Dukes Fund Recipients:

Levon
Levon is a 6 month old Golden Retriever.  Levon was admitted to a veterinary clinic in early June for a fractured right foreleg that he sustained in a fall.  Having undergone surgery to repair the limb he began a long recovery process.  It soon became evident that levon would require an additional surgery given the nature of the damage to his leg.   He was surrendered to GHS so that we may be able to provide this costly surgery and extensive rehabilitation.  This charming young man has an infectious smile and his disposition has exceeded our expectations.  He is currently enjoying his puppyhood in a foster home and will continue to receive ongoing veterinary attention. 
Our ability to provide for animals such as Levon is made entirely possible by the generosity of our supporters.  Please help us to help Levon and all the animals in need of extra special care.  Contact the shelter for information on making a donation to Duke’s fund.           

 

Foxy

Foxy was admitted to the shelter in late April as the owner was not able to afford her needed care. Foxy is a  9 year old  female Collie/Sheltie cross with a history of skin problems(hot spots).  Upon examination, it was noted she was in dire need of a full dental cleaning, was overweight and had never been spayed. At her vet check up, it was decided that she be put on antibiotics immediately for her advanced dental disease and that a full dental cleaning be booked immediately.  A geriatric  blood test was also taken.  On April 30^th, Foxy underwent a full dental cleaning including many extractions.  She was sent back to shelter with  further antibiotics and pain medication.  She needed to be on a senior canned diet only for 10 days.  Due to her dental surgery, she could not be spayed at that time and  it was recommended she be spayed in one months time. On June 2, Foxy was sent out to be spayed.  At this time she was on hold for adoption.  While being spayed, it was found she had pyometra.  Pyometra is a severe, potentially fatal uterine infection in intact female dogs.  Another reason to have your pet spayed!!  Toxins and bacteria within the uterus begin to leak into the blood stream and the dog will eventually become critically ill.  Pyometra  makes the spay a difficult and risky surgery.   Foxy came out of surgery well and was kept another day on iv fluids and placed on a large amount of antibiotics and pain medication. Days later, Foxy went to her new home.  Days after surgery, her new owner noticed she had a lump on her upper right leg.  She was taken to a veterinarian and a fine needle aspirate was taken from the lump.  The pathology result was suspicious and  immediate  removal of the entire  lump was recommended.  Poor Foxy was admitted a few days later for yet another surgery.  The lump was removed and sent to cystology.  It was not great news as the  diagnosis was soft tissue sarcoma. Her tumor will likely grow back in the future and at that time surgery will be required again. Her veterinarian is  positive  for a  few more years of happiness  with her new mom.   Her new owner absolutely adores her and they have become best friends as Foxy’s new mom is also a cancer survivor. 

 

As a result of an investigation, 10 small breed dogs were surrendered to the shelter in late March, 2010.  These dogs included one miniature poodle, a Yorkshire terrier cross, and the remainder being shih tzu breed type dogs.  All dogs were subsequently deemed highly adoptable and GHS committed to providing for them as per veterinary recommendations.  All the dogs were professionally groomed, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, vet checked, micro chipped and dewormed.  Two dogs had to have immediate surgery for crystals in the bladder.  These two dogs were barely able to urinate and had blood in the urine.  At time of this surgery to remove the bladder crystals(stones) , the two dogs were neutered.  The two that had this surgery, later went back for a full dental cleaning.  The remaining eight dogs, all had x-rays to rule  out bladder crystals  at their time of spay or neuter.  All ten dogs  had full dental cleaning as well.  Every dog returned with antibiotics and pain medication.  This process took a while but eventually saw all ten in fabulous new homes.  One, in particular, was a staff favourite and had to have an extra surgery.  Kassandra, the 9 year old grey shih-tzu had two benign growths removed as well.  She was the last to find a home and was infamous for always having a stuffed toy in her mouth while walking.  Kassandra also enjoyed our annual walkathon with a board member.