The Results of Scout's Therapy by Neck Brace - His Recovery

It has been such a long time since my summer time posts.  I have to post twice to get all the new happenings in since then!
Scout's neck disks responded so wonderfully to the neck brace.  Unfortunately, Scout did not!  I had let his fur grow out over the summer and his fur long when the brace was fit by the vet.  After 8 wks in the brace, his fur had grown so much, Scout was actually being buried in his brace.  It got to where, I could not keep the brace down on his neck.  It would continually ride up, over his ears and keep them folded in.
I took him to the local vet to have his brace reset.  All the vet could do was tighten the brace, which is something I had to do almost on a daily basis.  If you have a Yorkie, you know how hard it si to keep a Yorkie inactive!  It is next to impossible.  Yorkies have a tendancy to have their own minds.  They are very independant, spoiled to have their way and some are like Scout....he will throw a fit so quick if you do not listen to what he is telling you.
He had enough of the brace.  It was hot in August, The heat was unbearable, the fur had grown, he was miserable.  To the point of not wanting to eat. He had an ear infection we could not clear up.  Both his ears were extremely dirty due to not being cleaned regularly.  I could not get to his ear canal because it was blocked off by the collar.
I finally made the decision to remove the collar.  I reasoned that if it did not work, we would have to go and have his neck reset and the collar put back on.  But it would be during the cooler months, and his fur would be cut beforehand.
The morning I removed his collar, there was the most wonderful celebration by a dog I have ever seen!  I told him it was coming off as I took the velcro and pulled.  He knew momma was not going to put it back on, it was staying off!  Hallalujah!  This dog almost  did cartwheels..if there is such a thing as doggie cartwheels!
He shook, he almost danced, he kissed, he ran, he was beside himself with such joy!  I really never have seen a dog celebrate before.  This was a first.  The only thing I regret, I did not get a video of the event.  No one can experience what I did that morning.
After removing the brace, Scout never received another dose of pain medication.  He never again needed it!  One of the things I saw him do when the brace was removed was use his back legs to scratch his neck.  This was a brilliant moment.  He actually could use his legs in determined movement.  He also did something he had never been able to do before.  He was able to clean himself after going potty.  Before then, I had to clean him myself.  Scout cannot lift his leg to go to pee.  He always had pee pee on his underside due to his stance and capability.  Now, no more pee pee underneath, he was able to direct himself somehow down towards the ground!
These things were amazing to me.  No pain, he could actually move his legs in a way he wanted them to go, and he could clean himself! Wow!  He was such a brand new dog.  He was thriving in all the encouragement. He seemed to burst at the seams with pride in his new abilities!
He has never looked back.. He continues to this day to build on his new found abilities.  He can now stretch full length on his own. He does this frequently too.  He has a walk I call his 'big legs'.  He knows exactly what that phrase means.  It means he is walking to the best of his ability and his momma sees he is doing it on his own.  He wants to be a 'big dog' like his older brother, Pumba.  Pumba is a 35lb. Boston Terrier who is a 'bully' type Boston.  He has large muscles on his chest.  I always tell Scout he is being a 'big dog' like Pumba. He knows what this means and he tries to emmulate Pumba as much as possible.
I am so incredibly proud of Scout and his accomplishments.  This little 8lb dog has worked so incredibly hard to gain his mobility and be as close to normal as he can be.  He does not see himself as handicapped in any way.  You can tell, if he wobbles or maybe trips over something, he gets embarrassed.  He wants the younger dogs to look up to him.
I cannot get over the fact that some people do not believe how smart dogs are..they deny dogs have sense, or feelings, or a soul, even!  I truly wish one of them could come and stay one day with Scout. He would make them believers.  He has taught me so many things, I can't even begin to list the lessons I've learned watching him.  They say dogs are grateful to us for taking htem in and giving them food, water and shelter.  In this instance, I am so eternally Grateful to Scout for him choosing us and allowing us to be a part of his life.

