forward on (it won't go on lists - they'll strip it), but if you'd like one to read/forward, please let me know.

Linda and Kevin lost literally everything. A local vet has donated an RV for them to live in until they recover, however they have no clothes, no supplies, nothing but what they had on their backs - and the surviving dogs - and they need help - specifically - money and dog supplies. However big or small, donations are needed. When you have nothing, every little thing has
to be replaced. I just cannot imagine.

I know that many of you don't know Linda and Kevin. I ask everyone to consider if you can help regardless. Linda and Kevin have worked tirelessly rescue (Rotties and Chi's are two if Linda's favorite breeds, but she does not discriminate - she takes in whatever needs a safe place to sleep -regardless of its origins)

Here is the way to help:

• PAYPAL your donation to midsouthpets@aol.com

• Make your check payable to Mid South Animal Rescue Fund and mail to:
Mid-South Animal Rescue Fire Fund
c/o Regions Bank
8975 E. Goodman Rd Olive
Branch, MS 38654

• Donate needed animal items for the surviving pets (animal toys, blankets, towels, crates, kennels, dog pens) as well as household items that Linda and Kevin will need. Take all these items to:Donate needed animal items for the surviving pets (animal toys, blankets, towels, crates, kennels, dog pens) as well as household items that Linda and Kevin will need. Take all these items to: Countrywood Subdivision 2746 Rockcreek Parkway Cordova, TN 38016.

If you want more information you can contact Beverly King at
bevanddogs@yahoo.com

My hope and prayer is that my friends, too, will look for a way to help Linda and Kevin. I am going to go sleep on this. I know my email is disjointed and not my usual... I am just so upset. Hug your furkids
tonight.

Tish

Pup Needs Your Help

If you can help, please contact the Vet listed at the end of this post, do not contact gimpydogs.

Hello everyone,

I am writing you all because there is a dog I recently pulled out of Metro, the local animal shelter here in Casper, Wyoming, that is in desperate need of surgery, and in turn, my small rescue operation is desperately in need of funds to help her. Appropriately, this young girl is named Angel. Angel is a nearly 6-month-old Great Pyrenees female that Metro obtained after a welfare check was called in on her brother. The shelter initially thought that she had a broken leg, but she has been examined and she has more significant problems. X-Rays were performed and there are severe growth abnormalities in her back left leg impeding her movement and making it difficult for her to walk. The shelter wanted to kill her because they did not believe anyone would be willing to help her, but we were able to find her a wonderful foster home just a few days before Christmas, and she has been living there safely since then.

We just learned from our orthopedic specialist that it appears Angel will have to have her entire back leg removed at the hip. The orthopedic surgeon at Colorado State University told me that he has never seen a deformity as bad as the one this young girl has... Because there is no knee cap or functional knee, there does not appear to be an option for a prosthetic device and her only option is amputation. However, Angel has been trying to get around as best she can in her condition and it appears to everyone that has met her and seen her amazing desire to play and run like any other puppy that she will do much better without her back leg because the leg is really in the way now! Because she is young, all of the surgeons I consulted with (three so far!) believe that she will adjust well to losing her back leg. We are, however, getting anxious to have the surgery performed because the bottom of her back leg is being rubbed raw from being dragged and is causing her to walk awkwardly--which we are afraid will lead to other orthopedic problems for her soon.

Anyhow, the surgery to remove her leg, get her spayed, and for her care is going to be approximately $1200.00 and we are hoping to have it performed next week if we have the funds to do so. Any donation at all would be helpful and greatly appreciated. Even a donation of $5.00 or $10.00 will make a difference in the life of this sweet girl.

Please make any checks to
Wyoming Animal Rescue
530 South Center Street
Casper, Wyoming 82601
or to donate online, visit the Wyoming Animal Rescue website at www.wyominganimalrescue.com

to make a donation via credit card through PayPal.

Thank you so much for your support,

Jamie

Everything you (probably didn't) want to know about Anal Glands

Does this look familiar:



While a mildly amusing commercial, it is most likely a sign that Toby has an anal gland problem. I certainly hope that "Mom" checked out poor Toby before calling about steaming her precious carpet.

If your dog is scooting, obsessively licking or bothering its back region, you need to go and check things out to make sure everything is working as it should. If there is a discharge, bad smell, or swelling, its time for a trip to the vet.

So, what on earth are anal sacs and what the heck do they do? That question is best addressed on the marvistavet site, which includes interactive "where are they" and "how do you squeeze them" Web interface. It may become all the rage in interactive game playing.

