Sammy was a stray in a high-kill Nevada animal shelter and she was beyond the typical hold period, but the shelter staff had taken a liking to her so they contacted Samoyed rescue. One of their staff members drove her half-way to a San Francisco Samoyed Rescue volunteer in Reno.
When she got to Terry's house (which is shared with Dolly, a rescue Sam!), she was underweight and covered in foxtails. Terry cleaned her up and started her on good food, but she soon realized that Sammy was having problems with her right hip. X-rays show that at some point she had had some trauma (possibly hit by car) and that it was never treated. Sammy is only 2 yrs old and her hip is now bone-on-bone and she needs a hip replacement. Please see her attached pictures - she is so beautiful!
SFSR is still reviewing veterinary options and would welcome any advice that anyone may have for them. Their least expensive quote so far is still several thousand dollars. They have committed to paying a large portion of the surgery, and so has Sammy's foster mom, who thinks she is a great dog!! But we still need to raise more so she can have this surgery and live a pain-free life.
If you have any suggestions for Sammy's surgery, please email Beverley at andalora@pacbell.net.
April 4, 2004 - Update
After consultations with several veterinarians and orthopedic specialists, it was decided that Sammy will have a femoral head ostetomy and will also need to undergo physical therapy afterwards as her muscles have atrophied. Her surgery is scheduled for May 3 and her foster mom, Terry, is taking 3 weeks off of work to help Sammy recuperate. She says that is a very rewarding experience fostering and taking care of Sammy and that it has brought her an incredible amount of joy making a difference in Sammy's life. Dolly (her other rescued Samoyed) has been very maternal and protective of sammy.
Terry says that Sammy loves to go for car rides and she is also quite a talker. Sammy always says what is on her mind and makes sure they always know not to leave her behind wherever they go. Terry says it is wonderful to know there are such caring people in the world as the SamUrgency donors.
April 19, 2004 - Update
It is a very rewarding experience fostering and taking care of Sammy. I feel great knowing that I have done something special to make her life better for me being in it. It has brought me an incredible amount of joy making a difference in Sammy's life and pampering her in every way possible. She is the most darling, precious, sweetest little girl. Dolly (my rescue sam) has been very maternal and protective of Sammy. I am learning so much taking care of a disabled pup. It has changed my life in such a beautiful way. I have such an appreciation for how difficult it is to manage with a disability. Sammy loves to go for car rides. Her eyes light up and she is absolutely beaming all over whenever she gets to go for a ride in the car. She is also quite a talker. She always tells me what is on her mind and makes sure I always know not to leave her behind wherever I go. Sammy loves to play with Dolly but is very limited because of her painful hip. I am devoted to Sammy's recovery. I will be taking off a month to rehab Sammy. Sammy has changed my life in the most beautiful way. I am grateful for your kindess in helping Sammy. It is wonderful to know there are such caring people in the world.
May 29, 2004 - Update
Robyn the physical therapist has been aggressive from the beginning about rehabbing Sammy, and it has made a world of difference. I knew having a lot of physical therapy would make a difference, and Sammy is doing so good. We put Sammy in the water 4 times the first hydrotherapy visit. 3 times she did not use her right leg, and the last time she did use it. Sammy was so sore from hydrotherapy she would not use her right leg that night or the next morning and woke up at midnight crying from pain. Our 2nd physical therapy session we got started before Robyn got there, and it was good because Sammy was relaxed. It is a private pool, Olympic size, and costs $20.00 per session. The lady heats the pool to 90 degrees and I go in with Sammy. Sammy walks with her right foot hitting the left foot. She needs to build up the muscles. I am walking her in circles which she does not like, walking backwards, and sideways. You can only swim a little at a time and then check the heart rate. I feel blessed having such good doctors and physical therapists to help Sammy. She is sore now from me walking her in the hills and swimming last night. I am so proud of Sammy and so proud of how good Dolly is to Sammy. They bring me a lot of joy.
SamUrgency, Inc.
PO Box 47
Sodus, MI 49126
and notate that you would like the tax-deductible donation to go to help Sammy. You can also donate directly through this Web site.
