Wow, a lot has happened in the last 2 weeks! I went in for my hip replacement on March 2. The surgery went great! When Dr. Murphy called my foster mom to update her, he said, “Huck’s doing great, almost too great. He doesn’t know or act like he just had a major surgery.”
I was so excited to see my foster mom when she came to get me that I wiggled and whined in the waiting room. We made our way out to the car and headed home. As I walked into the house I was greeted with lots of gentle kisses from my foster brothers and sister. I think they understood what I had just been through. Once home, I slept for about 48 hours straight.
The first week was a breeze. Although, I don’t understand why I always have to have that red leash hooked up to me when I go outside. Doesn’t she see it holds me back from running and playing?!?!
Tuesday we went on a road trip back to Anderson’s corner for my first check-up. As we pulled up to the vet I started getting excited, because I knew I had so many friends inside. Well the excitement continued inside and I put on quite a show while waiting to be called back for my exam. Several people had seen my story and were thrilled to see I was doing so good…..again, almost too good. I felt like I was a celebrity!!!
Dr. Murphy checked me out and said everything looked perfect. I was healing as planned! With all the good news I don’t understand why he told my foster mom that I still have several weeks of exercise restriction (whatever that is?), and have to have that little red leash anytime I go outside. What a bummer!!! Dr. Murphy obviously doesn’t understand that there are squirrels that are trying to invade our backyard and I need to help the others protect the fence line!!
I go back in once a week for the next month and will update you on my progress! Thanks again for any donations that will help fund my expensive surgery.
2/24/13
Hello! My name is Huckleberry but they call me Huck. My foster mom says Huckleberry was a little long to call when she needed me, so she is sticking with Huck. My foster dad, well he gets confused and calls me Chuck a lot. : ) I just turned 1 in December and boy am I cute (look at my pictures)!!!
Sadly, as I was becoming a grown young man, they noticed I was walking a little funny and seemed to be in pain. My owners took me to the vet where they did x-rays. After looking at the x-rays, it was very obvious that I had horrible hip dysplasia. My family tried everything possible, but just could not afford the surgery that I desperately needed. They did the best thing for me and surrendered me to SEVA GRREAT, who agreed to take me in and have the surgery done by Dr. Murphy, who specializes in hip surgeries. My surgery is scheduled for March 2 at Anderson's Corner Animal Hospital. They were so nice to me during my intake that I'm not even afraid to go back.
Things have been going great in my new foster home! I have 2 foster brothers and 1 foster sister. We are all getting along great and they let me play with all their toys. I can tell that the toys at the bottom of the basket haven't been played with in a long time so I pull them ALL out everyday. My favorites are the bones and my foster moms fluffy slipper (OOPS, that wasn't in the basket!!) to chew on. I heard my foster mom say she needs to teach me to put my toys away when I'm done, but why would I do that when she puts them away every night before we go to bed?!?!
So, I go in soon to have my surgery. They say I will have to stay extremely calm for several weeks after surgery. I know this recovery period will be hard, but it will all be worth it when I can run and play without any pain. My surgery is estimated to cost at least $5,000, so any donations to SEVA GRREAT would be greatly appreciated. I'll send another update once I'm back home.
Talk to you soon!
Huck : )
Scoo's Final Update (October 2, 2012)
Schooner's Update for October 2, 2012 (Written by Scoo's Mom)
Dear Friends,
It is with deep sadness that I write of Scoo's passing earlier today. This last week saw many changes in Scoo's health, none of which were good. I know he wouldn't want me to dwell on the details of his quickly deteriorating health, but to let you know that he was surrounded by love as his suffering was eased by kind and caring people.
Caring for Scoo was truly an honor and a privilege. In the eight short weeks that he was with us, we watched Scoo go from being too weak to stand for more than a few minutes to being able to help his brothers patrol the perimeter and police the yard for stray tennis balls. Only during the last week did he gradually loose his zest for life and succumb to forces beyond everyone's control.
Scoo's good natured approach to whatever life brought him was an inspiration to all who knew him. Few humans would be capable of enduring the circumstances of Scoo's life with his grace, and enough optimism to be willing to trust and to love. We hope that as you read this, you'll remember that the world contains many a "Scoo" who would joyfully give you their heart in return for a helping hand.
