Dr. Webb with O'Malley
Lisa, the vet tech.
Singer-Songwriter
Rj Cowdery pictured
with Karen & O'Malley.
From Ron and Cindy, O'Malley's foster Dad/Mom.
Update O'Malley's "2 weeks after surgery" appointment with Dr Webb at Medvet went very well. His left eye is looking a lot better. She said the cloudiness, on a scale of 1 (very good) to 10 (very bad), went from an 8 last week to a 2 today. He is also more classy looking, losing the duct taped e-collar. He pranced out of Medvet so proudly! It was nice to see him eat and drink when we got home without the e-collar in the way. He is now a normal dog!!
Dr Webb wants him to be checked again in 4 - 6 weeks. He now has 5 eye drops 3 times a day. That's a big improvement from what we were doing, both for us and O'Malley.
Update Dr. Webb said he's doing really good. This was his first check-up after surgery. He has another appt. on the 29th and will get to take the collar off!
Update O'Malley's left eye was cloudier than it was yesterday and Friday and the cloudy part was bulging out a little, so we took him to Medvet. The vet called Dr Webb and they said it wasn't too serious but it was good that we brought him so they could give us another eye drop and an ointment to get rid of the cloudiness and bulging and prevent it from getting worse. We got there at around 10:30 and left at around 2:00. O'Malley is feeling good and the eye doesn't seem to bother him. It bothers us more than it does him.
Update We picked O'Malley up at around 5 yesterday and got all the post surgery instructions and particulars about the surgery. Dr Webb was able to remove the cataracts but not able to implant lenses. Therefore, he will be farsighted. The reason was because his eyes are so small. She compared them to a ferret's eyes. They didn't have lenses that small to implant. That's ok, we can read the fine print to him!! When we walked outside at Medvet, he just stopped in his tracks and looked around at everything. It was priceless!
He doesn't like his E-collar but it absolutely has to stay on for 2 weeks. He slept fine with it.
Update He's going tomorrow, Friday, July 16, for his surgery. The people at MedVet say he will be able to see as soon as he wakes up! He'll be wearing a cone for 2 weeks to protect the very delicate sutures in his eyes and have 4 types of eye drops given 5 minutes apart every 6 hours, also for 2 weeks.
Our 1st Yappy Hour was a howling success. The evening was dedicated to raising money for O'Malley, who needs eye surgery to restore his vision. Three Dog Bakery graciously provided yappetizers for the precious pups and Cotter's provided the delicious hor d'oeuvres and incredible patio.
Rj Cowdery's beautiful voice was enjoyed by all. A big thank you to Monica Day from NBC 4, Cotter's, Reed and staff for their outstanding service and to Three Dog Bakery for making the evening even more special for the dogs. There is no question, our furry friends knew it was all about them.... they were all so well behaved and the look on their faces was priceless. Look for future Yappy Hours!
$1,500 raised so far
Rj Cowery helps raise over $1000 for O'Malley's eye surgery.
-Helen Cullison
-
$500 has been donated in loving memory of Oliver, beloved best friend of Pam Dickey. Thanks to Pam's co-workers at Nationwide (from all over the country) for their thoughtful gesture to honor Oliver's beautiful, loving and gentle spirit by helping another pooch have a good life.
Bugsy
Um, Hi everyone this is Bugsy. This is my first posting on FB and I'm kinda nervous... but guess what? I can see the keys to type. Wanna know how? It's because you gave me new eyes yesterday... I can see... I can really, really see!! I just wanted you to know how much I love you and how much I love my new eyes :-)
I re...ally, really, really love you guys - I really do! Thank you!!!! See ya round! Bugys
Bugsy
How could somebody stick this cute face inside a box – close the lid and leave him outside the door at the shelter at night?
Well they did – and I guess it’s a good thing
they did because that’s how I met Bugsy.
When you talk to Bugsy his funny little face is so focused on your every word... his head tilting from side to side. I am constantly amazed at how so much personality and love could be packed into his little body. It’s like the world is Bugsy’s toy box. He LOVES and plays with Dylan the naughty cat – they are BFF! Bugs is great with dogs and really enjoys a hard bone to chew on - “chomp-chew-grrrrrr (tail waggin”/big smile) chomp-grrrr!” Such a little clown! So entertaining – he’s a crowd pleaser! EXCELLENT cuddle buddy!
