WE DID IT!  WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REACHED OUR GOAL.  JOSHUA WANTS TO THANK ALL HIS SUPPORTERS WHO SENT THEIR SUPPORT! HE IS ASKING HIS FRIENDS WHO WOULD STILL LIKE TO HELP TO DONATE TO HUGO'S VETERINARY CARE NEEDS

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/gsroc/hugo 

 

 

10/16/2011  JOSHUA  UPDATE:

Joshua has gained 10 pounds and is coughing less. Our vet says he has turned the corner and is happy with the progress he is making.  He also has discovered doggy cookies - turns out he LOVES doggie cookies!

 

 
BLEEDING FROM NEGLECT

CRYING WITH PAIN

That's how we found Joshua, the 1 year old German Shepherd who was picked up as a stray in Downey, CA. We were able to dispense with shelter red tape that would have required Joshua to be held at the shelter for 3 more days "in case an owner showed up looking for him", and our volunteers jetted into action.

Joshua is currently at one of our most respected veterinarian's office, where he is receiving round the clock care for a revolting case of mange that has his skin raw and bleeding. It hurts our eyes just to look at his red, swollen, oozing paws, especially since a dog in this condition has certainly been suffering for a long time. The transport volunteers cried as they helped him to the safety of a getaway car.

 

Joshua has already received a soothing medicated bath and comfort medication to help him begin to feel better. In addition to mange, he suffers from several secondary infections in his skin and ears that have arisen due to his compromised health. He looks like an ancient dog because of the toll that the affliction has taken on his spirit.

Joshua will require substantial long term care in order to fully recover from his condition. His regimen will include ivermectin injections for many weeks, oral and topical antibiotics, medicated soaks, ear flushing, and a premium diet for dogs with sensitive skin. Sadly, if his owner had treated him at the onset of the mange (generally a few small pink spots), the cost to treat him would have been very minimal, but now we are looking at care costs in the thousands.

 

  Added to this responsibility, GSROC also has other critical cases in our care:

 

Piper, who also suffers from mange has developed a respiratory infection;

Jenny, another victim of mange;

Desi, a former breeding dog that has been diagnosed with (of course) mammary cancer;

Kato, a newly arrived 10 mo old suffering from mange.

   

We do not like to keep coming to the well to ask for resources. But the unfortunate reality that we as rescuers deal with is:

  

 Financial Resources = Lives Saved.

We know that you feel as we do--that dogs like Joshua, Piper, Jenny, Desi and Kato are deserving of kindness, care and love, so this is why we must come to you again on their behalf. No one in GSROC gets paid...we are all volunteers and we work exclusively out of love and respect for these beautiful creatures. Your gift of any size will make a tremendous difference. What's more, if you can share Joshua's story with other animal lovers, friends, family members, and colleagues, we can broaden our circle of Compassion to help more dogs like Joshua.

Please help Joshua in whatever way you can through your donations and by sharing his story and encouraging others to donate to his care. If we all work together, we can change Joshua's life.

 UPDATE: 10/3/2011

Joshua is making some progress.  His stomach was not used to food and he has had to eat very small amounts for a long time. He is beginning to gain some weight.  He has no new lesions, but the ones he does have remain very red and angry looking. The poor guy is so bald, he shivers when he needs to go outside.  He now has special little coats to keep him warm with lined collars to make sure it doesn't rub against his lesions.

UPDATE 10/6/2011

Joshua picked up bronchitis while in the shelter and now needs another costly antibiotic. He has gained some weight, which is a good sign, but he still needs your help and support to continue his progress.

UPDATE 10/9/2011

Joshua is making progress in little steps. He has bronchitis & is fighting to overcome it. He is in bad shape so it is taking him longer, even with the expensive medicine he is getting.  The good news? He is eating EVERYTHING and licking the bowl clean!  We are thrilled!!

Poor little guy is so scared, he clings onto his caregiver, puts his paws around her arms as if he is scared she will leave. She spends most of her time holding him and giving him tummy rubs.

 

 

 

 

 

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