Our Little White Van Died!!

The little white van that Nev drives to pick up dogs and cats from the pound and take them to the vet has gasped it's last gasp. It had about 240,000 miles on it.  The ignition had to be turned just right or it would fall out or stay on and drain the battery.  One of the sliding doors didn't have a handle.  It was dinged and dented.  It didn't smell very good but it was great for taking dogs and cats around.  We aren't picky and the dogs and cats didn't care.  They are  just glad to get out of the pound.

Last year almost 1600 dogs and cats took a ride out of the pound in that little van.  That many took a ride in that van to go to the vet for spay/neuter surgeries or any other medical care needed.  Many took an emergency ride from the pound straight to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital with broken legs and pelvis, parvo, hit by a car, attacked by another dog, rotting legs, chemical burns, and injured eyes.  Pretty amazing how many dogs and cats and a couple chickens were in that van.

Nev and her husband Matt bought the little white van for $700.00 for her to use instead of her own car and to keep the two other vans we use for adoptions from getting any more miles on them than what they already had.  All of our vans are very elderly with over 200,000 miles on them. The vans were donated and had a lot of  miles on them when we got them.  Luckily we have a very nice car repair shop, M and M Automotive in Troy, that keeps patching them up.

This time, the van Nev drives died and had to be towed.  They said it was done for and the cost to fix it was more that the van was worth. So we salvaged the tires that we had replaced not to long ago and thought she would just have to drive the van we use for adoptions.  Then Matt found another van that looked great!  They were asking $1200.00 but would take $900.00.  It only had 212,000 miles on it and the inside was spotless.  Not for long!! We are buying the van and if anyone would like to help pay for it we would appreciate it.  Just hit the donate button and put "For Van" in the comments.

Good bye little white van!  We will miss you!  You were well loved for all you did!

Poor Salem! WARNING GRAPHIC

Salem was found as a stray and was at Madison County Pound. They called and we immediately took him to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital.  The vets felt that the mass was probably cancer but until it was removed and biopsied we wouldn't know.   He was such a happy boy and in such good spirits that we decided to have the mass removed to see what exactly it is. He really seems to have so much life left that even if it's cancer, we wanted to give him a second chance. The mass was removed and the results showed it was a cancer but one that didn't spread quickly.  All the blood work indicated that there was no cancer in the blood so we were encouraged.  The report said the margins of the tumor were removed during the surgery.  Way to go Dr. Mollett!  Salem is healing and feeling much better.  He can now see out of that eye where the tumor hung over it. He does have several fatty tumors but they are nothing to be worried about.  Look at him smiling!

Howloween Fest was a Howling Good Time!

What did you do to celebrate Halloween? At Partners for Pets we went all out to bring our community, our pets and our local businesses together for a howling good time at our annual Howloween event. This year marks our 7^th Howloween celebration and it was a great success! As always, FCB Bank of Troy was there to support Partners, but this year we did it a little different by having the event at our new shelter on 9136 Lower Marine Road in St Jacob, IL. It was great to have everyone come out and enjoy the new property. 

Due to the threat of a rainy day, we had to move our vendors into the out buildings and change up a thing or two, but that did not stop us from having a fun day. We had so many businesses come out, despite a little rain, to sell their products and have a howling good time. Horseshoe Animal Hospital was there to host a vaccination clinic and children’s author Jennifer Ward was on hand to sign her books. A huge favorite had to be our petting zoo…ducks, chickens, ferrets and rats. The kids had a blast playing with the critters, getting their faces painted and enjoying hotdogs and hot chocolate. 

Of course, what would Howloween be without costumes and critters? Our costume contest brought out the best in adults, kids and dogs! There was creativity galore whether it be a poodle dressed as a horse, a pack of pugs as Ninja warriors or an ever lovely hound dog sporting a Wonder Woman skirt, headdress and golden lasso. Our prizes were just as fabulous too. Local businesses, volunteers and supporters donated gift cards, toys and services that made for prizes baskets worth dressing up for!