So now Bugsy is livin’ the good life now – never having to worry about being shoved in a box and abandoned again. Besides finding him a new forever home – we’d really like to do one more thing for Bugsy. You see because Bugsy is so cute, smart and funny and doesn’t let anything get him down – you’d never know he only has partial vision. With your help we want to fix that for him. Bugsy needs surgery for his cataracts. The vet feels that with this surgery, Busy will be able to see again.
The cost of his surgery is $2950 (this includes a discount). We already have a pledge of $1,000 and need to raise the balance of $1,950.
Cost of surgery is $2950
We have a pledge of $1,000 and hope to raise the balance of
$1,950.
Thanks to those listed below who
are helping us help Bugsy.
$1245 raised so far.
Bugsy's Buddy's
-Denise Goldstein
-Othela Zag
-Jane Detchen
-Rob Ricer & John Wilson
-Gary & Judy Barnhart
Lt Dan
Before Surgery After Surgery on both legs
May 12, after his 2nd surgery.
Look at that smile.
Danny and his girlfriends after his 2nd surgery.
These are the fabulous staff at MedVet.
April 20, skin scrape
Below, after cast removal from 1st surgery
March 29, 2010
Bandage Change
The picture above and below are from
March 15, 2010. Do dogs smile?
6/14/10 Dan's second cast on his right leg came off today! He came out from the MedVet exam room with Dr. Barnhart - walking. Limping, going slow, but the little dude was walkin'! Dr. Barnhart said the leg is healing nicely and the follow up xrays look good...but low activity for the next two weeks and we have another visit scheduled with MedVet for two weeks from today.
Dan is a huge success story, no matter what happens long term with his legs. He's evolved from a weak little wallflower to a healthy pup blossoming with natural curiosity and intelligence. Every day he explores something new - today for the first time he sat up and watched out the car windows as we drove him to the vet. Now he sits at the front door waiting for his turn to walk with the pack. Yup, normal dog stuff.
5/12/10 Dan likes the cast on his right leg just fine. He's trying to run, jump and play. He likes to chase his brother and the cats. For the first time he can keep up! We are having a bit of a challenge restricting his activity. Dan-o gets these energy spurts where, if you try to stop him, he just falls on the ground and wiggles around doing the bacon. And he's constantly smiling, which is cracking us up. He is obviously happy and ready for two new legs. Then, watch out, world!
May 7, 2010 Lt. Dan is back home! The surgery on his right leg went great! He is on pain meds and an antibiotic and is resting on his bed at the moment. The girls at MedVet all cooed over Danny on his way out the door. When we made it in the house, his brother Bubba smelled him all over and licked his face. More of the same with our other dogs. Just like last time, Danny peed for a long time and pooped right away as soon as he got in the grass. (TMI, I know, sorry!) We have a bandage change on 5/10. All is well.
May 3, 2010 Lt. Dan is scheduled for surgery on his right leg on Thursday 5/6/10 am. Last week Dan visited the new Ohio State University Canine Rehabilitation Department. He saw Dr. Hettlich who was excellent. They spent 45 minutes evaluating him and then came out and spent another 30 answering our questions. We had hoped that this new canine rehab department could find some cutting edge ways to strengthen Danny's core - meaning, just like with a human with a flabby belly - we had hoped to find a way to exercise and strengthen his mid section and the rest of him before we did his second surgery.
We discovered that our good boy Danny potentially has elbow dysplasia and the tendons in his front toes are pretty weak and stretched. Since dogs put 60% of their weight on their front legs, this is a concern. They recommended a course of swimming for Dan as a way to strengthen the rest of his little body. They also were very pleased with the leg that Dr. Barnhart had operated on. It's much straighter and Dan is doing better at using it.
So, long story short, we've scheduled his second surgery. We are also considering a full body harness (like the Help Em Up Harness or RuffWear) for down the road. We are also looking at those kiddie pools from Odd Lots (the slightly deeper ones - Dan is just a little guy and would be able to swim in the bigger pools). In the meantime, he is busy barking at visitors to our house, playing in the grass and obsessing over the kitties. Normal dog stuff. For Dan, every day is a new day, full of puppy adventures.
