Mid Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue

Donovan’s Surgery

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:27:49 +0000

Donovan ended up missing the boat on the January 18th surgery due to some technical difficulties, so he was rescheduled for the very first following surgery slot on February 17th. Of course, we were still hoping for the Total Hip Replacement (THR) which would be at the discretion of the surgeons once they opened him up, with the alternate option being a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO). Unfortunately, after the surgeons made the first small incision and began rotating out the femoral head to get a better evaluation of the situation – Donovan’s femor snapped, resulting in a spiral fracture. Not a good way to start the day So, this meant that the fracture had to be first repaired using a plate, multiple screws and wire. Once the fracture was repaired, then only an FHO could be performed at this time. It seems that since it has been so long since Donovan has used his right leg, that the bone density and quality was very poor and brittle due to lack of circulation and use of that leg. As a result, his leg was weak and easily succumbed to minimal manipulation – he most likely never would have been able to hold a THR implant. If there is good news, it is that the fracture happened before the THR was implanted and at the hospital under the care of the doctors where it could be immediately repaired without further damage. Poor Donovan As his foster mom and one of his biggest fans, I really wanted him to have the THR and have the greatest range of motion possible so I was devastated to hear the news. However, after more discussions with the surgeon and with owners of dogs who have had FHOs, I feel a little bit better. Hopefully, the FHO will be a great success once his fracture heals and I am very anxious to see the day that he bears weight on his right leg.

Fast forward 2 days (I have been a little remiss in my blog entries!) and Donovan came home from the hospital this afternoon. He was very happy to settle back in on his nice orthopedic bed, but he seems to be in a decent amount of pain, especially if he lies on his right side for any amount of time and then tries to get up. Right now, I am in his crate with him typing this (its a BIG crate! and he loves the company … ) and he is stretched out on his good side with his paws touching my leg so he can make sure I do not go anywhere while his eyes drift to sleep A typical FHO patient is expected to begin physical therapy nearly immediately following surgery, and quite aggressively so that the muscle can strengthen in the new joint. However, Donovan needs to take it easy for the next month while his fracture heals . After that, we can hopefully begin physical therapy and get him using the under water treadmill to strengthen the new joint. For now, lots of rest, lots of love, cold compresses, and quite a few pills will be that which comforts Donovan during the worst days following his surgery.

Hopefully as time marches forward, he will feel better and begin using his right leg, but it will take time. I hope to keep his blog updated with his progress for those interested in following Donovan’s recovery. He is such a sweet boy, he really deserves to be pain free. According to the hospital, he seemed to make quite a few friends during his visit, but I am not sure how anyone could resist this guy – he is the sweetest, most loving dog. I really wish he did not have to suffer right now, but we will do everything we can to keep him comfortable while he heals. Keep checking back, more updates to come …

Donovan’s Big Day

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:11:41 +0000

It is finally here … Donovan’s big day. I dropped Donovan off this morning for his surgery that will enable him to use his right hind leg again. He has been living with us for the past two months while we have been having getting opinions about how to proceed with his situation, raising funds to pay for his operation, and making the big decision that brought us to today. Thanks to all who have donated towards his surgery or sent a kind word wishing Donovan well. Donovan will hopefully be having a Total Hip Replacement (THR) today, as long as his pelvic bone is capable of holding the prosthetic implant. Alternatively, if he is not a candidate for the THR based on what the surgeons find when they open him up, they will perform a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO). I will post later today once I hear from the surgeon about how his operation went. Keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks again to all who have helped along the way – it is the support of folks like you that have made this possible for Donovan.

The Continuing Saga of Kodiak

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:06:13 +0000

Kodiak still a bit dopey

Hi! It’s me again. Bet ya thought you wouldn’t be hearing from me again. Well, ya are! A few human weeks ago, I went to see Dr. P. again. Mom and Dad were concerned that my other hip was not doing well and might need to be replaced too. Mom thought I had a “cartoon” walk with my hind legs going faster than my front. Dad said he didn’t see it but Mom said he just didn’t want to. Dr. P. checked me out. Mom and I walked up and down and up and down the hallway. I kept passing doorways that led out to the outside door but Mom wouldn’t let me leave! We just kept walking up and down the hallway. Dr. P. then moved my hips and feet around. Dr. P. assured Mom that my hips were doing fine, but he said my spine wasn’t so he told my Mom to take me for a MRI. Mom and I took a REALLY long drive to a place called Vienna, VA. I was really scared when Mom left me but pretty soon I felt really sleepy. The next thing I knew I heard Mom but she sounded so far away. I heard her getting closer and closer but I couldn’t see her. I really got scared and started panting then I felt her hand on me and she said, “Relax, big boy, lay back down” and I knew she was right next to me and I feel back asleep. I woke up again and this time I could see everything around me and I wanted to go home! I jumped up and felt a little woozy. Mom told me to slow down but I just wanted to get out of that room! Mom leashed me up and we went out and jumped into the car. I hope I don’t have to make THAT trip again. I didn’t hurt after that but did feel woozy for the rest of the night.

