tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24294735297936208772024-03-12T11:05:45.842-07:00Voice of the Pack LeaderGSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-46108555881548535052016-07-30T12:43:00.000-07:002016-07-30T12:43:37.182-07:00Naida—A Rescue Success Story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM2nZpXy0YqQ1BhRv6fJhJfzif1QeFc2hOaT4FDogPwiael-lnjtES3ZnxY47Pjnn4vQsqW7fJplLGGu6jWuQT8ykHTwU-2JiO3goTW0B_usNCAW_rff4B-bsRxtz9VGnUif5G53Mpmg/s1600/naida+7-9-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM2nZpXy0YqQ1BhRv6fJhJfzif1QeFc2hOaT4FDogPwiael-lnjtES3ZnxY47Pjnn4vQsqW7fJplLGGu6jWuQT8ykHTwU-2JiO3goTW0B_usNCAW_rff4B-bsRxtz9VGnUif5G53Mpmg/s320/naida+7-9-2016.jpg" width="260" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Who can use an upbeat story these days? Well here's one, and it illustrates the many people and circumstances that must come together to change one dog's life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Naida came to us from the Asheville Humane Society. She arrived there almost completely blind from a painful, progressive disease called </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">pannus </i><span style="line-height: 107%;">that damages the corneas of the eyes. Recognizing that the chaos of a shelter was no place for a blind dog, the staff and volunteers at the Asheville Humane Society took special care with Naida, keeping her in the quietest area they had available and working hard to place her into a rescue. They contacted GSRA about Naida in early May. We </span><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;">definitely</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> wanted to help, but needed to first make sure we knew what we were getting into as far as her future care. Equally important, we needed to have a foster home willing to take on a blind dog and oversee whatever medical care she was going to need. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We consulted with one of the vets we commonly work with to find out what the treatment of pannus might look like, and learned it can run the gamut from eye drops to laser surgery to removal of the eyeballs. A wide range, I'm sure you'll agree! And all of it is done by a specialist, a veterinary ophthalmologist. We certainly hoped Naida's treatment would fall into the simpler end of that spectrum, but GSRA's generous donor base gave us the confidence to commit to taking her, even if her treatment led to the costlier options. Next up was finding a foster home willing to make the leap of faith required to take in a mostly blind dog. One of our most dedicated volunteers offered her home for that, allowing us to move Naida from the shelter in early June. Our next step was to get her to a specialist and get her treatment started. I'll gloss over the details here because the story is getting long, but here are the key points:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Naida was started on two different types of eye drops, both of which needed to be given multiple times per day. Have you ever tried to give eye drops to a dog? How about to a dog who's blind, doesn't know you, and has no reason to trust you? HUGE shout-out to the foster for working through this and earning Naida's trust!!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Naida's eyes were noticeably clearer after only a few DAYS!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At her 2-week recheck the specialist gave us the OK to reduce the frequency of one of the drops. Over the coming weeks, this medication will be discontinued entirely. She'll continue to need the other eye drops twice a day for life. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most importantly, Naida can SEE! Perhaps not quite as sharply as before the pannus developed, but well enough to navigate through life as an essentially normal dog. </span></span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can see the remarkable change in Naida's eyes in the "before" and "after" photos above. The first was taken at the shelter in May, and the second was taken at our July adoption event. This delightful dog is now living without the pain of terribly inflamed eyes, and is looking forward to finding her new forever home. We're fortunate that treatment turned out to be so straightforward in her case, and well aware that things could easily have gone the other way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that is Naida's story, and it's why we do what we do. No one of us could have done it alone, but with strong partnerships with area shelters and veterinarians, plus the ongoing support of our committed volunteers and generous donors, we can to it TOGETHER. If you have ever supported GSRA, either with your time or with your dollars, then this is your story too.</span></span></div>
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GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-1287025122124798282015-11-12T10:25:00.001-08:002015-11-12T10:25:45.210-08:00Bear's BirthdayHappy Birthday Bear Buddy, or as I like to refer to him - BOOBEAR!<br />
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I know I keep saying this over and over again, but I am beyond amazed. I guess I built up this long rehabilitation process in my head and I can't seem to wrap my head around how quickly Bear has adjusted to life off of the chain!<br />
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Bear has been at the hospital since Saturday. We needed to make sure he was healthy and heartworm negative before we could neuter him. Our first bit of good news came Saturday morning when we discovered that he was heartworm negative. We had prepared ourselves for the worst and relief across the rescue could be heard throughout the state! Next, his blood work... came back perfect. For a dog that has been starved, he was remarkably healthy. That meant that Bear lost his, um, well, he got neutered on Monday. He was a little upset at first, but has completely forgiven us! </div>
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Yesterday, I visited him in the hospital. Apparently our young man is feeling better and wants human or canine company ALL OF THE TIME. When he was alone in his kennel, he made his displeasure known. He was a real pain in the toosh yesterday and I LOVE IT! I feel bad for the vet and the vet techs, but a healthy and excited dog is exactly what I want! They discovered if they put a canine friend in the room with him, he calmed down and was quiet. This boy is going to be someone's SHADOW!!</div>
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I think I can stop with my words and let Bear tell you how he feels! This was our playtime yesterday. Notice that tail! NOT the same dog from 2 weeks ago! Tomorrow Bear comes home with me to meet Cooper, Asher and Miss "I am a Monster" Maggie. All GSRA Alums! </div>
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<br />GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-21458706152646623352015-11-11T05:04:00.000-08:002015-11-11T05:05:15.399-08:00Bear's Release from the ChainIn the days leading up to the release date we were all getting nervous. We had visited Bear a couple of times and he growled at us and seemed so afraid. The night before the Release, Bear seemed to sense something else was going on. In this video we see some glimmer of hope. Notice, however, how tucked his little tail still is.<br />
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All night we worried. Would the people who signed the release for Bear actually let us take him? They did not want him, but it was made very clear that they did not care that he was going to a better place. They did not like Bear and to them he was a thing that they could just ignore and starve. Everyone involved in the rescue worried that evening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZDhh2PUB9F011zSFCe7-xr_2VIGdFdc5h1b7ukrk-OmNTpaILqwWYYPBGJlU2lYFf6LTJ3Jt_oLl-3EbaU0triALGuaJwTHIgW9KXYcpc_L59F04GEirun256ny2irZs384cZZ5xPvY/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZDhh2PUB9F011zSFCe7-xr_2VIGdFdc5h1b7ukrk-OmNTpaILqwWYYPBGJlU2lYFf6LTJ3Jt_oLl-3EbaU0triALGuaJwTHIgW9KXYcpc_L59F04GEirun256ny2irZs384cZZ5xPvY/s200/IMG_0484.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEVqylcjTi2hxXgAv1KfObwwQ5uliyClyBYOMb85rduOWX07ul9ZXixjgumCfDIJH2ELK5yPcrcqPUCmVcDzmL2dPQYnL9eSRLDLFAqkzkb7drJw-O3-mHii64hEmo3mByDtnBjpjXOE/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEVqylcjTi2hxXgAv1KfObwwQ5uliyClyBYOMb85rduOWX07ul9ZXixjgumCfDIJH2ELK5yPcrcqPUCmVcDzmL2dPQYnL9eSRLDLFAqkzkb7drJw-O3-mHii64hEmo3mByDtnBjpjXOE/s200/IMG_0486.JPG" width="200" /></a>Ready to muzzle Bear, wear protective clothing in case he wanted to bite us, bright and early Saturday morning we loaded up the SUV and headed out. We planned for this to be difficult. But, we got the GREATEST surprise of lives. The moment Bear's chain came off, his tail came up and began wagging so fast I was afraid he would take off! He actually RAN towards us. He was grateful, he was ready and he TRUSTED us to take care of him. I cannot describe in words the honor I felt by his trust. He had no reason to believe in us, but he did. This is a dog's greatest strength and their biggest weakness - trusting humans. See the video of his release.<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/145301794">Bear's Birthday</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user45701805">cris</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Stay tuned for the next blog about his medical checkup, but I MUST share this little teaser... to our absolute amazement, this boy is Heartworm Negative! Just like his unexpected joy in seeing us, this was another unexpected miracle.GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-10518499608987248832015-11-06T10:27:00.003-08:002015-11-06T16:43:52.911-08:00It Started with an Email<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvvLwtqa8ithmM1A6IWjvPltaivuz3Uc8yITcqfCyy3Wv4BrnSDiHjXnHtchYHL6sW_mC6n25loIAd6UANLL4HfzNxdEjpEsdiff_2dPewlUx9pjUb5QpxlxjMWlpJ7VwgCGiXMAfUaQ/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvvLwtqa8ithmM1A6IWjvPltaivuz3Uc8yITcqfCyy3Wv4BrnSDiHjXnHtchYHL6sW_mC6n25loIAd6UANLL4HfzNxdEjpEsdiff_2dPewlUx9pjUb5QpxlxjMWlpJ7VwgCGiXMAfUaQ/s200/IMG_0421.JPG" width="200" /></a>It all started with an email from a concerned neighbor to our rescue email. The email was forwarded to me with the comment, "OH MY GOD, isn't this in your area?' Indeed it was and this is how the journey to save Bear began.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U6TO6JwNPaCAVyZmC2XrX0Cj-VFjfKaFE4M4GJJGQV3SAoTJxdatMSIicKkexMs_QvjC_Xi1txUwY-mHNA_yXd9YGcb9ZzNcNmwrmd9ifjN31PXJs-54ydssG85ZK_VZf5VBvJjFVMM/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U6TO6JwNPaCAVyZmC2XrX0Cj-VFjfKaFE4M4GJJGQV3SAoTJxdatMSIicKkexMs_QvjC_Xi1txUwY-mHNA_yXd9YGcb9ZzNcNmwrmd9ifjN31PXJs-54ydssG85ZK_VZf5VBvJjFVMM/s200/IMG_0425.JPG" width="200" /></a>I reached out to the good Samaritan who contacted us about Bear and discovered that the situation was even more dire than we at first thought. At the moment of writing this and posting, we do not have possession of Bear so I will keep my details light, in hopes of filling everyone in at a later date. But, the long story short is, Bear was left to starve to death.<br />
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The good samaritans watched this poor dog on the chain everyday. Calls to animal control were not met with many options. Then they began noticing that Bear was getting thinner. Were their eyes playing tricks on them? Upon investigation, not only did they find that Bear was getting thinner, he was actually starving to death. The good samaritans began sneaking him food and reached out to German Shepherd Rescue.<br />
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I went to assess this boy. Well... assess isn't the right word since I could not get near him. He growled and told me to stay away. Looking at that frail body, with his tail tucked so tightly I knew in my heart he wanted to be a good dog, he just had not been given the opportunity.<br />
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GSRA houses all of our dogs in foster homes. We need to know the temperament of the dog before we place them in someone's home. Is the dog good with other dog? Cats? Children? Men? These things are imperative for us to know in order to ensure the best possible foster home match. Unfortunately, I left the assessment with no answers. I could not tell our Intake or Foster Coordinators anything about this dog other than he was 1). Starving 2). Scared 3). a Sheppie/Hound mix (that I am VERY found of). The smart answer would be to say no; Bear is not a candidate for our rescue. Well, no one ever said animal rescuers always make the SMARTEST decisions. So, it was decided.... BEAR IS A GSRA DOG.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPmEAD9_njsQXJkxd7L8c-gfFFPkGNqSl2TBhKJ_ffY5l_w5tX2GkWT003QPGifW9ZdwIIrI-0D06CwC9DJjy3kFdYe0n2lW8bo1RlNFK9wvVcf63Hr4b4RcqYmQXBB2B5CoVNlFVX-0/s1600/IMG_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPmEAD9_njsQXJkxd7L8c-gfFFPkGNqSl2TBhKJ_ffY5l_w5tX2GkWT003QPGifW9ZdwIIrI-0D06CwC9DJjy3kFdYe0n2lW8bo1RlNFK9wvVcf63Hr4b4RcqYmQXBB2B5CoVNlFVX-0/s200/IMG_0416.JPG" width="200" /></a>Over the coming days and weeks I will share Bear's Rescue story. It is just beginning to unfold. Tomorrow Bear leaves his chain for the last time. Because of his fear, we will need to sedate him to get him to the vet, but we are confident that once that chain is removed, Bear will begin to heal.<br />
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The video below was shot over the course of several days. Bear has begun to trust the good samaritan who is feeding him and by my second visit, he took food from my hands. All of this is VERY VERY promising. Please think about us tomorrow morning. This will be the MOST difficult part of this change for Bear. Even though he received no love, very little food, and had minimal protection from the elements, Bear is leaving the only home he has ever known. We can't tell him what is happening or reassure him other than by gentle voices.<br />
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<br />GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-64143448090654946742014-08-06T14:16:00.001-07:002014-08-06T14:16:26.275-07:00Cooper Discusses Senior Dog Health with Experts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Cooper has been busy the last few weeks. He has been going to school, learning new things and has also been looking into the special care of Seniors. Cooper LOVES his Mama Tina and nothing is too good for her!<br />
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Cooper talked with LeighAnn, a Licensed Veterinary Technician and Dr. Jones Shults on the care of Seniors.<br />