Related articles

• Neck Pain Symptoms and Arthritis (everydayhealth.com)
• FOHA - Friends of Homeless Animals, INC of RI Fundraiser for Scout (friendsofscout.blogspot.com)
• Reflections on Scout (friendsofscout.blogspot.com)

Scout Diagnosis and Treatment

Scout did attend his neurology appointment in Scarborough, ME.  We learned so much that day, some good, some not too good.
We were prepared to do X-rays, that would examine the size of his heart.  We had to have this because the vet had read his previous x-rays and in her opinion was not satisfied with the way his heart looked on the films.  His heart appeared to be larger than normal, however with the way he was photographed, she mentioned it could be the way he was laying on the table.  It was hard to tell from the films taken at the first vet visit.
To be able to safely put him under anesthesia we needed to know exactly what was going on with Scout's heart. So that sunny day in July, Scout had a blood panel taken, x-rays of his chest and when the vet was satisfied he could be sedated, he was off for a MRI.  We were to leave Scout for approx. 3 hours while Dr Eifler examined the results.
I received a call from the vet while out.  She explained she had found some very rare abnormalities in the MRI.  She really needed to do a CAT scan to get to the bottom of what was going on with the disks in Scout's neck.  Our vet bills at this time had been calculated to 1900.00!  Through the Friends of Homeless Animals, INC of RI who was the rescue that I foster with, they had received approx. 1900.00 in donations for Scout!  What a wonderful thing for Scout.  We were able to get his testing completed.  Now a curve ball. I discussed the cost of the CAT scan with Dr Eifler, sure I would have to bring Scout back at a later date to continue the testing.  I would have to be allowed to raise more money or find grants, sponsorships, etc.
Dr Eifler gave me the amount which was WAY over the budget I had for Scout.
I had to tell her I could not do this at this time, we would have to bring him back.  That was a bad thing because he was already under with anethesia and bringing him back a second time meant another round of anethesia and more expenses!  Dr Eifler is one of the most caring vets I have met.  She explained she had to have the test to make a thorough exam and be certain of what she was seeing on MRI.  She offered to take payments and lowered the cost of the CAT scan to almost in half!  Not only did she help with the CAT scan expenses, she gave us discounts on almost all the exams Scout had that day.  We left her office owing 900.00 in additional bills...I had no idea how we would pay.  We do not use credit cards and I had no income to earmark for Scout.  I had to put this into the hands of  a Higher Authority to help me through this day.

after months of worry...the results!

This is the email I sent out to everyone who was concerned and worried for Scout:

Atlanto-axial subluxation, and for Scout it occurs at a very hard place to diagnose, or even see.  It is the first and second vertebrae of his cervical spine.  The subluxation is when the two vertebrae do not  'fit' together and are constantly slipping out of place.  #2, comes and goes into place and pinches the spinal column this causes him to have nerve problems with all four legs. Not to mention a lot of pain!  I know I've seen when this has actually pinched very badly on him.  He goes into a state of almost like shock.  It only lasts for a few moments, but I would have to say, this is probably when he feels the most pain.

This condition can be helped with the use of splints on his neck.  The hope is, the neck stays stable and creates scar tissue in that area to help hold the vertebrae in place.  He will have to wear a brace for 8 wks.  It is not like I can take it off either to give relief a little time..another vet must place the brace or it will harm him.The brace is a 'no-bite' collar that is velcroed around his neck, holding his head high and neck straight.  It has a strap that goes around under his front leg and snaps to hold the collar in place.  There is danger of choking, over heating, getting mis-placed on his neck.  So he must have complete NO activity for 8wks.  He should not walk around, play, or run.  In fact, they suggest putting him in a crate for 8wks, only 5mins at a time out for potty breaks.  

 We also have to go to hand feeding and a syringe for water again!  We did this when he first came because he couldn't hold his head up that long.  