April 20, 2010 Today Danny went for a skin scraping at the Gahanna Animal Hospital. The vet had a hard time finding a bare patch of skin to do the test on - which is a really good sign. And...the mites are gone! We are starting his weekly baths again just to stay on the safe side and we will finish up five more days of his mange meds. But we are looking good! AND he weighs 35 pounds which is incentive for me to stop carrying his big bootie around and encourage him to walk more on his new leg! After the vet visit we stopped at the library where I paid for the book Bubba Gump ate (Lt. Dan's brother). Oops! Then Dan and I went to visit Noah's Too in Gahanna. They went crazy over Dan - the staff came out and fell on the floor loving on him.
April 12, 2010 Drum roll, please...Dan's cast is off his left leg!!! Dr. Barnhart did xrays with his team at MedVet today and they are very pleased with Dan's progress. Lt. Dan immediately started walking around and licking the leg. We are going to wait two weeks to let him adjust and then schedule surgery on the right leg. We are to encourage Dan to use the leg, but not to over do it. Through all this, Dan has remained patient and sweet. He is an exceptionally mellow, good guy and everyone loves him.
March 29, 2010 We had another bandage change today and I got to actually see the leg with the cast off. It's healing beautifully and is much straighter now. We are so impressed with the staff at MedVet. They really love this puppy and it's actually fun to take him in each week to see Danny's friends.
We've had Lt. Dan for about a month. He's grown to be about 30 pounds and is catching up to his brother nicely. This week he discovered the cats! Danny is much more mobile and we are hard pressed to keep him from chasing them - or anything else that gets his attention. He loves bones and stuffed squeaky toys. He also likes to lie on a blanket outside in the warm sun on nice days while I work in the flowers. He doesn't like to be by himself and if I leave him in the living room and go to my office, pretty soon I hear the clump clump of his cast - that's Dan stumping over to come see what I'm doing.
March 15, 2010 Lt. Dan's stitches are out! He went for bandage change #3 today and MedVet is very happy with his progress. Dan is spending his time lounging on his bed, playing with his brother Bubba, getting carried in/out of the house for potties and getting scratches and rubs from the variety of visitors he's had over the last week. He has started interacting with the other dogs more. Our greyhound just loves the puppies and when he takes off running, Danny watches from his bed in the yard while his brother Bubba stretches his stubby legs to give chase - but never catch. Danny has really started playing with toys. This is new behavior for him - before we don't think he hardly understood what stuffed animals were for. Now he knows!
March 11, 2010 Bubba is in preschool today. He knows sit (yes, but does he choose to do it?) - sort of. He likes to chase the toy, bring it to me and then sit down. He also likes to go thru the doggie tunnel (like the tunnel they use in agility). He LOVES BB the giant greyhound and chases him around the yard. Bubba also chews on BB's muzzle which BB likes. A lot! Bubba is doing well on leash walking. He is really smart. REALLY!
Danny Boy is getting fat. His coat looks good - and we haven't bathed him in a week. He is coming alive! Both pups have started playing with toys - before they didn't know what to do with them. Danny got to visit Noah's Too today and they made us leave him there while we went to breakfast. They love both the boys, but clearly have a sweet spot for Dan-o. All the clients that came in while we were there knew all about Dan - and I guess they've been good about sending donations, too! My niece's neighbor in Findlay, OH is letting us borrow a red wagon for Dan. I am beginning the process of introducing him to it so he can go for walks with his brother Bubba. Dan is getting around really well now on his cast (he ran across the yard yesterday before I could grab him!). Bandage change #2 on 3/15.
Both puppies let me sleep now from 11 pm to 5 am. Thank the the Puppy Gods!
March 8, 2010 Lt Dan took a trip to MedVet today to have his first weekly bandage change. He has a pretty blue cast now. MedVet made several more "boots" to go over the cast. They're made out of 1/2 of an IV bag and slips right on. This is good because we are officially in mud season! Dan has gained some weight and they tell us his leg is looking very good inside that cast. Lt Dan can hobble around but with the cast his left leg is now about an inch longer than his crooked right leg, which makes Dan tilt to the right when he tries to walk. Like the trooper that he is, he has been great about going potty outside. However he wants to play terribly and gets bored and frustrated. His brother, Bubba Gump, has been serving as playmate - but their play has to be carefully supervised as Dan is not allowed to play rough. So Dan is chewing bones and playing with squeaky toys...then he naps...then goes potty...then plays some more...just like a typical puppy, but minus the running around.
