Tug – San Jacinto, CA
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2010-339CA
Age: 2 years
Gender: Male
Color: Black and white
Tug is the little dog in California with the cleft palate and the very unique nose. He is otherwise healthy and doesn't seem to know that there is anything wrong with him. This unusual condition has in no way compromised his personality and, most importantly, his loving disposition. His foster dad says that Tug is “a total joy” to foster and that his personality outshines what should be considered a “minor flaw.”
After evaluation by the vet to determine the severity of Tug's malformation, it was decided that surgery was a viable option. Without the corrective surgery, later problems could surface such as sinus infections that, if not treated immediately, could lead to pneumonia and/or other life-threatening conditions. ESRA agrees that Tug's future will be brighter and the quality of his life will be even better if the cleft palate is surgically corrected.
Surgery by a dental specialist at UC Davis Veterinary College has been scheduled for April 26. We will not know if Tug's unique nose will be altered until the surgery is completed. Regardless of the outcome, this little dog who has “tugged” at everyone's heartstrings deserves special attention and financial aid from any of you who wish to help. Your donation to help defray the cost of Tug's surgery will be greatly appreciated.
In late April, we'll let you know how Tug is doing! Thanks again for your help!
UPDATE 4/4/10 STRAIGHT FROM TUG HIMSELF 
“My foster dad got a great photo of me today that shows you my crooked lower jaw. Everybody thinks I'm real cute but they think I'll be even cuter when they straighten me out a little.
By the way, I really love having my foster dad read me all the names on this list of nice people who want to help me. I can't wait to send you all a new closeup after I've recovered from my surgery!”
UPDATE 4/22/10 from Tug's foster dad: Tug is resting up in preparation for his trip to Davis on Saturday morning. Since arriving here three weeks ago, he has gained four much needed pounds and is healthy and well. Lab work will be done on April 26 and, if all goes as planned, the surgery will be done the next day. It will not be a pleasant experience for him, but I'll be happy to announce the outcome as soon as his surgery is over.
Right now we're still a little short of our goal of offsetting the cost of this surgical procedure. If you have not yet donated, please consider doing so. This little guy needs all the financial help we can give him! For those of you already on his cheering squad, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
MORNING NEWS 4/27/10: Today is Tug's big day!
In preparation for today's surgery, Tug underwent many evaluations by the Dentistry & Oral Surgery and Anesthesia staff at UC Davis on Monday. More pre-op procedures, x-rays, and a CT scan will be performed just prior to surgery, while he is under anesthesia. The complicated procedure to repair the cleft palate is familiar to the oral surgery team of course and should not present any problems, but none of the staff has ever seen anything like that very "special" nose of Tugs! It has been decided that they will repair his nose, along with the cleft palate, by taking a wedge from his nose, and moving the tissues together. While his nose has somewhat been his "trademark," closing the gap between the nostrils will help eliminate the possibility of infection, so performing this part of the surgery is very important to Tug's complete recovery.
Everyone is anxious to help Tug get past these next few days and on to the road to recovery. Please keep our special boy in your thoughts and prayers. He has won the hearts of the staff at UC Davis, and of everyone else who has come to know him — you DO remember how he came by the name "Tug," don't you? He will now have the chance to live a normal life without complications from his deformity — thanks to the kindness and generosity of people like you!
Special note of thanks: In addition to the donors listed below whose financial gifts are helping outright with Tug's surgical expenses, we also want to acknowledge a most wonderful "gift in kind" that only few ESRA volunteers can offer. Tug was flown by private plane over the weekend to UC Davis in California by Ed Adkison, an ESRA member who has donated his time and resources for this "flight for rescue." We really appreciate his "special delivery" and know that Tug is always in good caring hands.
POST-SURGICAL UPDATE 4/27/10: Over four hours in the operating room but now Tug is in recovery and doing well!
Special update from Mary Turner, Tug's current foster mom: It has been a long day, but I'm very pleased to report Tug's surgery was a success and he is in recovery and doing well. Surgery lasted 4 1/2 hours.
