Need advice: Mallory

[Wienergal]

We could use some advice from long-time rescuers and those with experience with dogs with back problems. Yesterday, we (the Illinois DRNA reps) rescued a 14-year-old standard smooth dachshund, who was being surrendered by the couple who had had her all her life because she no longer "fits our fast-paced lifestyle." I had been negotiating this surrender for almost a month, but they day before it happened, we found out the following: Mallory (the dog) had a history of back problems, she had just lost (or partially lost, we got different stories) the use of her back legs, and she had "put on some weight recently." The dog weighs 34 pounds. It's an absolute crime, and the less said about what I think of these poeple, the better.

Florence (Becky's Mom) is fostering this poor dog, who cried like a baby when her [fill in expletive here] mother walked away. Florence says her belly is raw and red, meaning this problem has probably been going on for some time. She is also very sad and won't respond to touch, treats, to anything, really.

I have no experience with dogs with back problems, so I'm posting this in the hopes that someone can give Florence some advice about (a) the possibility that a dog this obese can recover from a back problem and (b) what Florence can do right now to ease her mind somewhat and help her get over her misery at her loss of her family.

The only use I would be in this situation is to go see the surrenderers personally and deal with them in an appropriate manner. And since I don't want to do hard time, I can't even do that.

Can anyone give us some words of wisdom? Mallory is scheduled to see Florence's vet at 8 AM tomorrow, but she might have to have an emergency visit today.

[Roxane]

Where the h..l is Sue's baseball bat?
http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/mad.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/mad.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/mad.gif
Roxane and crew

[~Jen~]

Sad to say i can relate to those kind of ppl. We have some neighbors that live a little ways up to road. They have 2 weiner dogs (littermates) about 4yrs old names Razzle and Dazzle they are a combined weight of nearly 65lbs they are mini length and mini build i always tell my husband that those ppl shouldnt be allowed to own dogs. The husband Jim will bring slim jims home in his shirt pockets for them EVERYNIGHT and they ONLY eat table food whatever Jim and his wife eat the doggers eat too its very sad. They had a doxie before these 2 they had to put down because he got so big his back went out <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm4.gif" border=0> do these ppl ever learn???! They dont even walk their dogs they let them out potty and then right back in the house. They both had skin infections this past summer and they had one H*ll of a time getting rid of it because they are so fat http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/frown.gif They **** me off (scuse my mouth)you would think after their 1st doxie died they would change their ways with these 2. They claim they love them like their kids... i say they are literally loving them to death <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm4.gif" border=0>
I hope you find the answers with this new rescue WG. Sending lots and lots of http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gifhttp://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gifhttp://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif

Jen

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by ~Jen~ on February 04, 2001 at 06:33 PM</font>

[Mandy]

I don't have a baseball bat, but I do have my hockey stick. Bart and I have had several discussions recently about how people can be so cruel to their animals...unfortunately we can't come up with a way to stop it. Some people are just selfish idiots (or substitute other words here)! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/angryfire.gif

[wireweiners]

This is a tough one. How can people just walk away when the dog is crying for them. Would they walk out on their child like that? I hope there is an especially warm spot in Hell for them.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm23.gif" border=0> If she has some sensation in her back legs and bowel and bladder control, she may regain use of her legs but she will probably be weak in the rear. She needs to lose some weight definately. The only thing I can think of to help is to give her lots of attention and low cal food in small portions several times a day. Maybe disolving a boullion cube and adding it to dry kibble would motivate her to eat without adding a lot of calories. Most dogs will come around in time but this girl's age is not in her favor. I would be concerned about the stress and weight causing other health problems.

[Mandy]

Could you try some green beans, maybe? Henry is on a diet and LOVES his green beans....he thinks he is getting special people food while getting relatively few calories. That way his tummy doesn't feel so empty.

[steedal]

Hi,
I have lots of experience with doxies with back problems. I have 3 paralyzed ones of my own and one paralyzed foster. I'd be happy to talk to Florence. Feel free to email me at steedal@aol.com.

Andra

[OwnedByChaucer]

You know, the whole reason I've become involved in dog rescue is because humans are so frequently ICKY.

Stories like Mallory's make me SO mad...

Have you tried giving her peeled cucumbers? They are soft, and have that "treat" feeling to them. Chaucer LOVES them and thinks you are giving him something wonderful--plus, no one (dog or otherwise) ever got fat from eating cucumbers.

[Becky's Mom]

I would like to take time to publically say thank you everyone and especially to Pamela and Andra for all of their help and support with Mallory. We have been dealing with so many issues with Mallory because of her over all health, which isn't great at 15 years. We just keep believing we are making a difference in her life, and doing everything we can to ensure she gets through this. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/halo.gifTHANK YOUhttp://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/halo.gif