The Poor Soul
We had an opportunity to visit with him yesterday  He was slated to be put to sleep as the shelter is overwhelmed. Not due to behavioral issues of any kind but due to the shelters lack of extra medical funds as he's intact, senior and has a lump that needs to be aspiration. I suspect it's an old dogs lump but it needs to be checked. He's got many cuts on his body but could be due to bad groom job as he was badly matted. He's got crusty stuff on top of his head which may/may not be dried blood. He had the most gentle disposition as is apparent by the first pic which was taken only mins after we met him for the first time. This is him after we took him for a walk as he had been in isolation for some time while awaiting his "sentence". Notice his beautiful blue and brown eyes? Sorry pic quality is bad as it was pouring rain and I took the pic with the phone.  There was no way we could walk away after meeting him..so they are going to release him to us on Tues (I can't bring him home to my three as he's an intact male) but we can bring him to the other place until new tenants move in on July 1st. Bless Kaj, as he's a cat person but offered to stay at the other place with this gentle boy. Means I will continue to travel to 2 places daily for just a while longer as Kaj works long hours. Ironically we just brought the boys home from that other place 2 days ago as the renos are finally done and we were finally going to all live together again under one roof! After 15 months ...what's another month? Marianne |
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| *sniff* You just can't rest your angel wings, huh? Quote: Bless Kaj, as he's a cat person Hah! Not for long.. this boy 'belongs' to Kaj, I can feel it in my bones  |
| Wonderful news! Keep us updated! |
You and Kaj are my heroes......  Laurie and Oscar |
| oh the Bunny lady saves another. Good for you Marianne.....and Kaj!! Now which house will you two be living together?? Was it the big house that had the sewer eruption? |
| Ah he's a lucky boy you found him. Thankyou!! |
So glad this lad is safe  |
Marianne wrote: There was no way we could walk away after meeting him..so they are going to release him to us on Tues (I can't bring him home to my three as he's an intact male) Marianne Marianne, unless your dogs have issues with other dogs they won't care about him being intact or not, and from what you describe he certainly doesn't seem to have problems with other dogs. To the contrary  I mean, if you're overwhelmed with critters at your house I competely understand, but his being intact is really a moot point. So unless your own dogs have problems accepting other dogs or he's a confirmed bunny/kitty snacker, seperating him is completely unnecessary if that would make your life in any way easier. Feel free to contact Ray & Ann - Ron gave you the contact info I believe -for help. They've very experienced dog people who have had a mix of show dogs and rescue dogs for years, OES and beardies both. Very nice people and I'm sure they'd be happy to help in any way they can. Best of luck with the dude. Kristine |
| awe poor guy. Soo glad he's going to be saved though. Please keep us posted on what happens. |
| Thank you Mad Dog for reminding me to call Ray and Ann. As a result I'll be springing him today instead of tomorrow and bringing him directly to the vets office. Please keep him in your thoughts and send positive vibes that his lumps are just sabacious (sp?) cyst. I'll continue to keep you guys posted. Marianne |
| oh bless you I hope it turns out ok xx |
| bless you you are my hero please keep us posted |
| Not good news...he has a large mass on the lower inside of his mouth. Probably oral cancer but if not, than a fibreous (sp) mass. Removal of it while treatable means removing a small portion of his jaw by an expert. I'll write more later ... Right now the tears are falling down and he is licking my face. |
| oh nooo kiss him for me |
Sorry for the bad news.   |
Guest wrote: Not good news...he has a large mass on the lower inside of his mouth. Probably oral cancer but if not, than a fibreous (sp) mass. Removal of it while treatable means removing a small portion of his jaw by an expert. I'll write more later ... Right now the tears are falling down and he is licking my face. Marianne, for what it's worth, Belle's sire was diagnosed with an oral malignancy, I'm not sure which type, when he was about 12. His owner's wife is a vet; they opted to treat conservatively (they were also considering removing part of the jaw, but didn't, instead just had the mass removed) He lived to be 14 and it wasn't the cancer that did him in, but rather mobility issues. Take a deep breath and when you get a chance ask the vets what options you may have presuming nothing has spread. Kristine |
Sorry to hear this news  To you both |
