Vander

Vander's story is filled with one tragedy after another. We cannot begin to understand how much pain and suffering he experienced - and lived through - in the past few weeks. Look at these photos and you'll know that "a picture is worth a thousand words" because they show the horror more than words could ever do. How could anyone do the things they did to this loving, caring dog who never did anything to cause pain or suffering to a human being? How many people decided he didn't need to be cared for or loved? How many people intentionally inflicted pain and suffering, ignoring his cries of fear and pain?? How can any human being be so cruel?

The photos do speak for themselves but we also want to use words to tell you Vander's story." Vander's first guardian angel was a public shelter who called us and said someone had dropped off a dog who had horrible wounds over much of his body and did we want to help? We rushed to his aide and couldn't believe the wounds that we saw everywhere on his body. His previous owner who dropped him off said he had taken his dog to Mexico because of an ear infection. He said the surgery "fixed" it but now he didn't want the dog anymore.

How could anything have been "fixed" when the entire right ear is missing? All we can say is that this was a "butcher job". The ear was infected and oozing. Our eyes went to his left ear which was so infected and inflamed that a probe couldn't even be inserted in the ear to take a look. We don't know whether either ear canal can be saved. Vander's body was covered with wounds, some of which were open and bloody and some of which had scabbed over so we know they happened at different points in time.

How sad to think that he suffered over and over again. We think he'd been used as bait in a dog fighting ring. If all of this wasn't enough, there were many circular or rectangular wounds everywhere, oozing a yellow puss, almost like road burns or chemical burns. How much pain could one dog endure and still have a will to live?

As Vander's second guardian angel, Coastal answered the call to help. His wounds have been cleaned and because he had infection throughout his body, IV antibiotics were administered. They are healing very well. Throughout all of this, Vander was a model patient. He may not look handsome right now but he already looks much better than he did when we picked him up.

Why does Vander need more guardian angels? Because we still don't know whether his ear canals can be saved or will Vander need surgery to remove them. Only a CT scan in a week or so will tell. His initial medical expense, just having him overnight at a hospital got get Anti-Biotics via IV fluids, pain meds and cleaning his wounds up have already reached $800. The next set of medical care is being estimated at $3,500. The ear that was closed shut will have to be re-opened again, cleaned out and re-examined.

Vander is now in a foster home where he is recovering from his injuries. In spite of all the horrors he has experienced, Vander's temperament is superb! He is extremely friendly and very sweet. We are confident that he'll be a wonderful addition to any family where he will be loved for himself and always cared for with warmth and tenderness. Won't you be a guardian angel for Vander? It’s all about giving dogs a second chance at life, and Vander is calling for you to please help him.

Update 1/19/10
It's time for an update on our brave and courageous Vander. Friday was the day for a follow up appointment with a veterinarian who is board certified in ear surgery. We are happy to report that his both his bite wounds and burns are healing very nicely. Both ears are also much better but we need to wait a few days until the next examination. Very briefly, the open ear is looking much better. Not quite so "angry" as a week ago and with more flesh like color returning. Vander even seemed to like it when they were rubbed! The inside is still inflamed though, sort of reminding you of a cauliflower, so he'll stay on antibiotics for another week. Hopefully the vet can then get into the ear canal and look at the ear drum as well as the inner ear. As for his closed ear, it seems to be bothering Vander a bit and he is scratching it. So what's next? We are hoping that a CAT scan can be done so the veterinarian can see inside both ears, especially the closed one. Then we can chart out a course of action for both ears.

By the way, Vander was the perfect patient, all 82 pounds of him! As for the ride to the vet, we couldn't figure out why he would periodically rush to the window, barking incessantly. After a while we realized he was trying to chase the cars passing in the other lane. After being unsuccessful in repeated attempts, he finally gave up the chase and settled down to rest. By the way, Vander already knows the "sit" and "down" commands! That's one smart boy.

Update 1/29/10
For all of you fans of Vander who are wondering how this great boy is doing this week, here's some information. First and foremost, Vander is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday of next week. What will happen during surgery? The veterinarian will be able to look at both ears (yes, they will open up the closed ear) so they can examine the ear canals and the ear drums. The severity of infection will determine the next course of treatment whether it be continued antibiotics or surgical removal of either or both ear canals and ear drums. We are hopeful, of course, that when Vander wakes up from surgery, he'll still be able to hear everyone's well wishes. On the other hand, if he becomes hearing impaired, we know that there will be a family who is ready, willing, and able to help him adjust to the world. We'll keep you posted! Keep your fingers crossed or say a little prayer or keep him in your thoughts - whatever works for you as we all wish him good health and a rapid recovery.

Update 2/07/10
It's time for an update on Vander and in the words of one of our volunteers, "Vander underwent surgery and it's ALL GOOD NEWS!" In his foster home, Vander has been showered with love, affection, and attention. And lots of antibiotics. When he was well enough, surgery was performed last week on both ears. Here's the outcome. It was found that the right ear (the closed, butchered ear) was heavily infected. It was cleaned and the ear canal and eardrum removed. As for his left ear which was also heavily infected, it was necessary to remove part of the ear canal but the eardrum was saved. What does that mean??? Vander will be able to hear!! No more severe ear pain and no more ear itchies!! Here's a note from his foster mom who wrote after he returned home from surgery. "He is doing super. It's good to have him back home. We missed him."

If you are interested in meeting Vander, please contact Teresa via email at baltao@sbcglobal.net. Don't forget to fill out our online application.

The minimum adoption donation ranges from $400 to $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is tax deductible.

Prior to placement, all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are usually microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis. Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.

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