A few days later, Dr. P. called Mom and told her I needed to go visit him again because I have 3 ruptured discs in my back. I don’t know what that means but it doesn’t sound like a day at the beach!! Mom and Dad looked really sad but said they knew I needed to see Dr. P. again or I might not walk again. That really doesn’t sound good!

Kodiak's Staples

Today Mom came home from work and got my leash. Boy was I excited! We were going for a walk! Then she led me out to the car. WOW! Even better-a car ride! We started driving and driving and driving and pretty soon I realized, we’re going to see Dr. P. I was both nervous and excited ’cause I do know all of the people there but I do know I usually hurt if I stay. Mom and I walked in and Mom talked to some lady then we went and sat down. I was happy to sit with Mom and “help” her write but before I knew it, another lady came out with a leash and I thought, “Oh, no, she’s going to take me from Mom!” I tried to hide behind Mom’s chair but it was of no use, Mom and the lady brought me back out. Mom took my leash and all of my collars off me and I didn’t like that, I tried to pull away. The lady put the leash around my neck and said, “Come on Kodiak, want to see where your bed is?” As we walked off, I looked over my shoulder and Mom looked really sad.

Kaiser goes home!

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:26:49 +0000

Yippee!!!

Leo the cat is very happy today! Kaiser has been adopted and is on his way to his forever home! Kaiser met a really nice family at the Arundel Mills Petsmart a couple of weeks ago. Little did he know, that soon he would be going home with them!Kaiser has come a long way since his days on the beach in Puerto Rico. He is a true rescue dog.

I love you guys!

Kaiser now has two boys of his very own to play with and a nice mom and dad to watch over him! We wish him luck as he heads for his new life! We love you Kaiser!!!

Kaiser’s Big Weekend!

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:10:08 +0000

Hi!

Hi Everyone! It’s Kaiser, checking in with an update on my weekend! Man, am I tired! On Friday night, I went out to the Petsmart in Pasadena. I met a lady named Tammy who my foster brother Andy just looves! Andy is such a suck up! Oh, and I met another dog named Malinka. Malinka barked a lot!! I didn’t know it was ok to bark at events but once I figured it out, I discovered if I barked, more people gave me attention! Oh, and a really nice lady bought me a whole bag of treats!! That lady rocked!!

Hola Dude!

Then on Saturday, Mr and Lady dragged me out of my bed early and Lady took me to the Petsmart in Arundel Mills. While I was there, I met a great man named Joe who held my leash. I got a little nervous, but Joe let me know everything was ok. I also got to meet a fun puppy named Argos and a fun golden retriever puppy! There were tons of people there and everyone was paying attention to me!!! Of course, that suck up Andy was there and kept trying to steal my thunder! But Lady kept taking Andy over to look at the rats! I just don’t get why Andy likes those rats so much!!

Pet me!!

I could not believe that Sunday morning they took me out again! This time we went to the Germantown Petsmart. But this time Lady and Mr dropped me off and a nice man named Matt held my leash. Matt laughed at me a lot and told me I wasn’t supposed to bark so much! I didn’t believe him though. I tried to get him to bribe me with treats but he didn’t really fall for it. Oh, and I met a dog named Hope. I really liked Hope but I think she thought I was a silly dog. She turned up her nose and rolled her eyes at me! Can you imagine? I also met Marika! She has cool looking eyes and she liked to play! All kinds of people petted me and gave me treats! It was great! There were cookies on the table and I kept trying to get a bite. I never did succeed though!

Twins!

Lady and Mr came back and picked me up and off we went back home. I heard them talking that I am sure to meet my forever family soon! I sure hope so!

Well, I’m beat. I’m going to my bed to take a long nap! Talk to you soon!

The Kodester’s Back!

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:51:51 +0000

Hey, longtime no hear, Kodiak here! I know it’s been a while since I last blogged. I’m feeling much better. When I go outside, I’ve started wantin’ to go after all those squirrels that have been taunting me these past few months but Mom and Dad won’t let me. Dad said he knows if I got a hold of one it wouldn’t be pretty since I’m obviously frustrated!! Mom just says it “ain’t happenin’” on her watch. Mom and Dad call me “Excitable Boy” ’cause I get so excited about everything when I go out. At least once a day, I get to go out to the blanket outside and sit and get brushed or, as Dad says, “picked at” by Mom either brushin’ my teeth or cleanin’ my ears. I get to stay out for a long time instead of my regular “potty breaks”. It’s a fun time and I’m starting to feel like I could chase something. I go for my next x-ray checkup on TOMORROW and if Dr. P. says my bones are healing well, I get to move back up to the main floor of the house!! Mom and Dad say they hope I get the ok from Dr. P., they’d like to sleep in their bed again instead of the couches downstairs!! I like moving upstairs ’cause then I get to see EVERYTHING that’s going on and can bark at more stuff. The old man, Sabre, doesn’t bark at enough stuff in my opinion! If I move to the main floor, I have to start training on my manners when people come into the house. I just don’t trust ANYONE except my mom and dad but they tell me I need to “expand my horizons”, whatever THAT means! I also heard Mom tell Dad that if my hip gets the ok, then I get my stuffed puppy dog back again that the nice lady Ms. Reshma sent me! I hope so, I LOVE that puppy dog and all its squeaks!! But, Mom and Dad say I get too crazy playing with it so I couldn’t have it while I was recuperating. I have already eaten the snacks she sent me. Thanks Ms. Reshma!!

