UPDATE MARCH 1st: Sammy's new family had this to say about Sammy: "He's pretty happy. My mom gives him his physical therapy. We are taking him to the Vet on Thursday to have the sutures from his first surgery out. He loves our house and his fenced in back yard. More later".
Update 2/27: Good news! Sam has been adopted by a wonderful person who is familiar with dogs with hip dysplasia. The adopter's former beloved dog had hip dysplasia surgery (the adopter even has ramps at his home for Sam to be able to use) so Sam will be in a home who will be able to help him recover. The adopter is willing to give us updates too. Thank you to everyone who has been involved with Sam's journey - from Sam's adopter, our shelter staff, our volunteers, his foster Mom, the Family of Deb Danielson (he is our February 'Deb's Dog of the Month'), the media, Dee Dee from Sunny 102 radio, WLUCTV6 Feb. 23rd story & reporter Noel McLaren, Gwinn/Sawyer Vet Clinic, the many people spreading the word about him, and of course a BIG Thank You to all the wonderful people who donated to save his life! Together we can do so much! A HUGE HUG to you all!!
Here is a little note from his adopter that was emailed today, "We brought Sammy home last night. He seems to love his new home, took to it right away, and of course we love him!" (plus we hear that Sammy has a really nice, luxurious new dog bed)! Awww....makes you smile and know all that was done for this boy was well worth it!
Please click This Link" to read his original story, videos and a list of all the kind, wonderful people who donated to help out Sammy.
Sam's Story:
UPDATE 2/24: Sam is now in foster care with Melanie at phone number 458-2881. His surgery went very well that he had on Feb. 18th on his first hip. His foster mom reports that he is doing well with his therapy and coming along nicely.(scroll down for a current video)
This is Sammy, a sweet, goofy, lovable 10 month old male neutered shepherd mix who is our "Deb's Dog of the Month", sponsored in Memory of Deb Danielson. He found himself originally at the humane society because his former owner couldn't afford to take care of him. He had been adopted for a couple days but it was too much with the youngsters in the home and Sam. Sam and the little ones were all a bit too playful and Sammy likes to play mouth. The family loved Sam but felt that they couldn't give him all that he needed in training because of their young children. The following is a link on play mouthing and training. It is not a long training process and can really be corrected in a matter of a couple of weeks of consistent correction and re-direction. www.101-dog-training-tips.com"
Sammy is a very good boy who has been a loyal loving pet. His former owner loved Sam however, you see, Sam has hip displasia and needs both hips operated on. His former owner couldn't afford the cost so she had to do the best thing she could for Sam and surrender him to the shelter with hopes that he will find a new loving home and the help that he needs.
When the shelter realized the severity and pain that Sammy was in they brought him to our vet for a consult.
Sam has two hips and a knee that need surgery. These are causing him a lot of pain and without the surgery to fix them, he will not be able to walk in a few months. In order for us to find Sam a home, the surgery needs to be taken care of to relieve his pain. Without the surgery, we fear he wouldn't be able to find a home due to the expense. MCHS put a plea out to our community for help with donations for Sammy to get his surgery's and our Pink Lady, Hope for Healing Vet Fund.
The response was outstanding with $2464 raised!! AMAZING!! There are not enough 'thank you's' in this world to express the gratitude we have for all donations and caring concern from our community for Sammy. Enough donations were given to pay for Sammy's three surgery's and after care and extra to go into the Pink Lady; Hope for Healing Fund to help another pet with emergency issues.
A HUGE Thank You from Sammy and MCHS to all the kind, wonderful people who donated.
Now a bit more about our boy Sammy. Sam is a wonderful dog with a sweet, goofy personality. He's good with his potty, likes to go for walks and really likes car rides! He was used to a family, likes other dogs and is fine with cats too! But Sammy LOVES his people pals the best! He gives his big paw to you to hold and gives you a big doggy kiss! Ohhh, he is a delightful boy!
Sam is a great pup. You can see where he wants so badly to play with the other dogs but he can't because he hurts; he wants to have fun too but his poor legs hurt him so much. He gets so sad with a sad long look on his face. Poor baby. We are so happy that Sammy will be able to get his surgeries and be a normal, active dog. Sammy is a Big Goof Ball! He is silly, happy-go-lucky even though he hurts at times, and is a plain good dog! The shelter is looking for a special home for Sammy who will be able to provide the after care that he will need after each surgery. The vet will show you his physical therapy exercises which can be done at home with Sammy. (please view the videos for more information or give us a call at 475-6661). So in closing, you can see that Sammy is one special guy! He'll make a true blue, loyal, loving, fun companion for a lucky person or family. If you are looking for a great pup with a fun-lovin' super personality, who will need some extra TLC at first (he is sure worth it and what a terrific way to bond), then come and meet Sammy! He would be best placed in a home without other dogs -- only because of his healing and therapy.
Please view his videos (the first is his current one after surgery and one explains in detail his adoption information).
