Spirit, a petite senior female Sibe was
surrendered to the shelter a short time before
Christmas. The woman signing the release
papers showed no emotion when she stated
that they were in the process of obtaining a
divorce and neither party wanted her. The
teenage children apparently hadn't been much
assistance in providing care for the little Sibe
either. Before leaving the surrender fee, the
woman did say that Spirit was a good dog who
was no bother and could be left alone for 4 days
or more without a problem.
surrendered to the shelter a short time before
Christmas. The woman signing the release
papers showed no emotion when she stated
that they were in the process of obtaining a
divorce and neither party wanted her. The
teenage children apparently hadn't been much
assistance in providing care for the little Sibe
either. Before leaving the surrender fee, the
woman did say that Spirit was a good dog who
was no bother and could be left alone for 4 days
or more without a problem.
It was obvious that Spirit had spent some
considerable time in isolation. She was
emaciated (37 lbs) and suffering from a raging
infection that was devastating her immune
system. She had received only the minimum
Vet care required by law (rabies)
for the last two years. It is an amazing testimony
to the tenacity of the breed that Spirit held on
as long as she had. But her comfortable bed in
front of the fireplace on Christmas was only the
beginning of her new life.
considerable time in isolation. She was
emaciated (37 lbs) and suffering from a raging
infection that was devastating her immune
system. She had received only the minimum
Vet care required by law (rabies)
for the last two years. It is an amazing testimony
to the tenacity of the breed that Spirit held on
as long as she had. But her comfortable bed in
front of the fireplace on Christmas was only the
beginning of her new life.
The wonderful Vet team at Glenville Animal
Hospital immediately started an appropriate
antibiotic course, along with pain and arthritis
medication. Since coming under our care, little
Spirit has had both good and bad days, but she
is receiving the love and care that she
deserves. She has a warm place to rest and the
company of both humans and other Sibes to fill
her time when she's not resting. Her quiet,
gentle nature inspires us to provide the
extensive care she requires. She lacks the
strength to stand without help many times, but
once on her feet, she walks with a purpose and
refuses to slow down.
Hospital immediately started an appropriate
antibiotic course, along with pain and arthritis
medication. Since coming under our care, little
Spirit has had both good and bad days, but she
is receiving the love and care that she
deserves. She has a warm place to rest and the
company of both humans and other Sibes to fill
her time when she's not resting. Her quiet,
gentle nature inspires us to provide the
extensive care she requires. She lacks the
strength to stand without help many times, but
once on her feet, she walks with a purpose and
refuses to slow down.
The most rewarding experience while caring
for Spirit, has been her gradual acceptance of a
kind hand and her loving gaze when being
handled. Never once has she exhibited any
aggression towards the medical or Tundra
personnel who have participated in her
therapeutical procedures. She only flinches
occasionally when being touched now. We may
not be able to restore her health or youth, but she
will have peace and love for whatever time we
will be blessed with her company. And when her
time comes our tears will not be for her leaving,
but rather that we had not found her sooner.
for Spirit, has been her gradual acceptance of a
kind hand and her loving gaze when being
handled. Never once has she exhibited any
aggression towards the medical or Tundra
personnel who have participated in her
therapeutical procedures. She only flinches
occasionally when being touched now. We may
not be able to restore her health or youth, but she
will have peace and love for whatever time we
will be blessed with her company. And when her
time comes our tears will not be for her leaving,
but rather that we had not found her sooner.
Once again, Michele and Bill with SAMA
(www.samafund.org) have stepped up
and offered to share the expenses
incurred in Spirit's rehabilitation. Tundra is
privileged to have met these wonderful
folks who feel as we do about the
sentience of our animal companions.
(www.samafund.org) have stepped up
and offered to share the expenses
incurred in Spirit's rehabilitation. Tundra is
privileged to have met these wonderful
folks who feel as we do about the
sentience of our animal companions.
 |
* (Spirit is another example of why
breed-specific Rescues are more
successful than municipal shelters in
proper adoption placement. Through
no fault of their own, the shelter had
adopted her to an extremely
neglectful and abusive family. The
interviews, home and Vet checks and
follow-up visits that breed-specific
Rescues undertake can prevent such
a sad situation. With only an
application to work from, the safety
and well-being of an animal is often a
gamble. And gentle, trusting
creatures like Spirit deserve better.)*
breed-specific Rescues are more
successful than municipal shelters in
proper adoption placement. Through
no fault of their own, the shelter had
adopted her to an extremely
neglectful and abusive family. The
interviews, home and Vet checks and
follow-up visits that breed-specific
Rescues undertake can prevent such
a sad situation. With only an
application to work from, the safety
and well-being of an animal is often a
gamble. And gentle, trusting
creatures like Spirit deserve better.)*
| Sama Fund Because Every dog Deserves a happy ending! |
