On a recent dreary night, one of our dedicated volunteers discovered a beautiful 4 year old male dog languishing in a public animal shelter. Concerned that the dog was lethargic and extremely emaciated, our volunteer inquired about the dog, only to be told that he would not be available for adoption because he was "too sick". Fortunately, GSR volunteers don't give up that easily! The volunteer insisted on speaking with the shelter vet, who told her that the dog was suffering from an auto-immune deficiency and that he "probably wouldn't make it through the night", and if he DID make it through the night, he was going to be euthanized in the morning!

The GSR team burned up the phone lines, leaving messages with everyone they could to STAY THE EXECUTION of this magnificent boy! To our great joy, we were able to save the dog in the nick of time and whisk him away to our own veterinarian for a true evaluation of his condition. After a complete set of xrays, blood work and a thorough exam, the diagnosis was made: This poor boy was suffering from an acute worm infestation (several types of worms) and anemia due to fleas--and the animal shelter almost put him to sleep because of this!

We are thrilled that we were able to pluck this beautiful dog from the jaws of death. It has taught us once again how one individual can make a world of difference by taking interest...and taking action. We have named him Adonis, because he is truly a beautiful boy who will one day turn heads. Adonis is an average sized male, although he currently needs to gain at least 20-25 pounds and build muscle to support his large frame. He has a gentle and sweet personality and he is so grateful for the slightest kindness. It's obvious from the condition that he was in that his previous owner did not look after him well, but Adonis bears no ill will. He is looking for a caring family or individual who can understand that he has been terribly neglected, and who will make this up to him by showering him with love. Adonis requests that his home be feline free, please.

November 17, 2004:

While at his foster home, Adonis suddenly began to vomit blood! His foster mom rushed him to the vet to learn that he had a serious infection in his prostate gland which was causing problems throughout his body. The vet who has been attending to Adonis throughout his recovery recommended that we neuter Adonis immediately to reduce the level of hormones in his body. We had been holding off on neutering Adonis until he gained some more weight, but in light of the new developments, we went ahead with the vet's recommendation. An emergency neuter was performed and Adonis was put on a heavy dose of antibiotics to knock the infection out of his body.

We're delighted to report that 24 hours following his surgery, Adonis is feeling much perkier and seems much more comfortable overall. And, he's eating like a horse, so that's an excellent sign that he's on the mend! The next week will tell us whether Adonis is out of the woods, but we are very optimistic. To make a donation to help offset the medical bills GSR has incurred to restore Adonis' health, please click here Adonis Donation and indicate that you would like your gift to go to Adonis.

December 16, 2004:

We are so sorry to report that Adonis was returned to us when it was discovered that he has two conditions relating to the spine that are common in German Shepherds:  He has degenerative myelopathy, a disorder that causes the nerves of his back to deteriorate and lose sensation.  He has also been diagnosed with caudal equina syndrome -- a condition that causes lower back pain and can lead to lower extremity motor and sensory loss and possibly incontinence as it progresses.  Although neither of these conditions is terminal, there are no cures for them either.  But we are determined to find Adonis a family that will love and care for him in spite of his imperfections!

Here are some links to information about DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) and CES (Caudal Equina Syndrome):

http://www.drnancysplace.com/myelopathy.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=285&topcategory=Spine  

We are currently investigating the latest protocols for managing these conditions so that we can give Adonis a quality life.  He will undoubtedly be on some sort of steroid and coated aspirin for the rest of his life to keep him comfortable.  Throughout all of this ordeal, Adonis' spirit has never waned--he's a loving and sweet dog so deserving of happiness!  Can you please be the person to give it to him?

Adonis is at our rescue facility in Burbank.  If you could help by giving him a loving home, please contact johnandebhancock@aol.com or complete the online application.  This boy needs a special angel in his life -- could that be you?

Adonis waited so politely and patiently for someone to want to adopt him, but because of his condition, prospective adopters never inquired about him.  Even though he is only 4 years old, it seemed as though he was destined to live out his life with German Shepherd Rescue, despite the best efforts of our stalwart volunteers.

Then, something amazing happened!  One lone application came in to us for Adonis.  But it wasn't just any old application:  it was an application from an uncommonly compassionate and generous gentleman who was all too familiar with the degenerative myelopathy because his previous shepherd had been stricken with the condition as well.  After weighing the situation long and hard, Tom made the selfless decision to adopt Adonis, even though it means that Tom will have to adjust his own life around Adonis' needs.  Thanks to Tom, Adonis even has his own water bed to help keep him comfortable -- warm in the winter and cool in the summer!!!  Our volunteers are delirious with happiness over Adonis' good fortune.  Tom tells us that Adonis fits in perfectly and is the consummate companion who makes his family complete.

We will be forever grateful to Tom and to all of the volunteers who helped Adonis along his rocky road to happiness!