Lucky Pup Dog Rescue: All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Our grant was used for vet care for a pup we rescued from San Bernardino City Shelter in Southern California: Maverick!
We were able to provide much-needed medical care for a dog who was scheduled to be euthanized and had little chance of being rescued because of his medical needs, which were negatively impacting his behavior.
How many pets did this grant help?
The $1,000 grant was used to pay for about half of Maverick's vet bill.
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Maverick was on his last days at the shelter, skin and bones, and frightened out of his mind. He was passed over by adopters and rescues alike. As it would turn out, he had a pretty serious, untreated infection on his tail. He would spin uncontrollably and growl at his tail at least 10-20 times a day. No one was sure if it was a behavioral or medical issue at first. He was fearful about being handled and nervous. He would snap in the air at times.
We rescued him because we knew there was a wonderful dog just waiting to blossom. Once we got him here into the rescue, we immediately took him to our vet. It was a perplexing issue with his tail. After several treatments of antibiotics and medication for scabies, the tail was no better. He actually hit it on the wall several times and it would bleed profusely, splattering blood everywhere.
It was a difficult decision, but after several months of no improvement, we decided to dock his tail in hopes of finding a cure for the issue. During surgery, we also found that all six of his bottom front teeth were abscessed and had to be removed. So that day, he was neutered, his tail was amputated, his teeth were cleaned and the six decayed teeth were removed. From the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, he was mended and on his way.
We still have Maverick today; he is working on being a little more socialized and comfortable around people and other dogs. The issue is completely resolved with his tail!
Our rescue is in the process of expanding to the Pacific Northwest to purchase some land for a sanctuary, and Maverick made the trip from San Diego to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands near Victoria, Canada, in an RV and did amazing. We’ve attached a photo of him on the ferry with us, the founders of Lucky Pup. He is now spending time with our young grandchildren and has made a complete turnaround. Thank you for your grant to help save his life!
