Simon – Columbia, TN
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2010-1078TN
Age: 4
Gender: Male
Color: Liver and White
Sweet, handsome, 4 year old Simon came to ESRA as a stray. He had a broken toe, ehrlichia, heartworm disease, was severely emaciated and arthritic. First things first, the toe was going to have to heal on its own, as pain management is the only treatment. So we immediately started Simon on pain medicine for his toe. Simon began pre-treatment for heartworm disease immediately as well, along with treatment for ehrlichia. Simon had to take a lot of medicine each day, but he quickly learned each pill was accompanied by a treat, so he began letting his foster mom know when it was time for his next dose!
Once Simon had heartworm treatment and completed his medicationss for his tick-borne disease, he began to put on some much needed weight. He started out at a measley 39 lbs — notice how his hip bones are poking up in his picture — and is up to 56 lbs today!
We neutered Simon, and he recovered beautifully. Now, it's time to address his arthritic hip.
Simon's surgeon wants to do a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) on one of his hips. He says it will offer Simon a happier life, with a lot less pain. ESRA is excited to give Simon this surgery, but we need your help! The total estimated cost of the surgery and rehabilitation is $1500.00. That's a lot of money, but we can't think of a dog more deserving to spend it on!
When Simon is not being poked and prodded by the doctor, he enjoys playing with Ella, his foster sister and giving a friendly chase to the resident cats. Simon's foster mom also reports he's an expert digger — she's happy for the help and is going to let him dig the whole garden this Spring!
If you are touched by Simon's sweet spirit and his story, please consider making a donation.
UPDATE 12/5/10 
Simon had his FHO surgery on December 2 and we're happy to report that he's doing great! Simon's surgeon expects that once Simon has healed, he'll be able to go off daily anti-inflammatory medication and enjoy a normal, active life. Simon is already bearing weight on his leg and trying to climb steps!
During recovery, sweet Simon has learned that if he turns his nose up at his plain kibble, his foster mom will add some warm chicken broth to it. Looks like she's going to be warming chicken broth for quite some time!
Simon and his foster family are very thankful for ESRA. ESRA has given Simon a new lease on life and a wonderfully remodeled hip to boot! Woo hoo for Rescue!
Contact: Sloane Smith or Rachel Canada at esratennessee@yahoo.com if you want to hear more about Simon.
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR SIMON
| SIMON’S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
|---|---|
 Ray and Monica Smith |
Good luck, Simon! |
| Barbara Whitehill |
In memory of Chaco. Good luck, Simon…and stop chasing those cats! |
| Charles Manneschmidt |
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| Anonymous |
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| Patti and Mike Adkins |
Mr. Riley, fellow rescue Springer, wishes Simon a Merry Christmas — Hope your hip heals quickly. |
| Michelle Eschborn and Sharon Corrigan |
In memory of all the kids |
| T. J. Jamrose |
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