I’d thought of various ideas for this week’s post, some
amusing and light-hearted, some less so, but then, through my volunteering with
Pet Rescue North, I learned of the plight of Sharla . . . and this is so important
it must take precedence over all my other thoughts!
Warning: Some of the
photos are graphic and disturbing and were taken during various veterinary assessments.
Sharla was essentially left outside in the dirt for years
with minimal, if any, care at all. She
shows all the signs of neglect: fleas, malnourishment, loss of energy etc., but,
worst of all, she has a massive tumor on her left hip. Whether this tumor is malignant or not still
has to be determined but Sharla is in such poor shape that surgery cannot even
be attempted until her general health improves dramatically.
Now the tumor is
growing rapidly and is affecting her ability to stand and walk properly.
And still, Sharla shows her trust in humans . . . part of
the vet assessment describes her this way: “Patient is very gentle, friendly,
BAR, and mentally appropriate, soliciting human interaction. Wags tail with
attention or when spoken to, approaches when called. Somewhat unsteady on feet,
but significant emaciation and poor body score (2/6,) and weight shift heavier
on left hip due to large heavy mass pulling to left side. Obvious weight loss
and somewhat sagging skin as secondary effect. General appearance suggestive of
dog >12 years, generally debilitated, negative energy balance.”
Now is not the time to go on a rant about the kind of “people”
who can allow this to happen to an animal in their care (and I have lots of
thoughts regarding that); Now is the time to think of Sharla and what can be
done to save her!
Sharla has been rescued and is in a safe and caring environment
at the moment.
However, the cost of the medical
care necessary to get her into shape for treatment of the tumor, let alone the
costs of that treatment when it occurs, will be enormous. Pet Rescue North is sponsoring
Sharla’s care, but as a small organization they do not have the funds available
to go it alone.
So they are asking for
help from the animal-loving public!
In the several years that I have been helping Pet Rescue
North in what little way I can, I have never known them to directly ask for
donations from the public for the care of a specific animal . . . to me this is
an indication of how serious Sharla’s condition is.
If you would like to help in some way,
you can contact Pet Rescue North by emailing
PRNorth@Yahoo.com.
Hopefully, there will be more specific details on how
to donate forthcoming in the very near future and I will keep you updated.
Until then, you can follow what information there is on Sharla’s progress by
visiting and “liking” PRN’s Facebook page!
