Meet a special dog named Mason

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Join us in Mason's recovery and the path he will be taking to a new happy life by following his progress each Monday – “Mason Mondays” – for updates on his condition. Click here to donate to his recovery fund. 
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1.20.10
Mason is looking for his forever home!

The veterinarians at LVSES have given the all clear for Mason to find his new family! He will still need to go to LVSES for rehabilitation sessions so his pelvis will continue to strengthen, but he is healthy and ready to settle into a home. Mason is looking for a home where he will be safe and spoiled. He will do well with kids of all ages, and loves other dogs and even cats. If you are interested in meeting this special guy (or know someone who is) contact KHS at (502) 366-3355 and ask about Mason -- you will be happy you did!

For all those who have followed Mason's journey and donated to his care, thank you from the staff at KHS and LVSES. Most importantly, "THANKS" from Mason!

1.11.10
Mason's world has changed again...he was brought back to KHS on Friday morning where he is being fostered and cared for by KHS staff. His activity is still restricted – still walking with the sling and getting lots of rest. He will be going to visit all his friends at LVSES three times a week. He thinks it is play, but we call it rehabilitation. We are hopeful that Mason will be far enough along in his healing process that he will be able to find his forever home in the next few weeks. Whoever adopts Mason will have a big task on their hands – he’s been so spoiled while at KHS and LVSES that he will be used to living the good life – a life that he definitely deserves given all that he’s been though. We can’t wait for Mason to find his forever home, and we’re happy to have dedicated supporters like you who never gave up on this special guy. Check back next week for more updates!

1.5.10
Finally some good news coming in about Mason! The radiologist reports that his pelvis is healing well and he can increase his activity level as long as he doesn't do too much at first. With his increased activity, Mason will soon be going back to the underwater treadmill – his favorite thing! Hopefully by next week Mason will return to his foster family – getting that “home” feeling again. While he has been working on his healing and recovery, Mason hasn't been just lying around. The staff at LVSES has been working on his brain too! He has mastered the “down,” and they are still working on his “stay” command – that one is a little harder for him because he simply adores being touched by all the people there!

Mason has had some ups: he was rescued from the side of the road and brought to KHS, and he has received amazing care from LVSES. He has had some downs, including his healing setback scare and his small mange spot that worried everyone too. But things are looking up in 2010 – this is going to be Mason's year!

12.30.09
Mason spent Christmas surrounded by the love and attention of the LVSES staff. It was a busy few days at the clinic so Mason had lots of dogs and people to greet. His leg is getting much stronger, he has built up some muscle during this daily sling walks and there is an obvious improvment in his range of motion. In the next week or two, Mason will get another set of x-rays to see how the fractures are healing. If all looks good on the next x-rays, he will be getting to do his favorite activity again - the underwater treadmill! As for the Demodex that was found on his back last week, the doctors are pleased with how his skin is reacting to the gel that is being used to treat it and they believe it will not spread any further. Mason is one really lucky dog and has much to look forward to in the new year.

12.21.09
Mason is getting stronger everyday but the vets at LVSES still do not want him to put full weight on his back legs. He continues to walk using the help of a sling. He is making much progress in this area, but Mason has had some more bad news: he has a small patch of hair loss on his back. Dr. Jennifer Schissler, the dermatologist at LVSES, examined his skin and determined it to be a non contagious mange called Demodex.  Technicians will apply a gel to the spot for two weeks, and it should begin to heal soon. Luckily, the spot was found early, so hopes are that it will not spread. 

During the day, Mason’s rehab technician, Jackie, takes him around LVSES so he can interact with the staff. Mason is even doing tricks and sitting for other people! 

This holiday season, we have a lot to be thankful for. We appreciate all of the time and dedication the staff at LVSES have given this special dog. Unfortunately, the Kentucky Humane Society sees many animals in similar circumstances as Mason’s. Some have been hit by a car – like him; many others have been abused or neglected. All of them simply want a second chance at a happy life. We thank you for your continued support of Mason during his recovery, as well as all of the animals at KHS. Happy holidays from all of us! 

12.15.09
Mason's x-rays showed that his bones are healing and that his screws have not moved any more. This is great news because it is believed he will not need another surgery! It is important that his bones fully heal, so he will not be allowed to walk in the underwater treadmill for a while - which is unfortunate because it became one of his favorite activities. He was getting to be quite the "swimmer" in the tank. When he needs to go outside to potty, he must still use the help of a sling because it is important to keep any extra weight off the bones and plates as they continues to heal.  Mason is still spending most of his time on bed rest, in his crate, watching the world around him in his calm and gentle way. Mason will remain at LVSES through the New Year's holiday, at which point the LVSES staff hope to resume his rehabilitation for his full recovery. It is obvious the staff at LVSES has been giving him lots of love and attention. He is a pro at sitting and shaking, and he's working on down. He loves to practice because of all the treats he receives!

12.14.09
Mason's follow-up x-rays are today. We're hoping the images show that his healing is back on track and that the delay in his recovery has not been significant. Check back tomorrow for more updates once the radiologist has reviewed the x-rays.

12.7.09
Last week we told you about the setback in Mason's recovery. The vets at LVSES are concerned that some of the screws in his pelvis may be coming loose so Mason has been moved back to LVSES to be closely monitored. Back at LVSES, he is receiving laser therapy and muscle stimulation daily, but he is on strict bed rest until it is confirmed whether or not his pelvis is healing correctly and if there will be a need for an additional surgery.
 