| When I brought him directly from the shelter to the vet - thank you Ann for stepping up! I was hoping for a good diagnosis and happily the bumps/lump are probably benign according to the vet. She said she was 99.9% sure but aspiration would be needed to be 100% sure. It all went pretty good and she was totally impressed with him...he is the most well behaved dog I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Then she opened his mouth and ohhh nooo. We saw the lump..and it wasn't dental infection. So it's either an invasive cancer that will spread to his liver/kidneys/lungs as oral cancers travel quickly throughout the body OR it's TREATABLE but no way of knowing until he's sedated/biopsied/x-ray to the tune of just over 500. This doesn't include neutering at this time due to the circumstances. So what to do? Initially, I thought I will give him 2 good weeks and then bring him back after that time for euthenization as no way was I going to let him die at the shelter. That may sound hard to do for some and YES it is but I was willing to do it for this boy. I will continue however to bring in my aged crew when it's there time and the only way I get through it is that I'm doing it for them. I'm so broke at the moment I honestly can't beg/borrow or steal an extra 500 dollars. I don't want anyone to question my lack of funds and my crew of furballs at home as it's because I have the responsibility and take it seriously that I am responsible to those ones first. I couldn't sleep all night. My previous home will be rented July 1st and finally we won't have to deal with double morgage for the first time in 16 months. We anticipated getting back on our financial feet in a few months. So here's the deal: After spending the last 30 hours with him (I was sick today and didn't go to work) he deserves that 500 dollar chance so that we are 100% okay that we at least tried. Then we'll spoil him rotten/feed him anything he wants and hold him when it's time to say goodbye in 2 wks. The vet said he's in no pain, he doesn't drool and eats/drinks well/ ask to go outside - no accident's and asked to go, even after only one time of being shown the outdoor access. That is: if it's the invasive cancer as she estimated 5-6 month survival rate. Giving him 2 wks of TLC before the pain starts and it spreads to vital organs. I only could give him 2 wks - 3 at the most to enjoy quiet peaceful times at the other home before the renters take possession. As hard as it is to spend time with him...again I'd do it for him. He didn't deserve to die in isolation at the shelter. If it's not: And it's the other fibrous mass that is TREATABLE then we gave him that chance and then we'd start more fundraising for the surgery. Will OES members help by sending donations directly to the vet? Before I start arrangements with my vet I need your honest opinions and what you guys would do? Please be forthcoming as I do appreciate all advice/opinions even if it's not what I may want to hear. I am thinking of setting up donations to be sent directly to the vet. First for the 500 assessment , then possibly surgery/neuter if it shows he just has treatable fibrous mass. |
| Egads...that was me...over tired as not only do I have zillion typos but neglected to sign on. Just to clarify I had just been told about the probability of cancer when I decided to give him 2 good weeks and then return him for euthenization, not previous to that. I sprung him from the shelter with the intention of giving him TLC/neuter and then turn him over to OES rescue. This changes things. |
| Can OES rescue take him?? They would be able to treat and or raise funds for the poor boy. |
| OES rescue in BC consist of 2 couples and Ann/Ray paid for the vet visit without hesitation.They are not in the immediate area. I was acting as agent and it was extremely unusual circumstances that the shelter would release him to me but they PERSONALLY KNOW ME. It is virtually unheard of in normal cases, BUT the shelter knew I was in contact with OES rescue, that I personally foster animals for that specific shelter and have a private sanctuary for aged/special needs pets. The order for his euthenization (sp) had already been made when I was called (as per my first post). They called me so that I could get in contact with OES rescue and buy him some time until arrangements could be made. I'm not a rescue but foster for 5 different ones and will only adopt if an animal is in danger of immediate euthenization if the shelter is overcrowded. They usually euthenize the black cats/ or senior pets - which means 7 years of age in most cases. The cost of their bills then becomes my own responsibility. I rarely adopt as they stay in foster with me until they get adopted but they still belong to the shelter.I've only adopted the ones I've already fostered in my home and every means for a permanent home has been exhausted. This is why I have to harden myself as I know I can't save them all and I'd become in danger of being a collector. I am responsible to those in my care - number one priority. However, they called me about this boy. He is the 4th OES I've come across in a shelter in my area in 20 years. They are still considered a rarity. So it was again an unusual circumstance for them to call me in the first place, as I never ask them for more! Whaddya think I'm zany! LOL okay don't answer that! It's because he was an OES and they know I am indirectly involved or would know who to contact. The situation was dire and thus he was sprung. The reason they did is because they knew