Friday March 5, 2010 We picked Lt. Dan up this afternoon from the vet hospital. The staff at MedVet all love Danny Boy. Several techs seem to be fighting over adopting him. He is quite the celebrity! Five or six staff members came out to say goodbye as we left. Lt. Dan has won the hearts of MedVet - they are all talking about him. And Dan loves them all right back!
When we first saw Dan he started wiggling around and wagging his tail. Lots of kisses for everyone! He has a cast on his left leg that goes almost up to his shoulder. This makes walking even harder - one leg is now longer than the other. We bought him a harness so we can help lift his front legs and guide his walking. When we got him home he immediately peed for a very, very long time and pooped when we got him into the backyard, which, considering all the medications he's been on, is a very good sign. His brother Bubba Gump went crazy trying to play and love on him which of course is a no no for many more weeks during his rehab.
Lt. Dan is on two medicines for pain and an antiobiotic. He is also still receiving medicine for his skin and we will wrap his bandages in plastic for his Saturday night medicated bath.
Lt. Dan's first bandage change is Monday. As I write this he is lying on a pillow on the sofa, watching tv with his foster Mom and his brother, Bubba Gump.
March 4, 2010 2pm Surgery #1 Lt. Dan had his first surgery today to correct one of his front legs. Dr. Barnhart said his surgery went very well and he is waking up now. There will still be some curvature on the leg, however he will be able to place weight more appropriately. He will have a cast on the leg for the next 4-6 weeks. The cast will have to be changed every couple days to start out and then once a week as his rehabilitation progresses. Dr. Barnhart said most dogs he sees only have one front leg deformity of this type, and so poor Lt. Dan is going to have a difficult few weeks. Dr. Barnhart thinks it's possible Lt. Dan was born with this deformity and poor nutrition could have contributed to the problem. Lt. Dan will be on pain meds and antibiotics for a few days. He will continue his skin treatments, including his baths...with a little help from his foster Moms. Dr. Barnhart said Lt. Dan is winning hearts all over MedVet and he has personally forwarded the link on Dan's story to all of his family and friends. Lt. Dan will be coming home tomorrow!
March 2, 2010 Lt Dan and his brother Bubba were abandoned in Southern Ohio. They were found on the steps of a church, but the good little soldiers that they are, they stayed together and took care of each other, until they were rescued.
Lt. Dan was born with a carpal (wrist bone) deformity in each front leg causing him to bear his weight on the backside of the pastern (the part of the leg below the carpals) with his feet crooked and bending inward. His front legs are curled into an "L" so that he walks on his wrists. This deformity is not painful per se, but his mobility is limited. In addition to his leg issues, Lt. Dan suffered from skin conditions that made him very uncomfortable. His skin issues have been treated and he is much more comfortable now.
Upon arrival in Columbus, Lt. Dan and his brother were graciously welcomed at Noah’s Too boarding facility in New Albany. Mark Corner, owner, and staff member, Marie, took exceptional care of him until the perfect foster home was found. Lt. Dan and Bubba attended doggie daycare, hung around in the reception area, took naps, and received lots of attention. Noah’s Too was also instrumental in nursing Lt. Dan with his skin condition.
Lt. Dan is one of the sweetest little guys you will ever meet. Everyone that has met him is taken with his gentle and humble nature. His foster moms tell us that he is a big lover, calm, and sweet. He trusts unconditionally and goes with the flow as if he knows that the humans want to help him. What he lacks physically, he more than makes up with personality and soul. He likes to follow his brother around, but is not able to keep up with him. So he just sits there and watches his brother play with the other dogs. He enjoys being carried and can hobble around to play and potty outside. He rests a lot. He does not know he is different, he just knows his limitation.
Lt. Dan needs surgery to correct this deformity and make him more mobile. He is an 8 month old puppy and deserves a life without the challenge of immobility. Dr. Barnhart of MedVet in Columbus has determined that surgery will substantially correct this deformity. One leg will be done at a time and recovery will be about 6 weeks for each leg. MedVet has been extremely generous and was able to get the leg plates donated. However, we need to raise funds to cover the other medical costs, which will run about $4000.
Robin
and Rj, Lt Dan's foster Moms say he is very smart. He watches everything and
you can see him taking it all in. He's good with everyone and everything:
cats, the vacuum, dogs, kids, adults. He does not let his disabilities get
him down. Lt. Dan has the heart of a
survivor and his army of helpers want to help him live a life free of
physical challenges.
