October 2010 Archives

This emaciated, super sweet boy came in to rescue 2 weeks ago from a high kill NC shelter. Last night he bloated with torsion and had to be rushed to the Mount Pleasant emergency vet where he underwent surgery immediately. He is there for the next 24 hours under observation as he had rather severe necrosis of the stomach, as well as having his spleen removed. He is such a happy, loving soul with many caring people pulling for him.

Marmaduke has been through much neglect in his 6 years, but is such an example of unconditional love and trust, that we simply had to undertake these heroic, lifesaving measures.

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Long overdue update on Junior...

The end of the summer we took Junior in for a 2nd opinion to a specialist in Mt. Pleasant. Dr. Henri Bianucci of Veterinary Surgical Care recommended doing FHO's (Femoral Head Ostectomy) on both hips at once and gave us a generous rescue discount. He suggested doing the surgery right away, even though we had only raised just over half of the money so far for Junior's treatment. VSC kept Junior and did his surgery the very next day.

The surgery went really well and Junior did great! Junior improved so quickly in recovery, that he was able to come home a day earlier than expected. He came home wobbly, like a newborn deer, but really started enjoying his new pain free hips. He had specific instructions to get up and start exercising not that long after surgery. We've been working with him on his physical therapy and his hyperactive sister, Dakota, is doing her part to speed his recovery! Junior's sister used to have to go easy on him while playing. Lately Junior has given her a run for her money.

We are all so happy this has had such a great result for Junior. Before surgery, he would push up on his front legs to get on his couch, then tilt towards his head and lower his back end down carefully. Now he leaps onto the couch. Junior used to wrestle and play very carefully, not using or moving his back legs much at all. Yesterday I saw him leap sideways to attack his sister in play. He landed purposely on his side and continued his roll onto his back. It looked like a movie stunt! Junior is finally able to be the puppy he could never be before his surgery!

This was an expensive treatment for a young Lab mix, but no dog could have been more deserving of it than he was. Junior lives in a foster home where dozens of other foster dogs come through and then get adopted. He was always treated like a king and started acting like one, but a kind gentle ruler. He helps care for many of the young pups and plays with or licks them. He has disciplined some over active young dogs with a look or a little growl and done a better job at calming a new pack member than a lot of people could do. He is the best caretaker I have ever seen.

We couldn't have done it without all the wonderful donations sent in for Junior. We are still raising money to finish covering the cost, and are so thankful to everyone that has helped so far. Junior would like to thank all the wonderful people that have helped and cared for him. He is one happy pup!