Another Pyr Update!
(Pictureless for now…New pics coming soon! 
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All the dogs are doing amazingly well. Freya gets her first heartworm treatment injection on Tuesday, so she will stay a few days with the vet. Loki was neutered yesterday and got all his vaccinations, but the poor kid had a pretty severe reaction to one of them. His nose and throat started to swell! They told us that his nostrils were the size of pinholes. He had to have an antihistamine injection, and he’s fine now, but for such a nervous dog, it was quite a traumatic day. We’ve had some adoption interest in Nova and Freya, but nothing solid yet.
We’ve gotten so many donations of new collars and leashes and grooming supplies that all four dogs are looking really good. (Incidentally, we discovered that Cosimo had worn his choker-style chain for so long that it would no longer slide over his head, because his head had grown by about four inches in diameter since it was put on. He’s about four years old, and it appears he’s been wearing it since he was probably about a year old. We had to cut it off.) Loki and Cosimo are still really nervous on the leash, but Freya and Nova have already figured out that leash = fun, and they’re becoming champion leash walkers. All four dogs can now come out and run with the rest of the pack with few problems. That in itself is huge progress for these guys.
We’ve finally got the estimates all together from our vet for the care of these dogs for the next few months, until they are ready for adoptive homes.
$4,300 includes all four spay/neuters (two are done now), three heartworm treatments (including Freya’s discounted care), all the relevant blood tests and lab work they are recommending or have done, including a special senior dog panel for Nova, vaccinations as needed, pain management medications, x-rays for Nova and Cosimo (because of their age and condition before the heartworm treatment, and an extra set for Cosimo’s hips), dental work estimates on the older dogs, the groomer’s discounted services, plus heartworm preventative, flea and and tick treatment and preventative for a few months while they get well, and about a gallon of ointment that prevents flies from bothering their various wounds. (Oh, farm life in the summer!)
It does not include Freya’s eye removal because they want to re-evaluate when she’s seen on Tuesday for her first heartworm treatment. In all likelihood, it will be removed, but the question is when and how difficult the procedure will be.
It also doesn’t include transport costs back and forth to various appointments (a 40 mile round trip, times three dogs, times at least four appointments each) or staff time, since we consider those routine operating expenses, or food, collars, and grooming supplies since they’ve all been generously donated.
We want to thank Powerpets.com, Chelsea Animal Hospital, and Paws 4 Grooming, plus everyone else who’s donated supplies and money, for your ongoing help. It’s been such a relief for us to have your support available while we deal with their health and emotional issues. We’ve grown pretty attached to these special dogs, and thinking that they might have been euthanized is heartbreaking. Even after all they’ve been through, they all have this loving disposition that shines right through. Thank you so much for helping us save them.
August 1st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Thank you for everything you’re doing to help these dogs. They’ve been through alot and you are giving them a great chance at a new start
August 9th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I am constantly amazed and impressed with the care given to all the animals at SASHA Farm, especially these new arrivals who are so fortunate to be there.
August 9th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Well Done!
My girlfriend, volunteer Renee, alerted me to the plight of these Pyrs last Wednesday, and my circle of fellow critter lovers are looking to help. My little business seems to attract critter people, so we hope to put together a nice contribution by the end of the month.
Three years ago, some idiot dumped three Pyrs into my back yard (20 acres). Bridget, at MI Pyr rescue, took charge, but not before we had time to fall in love with the breed…a thing I swore we would never do. We are MUTT rescuers, not breed snobs! Famous last words.
Today, the rescued Great Pyr Koda makes us better people every day…and because of all Koda has taught us, we know the enormous labor Sasha Farms has undertaken in the care and rehabilitation of these remarkable dogs.
We are going to do our very best to help out financially.
Again…well done.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Well, the “seat of the pants” Pyr fund is at $21 dollars of loose change, 3 working days in.
Pennies add up.
I urge everyone with a public connection to “just ask.” Folks step up when it is just spare change.