I would know who to contact and initially I was going to just spring him/take him to vet for assessment /appointment for neuter /then it would give OES rescue aprox 2 wks to pick him up or make arrangements for him. The assessment changed things as we are all upset and because it only consist of 4 people up here we are asking for donations. Last night with heavy heart is when I said ,"there just isn't the money and as awful as it sounds there are many younger animals that need that chance too." That is the sad cruelty of it. I was going to keep him for 2 wks to give him lots of TLC and bring him to the vet for euthenization where Kaj and I would stay with him. Still, there is that biopsy and WHAT IF, it's not cancer is there a chance for him? Should I have the biopsy done to be 100% sure that there is no hope? That's what I'm putting out there and asking people's opinions on. I had changed my mind somewhat as spent the entire day pouring over research online - Mad Dog was right, a fibrous mass doesn't necessarily mean removal of any part of the jaw but until he has the x-rays and biospy we don't know how deep it is. That's what made the decision so difficult - that there is a slim chance and it's based on 500 which none of us have at this time. |
| Marianne - this is what I'd do: I'd ask Ray & Ann to appeal nicely to New England OES Rescue for help. This is exactly the type of situation their incredible fundraising machine is for and nobody does it better. Yes, he's nine. But...he sounds really nice. And they've placed much older dogs. Fingers crossed. Kristine |
| You're right I should discuss it with them again, thanks Mad Dog once again. I won't be able to update on the forum this evening as I'll be at the other home with "Gilligan" and no net access there. Kaj and I are taking turns. I'll keep you posted.Thanks again! Marianne |
| Just so everyone knows I'm not ignoring them I will have no net access this evening (writing this quickly from work at the moment). I like the quote about the snowflake... |
| I have reached out to NEOESR for help with this situation. |
| I am right there with you Marianne.... Bless your kind, loving heart! |
 Cassie |
| Please be patient as my net access is so sporatic as we cancelled internet at the other place some time ago. Today I raced home from work, let "Gilligan" out, then raced to second place to let Merlin, Panda and Snoop out, allow them a run, then will go back to the other place until Kaj arrives. I'm not sure which home I'll be staying at this evening and if I have net access again later...I really meant what I said about I've been doing this for 15 months (racing back and forth) so what was another month.  I spoke to the vet and arrangements are tentatively set up with Ray/Ann who are the official OES rescue people out here. We are thinking funds can be sent to them via pay pal and then directed to my vet. I also took a pic of the assessment document by the vet. However,Ray and Ann are on the Island and I'm on the Mainland so there is some distance between us so this makes it easier. I spoke with Ann and Ray yesterday and we all agreed if we could get 500 he deserves that chance. Thanks to all that responded to me in pm..I just haven't had the chance to respond personally but will hopefull by the weekend. I also have to call Ann and Ray again as I had the vet call them after I spoke with the vet office. Lots of phone calls and also had to respond back to the 70 emails I had received when I placed an ad for my home for rent. Overwhelmed may be an understatement..and that's what I meant about bad timing. In a few wks school will be out, I'll be living in just one place and ahhhhhh I can finally relax...but not now. The timing couldn't have been worse but his life was on the line so no regrets - just don't want people to think I'm rude not responding to all the mail or returning calls. I will tell everyone what's going on and for those that wanted to know the full story I originally posted in Dogs in Trouble. I downloaded some new pics which you can view once they are approved. The laughing sheepie pics are when he was spying on me in the tub...LOL! The pic of him sitting on a pillow was where he chose to go when I started cooking dinner - Amazing! My guys would have been sitting beside me drooling. I'll keep you posted but now going to other place. Marianne |
| Run Marianne, Run!!! You are doing a great job. Good thing we are all spread out all over , so these dogs have someone who can help them, virtually eveywhere!! |
| Is there still a dontation pool in progress? Who do we contact to donate? Thanks! |
| Hi, Thanks for asking. I'll call Ann and Ray and ask them how they want to set it up as I'm leaving for work. Luckily I've put in so many hours previous I only have to come in for 1/2 day today so should be able to call them later this afternoon. I'll keep you guys updated. Here's a pic of "Gilligan" who had only been in my home for aprox 1-2 hrs when the pic was taken. He saw I was cooking dinner and promptly went to sit on the dog bed I had laid down for him.  He greeted the fish and "bird" when he went outside to do his business. The door was open and he did this on his own without my prompting. Hello Bird  Hello Fish.  When I sat down - he gently laid his paw on my foot  Even when he fell asleep he continued to touch my foot. If he awoke he'd look up to see if my foot and his paw were still touching.  He laughed at me when he saw me in the tub. Yes he really did laugh!  He allowed the vet to check him all over without so much a fuss earlier in the day. Those are her hands.  |