Well, what can we say, it was just a great day. We were so happy to have everyone come together at our new shelter; a shelter that will do more and be more for homeless dogs and cats. Howloween was a great opportunity to embrace our neighbors and if you missed it this year, be sure to make plans to come next year! Happy Howloween everybody (and everydoggie!)

Check out all the great pictures!

https://www.facebook.com/dukenewportphotography/photos/a.1106379616048087.1073741855.948228738529843/1106379942714721/?type=3&theater

Fall Newsletter

MEET BOBBY! Attacked by a big dog.

Nev just happened to be at St. Clair County Animal Control when a little 15 pound dog was brought in.  His lucky day!  He was bleeding badly and in a lot of pain after being attacked by a big dog. There were bite marks all over his skinny back.  Nev scooped him up and took him straight to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital.  An xray showed his pelvis and hip were broken.  There was also some suspicious air in his abdomen which could mean something was punctured.  He was started on IV's, a pain patch and antibiotics.  After consulting with the radiologist it was felt an exploratory surgery was needed to repair any internal damage.  The surgery was done and there were laceration on his intestines but not ruptured.  Stitches were needed to strengthen the cuts on the intestines and repair was done to the multiple cuts on his body.  You see him in the pictures in a warming bag to keep his temp up.  It will be touch and go for the next few days.  A catheter was needed so he could urinate.  Dr. Randla felt swelling and pain was keeping him from going.  Keep your fingers crossed it is just temporary.  If all goes well he may need surgery to repair the hip but he needs to get better first.  He is a sweet little dog and we are all pulling for him.

Update 10/24/15-after a very rough day yesterday Bobby is doing better today.  His liver enzymes were elevated but Dr. Jacob felt it was due to the trauma he suffered.  He did have some perforations of the intestine and this caused some infection.  He is still painful but today was much more lively and hungry!!!  The catheter got to stay out and he is urinating on his own.  Hang in there Bobby!

Great Video of Partners Miracles!

This is Partners For Pets!!  Check out this great video made with much thanks by Patty and Amber. These animals would not be here without the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers or the great vet care given by Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital.

Partners for Pets is a 501 (3) (c) animal rescue in Troy, Illinois. This video highlights some of our special medical cases. At Partners for Pets we strive to do whatever we can to save a dog or cat's life and we ask that you consider helping to support our mission. Please visit our website at www.partnersforpetsil.org to learn more. Thank you

Rescued Disasters For the Week

Another busy week in the rescue world here at Partners For Pets.  This week has been a little rougher than usual with three dogs with medical problems coming in already this week.  Partners For Pets takes the sick and injured dogs and cats from the pounds to give them a second chance at a new life. Most would not make it out of the pound if we didn't take them.  Here are our newest disasters!

UPDATE:  I spoke too soon-today, 10/15/15, we also rescued Douglas, a very matted dog and Lainey a very pregnant momma to be!

IRENE
Irene was pulled from animal control with some huge tumors as you can see in the picture.  She is an older girl and has some pretty bad dental problems also.  Horseshoe Lake AH is running some blood work to see if they think it is cancer before we proceed.  If all is well she will need a dental first before removal of the tumors.  She is the sweetest little girl.  Right now she is on some antibiotics and pain meds.  It will cost about $550.00 to do the dental and remove the tumors.

IRENE

DREYFUS

Dreyfus was at the pound in bad shape.  He is severely emaciated and an older guy. He is eating well at the shelter and enjoying his blankies.  Hopefully no heartworms for him.  

ROWENA

Rowena was pulled from St. Clair County Animal Control with a huge abscess on her side. It was very swollen, painful and had maggots. It looks like she had been bitten. Off she went to Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital to get it taken care of where it had to be drained and cleaned. They also determined that Rowena is PREGNANT! She is on antibiotics for her wound. I just hope she isn't heartworm positive for a triple whammy. If you would be interested in fostering her please fill out an online application to foster. Any donations to help care for her would also be appreciated! To make a Paypal donation to help with Rowena's care please use the donate button.Thank you!

 

Douglas-a matted mess.

Lainey-a very pregnant momma to be