Feb 26/03 Lance is a wonderful bouv boy who was brought into rescue on Feb 13/03 from the Uxbridge-Scugog Shelter near Port Perry, Ontario, transported by
David Bailey of Picton, Ont. When we first heard about him, the information was that he was old (12 or 13), not neutered and had been kept outside for 5
years. He had originally been picked up as a stray and was sent to the rescue farm as he was not adopted. While there, he put on a LOT of weight and wasn't groomed for five years. He came back to
the shelter after the rescue farm was shut down because they could not meet the OSPCA shelter conditions and had to find homes for all the dogs and cats there. When we finally got to
actually see him, it was determined that he is not as old as we had been lead to believe - probably closer to 7-8yrs - and he IS neutered (determined for sure after clipping him down). He is also
definitely housetrained. Jenn Connor of Mud Huskie Rescue is the good soul who has been fostering him for the past two weeks until a home or alternative accommodations can be found. So far
so good. A couple from Kingston showed a great deal of interest in Lance and took him home on a foster agreement to see how things worked out on Feb 23/03. They took him to their vets for a check
over today Feb 27/03 (after noting that he seemed to be having a great deal of difficulty in negotiating stairs and a strange gait including limping on his front left leg) -this had been noted when he first
came in but it was felt the weight was part of the issue and we should possibly wait to see if the weight loss would show improvement in this area. Their vet made the determination his hips and front left
leg are in very poor shape, probably severely arthritic. (This could have been a result of being tied out, no muscle tone, poor food and cold). His back, where he has hair missing, is probably the
result of either flea bite dermatitis, lack of nutrition and/or the lack of grooming. The vets recommendation is of course to euthanize this dog - WE FEEL DIFFERENTLY!! That given time and proper care he
could have a couple of years to give. Lance has managed to shed 10 pounds in the two weeks he has been in rescue, now down to 94.4 pounds - should be closer to 80lbs!!. He was aided in
this endeavour by short rations and no treats. He is a happy camper for the most part but has an unusual howl when stressed or needing attention. Lance has a great loving nature and talks a lot. He has
been very patient with all the poking and prodding right from the beginning. His teeth are in good shape with just a small amount of tartar on the back molars. Lance is a loving, outgoing guy
who loves people and other dogs - his tail just doesn't stop wagging!! He is a young dog in an old dogs body!! He tries so hard to please! This
information update means that his medical needs will have to be met to give him some quality of life for what ever time he has left. Without a sponsor to help with medical bills, we are unable to place this
dog - neither Ontario Bouvier Rescue or the BdFCC can afford long term, possible large costs. Lance truly deserves a second chance and to finally have an opportunity to know the love and warmth of a
home! PLS, if anyone can assist with Lance's medical bills, contact Kathleen Pollock bouvkabit@aol.com or Margo Illing pitabouv@sympatico.ca Mar 1/03 Lance's
medical bills are generously being sponsored by the Bouvlovers list - a wonderful group of people - bouvlovers@yahoogroups.com.
This list is moderated by Jan Rifkinson jan@bogartsdaddy.com, website
http://www.bogartsdaddy.com/bouvier/default.htm
- a gentleman dedicated to providing as much info about the Bouvier as possible. Bless all of you!!! |