On behalf of Scoo, we wish joy, ecstasy and bliss to all.
[Schooner's Update for September 28, 2012]
Dear Friends,
Whoa! A lot has happened since I last wrote. I'm now up to 53.9 pounds. I really think that if I hadn't been wearing my skinny collar, I'd have made the 54 pound mark. Darn, it's so hard to know what to wear these days!
Things are still going well here at Camp Puppy Nirvana. My brothers keep me company and are so considerate. They know it takes me longer to get where they're going, so they always wait on me. They also don't seem to mind that I spend more time inside with Mom than they do. I love to sleep beside her when she's working in her office. I've also decided that my favorite bedtime place is on the floor next to Dad's side of the bed. Mom says not to tell that my bed is a soft fuzzy comforter that was a Christmas gift from one of the two-legged kids. I don't know why they wouldn't want to know, but hey, she's Mom so I won't.
We made a trip into town two days ago to see my doctor. I've elevated my opinion of him since he didn't feel it was necessary to take my temperature...again. He was really concerned about why I'm not gaining weight faster. Mom mentioned that my breath had been bad for the last couple of days, and when he examined the inside of my mouth he got a funny look on his face. He and my Mom talked a lot after that and used words I'm not familiar with, like "cancer". I'm not sure what that is, but the roof of my mouth is very tender. Mom says it must be the reason why I won't pick up chew bones or sticks anymore, and why I'm not putting on more weight. I've also developed something called "Horner's Syndrome" which has caused my left lower eyelid to droop. They used the phrase "facial nerve compromised". It doesn't hurt and I can still blink, so I don't care. Frankly, I think it gives me that slightly bad boy look that chicks love, or so I'm told. Anyway, I enjoyed the car ride as usual, even though Mom made strange noises in the car on the way home and had water running down her face. I tried to cheer her up, cause that's the kind of guy I am.
And now for the really good news! Mom and Dad told me that this will be my forever home, for as long as I want to stay. Don't get me wrong, I was OK with the whole future adoption thing. I know that wherever I might have gone would have been a wonderful place filled with love. But since my brothers would miss me and my parents say it would be an honor and a privilege to care for me, who am I to disappoint them all? Mom says it's ironic (whatever that means) that she had told people any future adoptive parent would have to walk on water to get me, and that now it looks like that is proving true.
Anyway, I'll update you all on a periodic basis. Think happy thoughts for all pups everywhere and continue doing good in the world, as I know you will.
Joy, ecstasy and bliss to all, Scoo
[Schooner’s update for August 29th]
Dear Friends,
Wow, I can hardly believe I’m starting this update with those words! Only a short while ago I didn’t think I would ever have friends, much less anyone to love me or for me to love back. Now everything has changed. I’m in this wonderful place with foster parents who love on me constantly, and two foster brothers who curl up next to me for naps. There are more tennis balls and toys than we can play with, but we give it a really good try. If heaven is a comfy bed, good company, loving hands, and all the food you can eat, then I must have arrived!
My foster mom is so proud of me. I’m now eating dog food just like the other guys. My stomach is still not used to eating big meals, so she feeds me little amounts 5 times a day, followed by pieces of chicken for dessert. Although I had some difficulty at first with the whole concept of regular meals, I’m a fast learner and am really good at it now.
We went to see my doctor today. Everyone there is very nice to me, so I make sure to stand still and be a perfect gentleman while I’m examined…even when they insist on taking my temperature...again. Hey, what’s up with that anyway? They also checked to make sure that those awful hookworms are gone. Thank goodness they are, since I don’t really need to share my food with them!
Now for the best news of all: I have gained 1 pound in the last two weeks! This may not seem like much to you, but my doctor says that it is fairly common for those in my condition. I think my body has forgotten how to use food, so any weight gain is a good sign. As I said before, I’m a fast learner so I expect to start putting on the pounds soon. This is real important because my doctor wants me to have more weight and muscle before they start heartworm treatment.
