We rescued Sheba and 3 of her siblings from the local pound when they were only 6 weeks old. She and
a littermate were quickly adopted to a family we believed would love them forever. The family
contacted us after 8 months and were adamant about returning her and her brother. We quickly
realized what was likely the primary reason for returning them. Sheba was barely using her leg when
she walked.
Sheba underwent a 2 hour surgery to have both hips repaired and what a trooper she was!! She's in 3rd
day of recovery (as of 9/10/2006) and slowly but surely is more alert every day. Her foster family has to wrap a towel under
her belly and lift her back-end to assist her with going outside and enjoying the breezes and sunshine.
She still has to eat and drink laying down. Her foster mom says she whines frequently and it's most
likely a combination of her pain, missing her brother and not understanding why she's in a new environment
and without the family she's known since she was a very young puppy.
Sheba has a long recovery ahead of her -- Fortunately she is young and otherwise extremely healthy! She
and her brother Capone are 2 of the sweetest labs we've ever had the pleasure of rescuing.
UPDATE 9/11/2006: Sheba had a check-up today. We lifted her
in to the truck for the ride and she was a good patient. We are
still having to assist her with walking by placing a towel under
her stomach and lifting her hind end while she walks with her
front legs. She still experiences pain getting up from a laying
position or laying down after walking around. Dr. DeCozio said
now is the time to allow Sheba to bare some weight on her hind
lets - still with the assistance of a towel. Sheba's rear right
leg is pretty swollen so the doc said to massage her leg several
times a day to help get her circulation going. If Sheba stays
on track with her healing, she will be ready for water therapy
in a couple of weeks!! We have another appointment in 1 week and
will continue to keep you posted. Overall, Sheba appears happy...as
happy as a dog can be with two very sore hips.
UPDATE 9/26/2006: We are approaching Sheba's 3rd week after
surgery. Her leg infection has cleared up nicely. The doctor said she is coming along
slowly but nicely. She is still in pain...and still has trouble getting up to a standing
position by herself. This morning she was able and willing to get up by herself and walk
5 steps to the door all on her own. Sheba is more active in the morning and during the day.
At night she is more tired and sore and rarely wants to get up. When I come home after
being gone Sheba always sits up on her own to great me. The doctor said it would be close
to 6 weeks before she can walk on her own..by her self. She has made very nice progress
the last week. She will tell you in her own words..if she wishes to go out...if not she
just says "NO". Sheba is so sweet and loving despite her extreme pain and discomfort.
UPDATE 10/5/2006: Today is Sheba's 4 week post surgery. She has
improved 100% in the last 5 days. She is now getting up all on her own and walking outside
without any assistance. She is walking around the yard and exercising and enjoying the
sunshine. She seems to have little pain because she never whines when she gets up or lays
down. She seems happy and always smiles and wags her tale now. We took Sheba for her very
first water therapy session today. Many thanks to Andrea for the use of her pool. Sheba went
into the pool willingly and swam around with a few rest periods. She swam for 15 -20
minutes. When she was done she got out with help, shook herself off and was ready for a
walk around the yard before we loaded her up - with the help of a ramp into the truck
for the ride home. We hope to return Tuesday for another session.
UPDATE 10/16/2006: Today we took Sheba for her 6 week post-op
checkup. We loaded her up into the truck with the help of a pet ramp. We arrived at the
Vet's office and saw Dr. Decozio. She was extremely please with Sheba's progress and
watched her walk around the office. After observing Sheba for a few minutes Dr. Decozio
released her from care and gave us instructions to let Sheba run and play off a leash as
she feels well enough to do. After our vet check up we went for our weekly water therapy.
Sheba loves to go there and enjoys swimming around. Unfortunately it is getting too cold
for us human's to get into the pool so we will continue our walks and short runs to
strengthen Sheba's hips.
UPDATE 10/30/2006: If you have been reading and following
Sheba's progress you probably feel as I do right now. I am thrilled to have been a part
of Sheba's recovery so she may be able to be put up for adoption. After all we have been
through together in the last two months...there is absolutely no way that Sheba will ever
leave our home. Sheba has become a very important member of our all "Lab" family and fits
in here so perfectly that we want to adopt her and her to stay with us forever.
Your sponsorship will remain active until
Sheba is adopted. All proceeds raised through donations are used to assist in paying
Sheba's medical bills. There are no employees, no administration fees and no professional
fundraiser's to pay.