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<span class="s1">Care of Senior Dogs</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">As our dogs age, they are more likely to have aches and pains. But they can stay healthy and active well into their later years with a little planning and preventative care. We can also provide excellent care to senior dogs that have already developed joint problems or painful areas. In addition, German Shepherds are one of the breeds that are at increased risk for developing problems that can affect the nervous system, like disk disease, lumbosacral disease, and degenerative myelopathy. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a rehabilitation trained veterinarian, I always start with a nose to tail thorough examination. This includes a general exam, gait evaluation, exam of all the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones, and a neurologic exam. German Shepherds are at risk for wrist arthritis as they age, injuries to the support structure on the back of the wrist, developmental problems in the elbow that can lead to arthritis as they age, spinal arthritis, hip dysplasia leading to hip arthritis, injury to the knees, lumbosacral disease, and degenerative myelopathy. Any dog can have any combination of these, and an accurate diagnosis is essential to an effective treatment plan. </span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">We utilize a combination of treatments in each dog to obtain the best results. Options vary based on the diagnosis and the dog, but may include:</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Supplements to keep joints lubricated and reduce inflammation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Exercise at home to keep muscles strong; often a targeted home exercise program is needed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Low-level LASER therapy to reduce pain & inflammation and stimulate healing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Electrical stimulation of weak muscles or painful areas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Cold & heat therapy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Soft Tissue mobilizations to loosen stiff joints or muscles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Acupuncture</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">In-House gym sessions to focus on specific problems</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Hydrotherapy like swimming or underwater treadmill</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Proprioceptive training for dogs with neurologic dysfunction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Support devices like Help ‘Em Up harness or ToeGrips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Pain medications – many options</span></li>
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<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ultimately, our German Shepherds can live well into their senior years with great quality of life. My own German Shepherd lived to be nearly 14 years. Focusing on keeping active leads to an overall better quality of life, with more adventures with your canine friend.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Jennifer Jones Shults, DVM, CCRT</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you have questions about the care of a Senior, LeighAnn will be at our Adoption Event:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Adoption Event/AniMall/Cary</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Saturday August 9th, 2014 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Location: </span><a href="http://www.animall.org/" style="background-color: white; color: royalblue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" target="_blank">AniMall Pet Adoption and Outreach Center</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"> </span><span class="phoneNumber" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">(919) 465-2500</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Map: </span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1105+Walnut+Street,+Suite+H8808+Cary+NC+27511" style="background-color: white; color: royalblue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" target="_blank">1105 Walnut Street, Suite H8808 Cary NC 27511</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">See all of the </span><a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/attendance_forevent?EventID=70983" style="background-color: white; color: royalblue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">animals attending</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"> this event.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzZGK8ajFNsNFNZAEyvC3rl9OyMRzcqr0Iura2m05uWxaVe_4fD1CzVku40XoRqMNPNvkPmTKfA6RnN_LxjSpZixlejFcFlK5yLwzFlPB0oivMxtzXzSQ_kS3aPW6V4ILz46fXPz_Os0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-06+at+8.52.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzZGK8ajFNsNFNZAEyvC3rl9OyMRzcqr0Iura2m05uWxaVe_4fD1CzVku40XoRqMNPNvkPmTKfA6RnN_LxjSpZixlejFcFlK5yLwzFlPB0oivMxtzXzSQ_kS3aPW6V4ILz46fXPz_Os0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-06+at+8.52.45+AM.png" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
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GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-40687845422512058262014-07-15T13:47:00.000-07:002014-07-15T15:25:33.295-07:00Cooper Introduces the Gem Gang!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxHg4AGZyx8_-jgP7y4GZwM8Nttbi1sosp-03S7GPl5M_rL8rnUsq9M_FuIn7KovfFlyT0ojLHyJd32rH3IjBYzW8zDFufV5sPdThj_BkqvMB5B8PSTqaq8-xH1wkhqtnzooRhl4YVr4/s1600/Gem+Gang.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxHg4AGZyx8_-jgP7y4GZwM8Nttbi1sosp-03S7GPl5M_rL8rnUsq9M_FuIn7KovfFlyT0ojLHyJd32rH3IjBYzW8zDFufV5sPdThj_BkqvMB5B8PSTqaq8-xH1wkhqtnzooRhl4YVr4/s1600/Gem+Gang.jpg.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a>Puppies, Puppies, Puppies! We have puppies in the House! These little "Gems" were a GSRA surprise. In early June, we rescued Ruby and her daughter Juliet from the shelter, not knowing that on June 10, 2014 we would wake up to a surprise! Ruby's foster mom started to suspect that Ruby might be pregnant and that morning she gifted us with 6 beautiful girls and 2 handsome boys! These little bundles of joy are 5 weeks old. We keep the pups with their Mama until they are at least 8 weeks old. Then we pair them off and send them to new foster homes so they can learn to live in a home without their Mama and the rest of their siblings. Then, between 10-12 weeks they begin interviewing potential forever homes! But, what kind of forever homes are these little guys looking for?<br />
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why a Puppy isn't Right for Everyone</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUQBBGGLTqF72A5CAoWxmhyphenhypheniqG1l4cU98ArFkBn8MmaRwhyq8l-GzFAWm6EvtwQLlOeXYfFXdvREe-ajMjz8sWpcFyqJBOW9U1SpE3zQYLSQ3c0WiKdAjZQaj2VbVqV6sKFJwFFYpv8s/s1600/Puppies+chasing+Roxie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUQBBGGLTqF72A5CAoWxmhyphenhypheniqG1l4cU98ArFkBn8MmaRwhyq8l-GzFAWm6EvtwQLlOeXYfFXdvREe-ajMjz8sWpcFyqJBOW9U1SpE3zQYLSQ3c0WiKdAjZQaj2VbVqV6sKFJwFFYpv8s/s1600/Puppies+chasing+Roxie.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run Roxy, RUN! The Puppies were introduced to Roxy, a<br />
senior girl. Puppies will chase ANYTHING and anyone! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok, everyone loves a puppy! We are cute! I should know, I am still a puppy! Who can resist the adorable bundle of fur and the puppy breath? We are so darn sweet, but we grow up and we grow up fast! Puppies can be a great addition to some families, but adult or senior dogs are a better fit for many. GSRAs policy is that we do not adopt dogs under a year old to families with children under 8. We also highly recommend crate training. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"> </span>We have been questioned about these two practices. Sure, many people have small children and puppies, but if those people were honest with you, in most cases they will admit it was a LOT of extra work! Let me take the opportunity to discuss this in detail. </div>
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<h3>
Myth: Puppies and Babies Always Go Together</h3>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR2W3XD74skMhQfObMB73HEyQa7SGcHszjgBtaHoLwEqxslONJr_aDLnxmNVZjaLrKCQ1UdyayFV62FBcdXPPyDwFbMJytEmHgG06N8E-GVy8pqtzJAomYG4tVF9quvHdKrPaVIkh9-c/s1600/Just+having+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR2W3XD74skMhQfObMB73HEyQa7SGcHszjgBtaHoLwEqxslONJr_aDLnxmNVZjaLrKCQ1UdyayFV62FBcdXPPyDwFbMJytEmHgG06N8E-GVy8pqtzJAomYG4tVF9quvHdKrPaVIkh9-c/s1600/Just+having+fun.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GSD are social creatures. They need companionship.</td></tr>
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"You know that cute Kodak commercial with the puppies climbing all over the giggling little boy? Have you ever noticed how short it is? That's because they could only film for a few seconds before the welts rose, the blood dripped, and the boy began to scream for his mother. Puppies have needle sharp-teeth that they happily sink into anyone who walks by. They also have sharp nails that scratch when they jump up - and on the little one, those front feet land right around his face (Betsy Morris)." Baby GSDs are little herding dogs in training. They have sharp teeth and they play rough to get them ready for the job they were bred to do. All too often people adopt a puppy with small children only to give the dog up because the dog is "biting" the child, scratching the child, or playing with the child like he is also a GSD puppy. This is natural for the puppy. I still bite my Mama's ankles because I think it is funny. A baby's skin is much more fragile. As a rescue, we can't put one of our pups in a situation like this. I think any tired mother of a toddler will tell you that they don't need two toddlers running around, especially one with sharp teeth and a desire to tinkle in the house. I hope I didn't make us puppies sound bad! Puppies are great in no kid homes or homes with older children who can help them learn good behavior.<br />
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<h3>
Myth: Crate Training a Puppy is Cruel</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr71g2nmwiDDUXG8NGDzwKoiDp7Elm8HoZj8hVdkTirWaBEbQM6VWrmAZcHLLjnlRHtz7zx_dmefF1FzP4-SGBjJ2hs71z4P77M-Z37mXts9vPoANL6LzZVO5i59Tc6NKh0cWYe5IKrc/s1600/10535768_10202388830981375_3847092150312830191_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr71g2nmwiDDUXG8NGDzwKoiDp7Elm8HoZj8hVdkTirWaBEbQM6VWrmAZcHLLjnlRHtz7zx_dmefF1FzP4-SGBjJ2hs71z4P77M-Z37mXts9vPoANL6LzZVO5i59Tc6NKh0cWYe5IKrc/s1600/10535768_10202388830981375_3847092150312830191_o.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All pups need plenty of outside, social time.</td></tr>
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Crate training isn't cruel! My Mama got an email while she was still my foster Mama explaining that she was being cruel to me because she was crate training me. I would like to argue that point. When I first came to live with my family I was just a tiny little 2-3 month old pup. I didn't know about dangers and I was not house broken. My family didn't leave me in the crate all day! But, I did stay in the crate any time my Mama could not directly supervise me. Let me ask this question, would you leave your human pup unsupervised while you were gone or in another part of the house? I don't think you would! Also, if I had been left unsupervised when I first got here, I would have gotten into trouble! Instead of being let out of my kennel to play and get lov'ins, my Mama would have been upset and would have had to spend precious "Cooper Time" cleaning up my mess! I never get yelled at for doing bad things, because my Mama doesn't set me up for failure. That is what a crate is for! I no longer sleep in my crate at night. I have a soft bed beside Tina's bed. I only go into my crate to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and when my family cannot be home with me. The crate is not a punishment or a bad place to be. Crate training a puppy is an extremely humane way to teach a pup how to live in a house. The Humane Society has a great page explaining how to crate train properly. <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/crate_training.html">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/crate_training.html</a>. Remember, puppies do not know the difference in their toys, electrical wires, your best MK pumps or your child's favorite binky. A puppy needs supervision to learn these things! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBGIF0ZtIh9BZZvg4zvNMxaMkF0stiWppWPa9Qq6jSsMS99LhGdBO_DhqGbsgmM4rBghrCT1RDpyFZ7HTg-BBFzpvgCC9Iv9hSwWnjmfLHh8q2wTrralVzU-wHds32xDGGbhBUUGCtWE/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBGIF0ZtIh9BZZvg4zvNMxaMkF0stiWppWPa9Qq6jSsMS99LhGdBO_DhqGbsgmM4rBghrCT1RDpyFZ7HTg-BBFzpvgCC9Iv9hSwWnjmfLHh8q2wTrralVzU-wHds32xDGGbhBUUGCtWE/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper in school listening to his teacher.</td></tr>
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<h3>
About the Author</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My name is Cooper and I was rescued by GSRA in May of 2014. I was adopted in June of 2014 by my foster mommy and I am about 5 months old now. I started school a few weeks ago. I did VERY well my first night of school and I was the best in class if I say so myself. However, my second class did not go as well. Week two was walking around a store and taking treats from strangers. I did NOT like this. I was so scared I had an accident on the floor!</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyHH727gB6-wdAURTm_6aCOGdZbfjOR0uVHVmE1dwSN5-ToveKCXR1-zr7Y9hWOP5xvjg-CcnzKFWQjKzF9m56EBNctmj-5klLU8retUlI97Weu4iHbZ3Bg-IyRN7ECM4mkx17LCMdRc/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyHH727gB6-wdAURTm_6aCOGdZbfjOR0uVHVmE1dwSN5-ToveKCXR1-zr7Y9hWOP5xvjg-CcnzKFWQjKzF9m56EBNctmj-5klLU8retUlI97Weu4iHbZ3Bg-IyRN7ECM4mkx17LCMdRc/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper not sure about this "meet a stranger" night.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mx4s93UbJjoEPP8WwVX7u7WjKTZtbR0Suv6oRdDEQIzwhEX4TXyLnMXzosnOo85RwV6re8PfSKcnsUEfnFXwPxVWapH84TdgTRKlV2rSsmI6N4uRMLiKtWgLeqJ0log1JyWVT4C0Jt4/s1600/10501727_798358290215540_6073735774802018578_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mx4s93UbJjoEPP8WwVX7u7WjKTZtbR0Suv6oRdDEQIzwhEX4TXyLnMXzosnOo85RwV6re8PfSKcnsUEfnFXwPxVWapH84TdgTRKlV2rSsmI6N4uRMLiKtWgLeqJ0log1JyWVT4C0Jt4/s1600/10501727_798358290215540_6073735774802018578_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging at Panera Bread. People LOVE me! </td></tr>
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<div>
My Mama decided to just walk me around, but not to let strangers pet me or give me treats. It was just too much for me. I came home from my second class a little sad. So, Papa and my big brother Asher took me to Tractor Supply and Panera Bread the next day. My brother Asher showed me how wonderful the world outside the house can be! </div>
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Thank you all for reading my blog. Check out the Gem Puppies first music video below! They will be available for adoption in about 6 weeks!