Please help us help him, sign-up today and join Lt. Dan’s Army.
For information about adopting Lt Dan or Bubba, please call Robin at
614-309-6148. Because Bubba's such a dominant puppy over Lt Dan, we
will be placing them to separate homes.
Donation Information
100%
of all donations will go directly to help Lt Dan. All donations are
tax deductible and you will receive a tax receipt.
To make a donation, please
visit our front page, scroll down for options on Paypal, Credit Card or
check donations.
back to donation page
www.COLUMBUSDOGCONNECTION.com
We've reached our fundraising goal to treat Lt Dan. Any extra funds
will be used
to help the next pooch in peril like Lt Dan.
Lt Dan's Army
Robin Walters & Rj Cowdery,
Mike Hailey, The Staff at MedVet,
Dr Matt Barnhart, The
Staff at Noah's Too, (Owner Mark Corner, and Jill, Tory, Marie),
Ron & Cindy Blake, Andrea Hanna, Paula Dolan, Dr James Harrison who also donated
his time
for an exam.
Sloppy puppy kisses and puppy breath to the The
Securos Company for donating his
implants !
Dr Matt
Barnhart, MedVet
Those Responsible for Giving
Lt Dan's His Legs !
Goal to
cover surgery is $4000
all money donated over
$4000 will be set aside to help the next special dog who needs expensive
medical care
Donated as of March 16, 2010
$4584.50
Thank you to the people below who have paid for Lt Dan's new legs !
Thank you !
-Megan Benedum
-Laura Chandler
-Trinka Kitchen
-Porter Wright Morris & Arthur
Employees contributing to jeans day
-Alyssa Smith-Keadey
-Stephen Johnson
-Merrin Kramer
-Tom & Toni Peters
-Pam & Don
Yarrow
-Elaine & David Schoonover
-Ron
& Cindy Blake
-Lynn
Weikel
-Kellie Massey
-John Wilson & Rob Ricer
-Laurie Straker &
Family
-Sylvia
Roddick
-Christine Brasel &
Amy Andres
-Julia
McLemore
-Mary Lilley
-Elizabeth
McNamee
-Robert &
Holly Hagerman
-Diane
Cronin
-Tom & Sue Snyder
-Julie Roberts & Mutts on the Move
-Pam Saylors
-Sadie's Fund
-Patty Hoyer
-Janet Ansley
-Kristen & Doug Everman
-Dan Lytle
-Molly Hayes
-Trinka Kitchen
-Paula & Mark Dolan
-Laura
Chandler
-Marcy
Niendam
-Stacy Swaney
-Jennifer Shaner
-Kelly & Coehn Jaeger
-Marianne Brown
-David Hague
-Othela Zag
-Eva Owen
-Denise Goldstein
-Denise Russell
-Debbie Phillips
-Matt Twombly
-Alisha Westerman
-Megan Benedum
-Kathleen Ballenger
-Rodney Sweigart
-Kevin Ricci
-Charma Huddy
-Shelly Brown
-Diana Ramsey
-Robert Ricer
-Karen Skilken
Mark Corner, Noah's Too
The caring staff at Medvet
The
Spirit of an “Almost Dead Dog”
Written by Foster
Mom Cacy Rossi
She
smelled horrible with long matted fur full of feces, long toe nails, a skin
condition, the few teeth she had were painfully rotten and she had the worst
ear infection I had ever seen. All of this, and I have not even mentioned
that she was deaf, almost blind and mammary tumors so large they were
dragging on the
ground. (Mammary tumors are common in dogs not spayed).
Even in her awful
condition, Christie Kang, Capital Area Humane Officer, could tell there was
something special about her. The Humane Society called us for
assistance. Sissy was near death but they could not bear the thought of her
never knowing love or living her final days in pain. Columbus Dog
Connection provided the much needed surgery for the mammary tumors. She was
then placed in my home to live out her life.
After the
surgery, one by one, Columbus Dog Connection provided relief for one ailment
after another until Sissy was able to smile again. You may not believe me,
but she smiled every day. We never expected her to live long. Maybe a few
weeks or a few months. People would commonly ask me how Sissy was doing.
They would always be curious to see if she had passed away yet.