He also is being given more meds to help the pain.  He takes tramadol everyday, he's getting that plus Prednisone and Gabapetin for nerve pain.  So it will be a long 8 wks for Scout, I am sure.  He threw his tantrum this morning as every good Diva should.  He wanted it off and he tried his best until Momma made him stop!This is Scout's best hope for a brighter tomorrow.  Surgery as explained to me is very risky at best.  The pins needed to hold the vertebrae in place go so close to the spinal column that he could even die from the surgery.

Not a good diagnosis, but one we had to live with.  He was not a good candidate for surgery and had to rely on the brace to cause the scar tissue to form and 'hold' his disks in place.  This will last until such time as he has a fall in a bad way, the tissue will give loose.  We can only pray for Scout and hope he has many, many tomorrows...

Reflections on Scout

We woke up early that morning, way too early for me!  What was it? like 5am?  Scout had to get to Scarborough, ME by 9am to start his day of testing.  So here I was, drinking my coffee, sleepy dogs all around me wondering why I had my eyes open. In the early morning quiet and peace, all I could think about was how far Scout had come in the short time I've known him...
Three months before, he arrived as a matted, dirty, shy little guy but somewhere deep in there I could still see the hope in his eyes that he had someone who would answer his cries when he was in pain.  His eyes had a pleading look..Are you going to lock me in a crate?, Are you going to answer me or understand me when I am in pain? or am in for the same treatment I've had since I've been born?
The first night was so hard on both of us, just getting to understand each other.  He whined and I was frustrated not knowing what to do for him. It got easier and easier over time.  When I found out he whined when he needed something, I finally learned to anticipate his needs.  He no longer had the need to whine. I also had taken him to the vet and started him down the road to recovery..so he had the meds he needed to help his pain.
He started a new attitude and was no longer content to lay back and whine with his life.  He became the 'master of his destiny'.  His nature turned into stubbornness, no longer would he depend on others.  He did not want to be treated differently.  As soon as he could, he learned to hold his head up to drink water from the bowl, just like 'the big dogs did it'!  If I tried to give him more water with the syringe, concerned he wasn't getting enough, he would throw a fit...no more special devices for him.  He would not lay back and be treated 'special'.
In the beginning, the very first day, in fact, he lay on his back in my lap. His legs were drawn up to his body. I noticed when he fell down, his legs drew up underneath him. He was never extended. He never made a voluntary movement in his legs. They were used to stand and walk. But for him to make a voluntary movement as to stretch out, or take his paw and purposefully put it somewhere, he could not.
That night, I performed the first of many therapy sessions on his legs. His back legs were curled up to his body.  When I felt for the muscles, I could not find any muscles in the lower part of his legs. They were so very tiny, even for his size.  His leg seemed to be skin and bone.  The tendons were taught and felt like two wires stretched under the skin.  His muscles had actually atrophied and the tendons were short and pulled tight.  This dog was having trouble walking because he could not support  himself on his legs. The back ones especially.  The front legs had more muscle, but every time he used them, the front legs splayed out to the side of his body.  He did not have control on his front legs. The right one appeared to be worse than the left.  The muscle there appeared to be large and actually in the way of his leg coming close to his body.
Our therapy consisted of me massaging his legs, then moving them in walking fashion.  We would stretch them  the way they should go to walk.  First the front legs, bringing them in close to the body and in a bicycling motion to walk.  The back legs needed so much attention, massaging and stretching. We would stretch them out and back in again.  One thing we did not work on, the toes.  I did not realize this until we started going to the neurologist, but his toes remained stiff.  When he would stand, many times his toes rotated under and he would stand on the tops of his feet because his toes did not bend.  All of this because he was not either allowed to walk (crated), or worked with when he did start walking.
Scout had come from this condition to  running down the path in the woods so fast, I had to do a 'power walk' to keep up with him, just 2 days before his testing!  He still walked with his head down, he could not hold it up, there was a bow in his back because he could not lift his head, but boy oh boy! could he run!
I would take all the dogs to the woods for a walk behind my house.  I found myself yelling, 'Scout, Scout, wait, stop...slow down, wait until we get there...'  Scout, slow down!  He was so proud of 'leading' the pack through the woods!
Back to Scout's testing day and my cup of coffee.  The only thing that bothered me was a diagnosis of losing Scout.  If  they told me, Scout is not a good candidate for surgery...no problem.  I would not like it for Scout. I really hate giving meds to Scout and that would mean he would live his life on pain meds.  He would still have a life though and that would be a blessing.  Being able to take care of himself, eating and drinking on his own, playing with other dogs, running, walking, doing all the things no one ever thought he would...he would have a wonderful life!
I just could not imagine losing him so soon after finding him.  A dog that had so much will to live and survive, needed a chance. He is a miracle that he even is living today.  I think many animals, not to mention humans who would have given up in a pool of self pity so long before this little guy!
My time for reflecting had grown short...time to feed all the dogs...get all the paperwork together, and get ready for our trip.  It was going to be a hot one that June day..I needed to be ready for anything that came my way!