If that's not enough the kind folks at Expert Village have provided a video on how to "express" anal glands:


While I wish they would have picked a lighter colored pup to do the demonstration to make the particulars easier to see, you probably get the point.

Please note: if you do express your pup's anal glands, you may want to invest in some cheap rubber gloves (exam room gloves in a box are available at most pharmacy stores), and if you have a weak stomach, you may just want to take your pup to the vet and have it done, its a most foul smell.

Here is another that discuss some of the common issues with anal sacs.

Pet Education

From personal experience, if you pup has constant anal gland/sac issues, you may want to talk to your vet about diet. If there isn't enough fiber in their food to give them firm stools, or if they have a condition where their stools are consistency soft, then that could contribute to the issue. Stools need to be firm in order to give that natural squeezing of the anal sacs during a bowel movement.

A dog with hip, back or hind leg issues may also suffer from anal sac issues, as they may be unable to "assume the proper poop position" to sufficiently empty out the sacs when they have a bowel movement.

Also, from personal experience, the TYPE of food may be causing issues. I have one such pup who gets anal gland issues whenever he eats a fish-based diet. Change his food over to a chicken or beef-based diet and the issue clears up.

Gimpy German Shepherd needs a new home

Sydney, a 9 year old German Shepherd needs a new cat free home.

Sydney was about to be euthanized at an ER vet when her current owner saw her wonderful personality and decided to save her. Sydney's right rear leg had to be amputed from an injury she suffered, but with a daily dose of Previcoxx, she does wonderfully on three legs, running, playing, and going up and down the stairs (with some coaxing).

Unfortunately, Sydney does not get along with cats, so she needs to go into a loving home that does not have cats. Her owner would like to find her a loving home where she can be a loving member of the family and live out her years in happiness.

Sydney is located in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. If you think you can give Sydney a loving home and a fulfilling life, please contact Mindy at: Mindycvt@ yahoo.com

Good Samaritan needs help for injured husky

The following plea is from a member of Tails of Hope Pet Rescue in Texas.

A woman contacted me a few days ago about a Siberian Husky she had found that had been shot. Apparently, the dog was shot, then wandered up to her neighbors house & found a spot to lay on their porch. The family had called animal control to come pick up the husky, when this angel of a woman told them she would take it in & try to care for it first. The kicker is that this woman is 75 years old, & as she says "not in the best of health". She posted signs for Lost Dog, and animal control knew she had the dog in her care, in case an owner came looking for it. No owner has surfaced. She took the dog to her vet to see what options the husky had. The vet said the husky's back hip is shattered, and the leg needs to be either amputated, or replaced with a metal plate. Then of course, there is euthanasia. The old woman has developed a bond with this dog & will not put it down. She would like to keep the husky herself, but does not know if that will be realistic long-term as her health is not so good.

She contacted Tails of Hope to see what services we provide & I discussed some options with her. The immediate issue is that she lives on a fixed income of social security, and will have trouble paying for the vet bills accompanying amputation (which was the vet's recommendation as the best option for the shattered hip). In addition, she took the husky in to the vet today, to be prepped for surgery tomorrow (Wed 1/7), and they also found that the dog has heartworms, plus needs to be neutered.

So we are asking for help with some of the financial burden that this initial vet bill will cost. I am going to be making a donation, and would like to petition other dog & animal lovers out there to also make even a small donation for the care of the husky. Each little bit will help. The woman would like to keep the dog at least through the beginning stages of rehab, then if it is not possible or reasonable for her to keep the husky long-term, she would want to find a very loving permanent home for him. A very SPECIAL home for this wonderful, soon-to-be 3-legged Siberian Husky! And Tails of Hope would be taking on the responsibility of re-homing the husky.

I met the husky myself, and he was one of the sweetest dogs I have known. Only kindness & love, wanting nothing more than to give kisses & get some loving in return. I am attaching pictures of the husky.

If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in making a donation to help off-set the cost of the amputation surgery, you can contact the Ennis Veterinary Clinic at 972-875-2647 to call in a credit card number, or you can mail a check to Ennis Veterinary Clinic, 3101 N. Kaufman, Ennis TX 75119 Specify that the donation is for "Husky".

Thank you so much for your consideration! And a Happy 2009 to you all!

Sincerely, LISA
Tails of Hope Pet Rescue
Waxahachie, TX

Boris Needs a Helping Hand

Update (9 Jan 2009)
Unfortunately the vets have found that Boris is not a good candidate for the liver shunt surgery. His foster home is going to put him on a special diet to help manage his health, and asks that donations be sent to other needy dogs at this time. We will continue to update you on Boris as we get them.