They first repaired his nose and then the cleft palate. Contrary to what we were told early on, he did not have holes back by his molars — the hole in the roof of his mouth was in front corresponding with the nose (similar to a rare form of cleft lip in a human). This required more work than closing up the hole between his nostrils and may need further surgery depending on how it heals up. We should know at his three month check up if further surgery is needed.
If all goes well, I will pick him up tomorrow afternoon. He will need to return to Davis on Friday for removal of the bandage (nose I assume) and he will have his sutures removed in two weeks.
Everyone at Davis is very impressed with this sweet boy. I expressed our appreciation to Dr. Arzi and to the staff for all they've done for the 'Tugger.'For those of you unfamiliar with UC Davis, it is one of the best veterinary colleges in the country and Dr. Arzi is a Senior Resident in Dentistry & Oral Surgery at that campus. By the way, Dr. Arzi indicated that, looking at the roots of Tug's teeth, he is about one year old.
NEXT STEP FOR TUG 4/28/10: Tug was released from the UCDavis hospital this afternoon and into the care of northern California ESRA member Mary Turner to be pampered and loved while recovering from his surgery. Mary has graciously volunteered to take over Bill Sterling's role as foster parent to keep Tug close to UC Davis and his surgical team in case complications arise during his recovery.
Tug has been fitted with an E collar and prescribed ample medications — pain meds, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and a mouth flush — to aid with his healing process and to manage any pain he may experience. The bandage covering the sutures on his nose was removed before he was released. The sutures are black so they barely show up, but first look says that his nose looks great! Mary fully understands the importance of that E collar — "this beautiful work of art" could be destroyed if the collar comes off and he gets to the nose with his paw! We can be sure she will be a diligent guardian!
Tug and Mary will return to UCDavis this Friday for the first checkup, with a second follow-up in two weeks for removal of his sutures both inside and out. We should also know at that time if additional surgery will be required on Tug's palate. After that, he will be seen in three months and then again in six months. The six month appointment will require Tug to be anesthetized for x-rays, a CT scan and to have his teeth cleaned.
During the surgery, they removed two very crooked upper incisors to make room and to provide tissue to cover the cleft palate. The right side of Tug's jaw bone is much smaller than the left and, where there should be muscle, Tug has fatty tissue. There is nothing symmetrical about Tug's head, but he doesn't care — he can't spell symmetrical anyway.
As Tug and Mary were leaving UCDavis, they were stopped several times by folks who wanted a look at Tug's beautiful nose. In a few days we should have some photographs up so the rest of us can see what amazing results were accomplished by Tug's special surgical team.
UPDATE: FIRST CHECKUP 4/30/10:
Tug's Friday checkup went great and from all indications he is well on his way to a total recovery. Both the nose and the palate appear to be healing nicely. We're told that Tug's surgical team, Dr. Verstraete and Dr. Arzi, were grinning from ear to ear when they examined him, ecstatic with the results.
In two weeks he'll return for another follow up at which time the E collar and all sutures will be removed assuming the healing continues to go well.
5/15/10 UPDATE: 
Tug had his follow-up appointment Wednesday, May 12, to have his sutures removed. ESRA is thrilled to report that his cleft palate has been completely repaired and his nose is healing nicely! Both surgeons were so pleased with his progress that they feel he will need no further surgery. The only appointment necessary is his six-month follow-up for another CAT scan and X-rays. Now Tug is ready to start a whole new life! (His doctors say that the pink scar on his nose will turn darker and will not show in due time.)
Just like raising children, it sometimes "takes a village" to be able to change a dog's life. In Tug's case, we are proud to have this opportunity to publicly applaud Tug's medical team! He was in expert and caring hands with the specialists at UC Davis Veterinary College and we have every confidence that Tug is now on the road to a full and normal life. Thank you, Dr. Verstraete, Dr. Arzi and staff.
ESRA kudos also go to Tug's original foster family, Bill and Gay Sterling, who took in the little dog with the funny nose and believed that "this mountain could be moved." Not only did they provide Tug with love, security and hope, their personal efforts to share Tug's story far and wide helped to raise a large portion of the funds needed for his surgery and care. Tug will always be a member of the Sterling family no matter where his Forever Home happens to be.
