Sam and Abby – Old Fort, NC
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2008-1043/44NC
Age: 1 year
Gender: One of each
Color: Black/White
Weight: 30 lbs each
Variety: Bench
Hi, my name is Sam. My sister Abby and I were found as strays in Onslow County North Carolina on the NC coast. The “dog catcher” took us to the dog jail which is not a rescue friendly jail. We were very scared and afraid we would never be free again. When our 5 day holding period was up, we were very fortunate that an ESRA volunteer got to the jail early and waited by the door to get us out.
We came to foster care in central North Carolina to begin with. It was nice to get to ride in a comfy car and get lots of treats. We are a very bonded pair as we were born together. As you can see we are twins. We are really just babies. They say we will be a year old soon.
Well enough with the pleasantries; let me tell you why we are on the Special Needs Page. It has been discovered we were born with Onset Juvenile Cataracts. Mine are much more severe than my sister’s. The special eye doctor told my foster mom that my eye balls are underdeveloped and will never fit my eye sockets properly. I am having some sight issues and need to have expensive surgery very soon. Abby may need surgery as well but I am the priority at the moment.
I am so thankful for my foster mom Tracy and my sister Abby. Abby is my guide dog — seriously she is my savior. She helps me with everything, especially at night. Mom has been so wonderful helping us adjust to the real world. She taught me how to climb stairs and not be scared. (That is when she discovered I had a sight problem.) We go on lots of hikes and walks in addition to having a great yard. We live in the western North Carolina mountains.
Mom called our ESRA coordinator for assistance locating the very best possible eye doctor. We traveled across the state to the doctor. Our doctor is so nice and spent 2 hours with us on our first visit. Mom felt very comfortable with our doctor, especially knowing the surgery would help me live a fairly normal life.
We are headed back to the specialist next week to schedule my surgery. We would really appreciate your help in making this surgery possible. We promise to keep you posted and I know mom would appreciate knowing everyone out there is keeping us, especially me in their thoughts. This surgery is serious and the doctor said they have 90% success rate. That was reassuring. Thank you all and please keep your paws crossed!
Woof,
Sam and Abby in North Carolina
Update April 22, 2009 Sam and Abby saw the specialist last Friday and did not get very good news. They have both been diagnosed with PRA—Progressive Retinal Atrophy. (Learn more about PRA.) This genetic disorder has no cure and will result in total blindness. We were as surprised as was the specialist when she started the examination with Abby. It was always believed Abby would be Sam's seeing eye dog and now it appears Sam will be hers. Her sight loss is progressing quickly. Sam is doing fairly well and his cataract progression was slight. That was the only highlight of the visit. It was a bittersweet visit. At least we now know what to expect for their future.
They are an amazing pair and will always be together. Their foster home will now become their forever home. They have an amazing home and life. They live in the mountains of Western North Carolina and take a 3 mile trail hike every week day and hike every weekend for about 8 to 10 miles. They know their present home well and trust their surroundings. We definitely would not want to upset the apple cart. Their forever home will be Old Fort NC.
Thank you all for your support, the emails and inquiries on how to help this fabulous pair. Please feel free to keep asking about them. They are happy and otherwise very healthy.
Sam and Abby say thank you too along with a big WOOWOO!
Contact: Pam Civile pam@esracarolinas.com
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR SAM — AND ABBY
| SAM'S AND ABBY'S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
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 Shawn and Sarah Massoni |
In memory of Lucy Lou (my favorite springer) Looking at your wonderful website, I was reminded of my old Lucy Lou, and am more than happy to help Springers in need! Too bad there are no facilities in MA! |
| Tina Taylor |
In memory of our sweet boy, Pumpkin |
| Cary Branthwaite |
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| Tanya Mitchell |
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| Lois Songer |
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| Betty Green |
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| Ray and Monica Smith |
Warm wishes for a bright happy future together! Good Luck Sam! Bailey, Chance and Benji Smith |
| Cynthia J. Tobin |
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| Cathryne Slaughter |
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| Susan Morrison |
In memory of Willie and Alex |
| Elizabeth T Wilson |
In loving memory of my sweet Spencer |
| Tommie Richardson |
In memory of Jamie, Little Jamie, Bonnie Charlie, Casey — all my Springers at the rainbow bridge |
| Russell S. Hamby |
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| Michele Straney |
From Casey and Sadie Straney, two healthy, happy Springers |
| Paula St. John |
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| Tommie Richardson |
A Happy Birthday gift for dog lover Marjorie Stark |
| Herb and Catherine Sandy |
In memory of Fred and Bonnie |
| Margie and John Cuckler |
In memory of our sweet and crazy Springer April and our Bess — our two beloved doggie children |
| Paula Levine |
Springer Ruby barks “Get well soon!” |
| Sally and Marty Nyholt |
In memory of our Laurel |
| Jamie and Ed Balazs |
In memory of Lucky Reed, a sweet dog that left her family far too soon |
| Beth Crouch Blackwell |
In memory of Emily, our sweet Springer that passed away in June 2008. We miss her very much. |
| Rie and Rick |
In memory of Webster and Raleigh |
| Dorothy Handy |
In honor of Carl Handy's birthday |
| Deb and Ken Schultz |
In memory of Millie, our first loving little Springer girl, and Ziggy our newly adopted ESRA Springer |
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