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GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-74381314362412861032014-07-03T10:11:00.001-07:002014-07-03T10:11:40.284-07:00Happy 4th of July from Cooper! <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsYHIsBGWcbviQITq3W37W6ihTSslYUYLLPbK37BJRsDvjB_ARwpiCNratmySehOx_hwXVZejUn40FZShKO57F7jRqKsBDo6PQEZEI6GpZiVjLtAO9NCZT8ZrX41xzzMjufOLyzMtNIo/s1600/Batman.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsYHIsBGWcbviQITq3W37W6ihTSslYUYLLPbK37BJRsDvjB_ARwpiCNratmySehOx_hwXVZejUn40FZShKO57F7jRqKsBDo6PQEZEI6GpZiVjLtAO9NCZT8ZrX41xzzMjufOLyzMtNIo/s1600/Batman.jpg.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Cooper will be back next week with an update on our Gem Litter! He wants to remind everyone to have a HAPPY & SAFE 4th of July. Please remember that fireworks can be frightening to animals. </span></div>
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<br />GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-73703517335895574812014-06-27T12:44:00.000-07:002014-06-27T12:51:15.304-07:00Just a Random Dog<div class="p1">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRShJy7uw7gAAN_0FpcZECynIaQwGtipiw9VqSAzy4i_2R4KLYPbasLgRIUaJNwg8Xbur3wJRthE6l4RUyopBZSzD27bGBPV0Ox8GBNL4mh9qfs0Bga5N9QhGhtmJ7A9G42dlOswyfO0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRShJy7uw7gAAN_0FpcZECynIaQwGtipiw9VqSAzy4i_2R4KLYPbasLgRIUaJNwg8Xbur3wJRthE6l4RUyopBZSzD27bGBPV0Ox8GBNL4mh9qfs0Bga5N9QhGhtmJ7A9G42dlOswyfO0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><span class="s1"><b>“Just a Random Dog”</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">While frolicking and playing with my parents and new siblings in the yard, my Papa was exclaiming what a wonderful, smart and talented dog I am. But, he paused, looked into my eyes and said, “Cooper, you are just a random dog.” Mama and I stopped with the look of disgust on our faces and wondered what ailment had touched poor Papa’s brain! I AM NOT A RANDOM DOG! Papa went on to explain that I WAS just a random dog. He wondered aloud how many other dogs as cute and sweet and smart as me were in the shelter, or worse…? Papa said I was just a random dog that was lucky enough to find a person to call animal control, be taken to a caring shelter who in turn reached out to rescue. I then had a rescue to step up because they had a foster home available. Even if I had not be adopted by my foster parents, I would have been adopted because the rescue committed to me. If any of these events had fallen through, I would have become one of the sad statistics in America today!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">After listening to Papa, Mama and I decided to talk to you today about one of the people in my rescue, the foster. If the rescue had not had space for me, I might have ended up a statistic! Everyday rescues and shelters must turn away animals. It is not because they do not care; it is because they do not have room. Because of loving foster homes, “Random Dogs” like me get a second chance to survive. Without these foster homes, dogs like me die everyday in shelters and on the streets. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">In a foster home, we learn basic obedience and we learn how wonderful life can be; this makes us more adoptable. Sadly, GSRA and other wonderful rescues around the country must turn away dogs because they do not have room. Some of these caring foster homes have multiple fosters at a time and these spaces are extremely precious.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">You may be reluctant to become a foster. Maybe my story did not convince you. Perhaps you are one of the many who think that you would fall in love with your foster and not be able to give them up. Maybe you have thought about it, but you keep waiting for the “Right Time” to start. I am going to turn this over to my mom and a few of GSRAs fosters to tell you more about their experience as a foster. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Being a Foster</span></h2>
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<span class="s1">Being a foster is one of the most amazing things you can do. No one can really describe what it is like. Watching a shutdown animal discover toys for the first time is one of the most humbling experiences. Watching them learn to approach people, even though they were abused, or watching them learn that they WILL get another meal after this one. Nothing can really prepare you for the feelings you get inside watching this transformation. I have fostered many dogs. Yes, I fall in love with every one of them. I tell them they are mine until I find someone better. I have foster failed 3 times. But, I have foster succeeded many more than that. Watching the dog you have cared for, loved, taught, fed and perhaps nursed through illness get in the car to go home with her new parents causes many emotions. You experience heart break, joy, and love for these new people who are going to care for your baby. When it is right, they are easy to let go because you know in your heart, it is the best thing.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Carol describes the joys of fostering like this: Aside from being incredibly rewarding, fostering has made me a much better dog handler than I would otherwise be. I’ve been exposed to (and learned to manage!) far more dog personalities than I would ever have myself in a lifetime of dog-ownership, and each one has taught me something important. And when each one is launched successfully into his or her new forever home, well, there’s NO beating that feeling. You’re a mix of happy, sad, and proud, but mostly happy and proud. Because it means that now there’s space to save another one….</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Elizabeth says that being a foster mom gives her the opportunity to have more dogs than she would normally ever get to have. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Connie describes her experience: I’ve always had a great love and a special bond with dogs. I’ve always thought about fostering, but like so many others, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to let them go. My heart has always gone out to the dogs who are abused, neglected, abandoned, etc. so about a year ago, I knew it was time to step up and give it a try. Fostering to me was all about helping dogs, whether it was to help them get healthy, trust in people again or just to show them they do deserve to be loved and cared for. What I found out was that for all I try to give to my fosters; what they give to me is beyond words. To see them heal, learn to love, trust and to be happy; to me is the greatest gift there is. Now don’t get me wrong, it can be a mix of feelings to let them go to their new furever family, but when you find that special home and you see how happy and loved they are, you know you did what was right for them. And because you were able to let go, you now have a chance to offer another dog a second chance for life. I can’t imagine my life without dogs and I know now that fosters will always be a special part of it.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you are in North Carolina and you think a GSD is the type of dog you could foster, please fill out our foster application. If you are not in NC or you think a GSD isn’t the right fit for you, please explore your locate shelters and rescues. You will not regret becoming a foster! <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/forms/" target="_blank">Link to applications</a>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping dad survey the land before building a deck.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><b>About the Author:</b> My name is Cooper and I was recently adopted by my foster family. I started puppy school on Wednesday, but was promoted to the beginner class with the big dogs! Please stay tuned for my adventures. I am going to school, I plan to take the Good Citizen Test and I would like to visit nursing homes with my mom. </span></div>
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Check out my video below and don't forget my friends Sani, Shelby, Lupa and Reese and my sister Chelsea who are looking for Furever homes! Feel free to email my mom at gsrawebmaster@gmail.com for more information.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pNv9pa03fKg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-3046427177243820962014-06-18T14:12:00.001-07:002014-06-18T14:12:44.427-07:00Cooper Introduces Lupa and ChelseaThis has been a busy week! My friend Lupa needs a home and I found my sister!<br />
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Lupa the Beautiful</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-yZT2G53CZYb3415HcQhiO4yFTwO0kIj4of7Axqbti2fNi7F3M89HATTV4gVi4URNuTs_ZvD-1Vw2ZbPXGEEh4sOFbR5Zv5ly0w1QtoH81j4wn3buG1hRempFcpEGkCypuf_CMixkdI/s1600/Lupa5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-yZT2G53CZYb3415HcQhiO4yFTwO0kIj4of7Axqbti2fNi7F3M89HATTV4gVi4URNuTs_ZvD-1Vw2ZbPXGEEh4sOFbR5Zv5ly0w1QtoH81j4wn3buG1hRempFcpEGkCypuf_CMixkdI/s1600/Lupa5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>First I will tell you about the AMAZING and Sassy <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=6790671" target="_blank">Lupa</a>! Lupa was found with her two pups and only weighing 47 pounds!!! (Geesh, I am almost 40 lbs!). She didn't know how to live in a house because the poor girl had been a stray for no one knows how long. But, now that she is in her foster home, she has learned to "sit", "come", "down", and "off". She is still working on "Stay" - that is a hard one. I can't do that one either!<br />
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Lupa needs a home where she can continue her training. Since she was a stray out on her own, she didn't have much need for a leash. But, now she needs to walk on a leash. She still isn't good at that. See, she is a pretty girl with some attention issues! Can anyone say "SQUIRREL"? She is easily distracted. We know there is a family out there who would love to help her master this skill also!<br />
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Lupa LOVES the car! She will go ANYWHERE with you. I suggest she try out Sonic and the cheese sticks! Lupa also LOVES to make music with squeaky toys. I think she probably will be asked to join the Dog Symphony soon! Lupa also LOVES to swim! Are you seeing all these good traits???<br />
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Lupa would be fine as an only dog. However, she could be part of a pack, but would need supervision at dinner time with other dogs. Because Lupa was so hungry when we found her, she has some resource guarding issues with other dogs. Who can blame her? She was in the big bad world and had to feed her two pups! She has made AMAZING improvements and would need to have supervision at dinner time as she continues to learn that she WILL get dinner.<br />
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Lupa is crate trained. She is sweet and fun loving also. They call her a Velcro dog because she sticks to her humans like VELCRO. Lupa knows what it is like on the outside, so she will keep you close. She is working on her separation Anxiety and would do best in a home where people are home a good portion of the day. Lupa will do well in a home with children and gets along with dogs. See her video below! Check out <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=6790671" target="_blank">Lupa's Website</a> for more information.<br />
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My Sister Chelsea</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-p2BuFDvwe-5l919pV5bCWKd9gm10T0hrvKz9-GaTcTnTcDunZAKNuEKf2HWcPS9fiIKiJLTeGIl6hViG-TgJ_NkKobguL2FVV4YzH7__JFNJwtvdma57hC6nk5NFCCUGdQQdKXwDIc/s1600/Chelsea+&+Austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-p2BuFDvwe-5l919pV5bCWKd9gm10T0hrvKz9-GaTcTnTcDunZAKNuEKf2HWcPS9fiIKiJLTeGIl6hViG-TgJ_NkKobguL2FVV4YzH7__JFNJwtvdma57hC6nk5NFCCUGdQQdKXwDIc/s1600/Chelsea+&+Austin.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdn3Kvoiqwv_s9tyS537VWSN3Y1VSnr6U4_tWDOf3GFpcnITF8UUx8F2-eX_SR7k5DAGxTroUpmKbebwP23DNUoEM-9miKIHZOHnukLHlp-gAMg4DJASPOCTPEJXVH-HXnN5L6WaDsA0/s1600/Chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdn3Kvoiqwv_s9tyS537VWSN3Y1VSnr6U4_tWDOf3GFpcnITF8UUx8F2-eX_SR7k5DAGxTroUpmKbebwP23DNUoEM-9miKIHZOHnukLHlp-gAMg4DJASPOCTPEJXVH-HXnN5L6WaDsA0/s1600/Chelsea.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Next I want to tell you about my sister! I will be talking about her until we find her a home. Her name is Chelsea and she was found on the same street as me. She has mange also, but she isn't as bad as I was! We want to help the Shelter find her a great home! The shelter says she is as sweet as me! Well, that is SWEET! Just call me Southern Sweet Tea!!!! My Mama and I are going to help the shelter with applicants. Chelsea is located in Flomaton, Alabama and is being well cared for at the Humane Society of Escambia County. You can find them on the web at: <a href="http://www.petango.com/humanesocietyescambia">http://www.petango.com/humanesocietyescambia</a> and on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Humane-Society-of-Escambia-County/106664336047198?sk=info" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. If you are interested in adopting my sister, please email my Foster Mama at <a href="mailto:gsrawebmaster@gmail.com">gsrawebmaster@gmail.com</a> and we will assist you. My Mama will also share all the things she did to help me get over my mange! Please help me find my sister a new home. Mama says I get 5 points if we find Chelsea a home! FIVE POINTS!!!! Come on!!! Email my Mama, NOW!<br />
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About Cooper</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHwIPl3lbws7IEBOc4uM3ydiVIIMC7rikJRU71Jsow_f8Btjk03gwn7y67ajL1eKrEFbg8I5VaCMgO3eHHZVMP9GGtjb-4PM7oWQ3BXJwrXjRyiHaJWVs8t-Rdw1EXGPcBN8RiZR7QVk/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHwIPl3lbws7IEBOc4uM3ydiVIIMC7rikJRU71Jsow_f8Btjk03gwn7y67ajL1eKrEFbg8I5VaCMgO3eHHZVMP9GGtjb-4PM7oWQ3BXJwrXjRyiHaJWVs8t-Rdw1EXGPcBN8RiZR7QVk/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Ok, I have already talked your ear off about my friend Lupa. Please don't forget that my friend <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=5736181" target="_blank">Shelby</a> and <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=5429635" target="_blank">Sani </a>are still available for adoption. Remember the prize I get??? I have NO POINTS yet! Please, Please, Please adopt one of my friends. If you can't adopt, please share my blog with your friends. Maybe they are looking for a best friend to cuddle with! </div>
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Next week my blog will come out on Thursday instead of Wednesday. Want to know why? I am going to SCHOOL!!!! Mama has my treats packed and we are heading to school next Wednesday night. I can't wait to tell you about my first day of school. Mama says I will be the smartest one in class. </div>
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Please watch my two videos so you can see how well I am doing. The first video is a surprise, so make sure you make it full screen and watch it to the end (it is only 43 seconds) so you can get your surprise! You will see that Lupa isn't the ONLY musician in the GSRA family!</div>
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In case you missed my first Jeep ride, see it below. I am just TOO CUTE!!!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hl-FTlf8h9Q?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-10046910774166071502014-06-11T08:56:00.002-07:002014-06-11T09:08:07.354-07:00Cooper Has FUR!!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I don't mean to be NOSEY, but have you filled out an application for my friends <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=5736181" target="_blank">Shelby</a> and <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=5429635" target="_blank">Sani</a> yet? Remember, if I can get 10 of my friends adopted I will get a super awesome prize! I am 0/10! To assist, here is the link to the <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/forms/" target="_blank">APPLICATION</a>. Also, if you want to adopt one of our other dogs, just put in the comment section of the application that you were referred by Cooper and that will count too!!!!<br />