Oh, one final bit of news. I’ve decided that July 30th will be my new birthday since that’s when my life began anew. A big tail wagging “Thank You” to everyone in SEVA GRREAT for giving me a new start in a happy life!
Joy, Ecstasy and Bliss to All
Scoo
July 30 – The Day Schooner's Life Changed
I'll never forget the day we got the email... "There was an older golden in a rural shelter in NC who was given up by his owners because he had heartworms, but overall healthy." Of course we were going to take him! I was able to meet the transporter the next day. As I waited for her to arrive at our meeting point, I expected it to be a normal transfer: getting the dog, signing the paperwork, taking him home for a nice bath and then into the vet for updated shots, before going to his foster home. When Schooner was lifted out of the van, my heart stopped and tears instantly started falling from my eyes. This was not your normal transport. Schooner was an older fella, who hardly had enough strength to stand. As I ran my hand over his bony body, which was covered in ticks and matted fur, he looked up at me and smiled. Little did this older guy know, but from this day forward, his life was about to change.
It was very obvious he was not going to jump in my Jeep, so I bent down to lift the "full size" golden, expecting to struggle a little. I was able to lift him up easier than I lift my little 7 month old foster puppy. Of course, the tears started flowing again. We started our trip to my house, where I planned on giving him a bath before heading into the vet. He made it through the bath, but the weight of the water brought him to the ground. So again, there were more tears. After towel drying, he got up and stumbled out towards the back of my yard, almost like he was on a mission. I followed to find him scanning the ground. He perked up quickly as he spotted the first tennis ball. This was the first time I got a smile on my face since picking him up. No matter how neglected he was, he still loved his tennis balls. Within 3 minutes, Schooner had managed to get not one, but two tennis balls in his mouth! He stared up at me with a proud look on his face.
After the bath, it was off to the vet. Based on his health condition, he had to enter through their isolation entrance. Once the vet did her initial check-up, she couldn't guarantee me that he would make it. He was unneutered, and the blood tests showed he had horrible heartworms, Ehrlichia, Lyme disease, and hookworms. The vet also did x-rays, which would let us know what his future would hold. Just like the tennis balls, these x-rays brought a smile to our faces, as they assured us that there weren't any masses or internal issues. We headed home from the vet with his bag of medications and orders to put some weight on. We also needed to find the perfect foster home for him to remain in for the long road ahead.
Schooner is now in his foster home where he will be gaining weight eating all the great food his foster mom is making him, playing with tennis balls and taking things day by day. It will be a while before he can even start his heartworm treatment due to his poor health condition. The heartworm treatment alone is very costly and takes 2-3 months to treat. Please consider donating to SEVA GRREAT in honor of Schooner, and follow his updates on our Facebook page and newsletter.
Hi, my name is Blondie and I am a foster dog in the SEVA GRREAT program. I had a great day at the park on Friday...they were trying to take pictures of me for this story but I just didn't want to hold still...it was just too nice of a day to not celebrate life. Even though I am pretty tired now, I want to tell you a little bit about me.
I am about 9 months old now and I have been with my foster parents (who are awesome, by the way!) since July 2011 when my previous owners left me at the vets office after they decided that they couldn't afford my care. I was pretty scared at the time. First of all, I was alone because none of my litter mates survived, but I was also very ill myself and very close to death. At that time, SEVA GRREAT took me into their program and agreed to help me with my condition of juvenile diabetes which is a rare condition and something I was unfortunately born with.
Not a lot of people know much about juvenile diabetes but it is a very tough disease to control for a pup my age. I get insulin shots everyday...which I don't particularly like but have gotten used to. As a pup, it gets tough to control as I grow by leaps and bounds, but my vet does a great job in helping me. Although I like my regular vet and internist, I see them WAY more than I want to...every 2-3 weeks, I hang out at the Emergency Care Clinic for 36 hours at a time while they run a bunch of glucose tests and make sure my insulin dosage is correct. Typically, a glucose level of 250 is high for a dog and my average is 450-675. I keep telling my foster mom that it is because I am so sweet and she agrees! However, I guess I still need to get my sweetness under control since I take insulin shots twice a day and will remain on them for the rest of my life. The good news is that because I am such a good girl, I have recently started responding to the insulin and my glucose levels have been coming down-HOORAY! The bad news is that because of this darn diabetes, I have developed cataracts that will need to be removed before I turn a year old but I am hoping that this will at least earn me some extra love and attention and I bravely face this new challenge!!