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• It's All About Stretching (janicehealthtips.wordpress.com)
• how to have healthy back (rhvillegas.wordpress.com)
• Vet records, xrays and referral in hand... (friendsofscout.blogspot.com)

Off We Go to Scarborough..But Not to the Fair!

Scout has been referred to the Maine Vetrinarian Referral Center, Emergency and Specialty Animal Hospital in Scarborough, ME.  His new specialist there will be Dr. Danielle Eifler.  Dr Eifler has years of school and knowledge and I feel confident Scout will have the best Specialist available to diagnose and plan a course of action for his problem.

Dr.Eifler
Dr. Eifler’s love for animals began at an early age and though her goal to become a veterinarian was deeply ingrained even then, it wasn’t until her family dog, a German Shepherd named Max became afflicted with a devastating neurologic condition called degenerative myelopathy, that she realized her desire to specialize in veterinary neurology. During her neurology residency at the University of Missouri, she was fortunate enough to work with the researchers who discovered the gene associated with this disease which will aid in the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy.

Dr. Eifler is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, Canada in 1997 and attained her DVM from the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island in 2001. She then completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at The Western College of Veterinary medicine in Saskatoon in 2002 followed by an Emergency and Critical Fellowship at Michigan State University in 2003. Dr. Eifler then spent two years in small animal private practice and was also involved in research for hereditary canine ophthalmologic diseases. Dr. Eifler completed her Neurology / Neurosurgery residency at the University of Missouri in 2008 and attained status as a diplomate of the ACVIM, Specialty of Neurology at this time.

Dr. Eifler is pleased to be part of the MVRC Neurology Group, the only specialty center in the Northeast to offer a team of 3 board certified veterinary neurologists. She is especially happy to be living in the Portland area which allows her to enjoy some of her favorite past times such as skiing, hiking, kayaking, yoga, and going for walks on the beach with her fiancé Nathan and their German Shepherd, Fiji. Dr. Eifler also has three wonderful (and slightly spoiled) cats named Scully, Pippin, and Little Cat.

Our appointment is at 11:00am tomorrow morning and is a two hour drive from our house!  I think Scout and I have to both put our sleeping caps on tonight early!   Scout cannot have anything to eat and must come in fasting with water only for 10hrs before his appointment.  I believe they will be doing a blood workup for him. 

We are now so close to finding out what the future holds for Scout, I am excited and in a way a little afraid of the knowing.  I try everyday to think positively because I will not let him down.  There is only way and that is for this little guy to run and walk with all the other dogs.  But sometimes, a small little doubt can sneak in just enough to scare me.

I'm so glad for Scout, it must be the same way Mothers feel with handicapped children.  Scout cannot understand how bad his situation is, he just knows he is a little different sometimes.  The legs just don't move like he wants them to..  It is a Blessing not to have to explain and share my worry!