I always said,
cautiously, that Sissy was doing very well but any day may be her last.
During her time with me, she lived through 2 Christmas’. She affectionately
became known as “Almost dead dog Sissy”. You may think this sounds like a
shocking name to call an elderly dog so close to the end. It was truly a
term of endearment. Everyone would be surprised and excited when I would
give updates that “Almost Dead Dog” was doing great! She defied the odds
because we were willing and able to put the time and love into her care.
Almost Dead Dog
Sissy always walked like a drunken sailor because her equilibrium was off
due to the severe ear infections. Her tongue would hang out of the side of
her mouth because she didn’t have any teeth. I think this made her even
more beautiful! You can see her smiling in the picture.
** How do we
thank a foster home like this? Columbus Dog Connection is so fortunate to
have a foster Mom like Cacy. Not only does Cacy foster homeless
dogs, but she has a hand in many other projects. Cacy always brings a smile
and her contagious enthusiasm to help the homeless dogs. We know Sissy beat
the odds because of the love she received from Cacy.
Abbot's Story
April 25, 2008
Abbot was tested and diagnosed for every
possible disease. All the tests returned back
normal, but it was quite evident that there was
something wrong with him, the
last option was
to do exploratory surgery.
The exploratory surgery revealed the following:
There was a linear stricture (which looked like a string) which started in his
upper small
intestine and ran all the way through his colon.
This resulted in his bowel
being tortous. The blood
vessels and ligaments shrank down and made a tortous route throughout his bowel,
making it difficult
for food to pass and caused vomiting. There was no physical blockage at
the time of the exploratory
surgery, it appeared
as though a string of some sort was ingested months ago and
rotted, leaving a
linear scar the length of his gut, thus a scar stricture.
The pathology report was inconclusive, it did confirm that the adhesion was very
old, the foreign body,
if any, had resolved and dissolved, and
the gut could not absorb well. There
was the possibility that the
scar could have been a result of a disease but none was found at this time.
Because his bowel could not be removed, we decided to have poor Abbot put to
sleep so
he would no longer suffer.
April 21, 2008
Sadly, Abbott's condition is not improving. We have tested him for
everything.
Our last effort is to do exploratory surgery.
We are hoping it is a
foreign object,
tumor or anomaly.
Initial Story
Abbott is a sweet dog, even in this condition, he is wagging his tail with staff
who are treating him.
Capital Area Humane Society investigated a
complaint of a dog that appeared thin.
Experienced investigators were
shocked to see the
extreme case of neglect.
His owner claimed that Abbott had been losing weight for the last two
years. The only vet record that they could
provide was from 2004 when they
dog weighed 60 pounds. Abbott weighed
28 when he was taken by the humane society. Due to his
emaciated state, he would need more extensive
care and he was released
to Columbus Dog Connection. Our vets have performed several
tests and so far, the results have been normal. Other tests
will be
performed in the effort to find the cause of his weight loss. Right now, it appears that the poor boy was just starved. It is beyond
comprehension
how a human could allow a dog to get to this state.
Abbott's recovery will be slow and we are cautiously optimistic about
his future.
If you would like to
donate for his vet expenses, we would be very
grateful.
We are grateful to the staff at Gahanna Hospital for caring so gently and
lovingly for Abbott.
We are also grateful to the following
for their
generous donations to help with Abbott's vet expenses.
Heidi Earl,
Ryan & Amy Waring,
Julie Roberts,
Brenda Mears,
Diana Spiers,
Pat Basham,
Meredith & Sam Jones and Nancy & Arthur Huston
Dimples, Pierre, Francois, Sugar & Spice, Annabelle & Isabella were
removed from a neglectful home. They were in deplorable conditions.
They were severely matted, had horrible and extensive dental disease,
were flea-infested, two are blind, and all scared and badly
un-socialized.
But beneath all their ailments, there were affectionate and devoted
little guys.
Many thanks to Columbus Dog Connection friend Lois Mannon for her
generous sponsorship of these wonderful dogs.
The
Unbreakable Spirit of a Neglected Dog
2006
Ellwood was one of the most extreme cases of cruelty we have ever
encountered. As you can see from his picture, the entire
right side of his face was covered by a growth. Capital Area HS removed
this dog from a home in Gahanna. His owner claimed that
Ellwood had injured himself. This was not an injury.
