Disabled GSP puppy running out of time

[BarbGale]

I'm the foster coordinator for NorCal German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue, and we have an almost 10 month old disabled puppy, Hendrix, that we have not been able to place, and his foster home will no longer be able to foster him past early September (we now have a deadline of October 1st). We have had him since he was 4 weeks old, given up by a backyard breeder with the story that the pup needed surgery from the umbilical cord having wrapped around and that he couldn't afford it. Turns out the pup has spina bifida, not surgically repairable.

He is neutered, up to date on shots, has had spinal surgery to repair the opening on his back to prevent infection, is crate trained, has completed puppy class. He is not house trained because of his disability, and wears diapers when inside. He's been to therapy essentially weekly to work on strengthening his rear legs. He's at the point of getting a cart or wheelchair, and we have arranged for one for him which will be arriving later this week.

We have promoted him on our web site, other web sites, Yahoo group posts for GSPs and rescue groups, our newsletter, and through flyers. I posted him in the regular rescue section of the HandicappedPets website in March. I am also researching sanctuaries for him but he loves being in the family environment. You can see his blog and videos at http://gspblogs.com/norcalgsp/category/hendrix/. We have been unable to secure another foster home, or an adoptive home for him. We had two potential adopters that both fell through. He is attending a Pet Fair the weekend of Sept 6 & 7, but chances are slim of finding a suitable home from that venue. We are at the end of our rope and need a place for him to go. He is sweet, loving, lovable, and smart.

Here is more information about him:

Hendrix’s current foster home will not be able to foster him past September 10, 2008, so we are looking for a new foster or adoptive home for him. Because he is a special needs puppy (spina bifida), we are waiving our northern California requirement and will consider a suitable home for him outside northern CA.

Hendrix is now ten months old, and has a wonderful personality! He was discarded at 4 weeks by a backyard breeder and is in this situation through no fault of his own. He will need an adoptive or foster home that can see past his physical limitations and help him develop his full potential. He gets around the house very well, doing best with smooth floors to scoot himself around. He stands up to eat and to interact. He has a sling that is used to help him walk, and wears wraps or diapers while loose in the house. Hendrix continues to receive weekly rehabilitative therapy to develop his strength and use of his back legs and is being fitted for wheels as well.

Hendrix is excellent with dogs large and small, kids of all ages, and has not shown aggression towards cats (and couldn't chase one too well anyway!) He loves to play shadow games http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS5ZWdqHxCI as you can see here in one of his new videos! He’s crate trained and has completed puppy class. He’ll do best in a home with another playful dog, and people who are physically capable of caring for him – assisting him in his sling, cleaning up after him, carrying out his therapy routine, protecting his skin, and giving him the love that GSPs demand!

When you meet Hendrix, you will fall in love with him. Despite his physical problems, he’s good-natured, very affectionate, full of playful puppy energy, and incredibly intelligent and eager to learn.

Please contact me directly at 650-207-3501 cell or email BarbGale@aol.com. Thanks for any help anyone can give! Barbara

[CarolC]

http://handicappedpet.net/class/showpro ... t=37&cat=5

Barb, I don't know if this will help.

[BarbGale]

Just wanted to let folks know that Hendrix was adopted to a woman in Arizona this weekend, and we think he will have a wonderful life there with her.

Thanks! Barbara

[ChristinaCat]

That is great news!!!!