News and Events  Touching Lives: Rescue Updates

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Touching Lives

-Updates on Stories from the Winter PAW STREET JOURNAL-

In August 2006, KHS received a tip about "Skeeter," a young terrier mix wandering a rural road in Trimble County, Ky. A KHS rescue officer responded to the scene and discovered a one-year-old dog, suffering from severe neglect. Malnourished and weak, the adolescent canine had over 75 percent hair loss and scabbing on his entire body.

Promptly transported to the KHS main campus, Skeeter was examined by a staff veterinarian, who soon discovered that the young dog suffered from more than emaciation and extensive hair loss. Skeeter also had pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection that leads to intense itchy skin, three different types of intestinal parasites, as well as a severe case of generalized demodecitc mange, a serious skin disease caused by microscopic mites that live in hair follicles.

Shortly thereafter, Skeeter's owner was arrested on animal cruelty charges. The case was presented to the Trimble County judge, who found the owner guilty for animal cruelty in the second degree. He was required to relinquish ownership of all pets to KHS, pay over $1000 in restitution, as well as serve 21 days in jail.

During this time, Skeeter was held in protective custody. Once surrendered to KHS, Skeeter was placed in foster care with the Purdon family, who reside in Bullitt County. The lively dog received daily medicated baths to help remove layers of dead skin, as well as medication for worms and his secondary skin condition. Now, after months of foster care, Skeeter's condition has drastically improved.

"Skeeter's weight has doubled since coming to KHS, his hair has grown back very nicely and the pyoderma has subsided," said Heike, a dedicated KHS volunteer. "He's settled in very nicely at our home."

Skeeter now loves to play, run in the park and enjoys the company of other dogs and cats. But, the Purdons also call him a "professional couch potato" after he tires from playtime. "Skeeter is a highly intelligent dog who's full of life and has never met a stranger," shared Heike. "He's one of the happiest dogs we've ever met, and he's a great pup to have around!"

Skeeter still remains in foster care where he continues to receive medicated baths at least twice a week. Once he fully recovers from demodectic mange, the sweet dog will be ready to find his permanent, loving home!

"Braveheart," a one-year-old Alaskan malamute mix, was rescued by KHS after wandering onto a local resident's property in Henry County with a bloody gunshot wound. The stray dog immediately was transported to the KHS main campus for medical attention.

Though visibly injured, the sweet dog still wagged his tail and smiled, as if knowing he would survive. It seemed only appropriate to call him "Braveheart," in honor of his strength, courage and tenacity.

Upon examination, a KHS veterinarian concluded that the bullet, which entered near Braveheart's right shoulder, had not only produced a two-inch open wound, but also shattered the bone, leaving him immobilized on that leg. Additionally, the injured area appeared to be a week old and had become infected, so it was determined that amputation would be necessary.

After undergoing surgery, Braveheart was placed in foster care with Darren B., a wonderful volunteer. He received plenty of cage rest and medication to avoid the spread of infection. Once fully recovered and adjusted to life as a three-legged dog, Braveheart returned to KHS, ready to find his lifelong home. Thankfully, he did not have to wait long.

Inspired by Braveheart's story, the Gordon family knew that this valiant dog was a great match for them. He has a wonderful temperament and appeared to adore their three children, so in late January, the happy-go-lucky dog joined the Gordon household.

"Braveheart sleeps in bed with our son each night, then comes bounding in our bedroom to wake us up in the morning," said John with a laugh. "He's doing great and we all adore him."

Congratulations to Braveheart and his new family!

Wandering in downtown Louisville, Ky. with an injured rear limb, "Dalton," an eight-month-old shorthaired kitten, was rescued by KHS. Once at the KHS main campus, the stray feline was examined and X-rayed. Soon after, it was determined that Dalton's right hind leg had a complicated distal femoral (knee) fracture.

Due to the severity of the break, the KHS veterinary team was uncertain if his limb could be saved. Yet, they decided to perform surgery, hoping pins used to correct the severe fracture would allow the bone to heal properly.

However, after weeks of foster care, it became apparent that Dalton's leg had not healed properly. The pins worked as intended, but his ligament had tightened, making it difficult for him to bend at his knee. Thankfully, Dalton's new adoptive parent plans on taking him to an orthopedic specialist next week.

Marilyn McLendon, a committed KHS volunteer, has served as a foster parent for many cats and kittens throughout the years. But, with Dalton, it was different. "I've fostered over 22 litters and managed to resist, but Dalton won his way into my heart and I couldn't give him up."

Now, Dalton helps other orphaned kittens fostered by Marilyn through daily interaction and mentoring. "He's just so friendly and easygoing," shared Marilyn, who has three other cats. "I love having a cat that I can take with me when I go visit my dad."

Best wishes to Dalton and Marilyn!

With a broken right front leg, "Sampson," a terrified three-year-old German shepherd/husky mix, was rescued by KHS in Spencer County, Ky. A KHS veterinarian provided meticulous care, recommending that the adult canine be placed on six weeks of cage rest while in foster care with Michelle P., a committed KHS foster parent. Thankfully, Sampson's injury healed.

However, Sampson continued to exhibit extreme timidity and skittishness, particularly around strangers and adult men. It appeared that, due to a tumultuous past, he would benefit from further socialization, so the sweet dog was placed in foster care with Heather J., where he still remains.

Sampson slowly is becoming more comfortable around new people and in new environments, thanks to the help of his foster parent. Once ready, he'll be placed for adoption at KHS so he can find his forever home!



Look for an update on Sam and other rescue stories in an upcoming KENNEL CHRONICLES issue!