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August 20, 2003 Porsche - San Diego, CA ESRA # 2003-377CA Age: 8 months Gender: Female Color: Black/White Weight: 20 lb. Variety: Field-Bred

Life has not treated this baby too well in her short time on earth. She was out running loose (no tags, and not spayed), got hit by a car, dropped off at a shelter, and no one showed up to claim her. Without funds to pay for the x-rays needed for her injured paw, Porsche was scheduled for euthanasia immediately after her hold period at the shelter was up. This is where her luck changed... rescued just in the nick of time by a wonderful ESRA volunteer, Porsche was whisked directly to the vet and then into a warm and loving foster home. Despite being severely underweight, dirty, matted and injured, Porsche revealed herself to be "the sweetest baby you would ever hope to meet". Named Porsche because a classy gal like this must have been hit by a classy car, she has charmed everyone she's met, and the healing process has begun.

The first news from the vet report was very positive - - no broken bones. But next came the sad news - - severe nerve damage to her front leg (above her paw, where our wrist would be). Now it's a matter of waiting to see if her nerves regenerate enough to save her leg. According to the vet, the fact that Porsche is very young is in her favor. With luck, lots of prayers, and possibly even some holistic treatments, Porsche's nerves may heal themselves in 4 to 8 weeks. If not, there is a possibility she may face amputation of her leg. Currently, she zips along just fine on her other three legs (its hard to keep a Porsche down!).

In addition to being sweet as sugar, Porsche is one smart little gal. She learned to use a doggie door in record time and is well on her way to being house trained. She even appears to know a few basic commands. Porsche is ignoring the cats in her foster home (well, almost!), and gets along fine with the two resident springers. She does not submit to other dogs though, so would probably not be a good match in a home where a submissive dog is required.

Porsche is looking for your good thoughts and prayers for her healing, and some generous sponsors to help with her medical care. Most of all, she is looking for a very, very special forever family. Porsche needs to do some more recuperating before her adoption, but interested parties are encouraged to inquire.

Update 7/28/03: Porsche has recovered some use of her leg/paw, it appears her leg will be saved, and we are hoping for even more nerve regeneration! Currently, Porsche is using her leg (to bear weight) about 30% of the time. Only time will tell if she will recover full use, but it seems clear at this point that she will have at least partial use of her leg. Its also clear that this does not slow Porsche down ONE BIT, even in her current stage of healing. Porsche has been receiving acupuncture treatments, massages, and vitamin supplements to accelerate her healing (in addition to lots of TLC). She has been spayed, is gaining weight ("eats like a horse"), and we could
not be more pleased with her recovery. Porsche is ready to meet a very special "forever family", or foster-to-adopt family! Porsche needs a family who understands that in the long run, its possible she may end up with some limitations on the full use of her front leg and paw. Equally important, she needs a family ready for the joys, as well as the responsibility, of raising a delightful puppy. Since she is so young, and so very smart, we would like to see Porsche enrolled in puppy or obedience class. She is very playful and may also enjoy a playful canine companion

Contact Sue LeClair SueLeClair@cox.net
or Sue Schulte sschulte77@aol.com

Click Here To Sponsor Porsche

PORSCHE'S GENEROUS SPONSORS:
Cathryne Slaughter	In memory of Belle, Blackjack, Barney & Dixie
Vicki Wingo	In honor of Maxwell Smart
Sue LeClair
Nancy Kaylor	In memory of Patricia Sanford and her "girls"