| What a sweet old guy. It looks like he has some training and manners and is settling well. What a relief for that poor dog. |
| Thank you Marianne. One question: Do you always bring a camera with you into the bathtub? |
| Can someone please PM me with the phone number for the vet please. |
| Thanks to all of you for helping out this gentle old soul! |
| I sent the vet contact info, Brenda. |
| Such a sweet sheepie. |
Ron wrote: Thank you Marianne. One question: Do you always bring a camera with you into the bathtub?  I just noticed that....I wonder too! |
6Girls wrote: I sent the vet contact info, Brenda.  |
| If someone tells me where to send a check and who to make it out to, I'll be more than happy to help this sheepie out. |
| Sorry lots of calls back and forth as to who want to take responsibility for the funds. After much discussion pay pal monies could be sent directly to Ann or Ray who are the official OES rescue people up here. They will send the money to my vet for those wanting to pay via pay pal as my vets office is unfamiliar with pay pal and said they'd rather have Ann/Ray collect the pay pal money. For those sending cheques than the money can be sent directly to the vet. OES rescue Ray Salmon 7646 Superior Rd Lanceville, B.C VOR 2HO Res31@shaw.ca Or it can be sent directly to the vet Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital 7072 - 120th St. Surrey, B.C V3W 3M8 Please specifiy that the funds are for Gilligan as the hospital deals with many customers and have four vets on staff. I have been going to them and they have treated all 5 sheepies I've had the pleasure to live with me. I trust them completely. http://www.scottsdalevethospital.com/ |
| Marianne, You can tell I don't deal with "international finance" much! Two questions: 1. Can the vet (or OES Rescue) accept a check drawn on a US bank in USD? 2. Does anyone know what first-class postage is (in USD) from the US to Canada? Marlene & Gus |
| Yes, they will accept US checks |
| oh sorry I didn't respond about the first class postage...I'm not sure. Does anyone else know the answer to that? Admittedly, I'm new to this massive fundraising as I've always covered the cost 100% out of my own pocket for all the rescues I have in my care. If they are fosters, the responsibility is still with the shelter or the group I'm fostering for, but I've always covered the extras like special food/treats and vet cost if the shelter is going through hard times. The ones I've adopted become 100% my responsibility and since 90% of them are aged or special needs than my vet bills are pretty hefty. I keep reminding my vet I paid for probably 1/2 of their new state of the art vet clinic.  LOL... about the bath tub as I was thinking the same thing...oh boy you know I'm pressed for time when I have to bring a phone in the tub with me. I was so afraid of missing calls I carried that phone around 24/7. Thought I was so old school too as I never had a cell phone previously,until Kaj lent me his last year when my son had meningitus and I needed contact with the hospital..a year later I still have it. Can you imagine scrolling through over a 100 emails on a phone???? Egads between the house rental replies and this crisis I read that tiny print!!! Maybe that's why Gilligan laughed...my face was probably squinting! Good thing I wasn't taking a shower with a phone...then you'd know I really lost it. Marianne |
| The US Postal Service doesn't make it easy to determine rates (i.e., no phone numbers listed in the local directory), but I finally determined that first-class postage from the U.S. to Canada for a letter weighing 1 oz. or less is $0.75. Missed today's mail pick-up. I'll be in on Monday. Hang in there, Gilliagan (and thank you for caring so much, Marianne)! |
| I will drop the cheque in the mail today...will be en route on Monday. I only wish I could do more. Our roof is falling in around us, so money's tight right now. Gilligan is in our thoughts. Paws crossed... (Our Portage had a growth in his mouth. It was "aggressive, non cancerous" and our vet removed it, a few teeth, and a small part of the jaw. He did beautifully, and really enjoyed a week of baby food. It never bothered him again. Here's hoping things go like that for Gilligan, too!) Gilligan has found a true hero in you. |
| Thank you so much! Thanks to all the incredible OES members as together we can make a difference. Big hugs to everyone and sloppy kisses from Gilligan!! |
| I think postage to Canada is .71, but I would just put two US stamps on if you don't want to go the post iffice. |
| Just dropped my check in the mail about a half hour ago. Sent it right to the vet with a note that the funds are for Gilligan. Fingers & paws crossed for a positive outcome. |