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REESE IS AN AWESOME PUP!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPln6rc7EA7B7LxQXmW1yaq1AMUYlHODOduZS2tzkf6lOo2XFyIz6QhAK6wewArQCJr8VmjgQsWNeOzLP3aAa2ANOJLtvY_LmjSMGMwPhsi4grrnHUJc82Nvw8La3dkU8kLZmm45XWIAA/s1600/Reese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPln6rc7EA7B7LxQXmW1yaq1AMUYlHODOduZS2tzkf6lOo2XFyIz6QhAK6wewArQCJr8VmjgQsWNeOzLP3aAa2ANOJLtvY_LmjSMGMwPhsi4grrnHUJc82Nvw8La3dkU8kLZmm45XWIAA/s1600/Reese.jpg" /></a>This week I am going to tell you about my friend <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=6901396" target="_blank">Reese</a> before I tell you all the cool things going on in my life! Reese is a 2 year old male who spent his life outside. His first human family was expecting a human baby and said Reese was too much trouble and sent him away!!! Can you believe that??? Reese is a very good boy who just needs a human willing to give him attention and continue the wonderful training his foster mom and other rescue friends have started. Because of his background, he would prefer a calm house and would absolutely love a canine friend to help show him what life is all about! Reese is the WHOLE package! He is a handsome fella like me, very trainable, lovable and appreciative of the attention people give him. </div>
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Now back to ME!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtkhpalytj-yHV1EHAa7B1sRXqrS8agvKHhgF90Ko6O3otl57CoMQU0E033ZWPi7cCnjkCRfpdvNENHxrjihS74FGg8XKr-oQSBr0fWCQ7phQwn6UMdB2Js8N2NSvZy0OnFebjIfXNW0/s1600/Tinaand+Cooper+Sleeping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtkhpalytj-yHV1EHAa7B1sRXqrS8agvKHhgF90Ko6O3otl57CoMQU0E033ZWPi7cCnjkCRfpdvNENHxrjihS74FGg8XKr-oQSBr0fWCQ7phQwn6UMdB2Js8N2NSvZy0OnFebjIfXNW0/s1600/Tinaand+Cooper+Sleeping.JPG" height="212" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>As you know, I went to Grandma's house last week. This week I have been learning new things, growing and being a "Good Cooper". I am almost housebroken! My mama says she is super proud of me. When I have an accident, my mama doesn't do mean things like rubbing my nose in the pee! If she doesn't catch me (I am sneaky), then she just cleans it up. If she catches me, she gets me by the back of the neck (I scream for dramatics) and she takes me outside. Once I pee, she tells me I am a good dog. She doesn't yell at me or hit me. She says that I will NEVER be hit and not to worry my cute self about that at all! I have had only one accident since coming back from Grandma's. I had the accident after Papa got home from work and I was EXCITED!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1chA0adbLxnxErPxqZeB2AuJnJnEGrvkakVC9GoWExtISOFT1jLq4XRfrDIoNy4Vif5obzYr4rKbxGDYc5bTbe7Bl9JlFH3D939bpbWtZNxDbwZbWvWFVWbbNSKo3wHhE2ObgpQuQuNo/s1600/CooperPose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1chA0adbLxnxErPxqZeB2AuJnJnEGrvkakVC9GoWExtISOFT1jLq4XRfrDIoNy4Vif5obzYr4rKbxGDYc5bTbe7Bl9JlFH3D939bpbWtZNxDbwZbWvWFVWbbNSKo3wHhE2ObgpQuQuNo/s1600/CooperPose.jpg" height="158" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IIIshyphenhyphencuBUoiPGOgQ1kp-FdjsDHDDK67VtII4kA24Vwq17FmeEMQ5Q31GWwpKJfICtSxXmIuhIFw-hiLYgVz5ospEx3r90aYLe7myFnW7SXmh7yP2BRCDJt7iiklLqtNGdTnasE7I0k/s1600/Cooper+teeth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IIIshyphenhyphencuBUoiPGOgQ1kp-FdjsDHDDK67VtII4kA24Vwq17FmeEMQ5Q31GWwpKJfICtSxXmIuhIFw-hiLYgVz5ospEx3r90aYLe7myFnW7SXmh7yP2BRCDJt7iiklLqtNGdTnasE7I0k/s1600/Cooper+teeth.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>I have been leaving Mama presents around the house. Here is just a sampling of my baby teeth! Mama says she can't wait until I get my adult teeth because my constant biting is getting old. (She doesn't mean it, she loves me, teething and all!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with my sister, Dezzie. Notice all the fur on my legs!</td></tr>
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Don't forget GSRA has an Adoption Event this weekend in Cary!</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Adoption Event/AniMall/Cary </b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Saturday June 14th, 2014 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Location: </span><a href="http://www.animall.org/" style="background-color: white; color: royalblue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" target="_blank">AniMall Pet Adoption and Outreach Center</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"> </span><span class="phoneNumber" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">(919) 465-2500</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Map: </span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1105+Walnut+Street,+Suite+H8808+Cary+NC+27511" style="background-color: white; color: royalblue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" target="_blank">1105 Walnut Street, Suite H8808 Cary NC 27511</a><br />
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<br />GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-4512196158778822242014-06-04T09:27:00.000-07:002014-06-04T09:27:02.621-07:00Cooper Goes to Grandma's House<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cooper Goes to Grandma's House!</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY72390uF8ESSBxseKWJHki4dmSlU2r_WYz_VPbhqrqf1E19aQ5pjMzByvdPbrV8KWmd4Pvm9KOpn0gS9nYPlmT2d-iid_DPUY4p1gRUz3D-Et9DvNri5-mxehoUgoChXvN4vKAXE3m0/s1600/Cute+Cooper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY72390uF8ESSBxseKWJHki4dmSlU2r_WYz_VPbhqrqf1E19aQ5pjMzByvdPbrV8KWmd4Pvm9KOpn0gS9nYPlmT2d-iid_DPUY4p1gRUz3D-Et9DvNri5-mxehoUgoChXvN4vKAXE3m0/s1600/Cute+Cooper.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am thinking about all the<br />dogs that need saving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6hOhlIKptI5dc70RweK_4II7LAzMO_ocGrskCqdCf7CwjyEnDIu0pTruKBe1q5lrJ8mPe9kRmpeRxXGTUcxvxhZroYhLGoJ-5kEsPYhrOupCfVYPz2IeyIQjheonhBv-E33Drdnax3Y/s1600/Cooperin+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6hOhlIKptI5dc70RweK_4II7LAzMO_ocGrskCqdCf7CwjyEnDIu0pTruKBe1q5lrJ8mPe9kRmpeRxXGTUcxvxhZroYhLGoJ-5kEsPYhrOupCfVYPz2IeyIQjheonhBv-E33Drdnax3Y/s1600/Cooperin+car.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding in the car like a BOSS!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII5VEe4u-3gdmfJB2sy7YgL97FsdgLoI8_y7RNnsEp1OJ4F-e83ix-uJYchtO62s5N7ZPFyDfmswaysCMKvJsjiSyB4JB16oJgb9MsWnJ15QiF_9IhZBftNR-LtBRbGvDMYpL8ociY2Y/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII5VEe4u-3gdmfJB2sy7YgL97FsdgLoI8_y7RNnsEp1OJ4F-e83ix-uJYchtO62s5N7ZPFyDfmswaysCMKvJsjiSyB4JB16oJgb9MsWnJ15QiF_9IhZBftNR-LtBRbGvDMYpL8ociY2Y/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can make anything a toy</td></tr>
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This week has been very exciting. Foster Mama and Foster Mama Tina loaded up my toys, blankets, bed, treats, food and condo and put me in the car. We drove for about 4 1/2 hours. I was super good the entire way! I stayed on my bed and snuggled with Mama Tina. At the end of the trip we got to a place they called Grandma's house!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4dMgLKkYrfQnVDhrbMWtp31nkBghZBszFFf8PB-3PshiwRoUfxjheKCI0AWfHaaj4j4gzmwmeqEARunVvjYBL-nWW2bXCQgzKLZ3J0eRT7Qtv4q7ZrXFmXiEYvJfPwvn8o4h28xwM6M/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4dMgLKkYrfQnVDhrbMWtp31nkBghZBszFFf8PB-3PshiwRoUfxjheKCI0AWfHaaj4j4gzmwmeqEARunVvjYBL-nWW2bXCQgzKLZ3J0eRT7Qtv4q7ZrXFmXiEYvJfPwvn8o4h28xwM6M/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with my cute self</td></tr>
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I really like Grandma's house! Grandma's house has dogs on all sides. Apparently my brother Asher likes to fence fight them. I am too cool to do that apparently and I just watch them. Don't worry mom, if they come over I will GET THEM!<br />
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I got to meet a bunch of kids at Grandma's house. Those kids can be scary because they make LOTS of noise, but if they sit down I will gladly lick their faces and make squeaky toys out of them! hehe<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiqr1WEe3QSy6vG59YMvWa8JpEueN6njqR1IRS2LboMEOXJOW7DbsH6Zo6aHq53n0BeNdWb-1k7hmxeehwN7fkJB52qxaX6UY4Z3OUwXpZaJt-m_UyM0AbpM6kf5BtMak5K-ghNkumLs/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiqr1WEe3QSy6vG59YMvWa8JpEueN6njqR1IRS2LboMEOXJOW7DbsH6Zo6aHq53n0BeNdWb-1k7hmxeehwN7fkJB52qxaX6UY4Z3OUwXpZaJt-m_UyM0AbpM6kf5BtMak5K-ghNkumLs/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fella is a good squeaky toy, but<br />Mama would not let me chew on him<br />too much</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpxRHxz1sOVMr6PIj9h-0VBsiMuq0Sgh82ZfQGiGy9cf4d4-62MwVKAaUh7HkxaHLB0ztmmbjvZHGxzOld8bCuqOD-5tO0S_Yqtoq8Ancuw_OJXlGkIc-yRG2HKcTKwu9C9t-zcKypks/s1600/sani1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpxRHxz1sOVMr6PIj9h-0VBsiMuq0Sgh82ZfQGiGy9cf4d4-62MwVKAaUh7HkxaHLB0ztmmbjvZHGxzOld8bCuqOD-5tO0S_Yqtoq8Ancuw_OJXlGkIc-yRG2HKcTKwu9C9t-zcKypks/s1600/sani1.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sani Dreaming of his Forever</td></tr>
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Now it is time for me to introduce my GSRA dog of the week. Remember, my foster mama promised me a prize if I can get 10 dogs adopted by August. Last week I introduced you to Shelby (she is still available). This week I am going to introduce you to Sani! Sani is a senior. I have a special place in my heart for seniors. My mama Tina is a senior and she was adopted when she was 9 years old! My mama LOVES her Tina and I think you will LOVE Sani!<br />
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Mr. Sani is 10 years young and is a gentle giant. Everyone who meets him, loves him! He is mellow and loves to snuggle, but loves a good walk too! He loves to go on car rides and he knows basic commands (OF COURSE HE DOES!). So, if you want a well behaved fella who loves to snuggle, then Sani is the guy for you! He is loyal, mature (AGAIN, what is wrong with puppies?), and will travel!<br />
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Now, there is NO reason this fella has not been adopted yet! I have a REAL affection for him and I need for him to be adopted! He reminds me of my Mama Tina and I would HATE to think of my Mama Tina with no forever home! I am 0/10. I need an adoption to help me get my prize! So, go ahead, check out <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=5429635" target="_blank">Sani's Webpage</a> and fill out an application ALREADY!<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" />GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-51773686725296985682014-05-28T14:19:00.000-07:002014-05-28T14:33:21.058-07:00Cooper Challenges His FansHello everyone! I have so much to tell you! I went to the vet today and they all could not get over how wonderful my fur looks. They said I was a handsome fella! Someone asked if I was a Dingo in the waiting room though? Hum? Dingo?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTl6YvvoKUxKORi6P00fHQryhQBDX5OE-LGh27bHACB0IgiMxDjTv_gNhQlVS5b4uaZLR5_RC8MI7Q1o4NpXBT8hQThPjOsFD9mEcRhwDJ4_fiDkpIrCCoOMk3agewWimlmAYY3CwmuI/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTl6YvvoKUxKORi6P00fHQryhQBDX5OE-LGh27bHACB0IgiMxDjTv_gNhQlVS5b4uaZLR5_RC8MI7Q1o4NpXBT8hQThPjOsFD9mEcRhwDJ4_fiDkpIrCCoOMk3agewWimlmAYY3CwmuI/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama Tina and ME!</td></tr>
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The vet weighed me and I weighed 27.4 pounds!!! Mama says I am a growing boy so she makes sure I get breakfast, lunch and dinner! I LOVE breakfast, lunch and dinner! I get my yummy kibble and "yogrit" on top! That is some good stuff! I still have to take antibiotics and this TERRIBLE tasting stuff called Ivomec for my mange. But, my fur is really looking good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxHxhPvnX_-dNV1CXLvZMmd5_f5UbOmDl87tje-8oiF-bB3zW5z4WuNfLp_jLzkr7enOs88bUZZvV-yKHuAc5QuyPqvqNo4OoNkfFhGqHunuB5_tnAZaqH5ppkIwUsPpYgqx5cuhv1Tc/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxHxhPvnX_-dNV1CXLvZMmd5_f5UbOmDl87tje-8oiF-bB3zW5z4WuNfLp_jLzkr7enOs88bUZZvV-yKHuAc5QuyPqvqNo4OoNkfFhGqHunuB5_tnAZaqH5ppkIwUsPpYgqx5cuhv1Tc/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pretty fur and new collar!</td></tr>
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I just love it here. Every morning my foster Papa gets up first. He takes me out to potty and then he carries me to the bedroom and he lets me wake up foster Mama! I get SO EXCITED because I KNOW what is coming. I pounce on her and kiss her and chew on her face and snuggle. I am a really good snuggler!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnt0bTwSqzzmIe0n_FgtL1bpXFg9J819S5rOKWfel813mxnvDs4HS5eXAPAzVCzHSjaUFLHXBPHXCzyHMujHqg6ymqoJSbIm0zZq2epqQAdwiKX4K-LGsn1_Y9TdgvfF9n6d5pMZf9mI/s1600/TinaCooperCollage.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnt0bTwSqzzmIe0n_FgtL1bpXFg9J819S5rOKWfel813mxnvDs4HS5eXAPAzVCzHSjaUFLHXBPHXCzyHMujHqg6ymqoJSbIm0zZq2epqQAdwiKX4K-LGsn1_Y9TdgvfF9n6d5pMZf9mI/s1600/TinaCooperCollage.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama Tina Loves ME!</td></tr>
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Ok, now for the good stuff! I told you last week I was going to introduce you to one of my rescue friends who needs a home. Mama told me I get a special prize if I can help get 10 dogs adopted by August! Are you going to help me??<br />
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Shelby is a very sweet southern belle who is looking for a forever home to call her own. She found herself in a shelter because her family took her there! Then one day a stranger came and got her. She jumped right in that car and was ready to start her new life. Some people call her a senior, but she says that 7 years old is the perfect age for a Sheppie! She is already out of that puppy stage (HEY, what is wrong with being a puppy?)<br />
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Shelby does need a special home. Shelby has waited for a home so long, she wants to be the only dog! She promises to give you the love of 10 Sheppies if you will make her your one and only! She loves to walk, but she is low maintenance. She also likes to sit with you while you do yard work! She just wants to be with her person no matter what!<br />
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House trained, well behaved in the house, low maintenance and wants to just be with you. What else could be better! Check out <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=5736181" target="_blank">Shelby's Website</a> and then APPLY!!!! You want me to get my prize don't you?? Right now I am 0/10. Let's add a 1 and adopt my friend Shelby!<br />
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GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-33764237526965629742014-05-24T07:09:00.002-07:002014-05-24T07:09:41.098-07:00Cooper Announces a New Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good Morning All! Cooper here! Mama said that I could write my own blogs from now on because I am super smart and feeling GOOD!!! I have SOOO very much to say, but Mama said that I need to pace myself. She says I will wear you guys OUT like I do her!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foster sister, Dezzie teaching Cooper about the fine<br />
art of Stick Procurement</td></tr>
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This week has been BIG! I am now "Running with the Big Dogs" as I have been integrated into the pack. I have a big sister, a big-big brother, a cat and of course my Mama Tina. They are teaching me lots of stuff, some of it Mama says isn't good! In this video I am playing Keep Away with my Foster sister Dezzie. Some people say she is a Mean Girl, but she likes me!<br />
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We also discovered this week that I may not be a Sheppie!!! I am starting to have the markings, the poise and the personality of a Belgian Malinois. Mama says I am her little butterfly breaking out of my cocoon; we will see what I am soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all my pretty fur coming in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letter I received from Stephanie</td></tr>
