The Story of GOOSEMan

[yolanda]

Some of you know the story. For the others it is a heartbreaking story with a great ending.

The GOOSE – Written in 2000 (when he was 10 and today he is 16).

Goose is an 10 year old abused puppy mill dog used for breeding. He never had a name just a number 181, tattooed in his ear. He came from a puppy mill near Parkersburg, WV after being kept in a wire cage and was not treated very well his entire life. Initally when he came into rescue, his mouth was full of rotten teeth. His teeth probably decayed from lack of care and he shattered his bottom jaw trying to eat his hard dog food. His poor feet were flat and extremely “scared” from being in the cage. Goose also lacked normal muscle one in his hind legs, making it hard for him to walk up even two steps.

I adopted, him approximately six months after her came into rescue. At that time DRNA with the wonderful help of Dr Alan Decker and his wife Becki was able to get the major infections in his mouth under control. He only had four upper rotten teeth and a flap for a bottom jaw when he arrived at my house. My vets had to remove his remaining 4 teeth and attempted to reset the lower jaw. It did not work and after consulting with the Virginia Tec Vet School it was decided to completely amputate the remaining portion of the lower jaw.

He eats normal hard small dog food and loves grilled chicken. His feet are better and one of his favorite past times is chasing squirrels in the yard. He has the clearest brownish red eyes, and is a very handsome red male. GOOSEMan as he is called is of 6 ½ pounds and thinks he is the master of the house. If he is not on someone’s lap he is in the recliner. Of course he sleeps in the big bed.

Today you would never know from the way he acts, that he was abused or that he is 10. He acts like a 2 year old.

These pictures were taken by Becki Decker in Feb 2000. His mouth was not full of food it was decay and tartar.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/yogies1/2goose02202000.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/yogies1/1gooseteeth02202000.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/yogies1/1goose02202000.jpg

This is the King of my household now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/yogies1/TheGOOSEFeb06.jpg

[maddoxies]

Thank you for sharing GOOSMAN'S story. His resiliance is an inspiration. I am looking forward to meeting him in October, and Heidi can have a reunion with your pack too.

I love his white face - so handsome and such charactar.

[SirOliversMom]

Although I have read Gooseman's story before, it never fails to be an inspiration to me. A dachshund's resiliance is amazing and Gooseman's is quite unbelievable. Gooseman was one of the lucky ones and he couldn't have found a better hoomom than you Yolanda.

I sure hope to have the pleasure of meeting him one day!

[aburgstede]

Yolanda;

Thanks for sharing his story, I had not heard it before. He's adorable. It's hard to take them in as rescues and then to have to part with them. Happened to us now twice. Reminds me of my little one! And GOOSEman looks much like my Squirty too! Smooth and red, simply handsome.

My walk down memory lane...
Our Squirt came to us directly from the breeders hand at 6 years old-an adoption (free), just to get him "out". He was scared, sat squated (hunckered) down on the floor shaking...though when I got down eye level with him, he very, very slowly came towards me-I'm convinced he knew I was ok.

He too had the awful mouth issues similar to GOOSEman. Squirt had 35 pulled the next day, which left him with 7. The vet and tech who did the surgery said it was the worst they had seen; having to leave the room several times (to avoid vomitting).

Almost 2 years later, Squirt now has 3 teeth left (4 more had to go this past fall...it was only a matter of time that the prior years at the kennel caught up with them as well). He eats hard food (Solid Gold, Canidae, or EVO...he's my pickiest eater)!

He didn't know what a toy was-was afraid of them...now he actually "steals" them from our 2 year old, Digger! His tail is forever indented with the rivet markes from the wire cage. And, the hair on his ears is growing back.

We too, took him in as a rescue...and ended up keeping him. He's the reason why our others were spayed/neutered...and why we do rescue work now. He opened our eyes, and our lives wouldn't be what they are today if it weren't for him.

It's nice to look back and remember them, isn't it Yolanda? To see how far they have come, and to remember why we're in this. Sometimes we need to do this "reminiscing" when we are stumped with a new foster, or frustrated with an owner surrender, etc. and it reminds us of all the transformations that take place because of our hard work. :angel6:

[yolanda]

Amy,

Yes, you are right each and everyone of us in rescue has a special reason why we do what we do. GOOSEman is mine as Squirt is yours. Every so often we need to reprint there stories for the "newbies" to read. The stories never fails to hit you hard in the gut.