For all of those who are following Scout's blog and checking in with me...thank you so very much for your continued support and Blessings.  I know your well wishes, thoughts and concerns have helped to carry Scout.  He is not just my little boy, he is everyone's little boy.  I'm so happy to have so many others who constantly wait and listen to the endless stories of his struggles and successes!

I will try to post as soon as I can the update for Scout after his consultation. 

Vet records, xrays and referral in hand...

I've received the reports from both vets who have seen Scout now.. Dr Herrmann took the xrays on my first visit to him.  I received his report in the mail, along with the report written by him.  I have also requested a referral from Scout's new vet here in town, Dr Smith.  She has referred him to the Maine Vetrinary Referral Center, Specialty and Emergency Hospital.  They specialize in neurosurgery for dogs.

Both vets here conclude it is a congenital birth defect.  The hardest part for me is to find out, it can be life threatening and a sudden death in severe cases.  I am so glad, Scout is as young as he is and full of energy.  I do keep a continuous watch on him to make sure he does not jump down from anywhere and is not underfoot to the larger dogs.

We will be calling the Maine Hospital sometime this week to make an appointment for Scout.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers that he has a good diagnosis for recovery..

Scout is in fantastic spirits lately with the warm weather...he loves to be outside, he loves to run away from you.  If he could run, he would be a runner, no doubt about it.  This little guy is all over the front yard.  I have to watch him like a hawk!  It seems he can be in one place one moment and across the yard in a split second!  He's very good though...he won't come back if I just call him..If I reach him, and tell him to come back, he immediately turns around and comes back to his area!

He is stronger everyday and it seems like he has finally gotten to his ideal weight.  He does not feel like skin and bone.  I would be willing to bet he is at least 9lbs now.  He is ideal and now I will have the problem to keep him from gaining more weight...he cannot get any heavier to make it harder for him to walk.

I would like to thank all the people who do keep up with Scout's progression.  You are an amazing group of people.  I'm sure if Scout could talk, he would be able to tell us how much he feels the Love from all of you!

FOHA - Friends of Homeless Animals, INC of RI Fundraiser for Scout

I would like to announce the great Fundraising event by FOHA, Friends of Homeless Animals, INC of RI.  Annie Dufour is the coordinator and always puts in 150% to anything she does with the rescue.  She has formulated this very important fundraiser for Scout to help raise funds for his surgery.  To date we are well on our way with almost 1/3 of the estimated funds being donated!

I cannot say enough about FOHA and what it means to myself and Scout.  I have been a foster mom for about 2yrs now with FOHA.  I originally looked to them as a rescue I wanted to belong to because their main rescue dog was Boston Terriers.  I have always wanted one of these fabulous dogs!  I took care of one in FL and always vowed I would have one..

That is what attracted me but what made my mind up is what I found out about the group.  In todays' world you cannot always take anything at face value.  I decided to find out more about this organization.  I did searches on Google and found some very good recommendations from adopters and volunteers alike.  One of the most prominent praises was how efficient this group worked together on a volunteer basis only.  Please note, there are no 'paid' workers at FOHA.  Everyone is a volunteer.

The slogan is, 'Rescuing Small Dogs with Big Hearts' and we do!  Boston Terriers are not the only breed we rescue.  Lately there have been quite a few of those little chee - chee's or chihuahua's coming through our rescue due to the overwhelming breeding of them in CA.  

Scout was a rescue from FOHA.  I fell in love and that was that.  Now all the fosters and volunteers who know his story are following along with us on this journey.  It is really heart warming to have so many involved in this little dog's life.  With so much going on in the world today and so many take the time to stop and remember Scout.

Back to the fundraiser!

Dear dog lover,

While supplies last, Friends of Homeless Animals will mail a Boston Terrier Tote Bag (straightstitch.net) to anyone who donates $15 or more. Also, your name will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Boyd's crystal glass Boston Terrier's head (winner will be draw on 5/6).