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I received a very special gift from a dear friend of my sister Dezzie. Her name is Stephanie and Mama calls her the Dog Whisperer. She sent me the sweetest letter. She is very sad that someone let me get into such bad shape, but no worries Stephanie I am good now! I am gaining weight, my fur is coming in and I am allowed to be a silly puppy! Actually I weigh 26 POUNDS!!! The only bad thing that happens to me every couple of days are those AWFUL baths!!!! I HATE them, but Mama says the baths will make me better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toys from Aunt Alex</td></tr>
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I also received a bunch of goodies from the rescue (ok, not goodies...BATH STUFF), but it does help with my itching so I am happy about that. I also received some toys! WOOT WOOT I LOVE toys. I play with toys ALL OF THE TIME. When I am not chewing on my Mama's foot, face or shoes, I am playing with toys!<br />
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I am super excited to announce that I was given an official job with GSRA. My official title is Troubadour of Special Dogs! I am so grateful for the love that everyone is showing me, and I want to pay it forward and introduce my fans to some of the special dogs in our rescue who are available NOW for adoption! Each of these dogs have a special story and need a home. The more dogs we can place in perfect furever homes, the more dogs like them and me we can bring in! So, you can be THE most important part of rescue...the loving furever home! That is the goal all of us foster dogs have. Starting with my next blog, I am going to introduce a rescue friend. My foster mom says my goal is to get 10 dogs adopted by August! So with your help, I can reach my goal and maybe I will find my Furever Home as my prize. So, the count down will begin 0/10. Stay tuned for my next blog and help me reach my goal!<br />
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Some of my other videos below!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/v3eXRsU7tOQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-26357977228879328772014-05-14T09:39:00.001-07:002014-05-14T09:39:22.287-07:00First Week with Cooper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Has it really been a week? It seems like this little guy has been part of our lives forever! Before I start today's update, I MUST thank my partner and best friend, Tina for helping me raise and teach this little fella. Without her calm leadership, Cooper would not be as well balanced as he is! She is teaching him things it would take me weeks to teach him! As you are all thinking about Cooper, please keep Tina in your thoughts. She has not been feeling well. Don't worry, I don't let Cooper worry her too much. When she needs to rest, I take over the Cooper watch!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueJUPUj-bh0_CK_Cuq6DqRowjLYp3I7_vgapj3d0owfhwC9rBjeIGP934WHduTFYWuRiK8hgskpmVNUYJ7CuBKdz3NzzxB_Sg_Q_kzug7M0Ubdpjx767VorMOeBy5lFaUBxmftt-t5DU/s1600/IMG_6197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueJUPUj-bh0_CK_Cuq6DqRowjLYp3I7_vgapj3d0owfhwC9rBjeIGP934WHduTFYWuRiK8hgskpmVNUYJ7CuBKdz3NzzxB_Sg_Q_kzug7M0Ubdpjx767VorMOeBy5lFaUBxmftt-t5DU/s1600/IMG_6197.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tina the best GSD Mom and Friend EVER! </td></tr>
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How should I describe Cooper as we are ending Week 1? The best word I can come up with is BUSY! Cooper is BUSY! When he is in his Condo, he rests and sleeps, but when he comes out, he is BUSY!!!! Here, there, EVERYWHERE! Cooper wants to explore the world and see all that it offers!<br />
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When he came last week, he was too sick to play with toys. He watched Dezzie play with her toys and now he "attacks" the stuff animals and shakes them while running around. It is very cute to watch. Cooper is still learning what is considered a Cooper toy! Shoes, people's feet, furniture all seem to be appealing to Cooper. Those puppy teeth are SHARP!<br />
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Cooper KNOWS his name! This may not sound so amazing, but Cooper KNOWS the name Cooper. When he hears Cooper he perks up and comes running. It doesn't matter who says his name. He LOVES his name. My guess is that only good things have happened since he was named Cooper, so his name makes him happy. Did I mention that Cooper is the smartest puppy ever?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper in the car heading to the vet. We always catch him mid yawn!</td></tr>
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Cooper went to his new vet this morning because I felt he was healthy enough to get his shots and the fact that he has not been vaccinated has kept me up at night! I FEAR Parvo! When he went to the vet last Tuesday, the vet said he was too sick for his shots. Today the vet said Cooper is doing very well and said he was healthy enough for shots! YAY! Cooper weights a whopping 22lbs. He has gained about 4lbs this week! <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper napping on the exam table as he waits for his shots. Is this dog for REAL?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhGvOFsgYJ3Odm6Q5I9vdD2ayHualZgge_SJdw8Ps176oXAd8DiBDZeHYTeEQzKh4AALOPNgpDUjGYRljxIn8GjIieTc4KUVkK9id1Oj3PIhMkxhHNqq68OGTmjhT66NCPNHDQWIL19Y/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhGvOFsgYJ3Odm6Q5I9vdD2ayHualZgge_SJdw8Ps176oXAd8DiBDZeHYTeEQzKh4AALOPNgpDUjGYRljxIn8GjIieTc4KUVkK9id1Oj3PIhMkxhHNqq68OGTmjhT66NCPNHDQWIL19Y/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper with his new Vet and Vet Tech. He is checking to make sure they are not giving him another shot!<br />Never trust a Vet standing behind you! </td></tr>
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The scabs on Cooper's face have all fallen off and his nose seems to be healing. He still has some open sores on his head and face and each night we put coconut oil on his head. He LOVES getting his coconut oil massage and seems to look forward to it. We have switched him to a high quality grain free diet so we should continue to see improvement! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper on one of his many walks with his Mama Tina</td></tr>
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It is time for Cooper's bath. Stay tuned for more updates! </div>
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GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-35304764397981400212014-05-10T08:05:00.000-07:002014-05-10T08:05:04.851-07:00Saturday with CooperBaby Cooper has had a big few days. He has been eating well and he loves his dollop of "Yogrit" (That is Yogurt in human words) on his food. He is fed 3 times a day because he is a growing boy!<br />
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Cooper enjoys his condo where he can sleep snuggly and safely and still be with the family. His favorite blanket is the one the shelter staff sent home with him. I have washed this blanket 3 times already!!! LOL Cooper's skin is very fragile and bleeds a lot. It is very important that Cooper's bedding stays fresh and clean to help his skin heal. Mange is a very treatable disease, it just takes time and care to get under control.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11bnq3BRBBArwukBOQc8O_YrgczZwHDosl7YRJvhdQh8igvC_SzmQWE3V4dh6qaymLn-94d7y3_qRe6m4uoWHi7XAuj__fEXgFzewbQPxID00j7OuUP1rSUlNykjOOVXT7zSRlaK4CBc/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11bnq3BRBBArwukBOQc8O_YrgczZwHDosl7YRJvhdQh8igvC_SzmQWE3V4dh6qaymLn-94d7y3_qRe6m4uoWHi7XAuj__fEXgFzewbQPxID00j7OuUP1rSUlNykjOOVXT7zSRlaK4CBc/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping after a long walk</td></tr>
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Cooper is feeling much better. When we go for walks, his little tail wags so hard he falls down. It is hard not to laugh; he is just so cute! Below is a video of him following his Sheppie Mama on a walk. He finally learned to stay upright while wagging his tail!</div>
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Today was bath day! Cooper wasn't excited about it, but he took it like a trooper. It was very sad to see all the scabs and bleeding, but we are on the way to recovery!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN19-nwLPUG-MjXIud2noQskA_q2DP917j-cqOCsYD9qJLe4fh8QllXXvYlz3H_EnxJ5bDXie53XyMH3bcC8W6fXyN1Y2aVFEjBSNGmt7cJaIyjlCej1iOPt__16RoBekcCZNLKqLcqM/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN19-nwLPUG-MjXIud2noQskA_q2DP917j-cqOCsYD9qJLe4fh8QllXXvYlz3H_EnxJ5bDXie53XyMH3bcC8W6fXyN1Y2aVFEjBSNGmt7cJaIyjlCej1iOPt__16RoBekcCZNLKqLcqM/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper getting his bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewAjNZ7jVdyyIBStopWoTVDu53Vo_j0Di4bQKaZbJau4wiNrLC5Od_bPax8tRnFWk2P2C264XmPkpuHIM1KcfnddbAl12jZRiBVkAMbbPG3mSWe6hdXZpu2AJSoFR5VpMCAdHv6pN6mw/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewAjNZ7jVdyyIBStopWoTVDu53Vo_j0Di4bQKaZbJau4wiNrLC5Od_bPax8tRnFWk2P2C264XmPkpuHIM1KcfnddbAl12jZRiBVkAMbbPG3mSWe6hdXZpu2AJSoFR5VpMCAdHv6pN6mw/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper yawning after his bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRO64FavSt7ids0i1gYvrOtjyL4nw1UpNPyGIlYLZp10HdlHGmi3FYPqFita6eoFaJw91qcPAcdH2QXCwWMuYJYQradEp4NKglEGUhU-xY8qnJkFZ0O-qfhQHQ1Tp9AVp0BBUVVKu3DY/s1600/Austin+and+Cooper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRO64FavSt7ids0i1gYvrOtjyL4nw1UpNPyGIlYLZp10HdlHGmi3FYPqFita6eoFaJw91qcPAcdH2QXCwWMuYJYQradEp4NKglEGUhU-xY8qnJkFZ0O-qfhQHQ1Tp9AVp0BBUVVKu3DY/s1600/Austin+and+Cooper.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin & Cooper</td></tr>
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Cooper, Baby Coop, Coopster, the names go on. Many people have asked me where I came up with the cute name Cooper. Well, I didn't. On May 6th, Humane Enforcement Officer with The Humane Society of Escambia County, Austin Cooper got the call about our little Cooper. It was Austin's birthday, so what better way to honor that than name this little fighter after the kind and caring man who rescued him. Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Humane-Society-of-Escambia-County/106664336047198" target="_blank">The Humane Society of Escambia County on Facebook</a>. Like them and follow them. If you have friends and family in Southern Alabama/Northern Florida have them check out this great group of people and animals!<br />
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It is time to get off the computer and go play with Cooper! Stay tuned for adventures. His little personality is coming out and I just know the antics will begin soon!!<br />
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GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-16859583045981663212014-05-09T06:39:00.001-07:002014-05-09T06:40:53.831-07:00Saving Cooper the Little Sheppie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday, May 8, 2014<br />
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One of GSRAs Amazing Facebook Admins posted a little boy named Cooper on my Facebook Page. He was in a shelter about 2 1/2 hours from me and had terrible mange. As many of you know, I have my hands full with 3 Shepherds of my own. Two of which, like to cause trouble with each other! So, keeping a peaceful and harmonious house is a full time job. But, something told me that this little pup was meant to come to our house.</div>
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I contacted the shelter within an hour of receiving the post and 3 hours later I was in the car driving to the shelter. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtSFzGlAxtAwfcXZjxDX4rJgK-OGt7xfXKnFjk2TZJu2kfPYQYMSunGM6O_eFByZ_uyhMuI1QtiOZoN8zANfUOSKHRdRuryLnSy1edv2i7gLaCBlqViD8DK7tGpAE77fmP83bTK6OlOQ/s1600/Cooper&Cris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtSFzGlAxtAwfcXZjxDX4rJgK-OGt7xfXKnFjk2TZJu2kfPYQYMSunGM6O_eFByZ_uyhMuI1QtiOZoN8zANfUOSKHRdRuryLnSy1edv2i7gLaCBlqViD8DK7tGpAE77fmP83bTK6OlOQ/s1600/Cooper&Cris.jpg" height="200" width="150" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Getting in the car for our 2 1/2 hour return trip home. </div>
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Cooper slept the entire way home!</div>
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I didn't know what to expect when I got to this rural shelter. Some of these shelters are good, but many are struggling and conditions are less than stellar. When I got to the shelter, I was met with the most amazing and caring staff. They run a small shelter, but they give everything they have to these animals. They are packed full, but work hard to care for these forgotten animals. I was impressed and I know I will keep in contact with them. The care they gave Cooper says it all! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Cooper was such a trooper on the way home. He curled up and went to sleep. No crying, not pacing and NO car sickness! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXYxhQuURPMEvBJyilZBiSruDROx2reWtVdLRCGw7sIatbXxKLb0vXIrD0f-m12ZwiismBDj5fs8p9SyQnNtLLFbpcy1Jfw-vdjy4WCwGGa_tnTPYbFNexVhBfSh7zQG2fWzh4pIJgMQ/s1600/IMG_0453.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXYxhQuURPMEvBJyilZBiSruDROx2reWtVdLRCGw7sIatbXxKLb0vXIrD0f-m12ZwiismBDj5fs8p9SyQnNtLLFbpcy1Jfw-vdjy4WCwGGa_tnTPYbFNexVhBfSh7zQG2fWzh4pIJgMQ/s1600/IMG_0453.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Getting settled in his safe place</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Cooper
slept through the night and seems to be crate trained already. He is
such a good puppy. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ATwVE88_PprhuB0LbZoSbP1P-1zdL7G5ywO6NAKsJro9WHAZIxqM_z5wVjFheQ3FVRY8HwuwYT21SHhyphenhyphenXLLqGKDoacF6H7GImzPPk-Y6vqm9RADRqgd1g7ZE_ldoUAEvfYBADFV7mqo/s1600/Saving+Cooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6IlF7BqKy-u49ScJMRxprpq4UoEIO6-ny1PSnyVndvRb3dh25i3eQfcV_ma2qE4vqRc9lj6aw-ulwzxsWcJPddCtFyJ1_lnDyjWiMzcbOGqUKe9A-bcfLUfHBXrOaiQAWvXWNdTYh30/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6IlF7BqKy-u49ScJMRxprpq4UoEIO6-ny1PSnyVndvRb3dh25i3eQfcV_ma2qE4vqRc9lj6aw-ulwzxsWcJPddCtFyJ1_lnDyjWiMzcbOGqUKe9A-bcfLUfHBXrOaiQAWvXWNdTYh30/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper with Mama Tina</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Cooper seems to be settling in. He has a long road ahead of him. All his joints are swollen and he has trouble walking, but </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">all he wants to do is follow his dogs and humans
around. </span></span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1UMf0XyHRgt-DL4xOIRVw3QU2ZzokOrctMFJGgKKRf43u7ADOvpLmLZd1AMttSfDJaXCArCvW01VdoeBeVdbZPCFWyWcrCwCSixS1TwwMG5tXHMU48a0luGlvEvFwXGry5tgS-YlyUw/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1UMf0XyHRgt-DL4xOIRVw3QU2ZzokOrctMFJGgKKRf43u7ADOvpLmLZd1AMttSfDJaXCArCvW01VdoeBeVdbZPCFWyWcrCwCSixS1TwwMG5tXHMU48a0luGlvEvFwXGry5tgS-YlyUw/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you my new Papa?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LAzlHXLSB5Cmpy6UunDONTMysY_tdqzkOgzC8wvG9oVyBexikw57elcT6PZzJdh2qpCU8ePBoubODnHiy9HT_1e0wQ-ynn9KOhFudc41fs52zM5M0UIFfgBJzoDCdPWjm5pDUqcbOxU/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LAzlHXLSB5Cmpy6UunDONTMysY_tdqzkOgzC8wvG9oVyBexikw57elcT6PZzJdh2qpCU8ePBoubODnHiy9HT_1e0wQ-ynn9KOhFudc41fs52zM5M0UIFfgBJzoDCdPWjm5pDUqcbOxU/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait for me Papa!</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>
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Thank
you to the wonderful ACO and Shelter that saved this puppy and cared
for him so well before we got him! He will be fine now! <br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-92188955654921951452012-09-01T19:12:00.003-07:002012-09-01T19:12:37.763-07:00<b><br /></b>
<b>Ripp’s Story, part 9—A Clean Bill of Health</b><br />
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Ripp’s feeling good and starting to look like his old self.<br />
