This morning, the pit bull rescue emailed me back to say that they're full and can't help with the dog that we found yesterday. I called Animal Control, and the woman said that because the dog is injured, they'd put it down. And that was before I told her he was a pit bull. After I mentioned his breed, she seemed more somber and alluded to the fact that there might be different rules for pit bulls, even if they were not injured. So we got an appointment to see a vet. The news is not great.
The vet said he is almost 100% sure that the dog has a broken pelvis. Sedation and x-rays would have added another $100 to the vet bill, just to confirm that the dog would benefit from a surgery that would cost at least a couple thousand dollars. Since my bank account is not as big as my heart, I decided not to get the x-rays. The dog is able to potty, so it doesn't look like there is any life-threatening internal injury. The vet said his odds of doing well with conservative treatment seem to be pretty good. Because a lot of people can't afford such expensive surgery, he said he sees a lot of dogs treated conservatively. So, for now, he is on a pain medication, anti-inflamatory drug, and antibiotics. The latter is for the nasty scraping on his abdomen. And I almost forgot about the dewormer.The dog (who really needs a name) completely charmed everyone at the vet clinic just as quickly as he charmed us -- perhaps even quicker, because they were lifting, twisting, and mashing on his injured leg, and he never growled or objected at all. When they finished the exam, he got up and hid behind the exam table, looking at me with his eyebrows raised.
It's hard to believe someone would have dumped such a great dog, but there are so many things we don't know. If only he could talk. They checked for a microchip, but found nothing. I told them I was worried about getting him treated, only to have someone show up one day and claim him. The vet tech said that after seven days, he would legally be ours. Everyone in the vet office was very nice. They wrote up estimates for his treatment that started at $200 and went up to a number that I didn't even look at. And they said that if we decide later to become more aggressive with his treatment, we can do that.In the meantime, we've introduced him to the other dogs, and they seem to all be okay with each other. And I suppose we should name him. It seems odd to keep saying "the dog" when I talk about him. Any suggestions?
18 comments:
Soo cute!! As for names, I few came to mind:
Rocky,
Buddy,
Butch,
Duke,
Trooper,
Oliver.
Not sure if any seem right for him, but I tried!
WG4
He needs a name that reflects his sweetness & courage, not the tough reputation of the breed.
Trooper, because of what all he has been through and then was looking at you with raised eyebrows. But, on thing I know about critters...they name themselves given enough time.
Deborah, bless you for having a kind heart! He is a handsome fellow, and so obviously good-natured. Did the vet have a guess about his age? I think Dog chose you, and my guess is that you will never be sorry. I remember awhile back that you were concerned about theft; with Dog around I would think anyone would think twice before trying that. A breed's reputation is sometimes beneficial that way! (I had a cowardly Doberman Pinscher years ago that kept the bad people at bay; only I needed to know she would have run away if challenged!)
I have to add that my dobie's name was Satin (named before we got her at one year of age); when people asked her name, most assumed I said "Satan" - ha! I took another look at your photos, and think he needs some sort of chocolate-related name, because of his color and the fact that this surprise gift arrived in February. Hersey? Nestle? Cadbury? Scharffen Berger? (Scharffy for short :-)
Diogie(pronounced Dee-O-Gee) which is actually D.O.G.
hehehe
How about "Cupid" for a name? It's almost V-Day and he looks like he has alot of love to share. Bless your heart for helping him! Best, Anne
I've been following this story (which keeps the tears on the verge of spilling), you are so kind and generous! I agree, Cupid would be a great name!
I agree, I like Cupid or Trooper!
Lisa French
He's a beautiful dog.
He reminds me so much of a dog my grandfather had years ago. The dog was named, "Boy". Not very original, I know. :-)
If you want to name him along the theme of Valentine's Day, I think "Romeo" is a nice name.
Looking forward to more of his story.
I like the name Saint ... I don't know why, but looking at the pictures, Saint just sticks out. Maybe because the saints jsut won their first Superbowl ...I don't know ... but Saint still seems good to me.
How about setting up a PayPal account so we can chip in a little towards whatever level of treatment you choose to follow? I know Nancy over at Bluff Country Shetlands did something like that for her site, and actually got a few timely donations...even if we can't give much we could send something...
I think you should/could/might name him Lucky. He is very lucky to have found you.
You guys are doing a beautiful thing here with Lucky. Bless you both.
I agree with Melanie-an account for contributions, since you're rescuing the animal, may be of benefit. Would a vet school offer a break in costs? Might be worth checking into. Prayers and blessings, Sharon
What a cutie pie! Pit's get such a bad wrap and really it's all in the owner not the dog. Lucky sounds good, or Trooper you could call him Troop for short?
MY FIL ende up with a stray who followed some snowmobilers a LONG way. The owners found him through a bunch of odd things, then after being home for a year, they called and wondered if he wanted the dog back. He was depressed and listless - they had a new baby and my FIL spoiled him rotten. He brings this dog to work every day.
I really like the idea of an account so people can chip in and help out! And LOVE the idea of a "sweet" name...Carob? Stevie...short for Stevia? I also like Michael....for the Archangel Michael. That's just my thought...
I work at a vet clinic and we see this with people all the time. A hit by car that seems fine but limps and then ends up being thousands of dollars. The best thing to do cage confine and not extensive walking and no running. The body of dogs and cats do amazing things when it comes to healing. Also give a vitamin will help with arthritis later on. I have seen this work, not the best option but a 3000 dollar surgery isn't either.
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