I can't complain because my foster parents give me plenty of love and attention and boy, do I enjoy that! I have to admit, not only am I adorable, but I am really sweet, gently, and calm for a pup my age. I have to admit, I do have a soft spot for kids and love to cuddle with them. However, make no mistake, I am no cupcake...because I get such good care, I do have my puppy energy and can hold my own against by foster siblings and play hard! I can't wait to see who I will be with in my forever home...hint, as I get older and my condition stabilizes, I will be available for adoption!!
I am so grateful that SEVA GRREAT has taken such good care of me, but I know it is a financial stress on the organization since my vet bills run about $1000 per month. The SEVA GRREAT supporters in the past have been so generous and have made contributions to Gracie's Fund, which was established to care for dogs like me, but I seem to be doing a number on that fund and there is not a lot left in it. I would really appreciate it if you would donate to Gracie's Fund to help me continue to improve and also to support other dogs in the SEVA GRREAT program who have special needs at http://www.adoptagolden.com. It is people like you who will help me become the great dog that I know I can be as I look into my future!
Happy New Year Everyone!! What a whirlwind the past couple of months have been. I had my surgery November 21 and the surgery was successful. Thanks to all the Doctors and staff at Anderson's Corner. However, my recovery has been a very tumultuous time for me. Can't a girl catch a break!! I think I may be part cat because I have cheated death more than nine times. I keep bumping into things and popping my stitches open because I am so skinny. I have been to the Doctor more times than I can count to re-stitch my incision. That really interferes with my ball chasing and tormenting my foster brother Cheney. The Doctors have tried a variety of things to help heal the incision including additional surgery and my all-time favorite, increasing my food to put on additional weight. Thanks Dr. T.
On the brighter side, I have adjusted well to being a "tri-pawed". My posture and gait are much better and I don't drag my side on the ground anymore. After the surgery, my foster parents can easily express my bladder and I don't have to wear those silly diapers as much. Please keep me in your prayers as I strive to overcome this latest obstacle and fully recover. Hopefully, by the next update, the only mention of stitches will be the ones I keep my foster family in with my love of life and antics. Until next time....
Lucy Looney
August 7, 2011
Greetings again from Lucy, who wants to provide an update...
Hi everyone. I really appreciate your support in getting me the help I need to recover from my stroke. I have completed my initial therapy at PAWS, and am doing wonderfully in my foster home. They have noticed that I can hold my bladder for longer periods of time, which is good news. While my incontinence is not 100% under control yet, it is very manageable. I am great with BMs as long as I keep to a schedule, but that's enough talk about the bathroom for now! Have I mentioned how much I love to swim? Check out my latest video, on vacation with my family at the Albemarle Sound.
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My foster family feels water therapy is going to be the key to my recovery, so they give me as much opportunity to swim as possible. I should be having a follow-up appointment at PAWS in the next couple of weeks to decide what we need to do next for my care. But I'm working hard at getting better, and I love every second of it. Everyone that meets me is amazed at how happy I am, despite "my disability". But I don't look at it that way, and I am determined to have fun. So thanks for all your support and encouragement so far, and please watch for updates.
Lucy
(video updated - 3 July 2011)
June 25, 2011
Lucy says hello after her first week of rehabilitation/therapy……… she currently goes on Mondays and Thursdays, and stays all day so she can receive multiple therapies without tiring her out. She LOVES going to PAWS in Virginia Beach, as everyone there is so sweet to her. It looks like she had GRREAT sessions this week. Check out her videos below, as she learns about the underwater treadmill that will hopefully help her regain strength and muscle mass in her hips/rear legs. Her devoted foster family is also learning exercises to continue at home. While Lucy faces a long road to recovery and may still ultimately need to have her left rear leg amputated, she is the happiest girl!!
