Ruby's Journey Very Graphic!!

RUBY

     We received a call from Animal Control that a dog had been picked up in Mitchell, IL on New Years Day.  Some kids had been walking and smelled something bad.  They found a very emaciated dog with her front leg severed in a ditch.  They called the police who then called Animal Control to pick her up.  Due to her severe injuries it was discussed that maybe she should be put down but thanks to a very caring AC officer she was saved.  We got the call about Ruby and took her to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital.  She was in shock and very cold.  Her blood count showed she was severely anemic due to blood loss.  She had to be stabilized first before any surgery could be done to remove the leg and infection.  Due to the low blood count it was too risky to put her under.  The next Monday her leg was removed and Ruby went to a foster home to heal.  Within a week she had gained 8 pounds and was doing great.  It was a miracle she survived.   

 

So what happened to Ruby for her leg to be missing?  A reward was offered for anyone to come forward with information.  A report was filed with the Madison County Sheriffs' Department but to date no one has any information.  The unthinkable that someone could do this to a dog is a little hard to stomach.  There has been a similar case in New York recently. 

 

 http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/2014/01/02/ruby-severed-leg-mitchell-illinois-vet-bills-reward/4297585/

 

http://www.bnd.com/2014/01/07/2993437/looks-intentional-kids-find-stray.html

 

The outpouring of caring and concern was just amazing.  All the well wishes and support for Ruby was wonderful.  Slowly but surely she got better and started acting like a happy dog again.  Ruby got a second chance at life thanks to the caring of a lot of people.  The New Year started out with a bang and hasn't slowed down!  Thanks to all who helped Ruby with donations and care.  Thank you to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital for always being there to help our sick and injured animals.  Thank you Jessica for a great foster home for Ruby to heal.  Good job everyone!!

Ruby rescued and on her way to the vet.

 Ruby at Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital

 After surgery at her foster home

 

Ruby on the road to recovery 

 Playing and happy with her foster family kid!

 

 Ruby all ready for adoption!

 

 

 

ADOPTED!!  Look at that smile!

Shelter News Feb. 17-23, 2014



Ruby Adopted!



Fantastic adoption weekend!  There were 31 adoptions this weekend!  Look who got adopted this weekend-Ruby!!  Ruby was the pittie girl that was found with her leg severed.  In spite of a reward offered, no one came forward to  give any information on what happened. So glad to see Miss Ruby smile.  Thank you to her wonderful foster mom, Jessica for helping with her recovery.

The dogs adopted this weekend were :  Blackberry, Nikki, Duke, Max, Bear, Ruby, Shiloh, Maggie, Blue, Sukie, Beltran, Athena, Prarie, and Angus.  The cats were:  Rosie, Cookie, Tessa, Pesto, Quinta, Josie, Sunshine, Dreamy, Sadie, Chloe, Chip, Singn, Bella, Simon, Banks, Runky and Brandy. Several dogs went into foster homes and several on trial.  Good weekend.  Thanks to all who donated bleach last weekend and alcohol donations for the booze barrel for Trivia this weekend.

The 5th annual Wash, Wag and Wiggle Dog Wash at Four Muddy Paws in Edwardsville was a huge success.  We washed 119 dogs in a 5 hour period.  Thank you to Jenn for all her help getting this done as well as Katie Hughes.  Thank you to all who came and helped. I know I was tired that night.  Thanks to the generosity of Four Muddy Paws much needed funds were raised.  Everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather, eats and wine.  Wang Gang brought some delicious food.  Thanks to all who donated food and drinks for the event. I have never seen so many big dogs at one place in my life!  Clean dogs too!

It seems to be raining puppies here at the shelter.  We took in 3 very cute chi mix pups from the pound this week.  Our very pregnant beagle had 7 babies.  Mom and babies are doing well.  We also took in 9 Shepard/husky mix pups this weekend from the pound.  Earlier in the week we got a lab mix momma and her one baby.  There is also a 4 month old dobie pup and hound pup fresh out of the pound.  Our pretty brindle momma and babies are doing fine this week.  We also have a litter of 11 pittie pups that should be ready for adoption soon.  I am a little nervous about kitten season fast approaching although it seems we have had kittens pretty much all winter.  If anyone is interested in fostering some pups please fill out a foster home application on our website.