It is also why even though I get very fustrated at times, I will not give up fighting for the puppers -- especially the disabled and seniors.

[blazeman]

I know the story... but will read it over an over. It just shows that all you need is the love and actions of great people to overcome so much!

GOOSE... maybe one day I'll get to see you again!

[abiose]

We LOVE you and GOOSEman :bighug:

[Me&DappledDuo]

Oh, Yolanda- such a good write up. I reference GooseMAN's story every now and then- when someone really can't comprehend how cruel the act of "saving" a petstore puppy by buying it, really is. It's always easy to "rescue" the cute little puppy. It takes a special soul to see that saving the puppymill breeding stock has greater rewards.

:hugs1:

[Bailey'sMom]

Hello Yolanda: I had to laugh when you said he sleeps in the Big Bed, as if there was ever any doubt! LOL - I'll bet Gooswman thought he had fallen into Heaven when he landed at your house. Wasn't his mouth just the worst thing you've ever seen? No one seems to understand this particular issue w/small dogs & I really don't think the vets make enough out of it. Until I started insisting my dogs have an annual dental every year, it never came up & even now, they always seem surprised when they call with a quote & I say "Go Ahead," - makes you wonder how many owners are turning that treatment down. They just don't want to pay for the sedation.

Gooseman is such a little gem;what a doll & he looks like he's got another few yrs. in him. Doxies have been known to hit 20 & I think you are so lucky to still have him. It obviously says you are doing everything possible correctly to increase his longevity. I envy you your long-term relationships, Yolanda, with your 6-Pack. The one we have had the longest at this juncture is Roxy; we've had her for approx. 5 yrs. & altho we've kept her teeth up correctly, she always loses a few on each visit. Sometimes, it is genetic, just like with us humans & it's always hard to hear. After each visit, I wait to hear "how many they pulled this year," & it breaks my hrt. because it's never 0. We feed the best, but you can't lick genetics; it's kind of like back episodes. I know, even though they haven't proven it yet, that disc disease will turn out to be genetic in the end. I had NO idea of how pervasive or common it is until I learned about rescue; I had NO idea there were people like you that took in dogs in carts, only to rehab them & adopt them out again to good homes! Do you know how rare that is, Yolanda? It's a lot of work; I don't think anyone realizes how much! There are people like us that adopt them, but that's permanent, we adopt them; YOU take your time & your energy & you REHAB them! No one will ever understand the sacrifice you make to do that. I wish I could do that, Yolanda, but it takes a very special person to put that kind of time into a dog & have the fortitude to find him a "furever" home in order to make more room for the next one coming down the pike. This has been an uncannily desperate year for down dogs. You truly have my gratitude for all of the effort you put into these puppers, Yolanda. Thankful for you. Gay

[Schatz's Mom]

Yolanda you are such an :angel: ! I shudder to think where all these pups would be without you. GOOSEMan is such a gentleman too!

[Heide]

Goosemans story before also, but its a story I want to read over and over. It makes me feel so good, to know that people like Yolanda do exist. What a heart and soul you have. I will always be inspired by you. You are an awesome :hug2: :hug2: :angel: :angel: :angel:

[doxunzX3]

It always brightens up a gloomy day just hearing about his story. I wish everyone had the compassion for this neglected dogs around the country like you do. Keep posting those Gooseman pic'z he is a charmer for sure.:love016: :luv: :heartbt: :muchlove: :bighug: :kiss2: :BlowKiss92:

[annmariek]

Thank you for posting Gooseman's story... I had pieced together most of it from previous threads, but reading it makes such an impact. You really are an :angel: . It's so great to know after his horrible start Gooseman has had the best life possible...:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[onebigmickeyfan]

but when I finally met him it was all over with. He had totally stolen my heart. Gooseman Auntie Lori loves you sooooooo much.

