Sailor Needs A Crew Of Supporters
Despite how full our rescue is currently, German Shepherd Rescue OC rose to the challenge when we learned about Sailor. Approximately 8 years old and nearly blind, Sailor is the victim of months and months of neglect. When we discovered him in an area animal shelter, he was so emaciated and weak that he could barely lift his head. He had raw, open sores all over his body from an untreated skin infection that invaded his eyes and his ears. Our vet suspects that was was originally a mild yeast infection evolved over time to become life-threatening. Sailor is anemic and his organs were close to shutting down due to malnutrition. Several skin scrapings have revealed no mites, so it is unlikely that he has mange, but we will continue to test him in the weeks ahead.
Sailor's main ailment is called Malassezia Pachydermititis. It is unlikely that his fur will all grow back due to the length of time that he has been suffering. He also suffers from chronic dry eye, meaning that he can't produce tears from his tear ducts. This has lead to corneal scarring which caused blindness. We believe that he can see some hazy images, but his vision is very poor.
Incredibly, Sailor bears no hard feelings and he is quiet and gentle. He moaned in pain on his ride from the shelter to the vet's office, but he allowed all of the caregivers to handle him. We think he knew that they were there to help him.
Sailor's course of treatment is going to be very long and very costly, but we are determined to show him how it feels to be valued. Our volunteers are showing him the kindness and care that he hasn't had for at least months---maybe years. He is currently on IVs and antibiotitics and receiving daily baths to soothe his angry skin.
UPDATE 10/30/2011
Sailor has a bit more spring in his step, and is getting some of his spirit back. However, one look at his face and you can see we have a long way to go.
His medicated baths are now every other day and they are quite the ritual! He is shampooed twice - each time the shampoo must stay on for 15 minutes, followed by a special skin conditioner which stays on for 10 minutes.
We are working to help him gain weight, but so far he has remained the same.
UPDATE 11/11/2011
Thanks to your support, Sailor is starting to improve! His vision and hearing are gradually improving. Tiny sprouts of hair are beginning to grow back and his skin is improving. Most importantly, his spirit is reviving! When we first got him, he was so ill he had very little signs of life. He is now inquisitive, affectionate and loves his time in the sun (although due to his skin issues, this is very limited). His very favorite thing is to follow his foster mother around while she talks baby talk to him!!
Sailor desperately needs some sponsors to help us provide him with the medical care that he requires. Will you please make a tax-deductible donation to help is continue his treatments? And will you please share his story with fellow animal lovers who might be able to help as well?
Thank you for caring about Sailor and all of our homeless shepherds.
Your gift in any amount is a LIFE SAVER.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!