Proceeds will go toward paying for Scout's vet care. Scout, a 2-year-old, 8 pound Yorkshire Terrier was bought online from a puppy mill by someone who then offered him for free on Craigslist. At the time of his rescue, he was kept in a cage and was in a terrible shape and in constant pain. Scout has a birth defect (a gap between the base of his skull and spine) resulting in motor skills problems. He has a hard time walking and playing with his mates, even though he loves it. The best we can do right now is keep Scout on pain and anti-inflammatory medicine. To become a normal little dog, Scout needs expensive surgery. To see pictures and videos of Scout, lease follow his blog at http://friendsofscout.blogspot.com.

If you would like to contribute to Scout recovery, please donate through paypal.com (please let us know your donation is for Scout): https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AGGGSGMY52VKS or directly on Scout's blog: http://friendsofscout.blogspot.com

Or by check: Doris Baker, 1129 Pebble Beach LN, Unit 12, Marathon, FL 33050

Thanks for your support! We couldn't save special dogs such as Scout without you!


To help support the fight against Puppy Mills that are producing and selling dogs like Scout to unsuspecting buyers, please join the Facebook group:

Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions

You do not have to live in Ohio to help.  Mary Shaver is the one who does most of the posting of events and rallies.  She works tirelessly to stop this horrible, senseless and greedy method of producing dogs.  Even if you don't live in Ohio, there are petitions to sign, sometimes it is really good to wake up local officials when they see their issues are not only on a local scale but being read by thousands around the US who are signing petitions against them.

You would be amazed how much one person can do to help stop the cruelty.  Please join today and learn as much as you can and spread the word about Puppy MIlls to everyone you know... 

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Scout's Second Vet Visit for Opinion and Neurosurgeon Referral

Scout is now a patient of Dr Smith at Riverside Veterinary Hospital in Boscawen, NH.  I chose this Vet because Riverside is a large chain and has numerous vets across the U.S.  They also have onboard, Neurosurgeons.  Not at this location, but at others, not too far from NH.

Dr Smith confirmed Dr Herrmann's original findings of the base of the skull and spinal gap in his neck creating neuro issues for Scout.  He has very little motor skills in his back legs and cannot hold up his head.  He also cannot tell when his feet flip over to tops, he does not try to correct, he continues walking until he falls.  Dr Smith put Scout through some tests in motor skills. Her comments were, 'He did not win the genetics lottery!'  My sentiments exactly.  For on top of the neuro issues, he may have patella issues in one  leg.

Scout has better response on the left side of his body.  Which actually is good.  It shows there maybe a little connection with the nerves.  Dr Smith pointed out that while this condition is rare, it is not as rare for the breed.  Another reason that points us back to 'bad breeding' by the Puppy Mill.  Both parents had a bad gene that pointed to this birth defect.  The parents may have come from the same litter, or linage.  Scout really does make a wonderful poster dog for the dangers of BUYING PUPPIES ONLINE.  There is legislation underway now in the State of Ohio to ban online retailers.  More about that later...

Scout was given another medicine to take in addition to his Metacam daily.  He was prescribed Metacam by Dr Herrmann but being given once a day did not seem to help little Scout as much as something he could take that would have a longer lasting effect.  I spoke to Dr Smith about how Scout's pain came in bouts during the day.  On a good day, he usually woke up with whining  due to pain, by the end of the day, he would go into a very large pain bout..whining, rubbing his snout on the rug, clawing at his mouth, biting his feet, etc.  The Metacam did not have a long lasting effect for him and it was very frustrating for me to have pain relief but not able to give it to him because of possible kidney damage.

Dr Smith started Scout on Tramadol.  Tramadol is used in patients with Neuropathic pain.  It changes the patients perception of pain.  It is a narcotic pain reliever and I will have to monitor Scout closely but his quality of life has again improved so much!  No longer am I waiting for the pain bout when he just can't stand the level of pain.  Tramadol was prescribed to him for 3x daily, but I am only giving it now as needed..he is only taking 2x daily and seems to be doing very well at that dosage.  If  he gets to where he needs more, we can always increase.  I am a fan of  'less is better'!