We applaud Tug's current caregiver in Northern California, Mary Turner, as well for keeping Tug safe and secure after his surgery, especially those first days with the importance of keeping those sutures intact and the bewilderment of the strange E-collar! Mary's commitment to Tug's care will surely be rewarded with his unconditional devotion and lots of nuzzling with that new pretty little nose!
Last to thank among our "villagers" are the ESRA friends who contributed both donations and moral support for Tug's journey. The rewards for witnessing a remarkable change in a dog like Tug would not be possible without the help of all of you who cared. ESRA thanks you and Tug thanks you.
7/27/10 UPDATE: Tug was seen by Dr. Verstraete at UC Davis yesterday and got an excellent three-month progress report. His weight is up to 30 lbs and the roof of his mouth has healed so well that he has been cleared to have rawhide bones to chew on. His foster mom gave him one but he wasn't sure what to do with it so he buried it under the cushion of his bed!
She has also been given the go-ahead to use a gentle leader for walking him in hopes of correcting his bad pulling habit on walks. (Hey, maybe "Tug" is no longer a good name for him!) His leash skills need improvement so Mary can enjoy the walks also.
Tug has one last follow-up examination in three months at which time he will undergo more x-rays, a CT scan and a much needed teeth cleaning. A good report at that visit will mean that Tug's adoption can be finalized and we will celebrate his graduation from the Special Needs program with him and everyone who has had a hand in his success!
11/3/10 UPDATE: We are happy to report that it is time to celebrate Tug's adoption and applaud his doctors and caregivers for their success and devotion to this special little fellow! Compare this "after" photo to the April 4 photo to see the "visible" final result. Click here to recap Tug's surgery and to meet the team members responsible for his care.
1/22/11 UPDATE: Tug's story makes good reading for UC Davis alums and friends and ESRA gets a big plug!
ESRA worked for Tug, now Tug is working to spread the word about the good work ESRA does! His story is featured in the recent issue of UC Davis Veterinary Medicine News (Click title to read the article). ESRA's steps in getting Tug the help he needed is nicely documented.
3/30/11 UPDATE: Tug continues to bring attention to ESRA Thanks to Mary Turner and Bill Sterling for keeping us abreast of continued publicity for ESRA through Tug's story. Click here to read a recent feature story in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Contact: Bill and Gay Sterling at Wmjsterling@aol.com if you want to hear more about Tug.
Want to know more about Cleft Palate in the canine world?
Check out http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/CleftPalate/.
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR TUG
| TUG’S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
|---|---|
 Bill and Gay Sterling |
In memory of Murphy, our very first Springer |
| Renee Anderson |
For Tug, a beautiful dog both inside and out! In honor of my rescued ESS Rocky, Lady, and Miss Belle and for Cody who fought a courageous battle with Addison's. |
| Pomela Flanigan |
From Buddy and Murphy Flanigan, two Special Needs boys |
| Sarndra Swney |
In memory of Kuri, our first Springer who showed us the true nature of the Springer breed |
| Caryn Pola |
In memory of Jen Cowen who was loved by Brooks. And thanks to Marv and Marge Miller for giving this special dog to Jen. |
| Mary Turner |
In memory of Leroy, the sweetest Springer I've ever had! |
| The Schaufers |
In honor of all rescued Springers and the work of Gay and Bill Sterling |
| Jim and Nancy Largent |
In memory of Ben and Maggie, our first two Springers |
| John and Lynda McCoy |
|
| Victor and Sherry Bardack |
In honor of Gay and Bill Sterling, our Springer Angels |
| Susan and Robin Moore |