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OK GSRA peeps and other Ripp fans: get up on your feet and do your happy dance!! At Thursday's recheck visit to the NCSU vet school, Dr. R, the surgeon who led the team on Ripp’s ear surgery, was VERY pleased with how he’s healing. In fact, she said she didn’t need to see him anymore!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE0uKYZE9yzYKThriVE_CEbifq92-aEf0MRbNZ8O1ZyoWSwdrtm0JxxXufi35bXNP_kEwioaSe0OqB_AYQPNU4oszzRv-SZu0HHJgx0FNRIavAsKvG5QdJbIaP5B-14sKrOrrcJ3c4js/s1600/Ripp+1+month+postsurgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE0uKYZE9yzYKThriVE_CEbifq92-aEf0MRbNZ8O1ZyoWSwdrtm0JxxXufi35bXNP_kEwioaSe0OqB_AYQPNU4oszzRv-SZu0HHJgx0FNRIavAsKvG5QdJbIaP5B-14sKrOrrcJ3c4js/s320/Ripp+1+month+postsurgery.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Ripp 1 month postsurgery</span></td></tr>
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Not that she didn’t WANT to see him, of course, but that she didn’t NEED to. We could not have hoped for better news! She recommended continuing him on antibiotics for another week as insurance that there is not a scrap of infection left deep inside, and that seems like a great idea to us. If anyone is counting, he is now on his FOURTH antibiotic since the surgery, because one bug or another proved resistant to the earlier drugs. As Andrea P said when she heard about the latest, “Ripp’s so special, even his bacteria are unique”! Folks who have followed this blog may remember that he had his surgery on August 1st, so it’s seems somehow fitting that this happy news comes on August 30th, the very end of the month. (Yes, I know that August has 31 days; close enough, I say!) Although the poor guy has been through a LOT this month, for almost all of it he’s been in significantly less pain than before surgery. And now, of course, that pain is gone for good (reprise the happy dance!).<br />
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Ripp does still need to go through heartworm treatment, unfortunately. We couldn’t even consider doing that any sooner, but he has now been cleared for it by Dr. R. We’re going to wait a few weeks though, as Ripp has a very important social engagement in early October that he wants to be feeling his best for. That’s right, Ripp plans to be eating barbecue and socializing with all his favorite peeps at the GSRA Reunion Picnic on October 7th! He might not QUITE have a full head of hair by then, but he expects to still be looking mighty fine. And feeling even better. ;-)<br />
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Now that Ripp is cleared with the vet school, he can play ball again.GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-20407106051345016832012-08-20T07:44:00.000-07:002012-08-20T07:44:04.528-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ripp’s Story, part 8—The Two-week Recheck<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFZG8_xRsV9z_0ELJbF8hle7CJwfQX7I4gMHQau768CcT1dkigRQq7LhuvQWcex7PKfyaGf84zaQEKnWLUkmXr5gadcD8xTTsVYGq5rm_Hiw4lDJTxAht7E_Y5jCJidKtKHqkCi2Pgc0/s1600/ripp+w+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFZG8_xRsV9z_0ELJbF8hle7CJwfQX7I4gMHQau768CcT1dkigRQq7LhuvQWcex7PKfyaGf84zaQEKnWLUkmXr5gadcD8xTTsVYGq5rm_Hiw4lDJTxAht7E_Y5jCJidKtKHqkCi2Pgc0/s320/ripp+w+statue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ripp’s hanging at the NCSU vet school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The beautiful new facility has this great statue out front.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ripp went back to the vet school this week to get his stitches removed and evaluate how his healing from surgery is progressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part things are looking very good, but he does have a couple small pockets of infection remaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not surprising, because he didn’t start on his super-dooper injected antibiotics until a week ago (see Blog 7 for that part of his story). But to make very sure to eliminate ALL the infection, it does mean that we’ll be extending the injected antibiotics for a third week (we both say phooey on that!) and adding an additional oral antibiotic to complement the injected one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having come so far, going this extra mile is definitely worth it to get Ripp completely healed.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRORdLjsZqnaIh9i2Ss3Jrdh73mbbHRI9WcuBxslksrhUZOtCB9MumMV2jVMKQICFDY6pNL6Tvv2RlzW7ufWg9gL7fX09vOqZF81B_cb9Iwel6s1n2V87TRGIi0qnsbNeTOEyhbyR8eJU/s1600/week+2+regrowth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRORdLjsZqnaIh9i2Ss3Jrdh73mbbHRI9WcuBxslksrhUZOtCB9MumMV2jVMKQICFDY6pNL6Tvv2RlzW7ufWg9gL7fX09vOqZF81B_cb9Iwel6s1n2V87TRGIi0qnsbNeTOEyhbyR8eJU/s200/week+2+regrowth.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You need to measure my hair?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheesh!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, Ripp’s starting to look a little more like his handsome self every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two week’s worth of hair doesn’t look a whole lot different than one week’s worth, but if you measure it, why, it’s a quarter inch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ripp is not especially a fan of the measuring, though…</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tDXDmI0Sv7Lb5CZgXqI5Ejeclle1e1iSV7pCatFys1o0YXwBG7UO5XSrh_IVl0zitTg6fJ1mQg_0aQ09Dyl5lxmsq3hfTgMJy5S-iRIC__joQdar7DCp8JGu8ucJnkikDtknoDZygcw/s1600/ripp28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tDXDmI0Sv7Lb5CZgXqI5Ejeclle1e1iSV7pCatFys1o0YXwBG7UO5XSrh_IVl0zitTg6fJ1mQg_0aQ09Dyl5lxmsq3hfTgMJy5S-iRIC__joQdar7DCp8JGu8ucJnkikDtknoDZygcw/s320/ripp28.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ripp’s still got a few ouchy places in his ears but is otherwise feeling GREAT. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ripp’s certainly feeling well, that’s for sure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We MAY be cheating just a wee bit on the staying quiet thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he’s well enough healed that a little ball-playing won’t hurt anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And really, who could resist? ;-)</span></div>
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GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-53563486952420403972012-08-10T18:27:00.000-07:002012-08-10T18:27:19.842-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ripp’s Story, part
7—Recovering From Surgery</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qygfwrN3Ku761guSaRFL7ZfqaM5t0GnGgqBv-sH5JUwl06j6g3jiX19I4WdTYHLYO7vbpOEbMKr6OTmZVv6F7otnBLsLX5gdLks0TJHgU3NPzuW0ivrxslpoWt90X-xpuPWtu60DyOI/s1600/ripp26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qygfwrN3Ku761guSaRFL7ZfqaM5t0GnGgqBv-sH5JUwl06j6g3jiX19I4WdTYHLYO7vbpOEbMKr6OTmZVv6F7otnBLsLX5gdLks0TJHgU3NPzuW0ivrxslpoWt90X-xpuPWtu60DyOI/s320/ripp26.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lookin’ good Ripp! </b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ripp is nine days post-surgery, off his pain meds except for
Rimadyl, and feeling really good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll
chase a ball if I throw it for him, but he needs to stay quiet for a full two
weeks after surgery so we can’t do too much of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The white ointment in his ears is gradually
fading away and his hair is starting to grow back (OK, you DO have to look
closely to see this, but it’s progress!), so he doesn’t look quite so funny
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe I’ve just gotten used
to it. ;-)</div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwXhmCql8nca57xeYUC_pQ_SpmlGod97CPzcuZ2Iosl0XvXRshC4fhRetXBtlkPLvr4WlFQoKX6Z97uPG7vNr0Z22xtbWZoDvb6TlmKcP-vu_eScW0RbBsmgm9uuAtctw8hey7dQQyuE/s1600/week+1+regrowth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwXhmCql8nca57xeYUC_pQ_SpmlGod97CPzcuZ2Iosl0XvXRshC4fhRetXBtlkPLvr4WlFQoKX6Z97uPG7vNr0Z22xtbWZoDvb6TlmKcP-vu_eScW0RbBsmgm9uuAtctw8hey7dQQyuE/s320/week+1+regrowth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lots of hair there!</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week we received results from the antibiotic
sensitivity testing that the NCSU vet school microbiology lab was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right after Ripp’s surgery, the team sent
tissue samples to this lab to test, so that we could be sure Ripp received an
antibiotic that would be effective against whatever trace amount of infection
might have remained in his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
all, we want this to get rid of his infection for good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that it would take a few days to get
those test results, the care team discharged him with a “placeholder”
antibiotic for him to take in the meantime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Well, the test results go a LONG
way toward explaining why his ear infection had been so hard to clear up all
along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cultured separately for
three of the most common types of bacteria found in ear infections, and it
turned out that at least one of those bacteria was resistant to each of the
common antibiotics they tested against!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, although we could have knocked one or two of them out with whatever
antibiotic that was tried, the other one would have kept growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to worry, though, veterinary science has
other tricks up its sleeve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the
COMMON antibiotics wouldn’t work, a less common one would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shock for poor old Foster Mom, though,
was that THIS antibiotic would need to be injected twice a day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For two weeks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well OK, if that’s what’s needed, that is
what we’ll do…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After picking up the drug and needed supplies from the vet
school pharmacy, I stopped by North Paw Animal Hospital for a quick tutorial on
exactly how to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wonderful
staff there was happy to oblige, and gave me some great tips on managing this
on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YES, I’ve seen dogs get shots
lots of times, but I’ve never paid attention to the details especially closely,
nor did I ever think I’d be doing it myself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, fostering for GSRA is always an adventure… so here goes.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9j0f_XUflrGwPWaGd9Bn4hPcKLHyFqpJyjIg3v3fNTLgkXO6KAAVkzsilR215NBjvyJfHZ-WIeU6ofj71CgFwE9Lq5968KlwZikVaV-s-Ar75OvnpY8sVL7NcRF-jBWbRHbiSzAvJak/s1600/medical+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9j0f_XUflrGwPWaGd9Bn4hPcKLHyFqpJyjIg3v3fNTLgkXO6KAAVkzsilR215NBjvyJfHZ-WIeU6ofj71CgFwE9Lq5968KlwZikVaV-s-Ar75OvnpY8sVL7NcRF-jBWbRHbiSzAvJak/s320/medical+supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A bit more
complicated than pills:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>two different
sizes of syringe, needles, sterile saline, the powdered antibiotic, and a
sharps container for the used needles.</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZrgSwcxBzt0eKXxcta3X0_WXHEMQxPW-FSkAIfCtQxvm5aOIWR7VS8f3MnxKDs7ZWPIL52n9E1Vpnu0_uPQo_AFZErKxQA-HEfUcLocMbHhGchxMkSlnEZr_dloM-3UUyBB9_zEF1iw/s1600/syringe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZrgSwcxBzt0eKXxcta3X0_WXHEMQxPW-FSkAIfCtQxvm5aOIWR7VS8f3MnxKDs7ZWPIL52n9E1Vpnu0_uPQo_AFZErKxQA-HEfUcLocMbHhGchxMkSlnEZr_dloM-3UUyBB9_zEF1iw/s320/syringe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That’s a big
shot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ripp takes it like </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the brave
German shepherd he is.</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The antibiotic comes as a powder, so the first step is to
reconstitute it in sterile saline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
I draw out the correct dose into the syringe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ripp needs 16 mL each time, which is about the size of a
tablespoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t sound like
much, but it sure looks like a lot when it’s in the syringe! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it gets injected just under the skin
between his shoulder blades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ripp is SO
good for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It surely can’t feel
good, but he holds still and barely flinches when the needle goes in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This makes it a LOT easier to make sure all
the drug gets where it’s needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, he gets lots of loving afterwards, and we congratulate each other for being
so brave. ;-) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MOYHIqKJGr8EGzUHeW-a11iF_jQNDnOTkcYqJJxjYBXiQe3gMmWXasA7HSDxjJfPVsMm6dMKHQj-6H3uWHOf51q3YGSo3ZpWii-FWi-ea8CulM6hmniOWnNGwzhkv3wQVLAzA_XFqlA/s1600/ripp27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MOYHIqKJGr8EGzUHeW-a11iF_jQNDnOTkcYqJJxjYBXiQe3gMmWXasA7HSDxjJfPVsMm6dMKHQj-6H3uWHOf51q3YGSo3ZpWii-FWi-ea8CulM6hmniOWnNGwzhkv3wQVLAzA_XFqlA/s320/ripp27.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When can we play ball
again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got two sizes </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and will chase
whichever one you’ll throw!</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although it’s early days yet, I’ve been watching for any
change in his personality now that the chronic pain he’s been living with for
so long has been eliminated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t say
I’ve seen any big changes, but he does seem more inclined to initiate an
interaction or seek out affection than he did before. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn’t really surprise me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweet as he was before, that pain has to
have been a barrier coloring his entire experience with the world for a very
long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that it’s gone, I think
we’ll see more of his full personality every day, as his recovery continues.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2429473529793620877" name="_GoBack"></a></div>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-54129176902528534052012-08-05T16:10:00.000-07:002012-08-05T16:10:09.961-07:00<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Ripp’s Story, part 6—Ripp Comes
Home With a Really Bad Haircut</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz5mrzbJXPoxfR_vDC-CnvVJJAR7cwgNJgVpYWhFuXJPoCEw7qfp3hESXtMzw6gat9O2gBsTYU16R_qvLLY2oCTmxIm7KCrO5w9qEvBEn19ZygfRjjhfRmLv4B5Urqkt0Zm5qicMb_9Q/s1600/ct+scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz5mrzbJXPoxfR_vDC-CnvVJJAR7cwgNJgVpYWhFuXJPoCEw7qfp3hESXtMzw6gat9O2gBsTYU16R_qvLLY2oCTmxIm7KCrO5w9qEvBEn19ZygfRjjhfRmLv4B5Urqkt0Zm5qicMb_9Q/s320/ct+scan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>The team did a CT scan just </b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>before Ripp’s surgery.</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I did warn you, right? About the
haircut? Even so, even I was a bit taken aback. We’ll get to that
in a moment. But, first things first. When I arrived at the vet
school, the senior student and resident who have been involved in
Ripp’s surgery and progress went through all the discharge
instructions before bringing Ripp out. They also showed me a sample
of his CT scan. This imaging technique (CT = computed tomography)
takes a series of pictures in different planes, front to back, and
then uses computer magic (yes, a highly technical term!) to
reconstruct a 3D image of whatever it is the medical team needs to
look at. In Ripp’s case, it was the inner structures of his ears.