Scout is being referred to a Neurosurgeon for a more complete idea of what we can expect for him and surgery.  I also received the very best information ever during his visit!  Scout has gained 2oz!  This may not seem like a lot to some, but for a little guy who did not lose or gain weight for 6mo, it is a major advancement and one in the right direction!   I have been trying to get him to gain weight.  This small baby step is exactly what is needed.  He cannot gain too much, his legs are not ready, but just enough to give him a good body weight to help him to be healthy.  He only weighed in at 8.3oz...he is rather boney under all the long fur.  His backbone is very prominent and his hips are sharp.  He needs to be right at around 9lbs to give him good weight.

Scout also had his distemper booster and a blood panel completed.  The blood panel is so very needed to establish a baseline for him.  As of this date, we did not have any medical knowledge of any other diseases he might suffer...

One step closer to surgery!

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03/22/2011 Scout's Initial Vet Visit - Scout's condition is given a cause

I took Scout to the vet's office as soon as he came to live with me.  The vet we choose was an orthopaedic surgeon.  We did not know, but were given 'pelvis broken' on his records. Someone had written this into his record book to make it look like Scout could not walk well because his pelvis had been broken.

The vet listened to Scout's symtom's and felt around his pelvis area.  His pelvis seemed to be in alignment. His symtoms actually matched a motor skill defect more than a skeletel issue.  The vet had a suspicion of the neurological function being at fault due to a birth defect.

The vet ran all the tests on Scout, then took xrays and there it was..a gap in the bones between the base of the skull and spine.  It seems the atlas and the disc's of the neck need to be fused to try and correct Scout's problem with walking and motor skills.

The estimate to do this surgery was 4000. to 5000.00.  The vet being a orthopaedic surgeon could not even do the surgery, he would have to refer Scout to a Neurological Surgeon.  

At that point, all I could do is take Scout home and promise him I would make sure he got the surgery he needed. Unfortunately, I don't have the money needed for a neuro surgery like that for Scout. I do know, somehow, someway, we will get him the surgery needed.

Scout is 2yrs 4mo old. He has lived his entire life so far in pain. He gets into a seizure like fit and starts shaking his head, tearing at his mouth, and forcefully rubbing his jaws on the floor.  All the while he is whining and crying from the pain. He will be sound asleep and suddenly kick his legs out which results in him throwing himself backwards. He was in constant frustration when he first came to live with me. 

The vet prescribed him Metacam to give him once per day. This is not the way he is in pain.  He usually has an attaack in the morning and then again in at night around 11pm.  When I first got him he would wake up almost every night at 2am in frustration and pain. 

My major concern for Scout is to first get him out of pain. I don't know if there is anything slow release for pain for dogs, but I will find out. The next step is to get a commited estimate from a Neurosurgeon Vet.  We have an appointment setup for this Friday to get another estimate.

I have been looking at several different sites for funding, grants, and possible pro bono surgeries from vets. There are a few sites that I will be able to apply for grants for Scout, so I don't feel completely out on the streets yet.  They are very reputable places that will fund people who do not have the funds to pay for their pet surgeries.  I am beginning to feel better for Scout!

His appointment is set for this Friday and we will have a new written estimate and hopefully an amount to begin our applying for funding.

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Scout Can Teach Us a Lesson

My first look at this beautiful little guy, I knew he was so special. Somehow I just knew Scout had a lot to show and teach me. I couldn't wait to meet him, I had heard so much about him. He was being delivered to me by Sue, a volunteer who drove up to meet me. Sues' mother rode along with her and cradled Scout in her arms the whole way, wrapped snugly in his red blanket.

