Special Needs

Ellie 36-10

Ellie 36-10

Ellie is a petite Labradoodle who might steal your heart!  This little lady has had a very rough start in her short life of less than 2 years.  At some point, she suffered a broken leg which was not treated.  This has resulted in one leg being longer than the other.  If she does not receive some type of treatment, this injury can cause her joints to deteriorate over time.  It's important that she be given medical treatment for this old injury.

GRFR treated another dog with a similiar injury with wonderful results.  The treatment is, however, expensive.  If you are willing to help GRFR pay for Ellie's treatment, we would be very grateful for a donation.  If you think that Ellie might be the dog you're looking to share your life with, please read more about her.  We require an application to be filled out before we can begin the approval process required to let you take her home.

 

Hanney - 345-09

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Hanney is a beautiful 9 year old Golden Girl who is the happiest golden girl you'll ever meet! Despite all that she has been through her tail never stops wagging and we want to keep that tail wagging!!

Hanney's previous mom truly loved her, and, in fact, rescued her knowing she might need surgery and some extra care and unfortunately, due to her own life threatening health issues, she could no longer physically care for Hanney. She trusted GRFR to take her in and get the vet care she needed and find her a loving forever family. We all know that there are very special adopters out there!

We were told that it was suspected she had a part of an elk antler embedded in her abdomen and that she suffered from knee problems. GRFR immediately got her to a vet, where it was determined it was not an elk antler, but a 6 inch long stick that had been in there so long that Hanney's skin had grown over it and was causing severe infection internally. The stick was successfully removed and Hanney recuperated with flying colors! Everyone at the vets office felt head over heels in love with her.

Once the stick was removed and she healed from her surgery, we concentrated on her orthopedic issues. Hanney has grade 3 elbow dysplasia and after working closely with our vets it was determined that the best course for Hanney was orthotics, rather than invasive surgery. Her foster mom took her to Orthopets for a fitting and a cast was made so the orthotic could be molded for her. Throughout all of this Hanney didn't complain even once! She loved all the attention and once her orthotic is developed and she learns to use it, we're sure that Hanney will be even happier and pain-free for the first time in a very long time!

For now, Hanney is on pain meds and a diet. She's not overweight but a dog with elbow dysplasia or other joint issues should stay just below a normal weight so it is less strain on their joints. Hanney sure does love her new diet! And she also loves the daily walks she gets to take and of course all the love at her foster home. Hanney might just be the sweetest golden girl EVER!!

Hanney has an unbreakable spirit and has so much love to give! She loves her stuffy toys, being around her people and other dogs. To Hanney, each morning means an exciting and new and wonderful day!!

We want Hanney to spend her golden years happy and reasonably pain-free & we know that there is a special family out there, anxious to meet her! Her foster mom says she hopes that people don't overlook her because of her braces - she has a heart of gold and personality to match!

If you would like to help us provide the medical care Hanney needs, please consider a donation.  If you are interested in adopting Hanney, please see her Bio for more information.

 

 

McGyver - 33-10

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McGyver is a wonderful yellow lab and yes, GRFR primarily rescues Golden Retriever's but how could anyone resist helping this sweet and handsome boy?  He was injured and found literally frozen to the ground in a midwest state.  Someone freed him and took him to the shelter, but no one claimed him. Poor McGyver...he was at the shelter and was left to fend for himself, left to lie in horrible conditions, his broken bones went untreated, he was not even part of the adoption floor. What chance did he have? That's when GRFR stepped in to save him!

Once in Colorado, his foster mom took him to the vet and xrays showed he has 3 broken toes on his back left foot which are healing and there is nothing more that can be done. His rear right leg is another story. Xrays show a break in that leg, which could have been successfully treated if done sooner. The surgeon here says there is nothing that can be done to fix the fracture now. However, good news for McGyver! The surgeon suggested physical therapy including water therapy to rebuild his muscles in that rear leg(since it has been too painful for him to put any weight on it). He will also likely benefit from the use of a hock brace rather than surgery. This is costly, of course, however, GRFR is committed to saving dogs just like McGyver and we know that some special family will come along and fall head over heels in love McGyver!

Everyone that has met McGyver agrees he is an absolute sweetheart with a heart of gold! Even though he can only use 3 of his 4 legs, it doesn't stop him from hopping up on the couch to cuddle!

McGyver is beginning his water therapy, with the help of his foster mom. That, along with an orthotic, will enable McGyver to lead a full, happy, active life. But GRFR has been hit hard with vet bills in 2010 and we are hoping that we can raise enough money for McGyver's treatment, along with all the other dogs we so badly want to save!

If you would like to donate to help cover the cost of his care, we are always grateful for your generous contributions.  If you'd like to read more about McGyver, please check out his bio.

 

Nigal 19-10

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This is Nigal, a very sweet and gentle Golden mix puppy who is fighting for his life and winning!

He came to GRFR when he was about 10 weeks old and there were times when we didn't expect him to make it through the night but this little guy is a fighter! Nigal seemed healthy the first day or so after arriving in Colorado, but quickly took a turn for the worse. His foster mom rushed him to the emergency animal hospital and the vet tech tells us that he wasn't even sure Nigal was alive as he carried him into the treatment room. The staff quickly assessed him and got him started on IV fluids, antibiotics and ran tests to determine the cause of his sudden illness.

Nigal and his littermates, Dawn, Wally and Polly, were all dumped at a high kill Midwest shelter. None showed signs of illness at first. But all became very sick. Dawn, Wally and Polly are all doing better. Poor Nigal seems to have been affected the worst and although is progress is slower, he is getting stronger each day. Nigal spent several days in the hospital but is now happily back at his foster home. The vet showed his foster parents how to do his treatments and they've been keeping up with frequent treatments and he is beginning to show good progress. He isn't quite out of the woods but the good news is that he continues to show good progress.

He is now being treated by Blue Sky Animal Clinic in Loveland and the vets there have even made housecalls! They have stayed extra hours in the evenings and have even given their personal cell and home numbers to Nigal's foster parents. That's how much they love and care about this little guy! Everyone is fighting for him! But we sure could use your help....

If you met this little guy you too would want to help him. He's doing better but his vet bills are high and we sure would appreciate any donations to help Nigal and other dogs like him that come our way.

If you would like to donate toward the cost of saving his life, we would very much appreciate it. He is not yet available for adoption.  If you are interested in him, you can read more about him on our Avialable Dogs page.  Our adoption process is thorough and it does take time.  If you are interest in adopting either Nigal or one of the other puppies that we bring in throughout the year, please complete an application.