So, keep your fingers crossed for the ol’ Kodester that I get the ok to start “light walking” around the house! I want my puppy dog back!!

Kaiser’s Day

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:51:54 +0000

My poor Ear!!

Hola everyone, it’s Kaiser here! I just had to log in and tell everyone about my day yesterday. First, I got to go for a car ride with Mr and Lady. That was cool! I love car rides! But then, a horrible thing happened! I discovered that I could step on a button and roll down my own window! Neato! I got tired of that and rolled it back up and it ate my ear!!! I couldn’t believe it! My poor ear was attacked by the window! I screamed and cried and Lady was yelling and Mr raced to roll the window down so my ear could get loose! It was awful!! My ear got all skinned up and Lady and Mr were cuddling me and trying to make me feel better. I heard Mr say something about putting the child locks on the windows now. I don’t know what that means but I hope it means I won’t hurt my ear anymore! That was no fun!

This feels good!

After that we drove to Aunt Pat’s house. She gave me ginger treats and I got another nice bath. When it was over, they poured some oatmeal stuff all over my coat. It felt really nice when they dried me with those fluffy towels! I got to run all over Aunt Pat’s back yard! That was fun! And she gave me more ginger treats! Yuum!!

Lady and Mr took me back home and I got to run around the yard with my foster sister Lucy! She’s fast and I couldn’t really keep up, but I tried hard! Pretty soon though, I tired out. I just don’t have the stamina yet that Lucy does.

Lady took me inside and gave me another treat and put me to bed. I was sooooo tired I feel right asleep! Lady and Mr always leave the Latin music channel on for me, which I love! It really helps me feel better and puts me right to sleep.

That’s it for now! I’ll check in again soon!

Kaiser

Kaiser starts school!

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:57:23 +0000

What's going on?

Last night Kaiser went to school for the first time! Thanks to Ethan Hall, of Capitol Canine Services Dog Training, Kaiser was able to join a number of other MAGSR alums, such as Lizzie, Tosca, and Sage. Together with a group of dogs, Kaiser learned the fine art of sitting! At first, he wasn’t really of fan of training. After all, it’s much more fun to just run and play! But eventually

I don't want to sit!!

he learned that when he sat when told, he got tons of love and attention! That was more like it!

And he discovered some of the agility equipment! Kaiser is a born agility dog! He wanted very badly to try out the dog walk. That was much more fun than sitting! For training night though, he had to concentrate!

Agility I like!!

And boy, training was hard work! After an hour of meeting other dogs, meeting new people, and learning a new skill, Kaiser was ready to go home for a well deserved rest!

Next week, he’s going to learn to lay down!

Kaiser’s bath!

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:27:51 +0000

I don't know about this!

Poor Kaiser has had the itchies! His coat is dry and his skin has spots of irritation from the scratching. So today, we headed out to Aunt Pat’s house for a bath with medicated shampoo followed by a nice soothing oatmeal soak. Kaiser stepped right into the tub and stood like a good boy for his bath. His poor face reflected doggy misery though!

Yummy!!

But after his bath, he very much enjoyed the towel dry and his comb out! He even got rewarded with treats! We did discover that Kaiser is a bit of a boy diva! All MAGSR dogs are microchipped and Kaiser couldn’t weasle out of his chip! But he did cry and whine loudly and pitifully when his chip was inserted. As his foster Mom and the micro chip inserter, I was awash with guilt! But he did forgive me and gave me kisses!

After we finished at Aunt Pat’s, we spent several hours hanging out together on our covered deck. Kaiser enjoyed playing with the toys on the deck and finally, tired out, he collapsed in a heap and took a nap.

Kaiser meets a cat!

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:04:11 +0000

Hey what's this?

Kaiser had a vet visit today for an overall physical. He hopped right up in the car and was very excited to have an outing! The vet’s office had a cat who sat in state on the counter top. Kaiser could not believe his eyes! What was this furry thing?!? He finally got up the courage to give the kitty a little poke with his nose! Kitty was having none of that and hissed! Poor Kaiser jumped right down off the counter and looked at me as if to say “Lady! The furry thing makes mean noises!”

Can I go home?

The vet visit went very well. Kaiser is such a good boy! He met everyone in the office and stood still for his exam! He even met a cute little puppy. However, the puppy didn’t care for Kaiser!

Tonight, he is tucked up in his crate with a frozen yogurt peanut butter Kong. He’s not sure what it is yet, but it’s sure keeping his mind occupied!