Polly the shepherd is doing well and will be getting checked for her broken pelvis this week.  Brice our big pointer boy has been having seizures and had an emergency run to the vet today.  Doing better tonight but will need anti seizure meds.  Sherbet the little bald pup is feeling much better after several days on antibiotics and prednisone.  She also got a great medicated bath and got all that dead skin off.  Heartworm treatments are continuing and more will be treated this week.  We have 8 being treated. 

March 8th is our Trivia Night at the St. Gregory's Armenian Hall in Granite City.  You can sign up on line on our FaceBook page at Partners 4 Pets or the website at www.partners4pets.petfinder.com.  Tables of 8 are $120.00.  Beer and soda is included.  There will also be a silent auction, raffle for a 55" Television, 50/50 drawing and lots of attendance prizes.  Please come and support the shelter.  Have a good week.  Lisa McCormick, Director

Shelter News Feb. 10-17, 2014

Zoro-so sorry we lost you.

Rough day today.  I was tagged early this AM about an Akita that had been hit by a car and was at Hawthorne Animal Hospital.  He had been there since last evening and the owner couldn't afford the vet bills so she signed him over to Hawthorne.  If a rescue didn't step up and take the dog and pay the vet bills they would send him to Madison County Animal Control.  I called Hawthorne and was told the vet bill was $650.00 and the estimate to do any more care was $1500-2000.00.  She said the dog was bleeding from his mouth and needed x-rays.  I asked her if no one took the dog what would they do with him and she said they would send him to animal control on Tuesday since it was the holiday.  I told the girl that I wanted to come and get him and take him to our vet but she said she would have to check to see about the bill and would call me back.  After waiting an hour I called again and said I was going to come and get the dog and they could figure out the bill later.  When I got there he dripped blood from his mouth all the way to the van.  I took him straight to Horseshoe and he walked into the clinic.  I was hopeful but he was breathing very shallow.  They immediately did an x-ray and found he had a collapsed lung and herniated diaphragm.  Dr. Ervin said his condition was very guarded but he needed surgery now.  They did an emergency surgery to try to save him but it was too late.  I have wondered all day how a vet clinic like Hawthorne could have let this dog sit there all night and half the morning, bleeding from his mouth and having trouble breathing and done nothing.  It would have taken one x-ray to see there was a serious problem and either do something or euthanize the dog so he didn't have to sit there all night not able to breath.  That is just sad.  Help the dog and worry about the money later. 

On a better note-the dog that was at the pound that they thought had Parvo didn't!  With all the emergency of Zoro they did a quick parvo test and it was negative.  Not sure what is causing the diarrhea yet. 

Great Adoptathon weekend-we did 46 adoptions!  The dogs adopted were Ripley, Taco, Billy, Lars, Blackie, Twinkie, Yogi, Tonka, Skipper, Trapper, Moe!!, Chelsea, Jace, Odin, Pompeii, Penny, Spike, Maynard, Jelly, McKenzie, Huey, Nia, Watson, JoJo, Peanut Butter, Ginger, Lady, Luther, Ben, Sterling, Brooklyn, Willow, Joey, and Rosie.  The kitties were Moxie, Mira, Kirby, Sassie, Miles, Bear, Sage, Gracie, Kodi, Minerva, Freddie, and Gypsy.  We had three dogs go into a trial and Zena, Annie, Riddick and Camilla went into a foster home. 

We had two more dogs come up positive for heartworms bringing the total to 8 we are going to treat in the next week or so.  The little sarcoptic mange pup looks great!  Our little, very pregnant beagle is due any minute.  The brindle momma,  had 8 babies last week.  The little runt didn't make it even with heroic efforts by Lexy, their foster mom.  Riddick our little demodex pup went into foster with Terrie so that should help him get better faster.  He was so happy to get out of there.  Sylvie had her cherry eye fixed this week and looks great. 

This Saturday is the Dog Wash at Four Muddy Paws.  We will be there from 10-3 PM.  Come by and get your dog washed-should be nice and muddy with these temperatures coming up.  Wang Gang will be there with snacks while you wait. 

That's about all I know.  Have a good week!  Lisa McCormick

Moe's Journey or "What is that!"

     I was on vacation and got a call from Nev who said, "You aren't going to believe this one".  Having been in rescue for quite some time it is always amazing when we get a new rescue in that tops all previous disasters.  Or it is so weird you just sit and shake your head.  Moe was weird.  Nev sent me a picture on my phone and my first response was "What is that?"  Moe was this very cute Pekingese but on closer inspection it looked like he had a wire wrapped on his lower jaw.  A big wire. 