One look into Scout's big brown eyes and I knew, Scout had something to say to me and all who would listen. On the outside, and wrapped in a blanket, Scout could be any little Yorkie. Until you put him down on his feet to walk you don't realize the challenges he's lived with his entire life.

But I am getting ahead in Scouts' story..we need to go back to his beginning.

Scout originally was a Puppy Mill puppy. He was bred by a puppy mill breeder in Baltic, OH. Why is the town and State so important to this story? It is so important for people to know...Baltic, OH is home to the Farmersmarket Barn Auction. This is a Puppy Mill Auction that holds auctions for Puppies from Puppy Mills several times yearly.

This is the place where the Millers' get paid for the suffering they put their dogs through to produce their cash crop. Crate after crate of puppies line the aisles, and back areas of this 'barn' auction. This is also a place to get rid of any 'mistakes' they had in breeding. Those dogs are generally penned together as the 'trash' dogs and are sold for a dollar or included in 'lots' to make the deal sweeter for the buyer.

These auction are purely for the Millers. The general public is not invited to these auctions. In fact, you are searched at the gate to make sure you are not carrying a camera or video camera. They do not want anything being publicized from the auction.

Scout was purchased by a Puppy broker. A Puppy broker normally sells their dogs online to unsuspecting people who do not know how the Puppy Mills operate. The puppies are bought at auction. Then transported to the buyers' site to be sold online. All you will ever see is the cute little cuddly puppy you see advertised online. You will not see the suffering, neglect, horrible conditions, their parents live in day in and day out.

There are very few Puppy Millers who keep the kind of lineages needed to insure proper breeding of these dogs. What happens frequently is family dogs are kept in the same cages and such as mothers and sons and they end up breeding together to produce offspring. A minor oversight to the breeder. A major medical problem for the dog and you.

It's a good arrangement for people looking to make money on the suffering of so many dogs being held in Puppy Mills. The Puppy broker who purchased Scout, paid for him and then advertised this cute little puppy for sale on their website. Checking the website that sold Scout to his new owner, they deny any connection with Puppy Mills. They guarantee their puppies free of any congenital defects. They actually guarantee their customers so much...how can you go wrong purchasing a cute little puppy from this great group of people who only buy their puppies from reputable breeders? Indeed...

The owner took Scout to the vet when he was 14wks old. The reason why, I can not find out due to the records not being available to me. I would have to have owner approval to open the records and get any previous medical information for Scout. It would be invaluable information to know what indicators the new owner had about any medical issues at that time. It would show how soon his symptoms started showing.

Scout was born on 11/6/2008. In October of 2010, there was an ad on Craig's List for 'Free to Good Home' and Scout was posted on the site for anyone to just come and pick up. The owner no longer wanted to keep him. Just 2mo prior I can see in his vet paperwork, he had acquired another dog puppy. I believe Scout's owner found out about Scouts' medical condition, his prognosis, and his care. The owner did not want to care for Scout on this level of care and decided to give him away rather than keep him and care for him.

One of our FOHA rescue volunteers saw him on Craig's list as an owner surrender and she did go and pick Scout up from the owner. There is no looking back for our Scout now...

I would like everyone who reads Scout's story to please listen to the message contained in his story. Never purchase a puppy from an online retailer of puppies. There is a 95% chance you are buying a Pupppy Mill dog.
The online retailer will make themselves seem like they have the rolling hills of green, green grass and a perfect country breeding atmosphere, when all along...the truth is the puppies were born into a cesspool of squalor and hopelessness for the parents.

Most pet stores have had to stop buying from Puppy Mills due to the people learning about Puppy Mills. What most people don't know is how those same puppies are now being sold online.. Please tell everyone you know...Do not buy online. Adopt your next puppy or dog from a rescue. There are so many dogs and puppies being euthanized due to no where to go...there will never be a shortage of dogs to adopt. You can find dogs of Pure Breed of almost any breed by just contacting the breed rescue of the type dog you are looking for.

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