While on bed rest, Mason spends much of his day watching the flurry of activity at LVSES. He observes the staff and other four legged clients coming and going.  On the occasion of a bark or whimper by another dog, Mason looks up with concern in his eyes as if to say, "It will be OK." From the time he was brought to KHS and through his journey thus far, Mason has been completely calm and kind, constantly reminding everyone how special he is.         
 
This week should tell a lot about the healing process and if a second surgery will be necessary. In the meantime, Mason is in the best possible hands with a wonderful future regardless of the complications! 

You can help with Mason's care by donating to his fund. Click here to help offset the cost of Mason's very complicated surgery, his follow-up appointments and his long rehabilitation to learn to walk again.
 
Check back next Monday for an update on Mason's progress.

11.30.09
Mason spent the Thanksgiving holiday in a warm, loving home. Surrounded by people who care for him, things were looking up.

Yesterday, November 30, Mason's foster mom took him to his weekly check-up at LVSES. The x-rays caused Mason's doctor to be concerned that some of the screws in his pelvis may be coming loose. Mason has been placed on strict bed rest in hopes that with less activity next week's x-ray will reveal a more positive image. If the screws have become loose, Mason will have to undergo a second surgery -- which of course sets back his recovery to the point of starting over with rehabilitation. 
 
Mason's foster family says that he is a joy and an amazingly happy dog. "Mom" says he will make someone a wonderful pet. The foster family is committed to supporting him through whatever it takes -- including another surgery and longer rehab. 
 
We are all crossing our fingers (and toes) in hopes that the surgery won't be necessary, but KHS and LVSES are committed to Mason too!
 
You can help with Mason's care by donating to his fund. Click here to help offset the cost of Mason's very complicated surgery, his follow-up appointments and his long rehabilitation to learn to walk again.
 
Check back next Monday for an update on Mason's progress. 

11.23.09
It has been a little more than two weeks since Mason was brought to the Kentucky Humane Society with a badly broken pelvis.  Soon after coming to KHS, Mason was taken to Louisville Veterinarian Specialist and Emergency Services (LVSES) for medical attention. The wonderful doctors performed an extensive and complicated surgery, inserting rods and plates into his pelvis. After several days of recovery, the LVSES staff took on the task of helping Mason down the long road of rehab, so he could to learn to walk again.

Mason has been receiving laser therapy, acupuncture, “sling walking” and water therapy – all to help his body heal from his traumatic injury.  Mason has made amazing progress in his rehabilitation.  As of this past weekend, he was walking in the water treadmill without the support of the LVSES staff.  What was once scary to him, seems to be a pleasant experience now.

A big step was taken this weekend when Mason went to stay with a wonderful foster family.  By going to a foster home, Mason can continue his healing and rehabilitation in a loving home environment.  His foster family will continue to take him to LVSES every few days for the next 4-6 weeks for on-going therapy. After he learns to walk, he then has to learn to run and play....just be a normal dog again. But one with a very special story. 

For more about Mason’s experiences and recovery – in his own words -- read his blog on LVSES's website.

The path to Mason’s recovery is long and expensive. But you can help provide much-needed funds to help offset the cost of his very complicated surgery, his follow-up appointments and his long rehabilitation to learn to walk again. To donate to Mason’s recovery fund, click here.

11.16.2009
Mason’s  badly broken pelvis was rebuilt more than a week ago. Considering the extent of his injuries and the complication of the surgery, he is doing amazingly well!

Soon after his surgery, Mason started laser therapy  to promote healing of the tissue and skin to speed his recovery. The  LVSES staff has been working with Mason on "sling walking," which allows him to walk without having to completely support his weight. Acupuncture treatments have now been added to stimulate his muscles.

After having staples removed on November 12, Mason was ready for water rehab the following day. His first session using the underwater treadmill was great, and the staff expects him to improve with each session -- after all, who doesn't love a nice swim?

Mason’s life at LVSES isn’t all work. The staff has been spoiling him rotten! He enjoys getting love, attention and plenty of belly rubs. His rehab technician, Jackie, has even taught him to sit, shake and lie down! This special dog continues to share his kindness and joy of life with everyone he meets. For videos and more about Mason's time at LVSES, click here.

The path to Mason’s recovery will be long and expensive. But you can help provide much-needed funds to help offset the cost of his very complicated surgery, his follow-up appointments and his long rehabilitation to learn to walk again. To donate to Mason’s fund, click here.

Through your support, KHS can continue to help Mason recover and find his forever home.

11.9.2009
Mason came to the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) on November 3 after being hit by a car. His injuries were very severe – his pelvis was fractured on both sides and in multiple places. His pelvis was all but destroyed. Even in his pain he still managed to give a “kiss” to those who were helping him.  The KHS staff could tell that even through his pain and discomfort, this dog loved people and life.

With the generous assistance of Louisville Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Services (LVSES), the next day Mason's pelvic area was completely rebuilt. The surgery was very complex and lasted more than eight hours, but went well. Because of the severity of Mason’s injuries, multiple metal plates were used to hold the fractured bone in place.

Mason has a long road ahead of him. His injuries and surgery were so extensive that there could still be set backs. He will have many follow up appointments to check on the healing and stability of the metal plates now in his pelvis. His rehabilitation will be long and difficult – he will have to learn to walk again. Through the support and love of volunteers, KHS and LVSES staff we are hopeful he will regain the ability to walk, run and play again. 

Join us in his recovery and the path he will be taking to a new happy life by following his progress each Monday – “Mason Mondays” – for updates on his condition.

If you'd like to help offset the cost of Mason's very complicated surgery, his follow-up appointments and his long rehabilitation to learn to walk again, click here.