Original post below
Boris has gone through a lot in his first year of life already, but the bad news hit home right before Christmas when days after an emergency surgery to remove several handfuls of inedible objects from his stomach, he was diagnosed with a liver shunt which would require a very expensive surgery if he was going to have a chance at living a normal life.

Indy Homes for Huskies is trying to raise the funds to give this sweet boy a chance at life. Boris has a heart of gold and a personality that outshines the sun. When he doesn't feel very well, all he wants to do is lay next to his humans and be loved upon. When he feels well- the sky is the limit to what devilment he might cause.

Donations to help Boris can be made by clicking the sponsor me button on the top right corner of his profile.

Start the New Year with a New Friend

Some pups are starting the new year in a shelter. These pups were seized in a recent rescue investigation and either need new homes, or temporary foster homes.

If you can help foster, or would like to give them a good home, please contact the Jethro's Place rescue.

Click on the link above to see more of these hopeful sweeties.

Marley and Me Author and Woodson

For those of you that have read the book, and may have seen the movie that opened yesterday, I wanted to share a story that someone forwarded me about one of the puppy "actors" that John Grogan (author of Marley and Me) adopted from the set.

Also, take the time to visit the American Humane site and read about how the film makers are helping to make a difference.

Remember, while Marley in the movie may be cute and cuddly, as Mr. Grogan has found, puppies require a lot of love, patience, training, money, and TIME. Some puppies also need more care than others, especially those with special needs. Make sure that you are prepared to make a commitment to this life that you bring into your home, and make sure that you have what it takes to allow unconditional love into your heart.

Broken Puppy Needs Your Help

Eastern Washington Siberian Husky Rescue has a 4-month-old Siberian husky puppy in Colville, WA, that was found on the highway yesterday. He has 2 broken legs, one front and one back. The vet thinks he probably fell out of a pickup rather than being hit because there was no "road rash" as if he'd been rolled. There are 2 breaks in each leg, both bones. One left and one right. His legs have to be pinned, and it's going to cost $1600. The rescue has a foster home for him while he recuperates, but really need help to raise funds for his surgery. No one has filed a report on a missing puppy.

The rescue (a non-profit) has a paypal account on their website, and there's a "make a donation" at the top of the page. They are a non-profit 501(c)3 Siberian husky Rescue. There is also an account set up with the vet through Colville Pet Rescue. The vet is:

Chewelah Vet Clinic
PO Box 29
Chewelah WA 99109
509 935-6424
For: Spirit Puppy -Colville Pet Rescue/EWSR

We know that money is tight, but if you can spare a dollar or two to help this poor pup get better, every little bit helps.

Ingredient Change Alert - Rescue Remedy

For those of you that use Rescue Remedy for your dogs, please be advised that they have changed the ingredients in their Pastilles (the candy version) to include Xylitol.

For those of you who don't know, Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is being added to more products every day. Xylitol is POISONOUS to dogs.

Bach now has a Web site specifically for pets, so please use this site to order your Rescue Remedy.

If you purchase Rescue Remedy from any other source, read the ingredients carefully! Xylitol is an INACTIVE ingredient, so read ALL of the ingredients, not just the active ingredients.

Also check the ingredients of any over the counter medications, such as children's Benedryl, cough medicines, etc. for the ingredient before giving it to your dog.

For more information on the toxicity of Xylitol:
Snopes
ASPCA
Mar Vista Vet

Iams Homes 4 the Holidays

Felicity Huffman, Iams and thousands of others are on a mission to save the lives of 1 million pets this holiday season.
Please join us in supporting the Homes 4 the Holidays drive to give 1 million deserving pets a loving home for the holidays.

Visit their Web site and learn how you can help!

Amputation

If your pup is facing an amputation, or you just need help and advice from those experienced in amputation and what it means for your dog, the BEST resource around is the Tripawds site.

A lot of people consider amputation to be worse than death for their active pup, but trust me, dogs are better able to adapt a LOT better than humans when it comes to amputation because they have three other legs to support them.

The majority of dogs who have an amputation adapt amazingly well to life on three legs and can do what they use to do with four.

For some inspiring stories of dogs that don't know they lost a leg, or two, visit the sites below:

Tripawds (support, advice, and inspirational stories)

Faith the two-legged dog

Dominic the two legged greyhound video below

Chinook could use your help (updated)

To donate to Chinook's medical expenses, you can donate through Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (SOAR), or send funds to:

Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (SOAR)
c/o Jan Paquete,
14 Bingham Rd.,
Brampton, ON Canada L6V 2K1

See below for Chinook's story, scroll toward the bottom for updated pictures of Chinook after his surgery.

