Hunter – Seattle, WA
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2012-93 WA
Age: 4
Gender: Male
Color: Liver and white
Hunter was pulled from a shelter in Eastern Washington by another rescue organization. They contacted ESRA and of course ESRA's Washington team was glad to accept responsibility for the handsome boy and placed him in foster care in Seattle right away. It wasn't until he had been in his foster home for a few days, that his foster mom began to notice something wasn't quite right with the way he carried himself and the way he seemed to sit with his hips at a particular angle. Her suspicion was confirmed with his first official visit to the vet — Hunter has hip dysplasia, an extremely painful congenital condition found in many dog breeds. The good news is that a follow-up visit with an orthopedic specialist determined that Hunter is a good candidate for Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), a surgical procedure which will ease his pain and give him the active life he deserves.
He will need this procedure on both hips, but rarely are they both done at the same time. His right hip will be done on May 25 and will be allowed to heal, over weeks of physical therapy and restricted physical activity, before the surgery on the left hip will be scheduled. His rehabilitation will include massage and Reiki sessions at no cost to ESRA — his foster mom will cover the cost of these special healing treatments.
Hunter's surgeries will be expensive so he is a perfect addition to ESRA's Special Needs Program so that funds can be raised specifically for his benefit.
Seeming to understand the value of never asking someone else to do something that he is not willing to do himself, Hunter kicked off the fundraising effort by creating a masterful artwork that was auctioned off recently at a special Doggie Social held at Muttley Crew Cuts in West Seattle.(A special incentive for prospective adopters — a local ESRA member bought Hunter's artwork at the social and plans to gift it to the lucky family who adopts Hunter when he is ready for his Forever Home!)
Some say that true art can only be created through experiencing life's hardships. But wouldn't we rather see Hunter a happy pain-free Springer instead of a famous artist? Let's help him get his hips fixed! Hunter has a long road ahead of him, but he is deserving of ESRA's special care and will one day be glad to take the word "pain" out of his vocabulary.
UPDATE 6/07/12: 
Hunter's surgery on his right hip was successful. The only comment the vet made was that the femoral head was really large bu they were able to get it out. Hunter had plenty of TLC as he recuperated. Ice packs to keep the swelling down must have felt mighty good.
He had his staples removed yesterday. He is doing well and starting slow controlled walks to strengthen his leg and hip. The vet has recommended underwater treadmill therapy so we're hoping to be able to afford it.
UPDATE 6/21/12: Good news, with the help of Hunter's sponsors, he's getting some appointments with water therapy as hoped. Take a look at his recent session by clicking this link: http://youtu.be/bxdHSmNlyVw
UPDATE 8/11/12: Hunter is now fully using his right leg! He goes on at least two thirty-minute walks every day and is starting to play some with the other dogs!
Next step will be evaluating his left hip to determine when he should undergo the second surgery.
UPDATE 9/24/12: Hunter's leg has healed really well. He is playing with other dogs now and loving his daily walks. He still gets doggie massages weekly, donated by a friend of his foster mom, and will be going in to get his other leg evaluated in the next two weeks.
Contact: Barb Doolin at livernwhite@comcast.net if you want to hear more about Hunter.
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR HUNTER
| HUNTER’S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
|---|---|
 Cindy Brassfield |
|
| Guests at the Muttley Crew Cuts Doggie Social |
Thanks to so many attendees who donated to Hunter's medical fund! |
| Debbie Trueblood |
In memory of Asta, my first Springer, who made me love this breed. She had hip dysplasia back in the days when surgery was not considered an option. Vet care has come a long way. |
| Ray and Monica Smith |
In memory of Chance and Benji |
| Mr. Quigley |
In memory of Sadie and Sasha |
| Susan Petry |
In memory of CH Canyonwoods Tres Jolie, OA, OAJ, NAF, CGC |
| Anonymous |
|
| Anonymous |
In memory of Smokey and Marty |
| Terry Sprague |
In memory of Charlie. Get well soon! |
| Kelly Rothenbuhler |
For you, Hunter, from your foster mom dad and sister. We love you, Hunter, and vow to get you the home you deserve! |
| Rene Pizzo |
Zippie wishes you successful surgeries so you can run and play like he does. |
| Karl and Linda Lintz |
A gift for Sharleen Smith in memory of Alfalfa. Alfie, you touched many hearts as one of ESRA's Special Needs Springers. Rest in peace, special boy. |
| Kathy Hess |
In memory of very special English Springer Spaniel Molly |
| Barb Doolin |
In memory of Sharleen Smith's Alfalfa |
| Mary Viehoefer |
In memory of Scotty |
| Mike and Lori Sala |
In memory of all my Springer kids that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge — Suzy, Bobb, Sadie and Shasta. Get well soon, Hunter, so you can run and play. |
| Julie Ulrich |
|
| Amy Huber |
|
| Janet and Denny Burkenpas |
In memory of Mandy |
| Jamie Balazs |
In memory of Zack, our first Springer Angel |
| Jamie Balazs |
In memory of Bradley, a wonderful Springer that was the perfect ambassador for the breed. Don Osborne, I am so sorry for your loss. |
| Diana Coats and Lisa Langford |
Go, Hunter, Go. So great to see your progress. |
| Chris Daverse |
In memory of Wallace and Derringer |
| Diane DeBruyckere |
In memory of Marley |
| Tim and Martha Fuller |
|