   Nev had gone to the pound as usual to see what was ready to take and there sat Moe.  He had this huge metal contraption on his lower jaw and it smelled like something dead.  There was all kinds of junk caught in it and he was very matted.  He had come in from another pound due to his medical condition.  So off Nev went with Moe to our vet, Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital.

   At our vet, we were surprised to find that they were the ones that had put the metal brace on Moe over 2 years ago!!  Moe had come in as a 12 week old puppy with a broken jaw after a large dog had got him.  To fix the jaw the brace had been put on with pins under the jaw to secure it.  He was suppose to have it removed in 8-12 weeks. When it was time for the brace to be removed the owners claimed he had been stolen. 

   Moe had been seen with the same owners just weeks before he was picked up as a stray and taken to the pound.  They were asked at that time why the brace was still on and they said the vet told them to leave it on.  This obviously was not true and we are still wondering what were they thinking.  Unfortunately, no charges were filed against them. 

   The brace was removed from Moe and he was so happy. He must have felt ten pounds lighter. His
jaw was a little deformed since the brace was on since he was a pup but it didn't seem to bother him.  He got all spiffed up and looked beautiful.  What a happy boy with his new family!



Picture of Moe taken at the vet as a puppy.  This was right after the brace was put on in 2011.

Pins holding the brace on the jaw in 2011.

Moe right when we got him from the pound in Aug., 2013

Joan grooming Moe after the brace was taken off.



A new Moe!

What a cutie!!

Moe before and after.

Moe with his new family!!

  

Shelter Update-Feb. 3-9, 2014

Wow!!  26 adoptions this week!  The dogs adopted this week were:  Caramel, Ember, Brody, Duke, Mr. Big, Haddie, Otto, Joy, Truman, Sterling, Charlie, Snoop, Cookie and Biggie Smalls.  The kitties were: Buddie, Sissy, Casey, Fitz, Millie, Scarlet, Gatsby, Bond, Crackers, Bean, Fabio, and Gavin.  We had several dogs go on trials.  We also had quite a few dogs go into foster homes:  Bazooka, Maggie, Chip, and Siren. 

News around the shelter:  This week we took 13 dogs to get spayed and neutered and 6 had heartworms!  Three of the dogs are big so that will be a big vet bill.  One of the dogs is Bouser a big, handsome Rott we just got from the pound.  He also has a wound from where his collar was embedded in his neck.  We also took in a very cute, 3 pound puppy with sarcoptic mange.  She is already looking better.   Good news!  Polly our shepard with some hip fractures, is doing well.  She went to have hip surgery today but Dr. Ervin thought she was healing so well he wants to wait 2 weeks and see how it looks.  She may not need surgery.  Yea!!  We also took in a beautiful deaf aussie.  He is already in a foster home.  Skip and Winter finished their heartworm treatment and will be ready for adoption. 

This weekend is Adoptathon at PetSmart.  We will be at the O'Fallon and Glen Carbon stores on Sat. from11-3:30 PM.  On Sunday we will be at the Glen Carbon store.  Last Adoptathon we adopted 56 dogs and cats.  Will we beat our record!

Next Sat., Feb. 22,  is the Dog Wash at Four Muddy Paws in Glen Carbon.  It will be from 10-3 PM.  For $15.00 you can have your dog washed and enjoy wine and food from Wang Gang while you wait.  It is suppose to really warm up next week so time for a good wash.

Don't forget to sign up for the Trivia Night on March 8 at the St. Gregory Armenian Hall in Granite City.  Table of 8 is $120.00 and include soda and beer.  Bring your own snacks.  We will have a silent auction, 50/50 drawing and booze barrel.  We also have a 55" Television to raffle. 

Kobey-Trash to Treasure

Little Kobey was a the pound all curled up in a ball at the back of the kennel. He was an older guy and not very happy at his circumstances.  He had been found as a stray and no one came to get him.  Ignoring his grumbling, Nev scooped him up and brought him to the shelter.  He was kind of lost at the shelter and scared at all the commotion.  He settled in and waited.  Luckily, he went into a foster home with Deb.  Then the cute little guy with the big ears went up to adoptions and found a new home.  It is always amazing to me that a dog or cat that is discarded and has no hope at the pound turns into such a treasure for their new home.  Even the old ones can have hope.  Kobey has made a huge difference for his new family.  Sometimes it just takes some time to find the perfect home. This is the email I got about  Kobey's and his new home. 