They did this scan just before he went into surgery, to give the team
a good idea of what was going to be involved. In this sample image,
which was taken from the perspective of looking straight at Ripp, all
the bright white parts are bone or highly calcified cartilage. The
bone at the top is his skull, and of course you’d expect to see
that. All of the bright white in the middle should NOT be there, and
removing it was the goal of his surgery. The arrow on the right
points at his right ear canal (to him, this would be his left ear).
Although the canal is somewhat open to begin with, it is lined with
bony, calcified tissue. This same structure on the other side, his
right ear canal, is pretty much closed up. The arrow toward the
middle of the photo points to his left middle ear. This is a round
structure, and you can see that it’s lined with more bright white
tissue, which wouldn’t be there in a normal healthy ear. This
extra tissue was also removed during surgery.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyuUe0ZEw_8KLxbkkgiZEtmDC5CdHdMbQoEpG22VJt3lPfyNEgFI0chCPtCp_IdDfDCcvT-hGYi3Gtza_-IOJNMlw_z7pnSo3J5uRW2OB6Dk0i-TokJGDuDXfJwzXjNF7lcGrhT2ZEYI/s1600/ripp22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyuUe0ZEw_8KLxbkkgiZEtmDC5CdHdMbQoEpG22VJt3lPfyNEgFI0chCPtCp_IdDfDCcvT-hGYi3Gtza_-IOJNMlw_z7pnSo3J5uRW2OB6Dk0i-TokJGDuDXfJwzXjNF7lcGrhT2ZEYI/s320/ripp22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>OK, yeah, channeling the Easter Bunny here. </b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>But he still has those big, beautiful ears. </b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>He looks happy, too. ;-)</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRSkmdn7KQD_GM0cGowc61Glqc_qQSJOaezi6bx_A4cBgk40c0JFRzsgAu3bFUT4Ocp9encbh0vAL0IJ-t75wEMICfsyKPHDAei6tEUjv04OEj0LlWrCyHdf-gLNZWTWVlJGR4c5MxFY/s1600/ear+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRSkmdn7KQD_GM0cGowc61Glqc_qQSJOaezi6bx_A4cBgk40c0JFRzsgAu3bFUT4Ocp9encbh0vAL0IJ-t75wEMICfsyKPHDAei6tEUjv04OEj0LlWrCyHdf-gLNZWTWVlJGR4c5MxFY/s320/ear+close+up.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>There’s a close up of Ripp’s left ear. </b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>The arrow points to the stitches where they </b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>closed the ear up. All the diseased </b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>inside parts were removed.</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ripp’s aftercare will be surprisingly
simple: give him lots of pain meds for the next few days, decreasing
them based on his behavior; keep him on antibiotics for the next 3–4
weeks, to make sure every last bit of infection is gone; and remove
the sutures in 14 days. OK, now let’s get the boy home! So, now
the haircut. Believe me, I would NOT be showing these pictures if
people didn’t already know how handsome Ripp is! He’s been
shaved from just behind his eyes to the base of his neck, including
his ears. At the moment, his is a face that only the extended GSRA
family could love. ;-) Adding insult to injury, his ears are smeared
with a white ointment that makes him look like a GSD dressed up as
the Easter Bunny! Poor guy…. But honestly, given what his life
has been recently, do you think he cares? I don’t! He is very
sleepy from the pain meds but happy to be back in a familiar
environment. And, the surgery pain is fading fast, leaving……
nothing! No more pain! When has he felt THAT? No time recently,
that’s for sure. So, although Ripp looks a bit pitiful in the
photos here, please do not feel sorry for him. Yes, he has some
recovering to do, but the worst is truly behind him. And YOU made
that happen, with your generous outpouring of support. You’ve
truly changed this boy’s life, and we will never forget it.
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoAfMij6myMozrkzNN3U38H0cWU2mMKuDi2TcRAknPieIk3_gxSyLFRks98UBKh4cfZMi-M_yN6PZmRovDFKGywfMdSizUabiL5pye_o6t2h60hO4Y8hTQVR7RPC6b3eSJ4S4h71MWbw/s1600/ripp23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoAfMij6myMozrkzNN3U38H0cWU2mMKuDi2TcRAknPieIk3_gxSyLFRks98UBKh4cfZMi-M_yN6PZmRovDFKGywfMdSizUabiL5pye_o6t2h60hO4Y8hTQVR7RPC6b3eSJ4S4h71MWbw/s320/ripp23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>I gotta say, patting a bald-headed dog is</b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b> kind of weird. But I’m getting used to it. In addition to </b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>the Easter Bunny, he has a sort of Yoda look going on. ;-)</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40g1WQB6sWP7Jy7UUE-IOwbE7v5KfQzqs5XDS5KWByksbty6UaIGEDlc55Vb1FkzWcGO3z-oX2SCT6CgdMUDHl1qhOjs94G7d8DXRy_mTVCM0jxlQIaGzgEHA6k9AdoayffqAg2jcc8s/s1600/ripp24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40g1WQB6sWP7Jy7UUE-IOwbE7v5KfQzqs5XDS5KWByksbty6UaIGEDlc55Vb1FkzWcGO3z-oX2SCT6CgdMUDHl1qhOjs94G7d8DXRy_mTVCM0jxlQIaGzgEHA6k9AdoayffqAg2jcc8s/s320/ripp24.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">One of his pain meds makes him pretty sleepy, but he’s happy to be home. The two red bandages are where his IV catheters were attached; they were removed this morning. The tan bandage on his rear leg (far right in the photo) is his fentanyl patch. This helps with the post-surgery pain, but it can be removed tomorrow. </b>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b>
</div>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-37971505768089312192012-08-03T14:06:00.002-07:002012-08-03T14:06:50.739-07:00<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Ripp’s Story, part 5—Discharge
Day Approaches!</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ripp continues to recover very nicely
from his ear surgery and will be discharged at 9:00 Saturday morning!
He was interested in food beginning Thursday evening and has been
eating well since then. Based on his behavior, the care team has
been gradually decreasing his pain meds and this morning switched him
over from IV to oral meds, plus a fentanyl patch. No doubt the poor
guy has many shaved places now where the patch can be stuck. ;-)
Although he’s doing well, the team wants to keep him in the
hospital one more night to make sure these changes in his meds are
really doing the job for him. Sleep tight big guy, tomorrow’s a
big day! </div>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-69277160931331626602012-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:002012-08-02T11:09:07.149-07:00<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Ripp’s Story, part 4—First day
of Post-op</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ripp is so far having an excellent
recovery from his surgery! He shows NO signs of temporary nerve
damage to his face, which was a possible complication that we were
warned about. He has not been interested in eating today, but this
is not at all surprising, given the high levels of pain medication
he’s still receiving. He is alert, though, and will take himself
outside to potty (good boy, Ripp!), and the team is pleased overall
with his progress. Tomorrow morning they will try changing him over
from the IV pain meds he needs for the first 24 hours after surgery
to oral meds. If he remains comfortable after making this switch, he
can be discharged that evening. If the oral meds don’t seem to be
strong enough they will move him back to IV pain control for a little
longer. Please Ripp, this is no time to be stoic!! Much as we want
you home, let them know if you need more drugs!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A word of warning: in the post-surgery
photos we’ll post as soon as we have them, Ripp is going to be
sporting a REALLY bad haircut. Yes, think Mohawk bad…. But hair
grows back, and we know you’ll still be glad to see him. ;-) </div>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-9393334675444479792012-08-01T15:55:00.001-07:002012-08-01T15:55:59.158-07:00<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ripp’s Story, part
3—Surgery Day</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today was the big day! Thanks to the
amazingly generous financial support of so many, Ripp did not have to
wait any longer for his ear surgery. He is still in surgery as I
write this (6 PM on Wednesday, August 1), but we wanted to share what
information we have. His day started with being sedated for a CT
scan, which gave the surgical team the best look yet at how extensive
his ear damage was. This test showed that the canals of both ears
were very bad (no surprise there, that was obvious from just
looking), but only the middle ear (also called the bulla) on the
right side was also obviously damaged. Things might look different
once they could actually see first-hand, but it gave them what they
needed for planning purposes, which was an indication of which side
to start on. That way, if Ripp was to have a bad reaction part way
through, they could stop after the first ear. Interestingly,
learning that the right ear was the worst of the two agrees with what
I had seen in some of his behavior. When he was feeling his worst,
his balance was off, which led to staggering in circles to the right
(see part 1 of his story). But both ears obviously need surgery.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because of other surgeries scheduled
for today, Ripp’s surgery didn’t begin until about 1 PM. We were
originally told it would be a 3 hour procedure, but at 6 PM we heard
that the team had just finished the first ear! Absolutely NOTHING is
wrong, and they are now moving on to his second ear. The delay was
caused by the extensive calcification, which made it more difficult
than expected to remove the damaged tissue (think of trying to
delicately slice through bone). The team discussed stopping for the
day because Ripp had been under anesthesia so long, but all his
vitals are extremely strong and steady, so they decided it was OK to
proceed to the second ear. We think this is a GREAT idea, because it
means he won’t have to go through all this again. It ALSO means
that we don’t have as much news as we thought. I would love to be
reporting that he’s out of surgery and fully alert, but we aren’t
quite there yet. We know Ripp is in many people’s thoughts today,
which thrills me to no end! Please keep the positive thoughts
flowing his way; we’ll post more news as soon as we have it. </div>GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-40592025529386992602012-07-25T18:24:00.001-07:002012-07-25T19:01:14.446-07:00<h2>
<span style="background-color: white;">Ripp’s Story, part 2: The Surgery Consult</span></h2>
<br />
I find myself writing this update well before I expected to, as Ripp was able to get an appointment at the NCSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital within a few days of being referred. We had a great experience with the caring staff there.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbjEEmrpkIovhFUnNJPaUqbf6zzgNBz032xmTV8ZxWfTFnzKwSUaxc9lX6-rbXvk039luEfGVcbkK53o8Rg7CetMe0Op2l_axnOP8y1MFfuce7p4A9LPJUsDTJW-L37jS5OmLRlj0Qak/s1600/waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbjEEmrpkIovhFUnNJPaUqbf6zzgNBz032xmTV8ZxWfTFnzKwSUaxc9lX6-rbXvk039luEfGVcbkK53o8Rg7CetMe0Op2l_axnOP8y1MFfuce7p4A9LPJUsDTJW-L37jS5OmLRlj0Qak/s320/waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Ripp drifts off to sleep in the exam room.</b>
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After discussing his history with a third-year veterinary student to make sure they had all relevant information, we had to wait for a few minutes while the student conferred with the faculty veterinarian. Ripp continued his “not at all worried” attitude and used this time to take a nap. <br />
<br />
Next, we met the rest of the team, which included the faculty veterinarian and a veterinary resident, in addition to the student we had already met. The faculty veterinarian conducted a hands-on exam, with the assistance of the student. They didn’t need to spend much time on his ears, since it was really very clear that nothing short of surgery could fix the problem. But the exam was still important. They were especially interested to know whether Ripp had any facial or jaw pain, as this might indicate that the infection in his ears was affecting either or both of two facial nerves that lie close to the ear canal in dogs. Luckily, the answer was “no.” They also asked about any problems with balance. Although Ripp doesn’t have problems with that now, I filled them in on the rough time he had over Memorial Day weekend.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAnDKNMPOKXmf6AEkBa4cYQBdMi1hgYUzrkVeZp_bp8S1sK1OP5xr1JL0pyywGY2Xg8XwxgRp8wEcDRZ7OVOASi6B7JFhe5As1WOh8JCBPbzjFHakM2PjViPY7MYfg8mWn4MD5-HVGjA/s1600/exam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAnDKNMPOKXmf6AEkBa4cYQBdMi1hgYUzrkVeZp_bp8S1sK1OP5xr1JL0pyywGY2Xg8XwxgRp8wEcDRZ7OVOASi6B7JFhe5As1WOh8JCBPbzjFHakM2PjViPY7MYfg8mWn4MD5-HVGjA/s320/exam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The team gave him a thorough once-over, <br />looking for signs of nerve problems in his face. <br />Luckily, there were no signs of that. </b>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the exam, they explained the type of surgery that they were recommending and the potential risks and complications associated with it. The surgery is called total ear canal ablation, or TECA, for short. This strikes me as a disarmingly cute acronym for such a serious procedure! During a TECA, they remove the ear canal and lining of the middle ear, and seal up the opening with stitches. The tissue that is removed is sent to the lab to identify the kind of bacteria and other beasties that are present so that Ripp can be given the right kind of antibiotics to kill any traces of infection that might remain inside after the surgery. Ripp needs to have this done to both ears. A possible complication of surgery is that the facial nerves I mentioned earlier will be damaged. The surgeon knows where they are and will very carefully move them out of the way, but just moving them may cause a little short-term damage that would make his face droopy for a week or two after surgery. Of course everyone hopes this doesn’t happen, but I appreciate knowing about the potential in advance so I won’t be surprised if it does happen.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SUnxuUzmya9WSC3uKRz9tEIBC_7RjsEwngsjjpc6YqpUDO9p8U1j8p08sFNB9AM_TuhFH3UJdx74uyN7JlbTuIvrY6LMI4EttudeYzmQ_ZnkNQaUX6ZLQrJWsw-Zts9d5rduNAa6xp0/s1600/xray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SUnxuUzmya9WSC3uKRz9tEIBC_7RjsEwngsjjpc6YqpUDO9p8U1j8p08sFNB9AM_TuhFH3UJdx74uyN7JlbTuIvrY6LMI4EttudeYzmQ_ZnkNQaUX6ZLQrJWsw-Zts9d5rduNAa6xp0/s320/xray.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The sandbags gently kept Ripp from <br />moving while the x-ray was taken.</b> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other risk they discussed is the general risk that exists whenever anyone (dog or human) is anesthetized for surgery. Ripp is 7, which is middle-aged for a German shepherd, and he is heartworm-positive. This increases the risk a bit, but we think the ear surgery will improve his quality of life so much that it’s important to do it as soon as possible. The medical team was OK with this, but wanted to do some imaging studies to assess the extent of the heartworm damage, as well as to check out the rest of his organ systems. Sounds good to us!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzKyrL05AElugOWWaiAq4ZByqHPadb2ILKNSKEq21qRH186AepLZx9uxZeqszfDiop1nXBx8IrXJviGYR9SPvaCqc-mq4fYAtKaavM1MQM0QsGY4PUKcCQmtcTmfMh2biKA3bMKlkh_c/s1600/ultrasound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzKyrL05AElugOWWaiAq4ZByqHPadb2ILKNSKEq21qRH186AepLZx9uxZeqszfDiop1nXBx8IrXJviGYR9SPvaCqc-mq4fYAtKaavM1MQM0QsGY4PUKcCQmtcTmfMh2biKA3bMKlkh_c/s200/ultrasound.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The ultrasound showed that <br />Ripp’s spleen and other <br />organs look healthy.</b> </td></tr>
