Thanks from Octavia

I've borrowed my foster family's computer so that I could thank everyone. If you were here I would cover you all in the kisses that we puppies are known for. After my visit to Southpaws yesterday (which is a great place by the way - the nicest people), I realized how lucky I really am. When I was originally rescued (paws up to Steph!) with my siblings, we were so happy - we had nothing to worry about. We were with our amazing foster family in South Carolina. Kristin and Brian took such good care of us and even took us to work with them. They say I am well socialized, whatever that means, but I know I love everyone I meet. Not to brag but I think that I was their favorite.





As I got bigger, I noticed my elbows starting to look kind of funny - different than my siblings who all got adopted. They don't hurt or slow me down but the doctor said I need surgery to fix the problem. He said I am going to be in casts on both of my front legs and will have to have a second surgery to take some pins out. From what I was able to hear from my new foster family (they were whispering), not all dogs are lucky enough to have the surgery. I'm not sure what happens to those dogs but from the look on my foster mom's face, it can't be good. Apparently the surgery is pretty expensive. I don't know why we can't just give the doc a bone or a tennis ball. Both make me so happy my whole body wags.





So it turns out I am a VERY lucky dog. With the help of people like you, Lucky Dog has committed to getting me the help I need so I can live a long, pain-free, life. Afterall, I am only 13 weeks old. I have many squirrels to chase, bones to bury and kisses to give. Oh - and as much as I love my foster family - I am looking for my forever home. So anyway, thanks again for helping me get my surgery! I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Love, Octavia

Estimate for Octavia's Surgery

We just got the estimate for Octavia's first (of 2) surgeries..... it will range between $4,300 and $4,700!! Please spread the word about this great puppy and her needs!!!!

OCTAVIA NEEDS SURGERY!

Two days ago, I got a call from our vet about one of our black lab puppies. The news was not great. Octavia has carpus valgus, a condition in which the bones in her feet do not grow properly.

The good news is the condition is treatable. The bad news is the treatment is surgery. The worse news is that both legs need to have surgery simultaneously.... and that there will be a second, follow up to remove the pins put in her legs in an effort to realign her bones.

SURGERY IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 11th!!

See Octavia in her TV debut on Fox 5 news: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/pet_page/pet-project-lucky-dog-animal-rescue-010212

Sebastian's ears are healing

Poor Sebastian in his cone of shame! His ears are slowly healing -- and his buzz cut is growing back. There was an incredibly bad infection of MRSA deep within his ears -- which has been a struggle to get under control. But, boy, that Sebastian is a real trooper!!!

Please help us cover the ongoing costs of his medical care. Donate today!

Chief was adopted!

We are thrilled to report that Chief found a WONDERFUL home!!!!

Sebastian's Major Ear Surgery

Sebastian arrived from South Carolina with incredibly painful ears. They looked like cauliflower -- with the sides of the ear canal swollen totally shut. When we took him to the vet, we were told he probably had been suffering from chronic ear infections for most of his life! Poor Baby!!!

We brought him to a surgeon yesterday who sedated Sebastian so he could look inside the swollen canals. Once he saw the massive infection, the surgeon realized we had no choice but to remove both ear canals. The bad news is that Sebastian will never hear again. The good news is he came through surgery well and will not be in pain!!

Sebastian is a resiliant pup, and we know he is going to adjust to his new lifestyle quickly!

The hardest part, as always, is paying the bills, in this case, well over $2,000. Please donate to Sebastian's care!

Chief Gets New Legs!

Chief came to shelter in South Carolina without back feet. In fact, someone or something taken part of both back legs. Yet, despite such a horrible experience, Chief has not lost his faith in this world - or in mankind. He is a loving and affectionate dog.

This alone is amazing but it is not all that makes Chief special. Because his hind legs got sore from walking on skin that was not created to act like a foot, Chief needed something to protect his limbs. In other words, Chief needed prosthetics.

Think about what that must have seemed like to Chief. Strange things were velcroed to his legs, making them longer that he was used to and making him use muscles he didn't know he had. His gait changed. One of the "feet" sometimes lands on its side rather than flat. Everything feels strange. No one explained what was happening.

Yet, Chief has learned to walk again. (Check out his video!)

If a person went through what Chief experienced, they would have spent hours with a doctor hearing what the prosthetics would look and feel like. They would have days if not months of physical therapy learning how to properly walk again. They would be able to express their frustrations, rage against their failures, and celebrate their triumphs.

Chief has none of that. But, he walks like a champion.

Please DONATE to help us cover the costs of chief's medical care.