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Jackson is a four year old dog that was hit by a car, and his pelvis and leg were broken. The vet said his tendons were also very smashed, and were black from their injuries, and also needing repair. He was in an enormous amount of pain, and surgery was the only option to save him. The owner did not want to pay the veterinary bills associated with this surgery, and asked the vet to put him to sleep to ease his pain. The vet felt with proper surgical care, and some rehab time, the dog would be fine and be able to walk again. ESRA was contacted by the vets office and was asked if we would take Jackson into our care. This kind vet has offered half of the expenses from his pocket. We agreed to take Jackson into our program and have his surgery done.

He is now in the mending stage. He has a LOT of pain and is wearing a "patch" to help ease it somewhat. He pulls himself along, with his back end dragging, to an area where they have a towel for him to relieve himself. The veterinarian is watching him closely for any infection since he had such extensive ligament and tendon damage.

January 15, 2007: Jackson is showing signs of improvement by trying to stand up on occasions. He is still in a lot of pain and cannot move much. The vet still has him under observation for any distress. Later this week, we plan on taking him to Warren, Ohio, for his rehabilitation care. Let's pray he comes along with his healing process, and will be able to walk again.

January 17, 2007: Jackson is a very peaceful dog! He no longer is wearing the pain patch. He does get around the office a lot! In the morning they get him out of his crate, and they have to leash him because he loves to roam around! He is out of the crate all day. They take him outside for walks and he does very well. There is an eight-inch step that he goes down and back up, all by himself, when going outside!. He is still not using his right leg a lot. The doctor does feel that he will have movement in his leg after some more healing time. The doctor told us today that his temperature has been normal all through this, which is a good sign. His stitches are coming out Friday, the 19th, and they will be giving him a bath that day also. We plan on transferring him to a foster home on Saturday morning. He looks 1000% better, and gets better daily!

January 20, 2007: Jackson was moved to Warren, Ohio, today to begin his recovery time in the loving hands of his foster home.

January 28, 2007: His rehab foster mom has been very concerned because he was dragging his leg and she has had to help him up. He was in a lot of pain. The last day or so, he seems to be doing a bit better. He didn't wimper at all yesterday when she helped him up, and she thinks his pain is lessening. She is just watching now, because the incision on the leg is draining, and she wants to make sure its only serum and not an infection. Yesterday, she was not sure, but it looked like he moved his leg. She's watching closely and praying for some movement. Jackson has a vet appt. on Friday, March 2nd, with an orthopedic vet for follow-up.

March 19, 2007: In the last 3 weeks, Jackson has been showing a lot of improvement and has been more mobile. But, unfortunately, he is still not using the broken leg. I fear he may have to have it amputated and I stress over him being in pain again. I have been trying some hydrotherapy and on the 29th I have an appointment with a new orthopedic surgeon. This orthopedic veterinarian is one of the best in the country and he is quite a distance from me. So, I am just going to take the day and take Jackson to him to see what he says. I have little faith left that the leg is ever going to be used again. He doesn't turn his toes forward when I put his foot to the ground. I will know more after the appt.

In the meantime, Jackson has adopted me, and has started to show his darling personality. I found he loves to chase balls and peanut butter. It has become a nightly routine for me to give him his Kong with peanut butter. I hope in the near future we can get a decision on his leg, have him put onto a path of health, and adopt him out to a new loving home. He sure will make someone a wonderful companion.

Oh, I kept waiting to see him wag his tail. Well, a few weeks ago, he was standing near me and his butt wiggled a little. Then I realized; whomever bred him didn't know what they were doing and took his tail COMPLETELY off. He doesn't have one to wiggle. So instead his little butt wiggles to tell me when he is happy.

Thanks to ESRA, this boy was given a chance. He was not just euthanized because someone couldn't afford his care. We know in our hearts that Jackson will make someone a wonderful pet!!

Update 18 MAR 07: Watching Jackson today brought tears to my eyes. After all these months and my efforts to try to get him to use his leg, I saw him put it down on the ground and actually take a few steps with it. When he first came here from the accident, I doubted his leg would ever be used again. I was worried it was going to end up amputated. When you would put his toes backwards on the ground, he left them that way. I have been trying to get him to stretch the muscles which have badly atrophied and finally I think my rehab work with him is paying off. He is using the leg just slightly to pivot and walk slowly on. But when he gets excited and wants to move faster, he is not yet using it. Its back to 3 legs. I am giving him time. Pray God will help him along. This is a very sweet loving dog who just loves chasing balls.

Update 10 MAY 07: Jackson is just about ready to go.  He is starting to use his leg.  Only a bit; but with time, he will get the muscle built back up.

Contact: Judy Manley VISTAHKNLS@aol.com

Click Here To Sponsor Jackson

JACKSON'S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE:
Katrin Owen
Trisha Nesbit	Get Well Soon Jackson! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a loving new home.
Vicki Wingo	For all the ESRA members who do so much for the dogs!
Dawn Becker	A gift for Roxy. Thanks to ESRA, you found a new home!
Denise Garwood	In honor of Judy Manley and her tireless and unwavering efforts to help and save all Springers.
Steven A. Bachmeyer	In memory of our beloved buddy, Jasper, and to honor Carol Sanderson, who is doing a memorial plaque for Jasper!
Phillip Bolte	In memory of Maggie. Thank you Judy, for all you do.
Gary Hanes	In memory of Little Maddie from Texas. Never forget!
Linda & Karl Lintz	Big sloppy kisses from our Molly, Lucas and Benny.  We are all hoping that you will have the life you always dreamed of... thanks to ESRA!
Catherine Walker	In memory of Jackson. I lost my Springer, Jackson, in July to cancer.  May this one get well!
Kastle Cannon	In honor of Oliver.
Michael & Dianne Shanley	In memory of Wylie, who lived his last months in the gentle hands of his foster mom. Run swiftly sweet boy.  From the people in Naples, FL.
Jill Howard and Mozart            (my Springer)	In loving memory of my boys Finian, Blitzen, and Wiley.  Every little bit makes a difference!
Cary Branthwaite	In memory of Jack & Gus.
Cathryne Slaughter	In memory of Belle. Get well soon, Sweet Boy!
Brownie Troop 1057            Brecksville, Ohio	We would like to honor our leader, Debbie Falko, with a gift donation to ESRA.  Debbie is a lover of dogs, especially English Springer Spaniels, and has been very involved with ESRA.
The Vahan Eranosian Trust	In honor of Boomer III; In memory of Boomers I & II, Rags & Bingo,  all ESS's and well loved members of the family whose unconditional love in return was cherished.
The Hollo Family