Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Amazing Grace

We first became aware of Grace on Sunday September 23, 2012. Her picture was sent to us via Facebook. Our first thought was "how is this dog still alive?". Grace was skeleton with fur. She is so emaciated you can't even tell what breed she is--hound, boxer and terrier are all current guesses.

We spent two days pleading with the animal control facility to release her to us rather than euthanizing her, and finally were told we could have her---if we were at the shelter at 11am on Tuesday, September 25th. No questions asked, Lori and Sariah cleared their schedules, planned the trip to Jackson, and were there at 11 on the dot to get little Grace.

This is the first photo we received of Grace:





When we got to the shelter, we were told 6 dogs were being euthanized that day, so we sorted out how to maximize the space in our Hyundai Elantra, and managed to bring 3 additional dogs with us for the drive back to Nashville. The photo below is the last photo we took of Grace in the shelter. The black marks on her are all flies:

Too weak to stand, Whitney, an ACO carried her to our car, where we nested her in blankets on the floor where she could have a close watch kept over her for the drive to Nashville.





We finally made it to the vet. Grace's prognosis is very guarded. She is at 20% hydration and her red blood cell levels are off to the point that is seems like a luekemia like reaction. Her body weight is about 30% of what her true weight should be. She also has a broken foot, and her teeth are worn to non-existence.

Grace will be inpatient for an estimated 14 days---possibly longer to maximize her stability before she goes to a foster home to continue her remaining rehab. With x-rays, repeat blood values, fluids, and medications to stabilize her we are estimating an approximate $5,000 vet bill. Donations of any size are so greatly appreciated to help Grace on her way back to health.  To Chip In, please go to this link: Chip In For Grace , or call South Franklin Animal Hospital at 615-595-2337 and donate by credit card.  Just tell them you are calling to support Grace.






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