In memory of Freckles, our first Springer who began our love affair with Springers and with our thanks to Bill and Gay Sterling for all they do for the fortunate ones who spend time in their care |
| Jim and Marsha Barbaruolo |
In memory of Maggie, Jack and Hanna |
| Pete and Barbara Brunelli |
Thanks to Bill and Gay Sterling for all they do! |
| Richard and Susan Noegel |
In memory of Zori, our late special spotted black and white Springer |
| Grind Music & Sound |
In memory of Charlie |
| Keith E. Behnke |
In honor of all rescued Springers |
| Anonymous |
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| Janice Temple |
In memory of Pebbles |
| Ray and Monica Smith |
In memory of Sherlock, our very first Springer |
| Karl and Linda Lintz |
In memory of Pokey, aka Poke-Chop. Dear sweet Tug, you've stolen my heart. Wishing you a wonderful life! |
| Ray and Rosalind Hernandez |
In memory of Treat, and in honor of our boys Joey and Hunter |
| Fredda Fox |
In memory of all my wonderful dogs |
| Tonya L. Berger |
In memory of Cyrano |
| Jerry and Pam Buck |
In memory of Winston. Take good care of Tug. |
| Dolores Blake |
For rescue dogs everywhere. May their new Forever Homes be one of love and kindness—especially for the seniors and special needs dogs. |
| Monica Fehn |
In memory of Lady Larry who introduced me to this marvelous breed |
| Samantha Mapes |
In memory of my first Springer, Casey |
| Terry and Belle Sprague |
In memory of the dogs who could not be saved by ESRA |
| Deborah Oramas |
In memory of Buster, my first Springer who was the love of my life and the reason that I have Bud and Bax. |
| Tom and Mary Viehofer |
In memory of Freckles, our first child — who then became a mother to two-legged children |
| Ed and Judy Adkison |
In memory of Duke, our great brave shepherd |
| Connie and Victor Chavez |
A gift for Bill Sterling to help Tug's operation fee |
| Cindy Brassfield |
|
| Carole Pantera |
In memory of Kirby and Dacey |
| Keith Clower |
In memory of Stitches |
| Judie and Lee Lemsky |
In memory of Penny, Princess and Belle |
| Michelle Eschborn and Sharon Corrigan |
In memory of Spencer |
| Jerry Sorensen |
Help for a very loveable, huggable pup! |
| Ginnie Klein |
|
| Jeannie and James Sirick |
In honor of our adoption of Trevor |
| Jamie and Ed Balazs |
Tug, we know you will be better in a blink! |
| 11-year-old Paige Worthington |
A special gift for Tug from money saved by doing chores at home |
| David Cotter |
In memory of my Boxer Daisy and Sally, the family Springer |
| Anonymous |
|
| Carolyn Molloy |
In memory of my gentle Cassie —I miss you so |
| Rise Wagner |
In memory of Abigail, the perfect lady |
| Rick Siegert |
In memory of all my past Springers |
| Donna Dell |
In memory of those who did not have a human to care about them and with thanks to Bill and Gay Sterling for the awesome job they do for our dogs! |
| Kathleen Engberg |
In memory of all my adorable, imperfect Springers — Tug, you are such a dollbaby! |
| Steven Duso |
In memory of Pharoah and Dusty |
| Pamela George |
Sending Springer kisses to Tug in memory of Eddie |
| Rebekah Donovan |
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| Diane Chmielewski |
|
| Jerry and Pam Buck |
In memory of Winston |
| Susan Kalil and Paw It Forward |
|
| Christine O'Dell and Michael Whiting |
|
| Ms. Marti Nicoli |
|
| Katherine and Mark Brlej |
A birthday gift for Pomela Flanigan |
| Patricia Mann |
In memory of Agrinon, Harry and Moses Mann |
| Janna Turner |
In memory of my dad who loved his Springers |
| Larry, Shirley and Herman Simon |
In memory of Max, someone's loss who was our wonderful gain! And thanks to Bill and Gay Sterling for keeping our wonderful Springer memories alive. |
| Anonymous |
In memory of Alex |
| Christine Nelson |
A gift for Tug, who deserves the best start for the next part of his life, given in memory of Dewey and Sophie, two wonderful Springers who have blessed my life |
| Rebekah Donovan and Bill Barr |
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| Robert Knell |
In memory of Samantha, Joshua, Abigail, Rose and Brady |