Please consider making a donation to help with her care, and we look forward to sharing updates. And for more information about her awesome friends at PAWS, please visit their website at www.pawsforrehab.com.
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(video updated - 3 July 2011)
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Lucy made a special appearance at the beach on Thursday (16 Jun 11), and met many of her SEVA GRREAT friends and supporters (both human and canine)!! She amazed everyone with her spirit and determination. Lucy loves to swim and chase tennis balls in the water, even when the surf is a little rough. She will start her physical therapy at PAWS next week, so be sure to follow her progress!!
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No, not “that” Lucy……but SEVA GRREAT’s very own Lucy !!!!!
Lucy came to SEVA GRREAT on May 25th, when her owners realized they could not provide the care she needed to try and get better. Suddenly one day in March, she developed paralysis in her rear legs, particularly the left. After an overnight stay at the Emergency Vet, it was felt that she most likely had suffered a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) or “spinal stroke”. While some dogs with this condition improve over several weeks to months, Lucy’s condition did not get better and she found her way to SEVA GRREAT. After 2 months of very poor mobility, she had developed open sores on her hips and tail. Her foster family quickly learned that she also had urinary incontinence, partially due to the stroke but also a urinary tract infection. This has improved dramatically with treatment for the UTI, and Lucy now “dribbles” only with excitement. While she walks OK on 3 legs, her left rear leg usually swings limply beneath her. Yet this happy 2 year -old girl doesn’t let it get the best of her golden spirit. She adores her foster family and aims to please! They have already learned that Lucy loves to swim, and as you can see from her pictures she is always smiling!
Based on the recommendation of Dr. Silverstone, we arranged a rehabilitation consult for Lucy at Pet Alternative Wellness Solutions (PAWS) in Virginia Beach. Lucy’s new friends at PAWS spent 2 hours evaluating her condition and getting to know her. While she may never regain use of her left rear leg and might ultimately require amputation, she will definitely benefit from physical therapy to improve her core strength and help with muscle atrophy. So we plan to start a 6-week session of physical therapy (both at PAWS and through home exercise), to include Massage, Therapeutic Exercises, Acupuncture, Underwater Treadmill, Laser Therapy, and Neuromuscular Stimulation.
Lucy’s treatment will be very expensive, so we’ll need your help to give her the special care she needs. Please consider making a donation on Lucy’s behalf, and we look forward to sharing updates on this special girl’s progress!
When Sat May 18, 2013 10am – 3pm Eastern Time Where Tractor Supply Company, 6499 Market Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061 Join us in a new location to meet some our adoptable Goldens and learn more about becoming involved with SEVA GRREAT!! TSC loves pets, and you and your Golden will love to come shopping. We […]
We are off to another GRREAT start but are still in need of more pictures for next year’s calendar. Deadline for submission is June 15th. Look through your digital pictures and find the cutest picture you have. It could be seasonal (we really need Valentine’s Day, Spring, and Patriotic pictures) or you dog doing something […]
Saturday, May 11 • 10 am – 3 pm at MOUNT TRASHMORE PARK It’s a day for the dogs as they compete in the 2013 Hyperflite Skyhoundz® Local Competition, canine disc contest, 21st Annual Dog-Gonest Dog Show and the Agility Course. Enjoy canine-related product and service exhibits, rescue organizations, and canine demonstrations. SEVA GRREAT and […]
[Schooner's Update for September 28, 2012]
I'll never forget the day we got the email... "There was an older golden in a rural shelter in NC who was given up by his owners because he had heartworms, but overall healthy." Of course we were going to take him! I was able to meet the transporter the next day. As I waited for her to arrive at our meeting point, I expected it to be a normal transfer: getting the dog, signing the paperwork, taking him home for a nice bath and then into the vet for updated shots, before going to his foster home. When Schooner was lifted out of the van, my heart stopped and tears instantly started falling from my eyes. This was not your normal transport. Schooner was an older fella, who hardly had enough strength to stand. As I ran my hand over his bony body, which was covered in ticks and matted fur, he looked up at me and smiled. Little did this older guy know, but from this day forward, his life was about to change.