Some good samaritans came across a Siberian Husky that had been laying on the side of the road in Ontario Canada. He had been hit by a car and lay on the road overnight in the cold, but despite his injuries, was a calm darling, accepting water from the strangers. More good samaritans came and the Animal Control took him to a shelter.

The shelter staff were not prepared to treat this stoic pup, who needed surgery to treat his injuries, nor did they have the funds to pay for the surgery or subsequent care. Amazingly enough, his owners were found.

Chinook is the beloved 13 year old companion to a couple, who escaped when workers moved his tie-out and failed to re-secure him properly.

His owners' story is about as amazing and sad as his. The wife used to be a nurse and was hit and run by a drunken driver. She's had 9 surgeries and is in wheel chair. The last surgery was a two weeks ago and they called her today for spinal fusion surgery tomorrow in Toronto. She canceled it. Her husband worked at the practice of law but is now disabled as he had a brain aneurism two years ago. While he was in hospital, his mother died. Not long after, they both lost their fathers.

Chinook has been their Rock of Gibralter and instrumental to them both in getting them through their own difficulties. They adore him and have had him since he was a pup, when the wife saw him being beaten, intervened and saved him. They are new to our area and have no support network.

The good samaritan who found the first couple giving him water by the side of the road has offered to help them as liason and called her own vet for more information on treatment of Chinook's injuries. Her vet generously donated 34 minutes of her lunch hour to give her the skinny on who could do this and what the procedure was, etc.

The owners do NOT want to surrender him. Their particular concern is that he's so bonded to them he won't do well in Rescue. They want to proceed and have a local vet who does do orthopedics do the surgery for the dislocated hip. He's scheduled to be transferred to the Animal Hospital that does the surgery. My vet said they are the best for this in our area, so he should be in good hands.

By the way, this couple have been active in caring for and advocating for abused animals. Before his medical problems, the husband did legal work for Rescues.

Chinook had surgery to amputate 1/3 of his tail, remove a broken molar and had a femoral head ostectomy (FHO). He came through with flying colors, but is still having some pain on his left side, which will be looked into and may be nerve damage from being hit by a car. He was released to recover at his home with his loving owners and is recovering and trying to learn how to walk again. His progress has been remarkable and his owners are thankful for the caring and outpouring of support they and Chinook have received.


We are working with the samaritan to provide people who want to donate with a place to do so. All funds will go toward Chinook's vet care and recovery. Please check back for updates and pictures of Chinook and tales of his recovery and the recovery of his owners. Together, they can make miracles happen.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SLED DOG RESCUE AUCTION HAS STARTED!

The Northern California Sled Dog Rescue eBay auction is starting, and they have tons of great stuff, including an ipod!

Please bid often and high! Their adoption coordinator takes all Northern Breed dogs regardless of age or medical problems, unless they are vicious, so we need lots of money to make them well and find their forever homes :-)

They will be adding stuff for the next week or so, but most will be up by tomorrow night. Great source for Christmas gifts! Thanks in advance for your generosity! PLEASE CROSS POST!

Click here to go to the auction and begin bidding for a good cause!

Hydrocephalus in Pets

There's a wonderful new Website created by Baby Love's mom that gives wonderful and educational information on Hydrocephalus in pets.

If you need to know about this condition, I highly recommend this site, from someone who lived and loved a very special dog with the condition.

Hydrocephalus in Pets

Special Needs Husky needs home or foster spot

Hi everyone, my name is Balto, yes, like the famous sled dog. I'm 8 years old and have a small problem... like some humans, I'm a diabetic. My former family couldn't take proper care of me when they found out that I will require two shots of insulin a day. Its not that big of a deal really, just a poke in the morning and poke at night, I don't mind them at all, but it was just too much for my old family at the moment.

I'm only 54 pounds, and I'm hungry and thirsty all the time because I just started my insulin shots, but I feel a lot better already and pretty soon I'll just be a normal dog that needs shots every day and a caring person to monitor my sugar levels. Oh, and did I mention that because of my diabetes, my eyes don't work as well as they use to. Yeah, I'm a bit of a mess, but trust me, if you give me a nice warm house to live in, and just give me two little shots a day and a good balanced meal, I'll make a nice foot warmer for you, and probably give you some kisses.

Even if you can only take me in temporarily, just until my new family finds me, I would appreciate getting out of this uncomfortable shelter.

If you think you'd like to care for me forever, or if you can keep me for a while until someone else falls in love with me, why don't you contact The Center for Animal Health & Welfare and ask for Barb. Tell her Balto wants to hang out with you.

Thanks in advance, hope to sniff you soon.