[FourOrchards]

I know GooseMan's story but I will never get tired of hearing it! :hearts:
Ever since I first heard about him and saw his picture I thought he was the most hansome gentleman I ever did see.
:heartsign May we never forget these dogs and always remember the angels who take them in and give them the lives they so deserve!:heartsign

[TessieMom]

Love that Goose boy! I think when they miss puppyhood, they have to go back to get it. May Gooseman be forever young!

[Mark]

Rereading GooseMan's story is always a heartfelt pleasure and this time was no exception . . . what a gem he and you are! :)

:thanx: for sharing it again and blessing so many DBBers . . . those that already know his story and those newer members that do not. :thumbsup:

[Elrial]

Gooseman's story brought tears to my eyes and I'm sure I'm
not the only one reading it for the first time that feels this way.

I am so glad there are people like you since everyday I become more
aware of how bad animals are treated around the world, and
reading a story with a happy ending fills me with hope.

You are an angel for doing what you did and you should
feel very proud! :thanx:

[MyFirstDaxie]

I can't even find words to express this, I don't know, gratitude I feel for you, and everyone like you who can find it in your heart to love and nurture not only an abused dog, but a disfigured one - that's just something you don't hear about as often. I hope one day i can offer a home to little ones in need. :D Your story is an inspirtational one!

[dutchman]

Gooseman will always have a special place in may of our hearts. His story like that of my Aggie are ones that need to be told and retold.

[oscarforevermom]

:thanx: for posting this, Yolanda. This is my first time reading Gooseman's story. I don't have words to say how heartbreaking his little life was before you took him.

I have the deepest respect for those who have the heart of an :angel: & look past the 'costmetics' of a little one & understands how much love, compassion & care can do for the abused, maimed or seniors who are tossed aside like trash by breeders or owners.

A perfect world would be more people like you - who take in & love these little ones, more people who take any pet into their home & are responsible owners - & much fewer who treat them like an object or 'just a dog'!!

After reading Gooseman's story...I think everyone here will give some special :hug2: & kisses :puppyluv: to their babies & it WILL make a difference in the way they treat them for the rest of their lives. :hearts:

[Camilla]

He IS THE KING!!!!! What a cool dude he is. I never get tired of hearing stories like this, and hearing about the happy lives they have, and how he can finally live a life worthy of him! :) He' such a darling. And Yolanda....I've said it before and I'll say it again... you are truly an :angel:
:hearts:
PS. Camilla and Clyde want to know if there's another place to sleep aside from the big bed. LOL

[Tucker's Mom]

Although I had pieced together Gooseman's story in my mind from reading previous threads, I had never read his story written by the person who knows him the best and loves him unconditionally. It brings tears, on the one hand, and joy on the other. Tears knowing how horribly he suffered in those early years :sorry: and joy that his "best" years have been spent with an:angel:. Bless you, Yolanda!:hug2:

[Jacqueline]

Mindy is sitting in my lap as I read, and she climbed up on the computer to give Gooseman's photo some love. She understands first hand what mill puppy means. Tell him that Mindy sends her love.

[schroeders mom]

GOOSEman you are an :angel: and Yolanda is such a special person with a heart of gold - Thank you Yolanda for opening your heart to all those special babies!!

[Patricia]

Bless GOOSEMan and all the animals - those who were lucky enough to be saved and those still struggling. I hope we can reach the point in our society where animal abuse is a thing of the past.

I've only recently learned just how horrible puppy mills are and I don't understand why more isn't being done to shut down pet shops that get puppies from these places.

[WeinerDogMom]

This is such an inspirational story. I'm wondering. . the original post was Jan 06 and Gooseman was 16, is he still hanging around?

Love happy endings:D

[SusanF]

Yolanda, reading the story of GOOSEMan again makes doing rescue even more of a commitment for Paul & I. The first time I met him at the Kent picnic a few years ago I was amazed at his adaptability. Hes a treasure as you are for doing so much for the dachsies who need you.

Take care and be safe on the road to and from the various Dachsie events this year. Looking forward to Kent!:happy030:

[yolanda]

Yes, GOOSEMan is very much alive and a very healthy 18 year youngster.

[WeinerDogMom]

You just made my day hearing that:-)