| Thank you so much everyone!! You bring me to tears and Gilligan is given a chance. We all have to prepare ourselves that the outcome may not be how we want it to turn out, but we all can be satisfied it wasn't for lack of trying. Thank you Tracie and Mad Dog for telling us about other dogs , like Portage and your vets dog and their successful outcome. There is hope and now he's been given a chance at least. Yesterday, I brought Panda over to meet Gilligan. A walk on neutral territory first and then my backyard when the leashes were dropped but could be grabbed if needed.    Mom! Gilligan is the same age as me!  Who would have thought??? Panda, formally Robin, rescued from an abusive situation 6 years ago thanks to this forum and now Gilligan who is also being helped because of this forum. Kinda makes your heart melt. Both special souls.  Marianne, Panda and Gilligan |
| Marianne, I would love to donate some money for this poor guy. I do have a paypal account. Can you tell me how to get the money to the rescue, or would you rather have it sent to the vets office? I fostered many Pyrs and and paid for everything out of my pocket, because the rescue organization just did not have the funds, and I never wanted the new owners to have to deal with any health issues. So I completely understand the situation. Give Gilligan hugs from me and Frankie sends sheepie kisses and wiggles to the sweet old boy. You are a wonderful, kind caring person. Lisa and Frankie |
| Hi, Thank you!! The funds can be sent to either OES rescue via pay pal or directly to my vet office but not pay pal - checks only to them. I posted info on page three. I didn't even want to touch the monies as I'm letting the OES rescue handle that and I'm acting as agent for this boy as we are quite a bit of distance away. OES rescue in BC consist of only 3 people for the entire province.I wanted everything to be above board. ---------------------------------------- I had a horrible day, I was supposed to bring back two kitties that I was fostering - one is only months old and had a head injury but is now recovered and the other was pining at the shelter. I normally just keep them in my home in foster and the shelter will send people over to my home to view the animals but they still belong to the SPCA. People will then pay for the animals at the spca and then come back to my place to pick up the kitties. Anyhow, for some reason they asked everyone to bring their fosters in as there was room in the cat room (which is usually jammed pack) and the animals may have a good chance of being adopted. I packed them up and it was with heavy heart I saw every single cage was empty which is why they had room to take back the fosters. I mentioned the shelter was overwhelmed with medical cost this month and there was an outbreak of Calici - Upper Respitory which is treatable but a majority of cats came down with it. It is not transferable to dogs but I now see, between the pup seizure the previous week and now this, how overwhelmed the shelter had become. All the cats whom I spent time with last week when I took students on a tour were put down. Then a discussion was made..it was too dangerous to have the fosters in that room and can I bring them home again? Of course! It made me sad that it was luck of the draw that my cat fosters were out of the shelter environment and that because they cared enough to call me - Gilligan's life was also spared. Oh blah but I continue to keep fostering for this shelter because stuff like that happens occasionally but at least 3 lives were spared. Marianne |
| It is tragic when diesease breaks out in a shelter/kennel. The cost in money and emotions is tough on the staff, volunteers, etc. I'm sorry about the kitties. I hope your fosters find homes quickly. |
| I created a chip-in page to make donating online easier, you can view it here: http://gilligan.chipin.com/gilligans-surgery You can donate with a credit card or with a paypal account. The donations go directly to Ray's paypal. You can also track how much has been raised and read updates, so pass the link along! |
| Thank you Marianne for helping Gilligan. I've posted the link of my Facebook profile so all of my sheepie friends can help out as well! |
| That is so awesome Heather and Marianne ...you are wonderful!! |
| Heather, I haven't had a chance to personally thank you until now - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for setting this up and making it so much easier. I was overwhelmed with the timing and this was one less thing I had to deal with. >>>I've decided to give you my first born in return!! Marianne |
Guest wrote: Heather, I haven't had a chance to personally thank you until now - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for setting this up and making it so much easier. I was overwhelmed with the timing and this was one less thing I had to deal with. >>>I've decided to give you my first born in return!! Marianne Lol, you are very welcome. It's the least I can do. We use chip-ins a lot for my rescue, so I'm happy to help anyone that needs it. Oh, and you can keep the first born... unless its a sheepdog puppy in which case I'll take the whole litter |
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