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Teddy - Holland, OH Graduated from Special Needs on 11 SEP 06 ESRA #2003-008MI
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Teddy came to us after having been neglected for some time. He had been tied within a barn on a 6-foot rope, without bedding and in temperatures well below freezing. He was covered in clumps of dirt, urine and feces so we assume he was never let off of his rope to relieve himself and was allowed to lie in his own waste. It appeared Teddy had use of only three of his legs and his muzzle was extremely swollen.
We started with bath (well actually three) where we determined there was a beautiful boy underneath all the filth. In spite of being amongst strangers and his poor, if not painful condition, Teddy was nothing but sweet and loving. He was so very grateful for each little tidbit of attention and a nice warm place to lay his weary head. Unfortunately, that was not the end of his trials. Teddy's first visit to the veterinarian found his neglect was not just skin deep. His issues included broken teeth, some with exposed roots; abscessed teeth; trauma inside his mouth; ears badly infected to the point of bleeding and with imbedded feces; multiple tumors; a ruptured ACL that had been untreated and had evolved into arthritis; hip dysplasia that had deteriorated into arthritis; worms and various skin issues. We did have some good news. Teddy did not have heartworm, his blood work looked good, his eyes looked good and it was later determined his tumors were not cancerous. Teddy has been in foster care a little over four weeks now. He has undergone one surgery to repair his teeth and remove the largest tumor. His ears have healed, the trauma in his mouth has healed and his skin has improved. Although he can still use only three legs, a treatment of Rimadyl, Glucosamine and Chondroitin has allowed him some increased mobility.
In spite of his hardships, Teddy has been nothing but a
joy to have with us. He loves his rawhides, his big pillows and is basically a happy kind of guy as he runs around on his
three legs! He was housebroken within a week, does not beg, cry, whine or bark, and is very, very smart. Lassie has nothing
on him! He learned to open all our doors within 2 days. Although he likes to keep his foster parents within sight at all
times, he is never underfoot and is content to find himself a little out of the way corner to watch from. Even after four
weeks of constant affection, he still seems to appear surprised whenever we stop to hug him, rub his belly or talk to him.
It's as if he can't believe anyone would want to. This week Teddy will be undergoing surgery for his ruptured ACL in an
attempt to further improve the quality of his life. Then we will allow Teddy time to heal and live a normal happy, doggie
kind of life.
Would you be interested in helping to give Teddy the opportunity to know what it is like to be loved and pain free?
Thank you for your interest in Teddy!
Foster mom update 03/24/03 Teddy has recovered from his surgery and is doing very
well. As usual he was just wonderful as he recuperated and never caused his foster mom any problems. He has not gained as
much mobility as hoped for, but he does have a little more use of his leg and can now even jump small heights. We are
hoping with additional exercise we will see more improvement.
Teddy blossoms more everyday and is fast becoming a typical springer. He seems to have realized that he has value and is
deserving of our time and attention. Where in the past he would never, ever approach us for a belly rub or a pat on the
head, he now asks for it with the usual springer nudges. When he looks at us with those soulful eyes you can still see some
of the pain of his past, but you can also see how much love he has within him. If you are looking for a wonderful
companion, this is your guy. All he asks in return is that you understand he has suffered and still has the physical
remains of that suffering. If you can give him your time and a place to grow old he will give you more love than you can
imagine.
Foster mom update 10/04/03 Teddy continues to have the occasional challenge. Last month we removed a huge, ugly growth from his hindquarters. It turned out to be non-cancerous, so we were pretty relieved. This month he has started having problems with his other rear leg. He was getting around pretty well after his surgery last winter and now the other leg decides to give him problems. Plus with the cooler weather we've noticed he is moving much slower and having a hard time getting up. He used to be able to jump into bed with me, now we pick him up.
That's all the sad news, but the happy news is he
learned to catch a Frisbee this summer. We were throwing it for our other foster and one day after about a week of
watching, Teddy just went after it. And caught it the first time! We throw it slow and low, but he catches it 99% of the
time. It's pretty amazing! He spent a lot of time swimming this summer and is just beautiful in the water.