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The first thing they did was to take radiographs (x-rays) of his heart and lungs. When they do this, they barely sedate the dog and keep them still on the table by just placing a person’s hands on them. To minimize x-ray exposure to the staff, they then substitute sandbags for a person’s hands and dash outside to take the image. I’m told they usually have about 15 seconds before the dog notices the difference. ;-) Ripp’s heart and lungs looked great, with no obvious signs of the heartworms. He still HAS heartworms, of course, and we will get him treated once he recovers from the ear surgery. But at least we know that the heartworms do not present a big risk during surgery.<br />
<br />
The next thing they did was an ultrasound of his internal organs, to make sure he didn’t have any underlying conditions more serious than his ears (cancer, for example). Luckily, he got a clean bill of health in this regard, so all systems are “go” for the surgery. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Not surprisingly for a specialized surgery like TECA, this procedure is rather costly. Our fundraising effort to cover the cost of it launched just a few hours ago as I type this, and the early support has been just phenomenal. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/germanshepherdrescueadoptions/germanshepherdrescueadoptionssfundraisingpage-1">http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/germanshepherdrescueadoptions/germanshepherdrescueadoptionssfundraisingpage-1</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3686hep9hwGRZbZFP0P0bCk4Cxwvmpbg7cd95XyYMNxVYaUAEtP11RERmDnEdu6CIGyWud896sOehRfa9xlC3REc7wWRv2YW5cAwGrsyfclqYk0l4MUHhrmCDprKd7Wb-WydO078qY4w/s1600/shaved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3686hep9hwGRZbZFP0P0bCk4Cxwvmpbg7cd95XyYMNxVYaUAEtP11RERmDnEdu6CIGyWud896sOehRfa9xlC3REc7wWRv2YW5cAwGrsyfclqYk0l4MUHhrmCDprKd7Wb-WydO078qY4w/s320/shaved.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Later, Ripp had just one thing to say about the experience so far.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<b style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“Um, HELLO? My ears are not down THERE! <br />What vet school did you graduate from anyway? <br />Oh, you needed to do it for the ultrasound, you say? <br />Yes, I’m SO glad you like the looks of my spleen. <br />Sheesh! I’m just glad it’s not winter…” </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">In fact, we’re SO encouraged that we’ve gone ahead and scheduled the surgery! This will happen on Wednesday, August 1st. Look for a brief update that evening after we know he’s safely out of surgery and a more complete report once he’s discharged from the hospital. Until then, keep this sweetie in your thoughts and prayers, especially on August 1st. And thank you so much for your support, we’re incredibly grateful.</span><br />
GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429473529793620877.post-35364911686328456582012-07-23T18:45:00.000-07:002012-07-23T18:45:22.346-07:00<br />
GSRA is many things to many people, but all would probably agree that first and foremost, it’s about second chances for German shepherds in and around North Carolina. The Voice of the Pack Leader blog was started to tell the remarkable story of the Fab Five, which we so enjoyed sharing with the greater GSRA family as we lived it. Now that we’ve told their story, this blog will begin telling the stories of a few other GSRA dogs who, for whatever reason, especially capture people’s interest. We’ll begin that new focus with Ripp’s story.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Ripp’s Story, Part 1: Ripp comes to GSRA </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wbwvzCyuYD_eCaGvuiqrk0Imuz-wZ41gWCQcr0bVozeM0gAer6RYVzIq7K35m4bmsOApilpGaCmEbOlXZLIz3ysQNfPRX1X8ox_zcOCpozM9KQVUuXFbC9qDKgkTYDn02THV3QQC5bg/s1600/ripp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wbwvzCyuYD_eCaGvuiqrk0Imuz-wZ41gWCQcr0bVozeM0gAer6RYVzIq7K35m4bmsOApilpGaCmEbOlXZLIz3ysQNfPRX1X8ox_zcOCpozM9KQVUuXFbC9qDKgkTYDn02THV3QQC5bg/s320/ripp1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>This was the first photo of Ripp <br />we received from the shelter. There’s a softness in <br />his face that makes you immediately want to help him. <br />Plus I wanted to get after those toenails!</b></span>
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We first heard about Ripp in early May 2012, when a small shelter in eastern South Carolina contacted us about a sweet, handsome, middle-aged German shepherd who has been seized by the courts as a cruelty case and turned over into their care. Well THAT got our attention! Seeking more information, we learned that the cruelty took the form of extreme neglect, which caused Ripp to live for years with severe, chronically infected ears. How many of you reading this blog have ever had an ear infection? Do you remember how painful that can be? Imagine living with it year after year… that was Ripp’s life, and it eventually led to deafness. But of course, deafness was the least of his problems, because the pain didn’t go away just because his hearing did. Through those dark times, he somehow held onto an extremely sweet and gentle disposition. Once he came into their care, the shelter got Ripp’s ears some immediate attention, but then reached out to us because they felt that his ongoing rehab needs would be beyond both their means and the means of many of their local adopters. They recognized how special this guy was, and wanted the very best for him. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBpBPl1IR_RIC7tOq1EXmuLtoa0tXI9Xq5XOmHzN5hjfiO1DCL6dc_RWxjvdKAl5l-lr9mpVtVXrIN2UQmg1fgfk_r2BLzLz3qwD4StM2m8kVoZWmoi9TfqBqw89drIFDRi0c3g9sfkw/s1600/ripp10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBpBPl1IR_RIC7tOq1EXmuLtoa0tXI9Xq5XOmHzN5hjfiO1DCL6dc_RWxjvdKAl5l-lr9mpVtVXrIN2UQmg1fgfk_r2BLzLz3qwD4StM2m8kVoZWmoi9TfqBqw89drIFDRi0c3g9sfkw/s320/ripp10.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>When Ripp was dizzy and feeling the worst, <br />his crate became his safe place. <br />He’d stay there, even with the doors open. </b></span>
<br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>We gave him pain meds to keep him <br />comfortable until we could get him to the vet.</b></span></td></tr>
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It took a few weeks for GSRA to work out the on-site assessment and transport logistics of bringing him into the rescue, but he finally arrived at my house on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. I had fostered deaf dogs before so was not concerned about this, but acclimating a new dog is always a bit of an adventure. Has he ever been inside a house before? Does he understand that the bathroom is outside (big dogs don’t have small accidents, after all!)? Will he get along with my two male dogs? Will he tolerate being crated? Well, I needn’t have worried about any of that. Aside from being a bit disoriented in a new place and tired from the travel, he settled in very easily, and I looked forward to getting to know him.<br />
Well, his ears started causing a problem right from the beginning. He was shaking his head a bit from the time he arrived, but as the holiday weekend went on they quickly became worse, to the point where his balance was affected and he could only stagger around in a circle! I felt so bad for him, being in a strange place, not able to hear, and so dizzy you couldn’t even walk normally. An ear wash helped a bit, as did pain meds, but believe me, I was counting the hours until I could get him to the vet on Tuesday morning!<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
And so our journey to ear health began. I had noticed over the weekend that the base of Ripp’s ears had no “give” to it, as normal shepherd ears do. Instead, it was hard as a rock! I learned at the vet’s that this was due to calcification, a result of long-term inflammation, and it continued far into the ear canal. It’s common in dogs with chronic ear infections, but they had NEVER seen a case this bad. His ears were also terribly inflamed, and loaded with bacteria. But, we could do something about both of those things, and he would soon be starting to feel better. We started him on a combination of oral antibiotics (pills to swallow) and topical medicine to put in his ears, plus continued his pain meds. I also started flushing his ears every other day to clean them, a routine I would continue for the next six weeks. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTRQgq4fIAiJYyjVV5ttfgITpn60nyX5RITCNWQ1hsRoSQCZfLJtfZE7wNdQuZdFdV6c5pCTRvJUNXWMcoy7nza6R4IAsgr2ndKHx6X2bhhgXRUhHN1X0GbSTc18BeXSZnTGZvyDSswY/s1600/ripp9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTRQgq4fIAiJYyjVV5ttfgITpn60nyX5RITCNWQ1hsRoSQCZfLJtfZE7wNdQuZdFdV6c5pCTRvJUNXWMcoy7nza6R4IAsgr2ndKHx6X2bhhgXRUhHN1X0GbSTc18BeXSZnTGZvyDSswY/s320/ripp9.jpg" width="240" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Ripp wouldn’t focus on me in the early days. <br />See how he’s looking off to the left? <br />He was too sick to care who I was.</b></span>
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Now, I am not someone who thinks a pill can fix anything that ails you, but drugs do have their place, and in this case they worked wonders. Ripp was clearly feeling better just 12 hours after his first dose of antibiotics, and by 24 hours I think I was beginning to see the real him for the first time—despite the fact that he’d been with me for five days by this point. Initially, he didn’t focus on me at all, which presented a real quandary as far as training him. I mean, if he can’t hear, all I’m left with is visual and physical communication. His lack of focus had me thinking that he must have a fairly significant vision impairment, but I now know this isn’t the case; he can see just fine, except perhaps for quite close up—He needs reading glasses. But he’s rarely called upon to read, so that’s not a problem. ;-) His lack of focus in the first few days must have been a symptom of just how bad he felt! But of course, since I didn’t know him, I didn’t know what “normal” looked like. Thank goodness we’re beyond that.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFzJy5joHkYuGZpVNNgnvkaIlj_s4mKN9eiek5Jm3Z1FpcPXPi6gTADUqlTq525B-qm1szcjjMxFMSB1t5Y4t8jwMDpoLibPyNc3yihjmlJepe-VRvxx3ZWgJb1EZntuof78E8pwbpYU/s1600/all+the+boys+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFzJy5joHkYuGZpVNNgnvkaIlj_s4mKN9eiek5Jm3Z1FpcPXPi6gTADUqlTq525B-qm1szcjjMxFMSB1t5Y4t8jwMDpoLibPyNc3yihjmlJepe-VRvxx3ZWgJb1EZntuof78E8pwbpYU/s320/all+the+boys+1.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Ripp and his foster bothers. <br />That’s Ripp on the left, of course. <br />Chester’s on the right and Max is behind. <br />They’re good boys who just roll their eyes<br /> when Ripp is a little clumsy socially.</b></span>
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So, let me tell you about life with “normal” Ripp. Once he was feeling better, getting him to focus on me was NO problem at all. In fact, he keeps such close tabs of me that there’s pretty much no need for a “come” command; he’s already there! But, if I need him to approach closer, I can do this with a few hand claps and a beckoning motion with my hands. He’s also learned to sit on a hand signal and to wait for his food. Although that doesn’t sound like much, it was pretty much all he needed to live easily in my home. He walked nicely on the leash from early on, was nondestructive in the house, and gets on quite well with my dogs. I must say, though, that a lot of the credit for that goes to my boys being so tolerant. Although Ripp doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body, his doggie manners are a tad on the clumsy side. If another dog has something he wants (a ball, for example) it doesn’t occur to him that they might object if he tries to take it. And if they do object, he has absolutely NO survival skills as far as defending himself. So, it’s just as well my guys are not the “butt-kicking” sort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM2t7C_rMXAuDDPtLgeaRpHktcJTkyXt9mO2srZMbyfSRDoV9_Mb86I5Jby_CowT354WYPdAdJgKPe43lS5dffFHzT_wOJMeTboUzhdLWm3562apevMwPS3bDdM5jeFDXNDUqXGY8wYE/s1600/ripp21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM2t7C_rMXAuDDPtLgeaRpHktcJTkyXt9mO2srZMbyfSRDoV9_Mb86I5Jby_CowT354WYPdAdJgKPe43lS5dffFHzT_wOJMeTboUzhdLWm3562apevMwPS3bDdM5jeFDXNDUqXGY8wYE/s320/ripp21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b> Ripp had to wear a belly band for a few </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">days after his tummy tuck. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>How embarrassing!</b></span></div>
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I mentioned earlier that I would keep up the routine of every-other-day cleaning for 6 weeks. Over that time the amount of nastiness I was removing certainly decreased, but Ripp’s ears were still inflamed and clearly painful. The next step was to take him back to the vet, sedate him, and do a deep ear cleaning. The vet would also be able to finally get a good look and assess whether we were really getting on top of the infection. Since he was going to be sedated, we also decided to get him a little “tummy tuck” to remove the extra flap of skin that hung down from his belly—a purely cosmetic procedure that we would not have put him though if it was the only reason for him to have a surgery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfN3XU23AF_5XOjB8CW_khCQKSXuMLg-URuWfjSJVfAhscAXO45iwSnLNHtPL-MA4aGJu4bBVrwAMwNOfshPIcy8M8qUMRQ_OT-yua5tuKMHG-C2qDlSgG40BbYHQC5kOLXoEmKiGxYA/s1600/ripp14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfN3XU23AF_5XOjB8CW_khCQKSXuMLg-URuWfjSJVfAhscAXO45iwSnLNHtPL-MA4aGJu4bBVrwAMwNOfshPIcy8M8qUMRQ_OT-yua5tuKMHG-C2qDlSgG40BbYHQC5kOLXoEmKiGxYA/s320/ripp14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white;">Ripp’s not worried. </b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;">He knows he’s in good hands now.</b></div>
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The ear exam proved to be extremely informative, if not quite the sort of information we wanted to hear. It turns out that the calcification mentioned earlier is so severe that Ripp’s ear canals are completely closed! Although on some level this surprised me, on another it did not, because over the six weeks that I had been flushing his ears to clean them, I always felt like they filled up with flushing solution well before they should; well, now I knew why…. More importantly, the closed ear canals meant that we were never going to get on top of this with antibiotics and cleaning. In fact, the worst part of the infection is almost certainly deep inside, where we can’t get at it at all. Well, at least we know that now, and can move on to something else. The “something else” in this case is a consult with the surgical team at the NCSU Vet School. We will be doing that in the coming week and report about the experience in our next blog.<br />
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<br />GSRA Pack Leaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16022413132930197811noreply@blogger.com0