Deb received an email from the mom that adopted Kobey. Her son is severely autistic, and Kobey has totally changed him for the good.  He talks more than he has in 10 years, he laughs all the time now and talks to people about Kobey all the time. (something he never did before)  Kobey never leaves his side, and her son never leaves Kobey.  She told Deb “Partners gave me my son back” 

Kobey and his new family on adoption day!

Shelter News Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2014

Ruby Ready for Adoption!

Another great week at the shelter.  We had a good adoption week with 24 dogs and cats finding new homes!  There were 15 dog adoptions with Peyton, Stoney, Dooby, Nancy, Reuban, Mirabel, Lottie, Evan, Cindy, Jasmine!!, Gumdrop, Big Red, Tigger, Owen, and Rascal finding new homes.  The kitties adopted were:  Skibble, Feather, Smoke, Meredith, Matty, Adele, Dayna, Fancy, and Socks.  Several dogs went into foster homes from the shelter and several went on a trial.  We have already pulled 8 dogs from the pound today to fill up the empty cages. 

Last week was also a good adoption week and since I didn't post it last week here are the lucky ones from Jan. 20-26, 2014.  There were 23 adoptions last week.  The kitties were Hope, Holly, Selena, Kassie, Emma, Snookie, Roo, Clair, Hope2, Teddy, and Frizz.  The dogs were Ike, Blue, Gomez, Lester, Levi, Lily, Tess Skrat, Scooby, Ella, Olivia, and William.  So far this year we have adopted 103 dogs and cats to new homes. 

Update on Ruby:  She is doing great and got spayed last week.  Her weight is up and she looks beautiful.  Ruby is ready for adoption!  If you are interested please fill out an on line application.  Sylvie, Camilla, Skipper, and Frosty are receiving treatment for heartworms and doing well.  Polly the beautiful shepherd was hit by a car and her hip is broken.  She will get a surgery to repair the hip next week.  Havoc the pup with Parvo did great and is now in a foster home.  We got a little pup in with demodex and will need treatment for several months.  We also got a beautiful while cat, Ice, in that had severe wounds and a fracture on her leg.  Looks like a large dog got hold of her.  She is on cage rest and healing nicely.  We also pulled a very pregnant momma dog from the pound that is about to pop.  She is in a foster home resting comfortably.

The 2nd Annual Spaghetti dinner was Friday and we served 325 people!  It was a great success and helped to raise much needed funds for the animals at our shelter.  Thanks to Jackie for putting on the dinner and to everyone that come out to help and eat!  It was delicious. 

Our next event will be our Wash, Wag and Wiggle Dog Wash on Feb. 22 from 10-3 PM at Four Muddy Paws in Edwardsville.  For $15.00 we will wash and dry your dog while you enjoy food from Wang Gang and some wine or soda. 

Trivia is March 8 at the St. Gregorys' Hall in Granite City.  Reserve your table today.  Check out the events on our website at www.partners4pets.petfinder.com or on Facebook at Partners 4 Pet.  This is always a fun event! 

Hoping Spring comes soon.  Lisa McCormick, Director/Founder

Glacier

 This is the journey of one of our rescues, Glacier.  He was so weak when we got him he could barely stand.  There were maggots covering him and were basically eating him alive.  He was rushed to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital where he received emergency care.  It was a very slow recovery. Glacier got cold laser therapy to heal his wounds.   His ears were very infected and of course, he had heartworms.  About 3 weeks after he came to us, Glacier developed a severe brain infection and we almost lost him again.  Amazingly, he made it through that and slowly but surely got better.  Glacier was everyones favorite. It took months of TLC before he could get his heartworm treatment.  Then a miracle happened.  His Guardian Angel, Mark, came into the picture and wanted Glacier and took him home so he could finish healing.  Look at this boy now!!  There is always hope.

 

This is Glacier when he first came in to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital.  He was covered in maggots. 

After a few days of care.



Glacier getting cold laser therapy.

About a week after we got him. 



Playing with the Edwardsville Varsity Soccer Team at the shelter!

Looking good!



Adopted!!!