The growth was removed but the biopsy revealed that this was a malignant
tumor. As if that wasn't enough, Ellwood also had heartworm. While he
recovered from his surgery he lived a great life in his foster home. He
took naps on the couch, was fed well, and ran free in the park. He was
no longer bound by a chain to his dog house nor
was he suffering the pain and neglect of his medical condition.
Unfortunately, six weeks after arriving at CDC, his aggressive tumor
returned and he was in so much pain. Touching him caused him to cry in
agony and he was not able
to open his mouth. His foster family and the vets agreed that it was
time to free him of his suffering.
It was a very sad day as his foster family was very attached to him.
There was not a dry eye at the vets office either as everyone was very
fond of him. His gentle soul was impressed in our hearts and minds.
Thanks to Capital Area HS Humane Officer Christie Kang. And how do you
say thank you to a foster family that knows they are in for an emotional
journey? Ellwood was loved and tenderly cared for by Mirna, Skip,
Lauren, Karl and Gaby Bowman.
Neglected Dog Lives, Dies with Columbus Dog Connection
2005 Brownie was living with dozens of dogs in Southern Ohio. Her
home consisted of being tied out to a car bumper. She slept underneath
the car- that was her shelter.
Brownie was rescued by the Ohio SPCA and came into our program.
When she came to us she was extremely skittish, especially in the house,
she probably had never been in one. She kept trying to climb out the
window. She eventually settled down and she did play with the
dogs in the house and learned to love being petted.
Brownie developed Lymphoma, which was treatable for some time, but not
curable. Her foster mom cared for her during the treatments, but after
awhile,
the cancer was making Brownie feel sick and very uncomfortable. The
foster mom made the kindest decision, and with gentleness and love, and
while
holding her in her arms, put her to sleep. We want to thank Maryann
Gilliam, Brownie’s foster mom who loved her immensely. At the end of
her life, Brownie
had a warm bed, nutritious food and the unwavering devotion of her very
own person.
2005
Alfie was found on the street during a rain storm.
He was fortunate to be found as he was totally blind. This pooch was so
loving, that we had to do what we could to find him a home.
It was determined his eyes were causing severe pain and our
veterinarians felt it best to remove them. His recovery was difficult as
the eye lids
were sewn shut and Alfie had a tendency to paw at them. His foster
family put socks on his paws to keep him from injuring himself.
During his recovery, Alfie loved to hear his foster family sing to him.
And singing is what drew his new family to adopt him. Alfie is now
living happily
ever after with a canine sibling.
2003 We named this little guy John Wayne for two reasons. He was
found in Wayne National Forest in Southern Ohio,
and he had a bullet lodged in his hip. The bullet shattered his bone,
but not his loving spirit. JW, as he is now known by
his adoring family, has recovered nicely from surgery done at MedVet.
Kellie DiFrischia was the lucky human who got to foster this
wonderful little boy.
2003 Kellie came to CDC from a good samaritan in rural Guernsey County.
This poor pooch had a badly mangled front leg that she was dragging.
Her leg, which was likely caught in a trap, had to be amputated. Kellie
adjusted quickly to her new mobility situation and is living happily
ever after with her new guardians.
Thanks to Kim Trackler and Mike Hasson for their compassionate care with
her.
2002 Gibby came
to CDC with much of the same baggage as many dogs. He had only known a
life of neglect and cruelty.
Gibby had lived the first two years of his life, tied to a porch
outside, day and night, in all kinds of weather. Needless to
say, Gibby had never received any veterinary care and the food he ate
consisted of whatever his family could find for him
and when ever they could find it. And if life wasn’t harsh enough,
Gibby was dealt an even harder blow. One night, his
canine companion as set on fire by none other than a family member. He
was so severely burned that he had to be euthanized.
Then the house was set on fire. Gibby was a witness to these horrible
acts of cruelty. Gibby was not injured physically, but emotionally
his spirit needed much healing.
Gibby’s foster family worked very hard to mend his emotional wounds. It
took months for him to settle and build his confidence,
but he has a
strong and forgiving heart.
Update- It has been 8 years
since Gibby was adopted and he is a dear and loved boy. He continues to
be gentle and affectionate. He is moving slower
these days but always smiling and still does goofy things to make his
family laugh. He still loves his walks and is scared of little dogs.
Takes lots
of naps and cries like a girl when he sees a squirrel!
