As all loving pet owners know, when a person takes on the responsibility for a new pet, that means commitment through thick and thin. Tanya Thompson, owner of two German Shepherds, understands this special bond but also how emotionally challenging it can be when a loved pet is sick.
Sarge and Scout napping together
Tanya was first introduced to “Sarge”, a beautiful young German Shepherd, when he was surrendered to the Barrie branch on account of being “too big” for his former owner. “Adoption provides hope to animals who have nothing wrong with them, except that in many cases, they just had an undeserving owner,” Tanya explains. While Sarge fit in wonderfully to her home and his new life, one day he started to exhibit some strange behavior that Tanya found concerning. After a trip to Essa Veterinary Services, her veterinarian found he had a severe case of colonic torsion – a rare but deadly condition if left untreated.
Sarge was admitted for surgery in Barrie, and thanks to the Guelph Veterinary College who assisted via teleconference, the veterinarians were able to perform surgery and save his life. Yet Tanya would later find out there were more health hardships to come for her beloved Sarge. He was later diagnosed with Fibrotic Myopathy, a degenerative condition that would eventually degrade his ability to use his hind legs. “I tried everything – from hydrotherapy, chiropractic treatments, exploratory drugs and later acupuncture,” says Tanya. “But the best medicine of all did not arrive in a pill bottle, but literally right in front of me on four legs.”
Tanya with Scout and Sarge
While Tanya was on a lunch break on a sweltering hot weekday afternoon, she noticed a young German Shepherd puppy tied to a sparse tree, with little access to shade. There was no water or owner in sight, and the humid temperature was skyrocketing due to a summer heat wave. The owner never returned, and animal control services were called into rescue him. Tanya quickly became involved with the adorable puppy and decided to foster him. Calling him Scout, she fell in love with his wonderful personality. She later decided to adopt him.
Best buddies
“I was a little hesitant at first, given Sarge’s condition, but seeing the positive effect Scout has had, it’s been the best treatment of all,” affirms Tanya. “Scout motivates Sarge to remain active, and the two of them are inseparable.”
The two dogs truly make Tanya’s house a home. “I really believe that animals find you. And for me – it’s happened twice. I know I am helping to ensure that Sarge has the quality of life he deserves, and have also provided a home to another animal in need.”
LIsa says:
I can completely relate to this story. I adopted both of my dogs. The second dog I only adopted last year. I had a 15 year old Bichon (recently had to put him down). And I noticed that whenever I would look after my parent’s dog and then he would return home, Winston would go into kind of a funk. The last time was more noticeable than most and so this prompted me to start exploring getting another dog to keep him company. I came across a sweet dog in another shelter (found both dogs through petfinder.com) and went to visit him. I took him out for a walk on this ratty old leash and after success and comfort, introduced him to Winston. They got along which was demonstrated by Winston’s wagging tail. For over a year 3 year old Joey and 14 year old Winston bonded and played and helped each other and kept each other company. Recently Winston became sick and I had to put him down, but I can tell that Joey misses him a lot… so now I’m on the hunt for a new companion dog for Joey. Winston’s illness was trying on me and tool over my life for about 6 months… but in the end they are worth it.
20th March 2013 at 2:39 pm
Sandy Mancuso says:
I don’t know how old this posting is but if Tanya is interested I have a dog cart or dog wheelchair that I used for my late lab/dane mix who had problems with rear end arthritis and nerve root problems. If she is interested in borrowing the cart she can contact me at my email address. This cart is a “Walkin Wheels” cart and can be viewed on the internet. The cart is adjustable and would fit her dog perfectly.
20th March 2013 at 2:51 pm
Laura says:
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for your comment and offer. I have sent Tanya an email with the details so that she can contact you if she is interested. I left your email unpublished just to keep it safe.
Thanks,
Laura
20th March 2013 at 3:04 pm
Patricia McCallum says:
Hi Tanya, I’m sorry to hear that Sarge has had some hardships but nice to know he has a friend beside him now. The world needs more people like you who will go to the ends of the earth for their beloved pets. I’m happy to know that a thoroughly deserving person now has two very deserving fur babies. All my best.
20th March 2013 at 3:06 pm