Kevin and I love him dearly and he is my best friend and companion. We worry about him a lot, but he is a pretty happy
guy. We keep him on Rimydal and lots of hugs and kisses! He wanted to show off his Frisbee catching skills.
Foster mom update 02/04/05 Teddy is very proud of himself right now and wanted to
share his good news with all the the people that care about him. Teddy has slimmed down from 71pounds to a svelte 52! The
vet had recommended the weight loss in order to reduce the stress to his hips and this is a major win for him.
Teddy loves the snow and we have had a lot of it this year so he's been having a grand time. Teddy believes he runs our
household and nothing happens without him being right in the thick of it. His personality has changed 180 degrees from when
we received him. Then he didn't understand what the hugs and belly rubs were all about and he just hung out in corners
watching. Now he demands his share of the lovin' with typical Springer nudges.
Recently Teddy has been battling chronic ear infections and one of the old wounds from his past suddenly became infected
and burst. Our vet cannot explain why, only that it's not life threatening. Teddy sails through these
new trials without batting an eye. We believe he is so used to pain that he has become accustom to it.
Teddy wants to thank everyone that have sponsored him or inquired about his well being. If he only realized how many people
care about him!
Contact: Debra Westrick
| TEDDY''S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
 Melissa Noel |
A gift from Russ & Jess, two beautiful Springers |
| Elizabeth J. Fleck |
In memory of my best buddy - Muffin |
| Jill Quander |
In memory of Abby |
| Pamela George |
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| Kymberlee Cottingham
Frasier |
In memory of Scooter, ( Beautiful Old Geez ), 13 years was not long enough |
| Dolores Schoenrock |
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| Nancy Irsay |
In loving memory of our beloved Brockway. May Teddy enjoy a few good years!!! |
| Gary & Margaret Hanes |
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| Katrin E. Owen |
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| Nancy Irsay |
May 2004 be a year of being loved, and a amateur frizzby player!!! |
| Isabel Sheeter |
May you never have to suffer again |
| Denise Ehner |
In memory of Springer Max Dakota, age 2 |
| Kathleen Henderson |
In memory of Gippy and Dottie |
| Tonya & Gary Ward |
From our Springer boy, Dylan. Keep smilin' Teddy! |
| Bill Somervile |
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| Wes Montgomery |
To honor the birthday of my mother, Diana Pheanis, on March 18th. Many stray dogs have enriched her life. |
| Maureen A. Latimer |
In honor and thanks for Kevin & Debra Westrick, for their unconditional and never ending love of Teddy. |
| Christy and Todd Manning |
In memory of our precious little girl, Dixie Dawn Manning. |
| Kimberly Patronite |
In memory of Sundae. May Teddy have the same loving life she did. |
| Karen Barone |
From Specs, to my Frisbee friend in Ohio. |
| Maureen A. Latimer |
In memory of Katie, who has been with my parents and our family for 14 1/2 years! Katie will remain in our hearts forever. |
| Sherri Walter |
In memory of my baby, Jasper. Have a long, happy, healthy life Teddy! |
| Heather Waldern Hinds |
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| Kathleen B. Luckey |
What wonderful work you do! Hats off to all those who are helping Teddy. THANK YOU! |
| Stephanie Friedman |
In memory of my best friend, Holiday. We had incredible times together, and I owe them all to her amazing spirit! |
| Michelle Reichlin & Mike
Sherrill |
A gift for the Special Needs Dogs, so they have a Merrier Christmas. |
| Nancy Irsay |
In memory of Max-A-Million. |
| Doug Hochstedler |
Thank you for going to such extremes to help this dog who has been through so much. I hope this helps. |
| Nancy Irsay |
In memory of Max and Brockway. |
| Melva Carney |
In memory of Bogey. |
| Cathy Skortz |
In memory of Hershey & Reilley. I'll meet you at the bridge. |
| M. Susan DeCoursey |
In memory of Kirby, Hildy, Murphy, and Muffy, four of my great dogs. |