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We very recently determined that Chancie's birth defects were more extensive than anyone had previously realized. Last week, Chancie's right elbow swelled up and he was limping severely. X-rays showed a deformed right front leg. This meant that Chancie had only one fully functioning leg. We were faced with the following facts:
These factors combined to deny Chancie any hope of functioning normally in the future. In the present, his quality of life was substantially impaired. In view of this situation, we tearfully said good-bye to Chancie on Monday. Surrounded by love, Chancie's journey to the Bridge was peaceful. He was supported by familiar faces and the kind, loving hands of his two FMs, Dr. H and her assistant, M. As difficult as it was, we knew this decision was the right one for this gallant little man. What lightened the somber mood just a bit was the fact that Chancie had worked his charm on everyone at the vet's office. This resulted in everyone bringing him treats! He had regular treats, blueberry yogurt, Cheetos, ice cream AND his very favorite - a waffle topped with whipped cream!! No doubt: Chancie waddled off to the Bridge with a fat little tummy!
We will miss Chancie terribly. He was a sweet, loving guy who had an immense reservoir of determination and a 100% can-do attitude. Chancie was a fighter and met the many obstacles placed in his path with courage, optimism and perseverance. His sass endeared him to us all. The memory that stands out to me is the joy Chancie radiated when he was able (with assistance) to run and play with the other guys and fetch sticks in the back yard! His delight was palpable. He was a sweet snuggle bunny who loved giving and getting hugs and kisses. Chancie exemplified the strength and triumph of an indomitable spirit over all obstacles. He was an inspiration. Now that he is at the Bridge, I believe No more does he suffer in pain or sadness For here he is whole, his life filled with gladness. His limbs are restored, his health renewed, His body has healed, with strength imbued. (excerpt from The Rainbow Bridge - Anonymous) Sweet Chancie, knowing that you are now as whole in body as you have always been in spirit brings us comfort. We will always love you, little man. We can't wait to see you running and playing when we meet you at the Bridge.
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Chance 15-147
Profile
Sponsored by:
Teresa and Jan P
"Stay strong Chance!"
David Anderson and Sheri Auclair
"The Anderson and Auclair family are rooting for you!"
"Keep moving forward!" -Tommy N
"Best wishes." -Anonymous
"In memory of Hallie." -Judy D
"Welcome to the Golden Life." -Kathy and Hailie W
| In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entered Foster Care | Fence | Kid Friendly | Another Dog | Cat Friendly | |
| 7/12/2015 | Not required | Yes, any ages | Not required | Yes | |
| This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog. | |||||
Please welcome RAGOM's newest foster dog and heartthrob, Chance 15-147!
Chance is a 6-month-old male Golden Retriever puppy. He was lovingly surrendered by a family who took him in from a breeder when he was a young puppy. The breeder couldn't find a home for him since he was paralyzed. It is unknown if he was born that way or if he suffered some sort of injury as a young puppy (such as his mother stepping on him). What we do know is that his condition is permanent and he will always need assistance to move around. RAGOM's orthopedic surgeon reviewed his X-rays, and based on what she saw and the amount of time that has passed since his paralysis was first noticed, she doesn't think there is anything that can surgically be done to help him regain function. As you can see in the picture, he has been using a cart to move around. He has quickly outgrown his cart and we will be purchasing a new one for him so he can get around more easily without the risk of him tipping over. These wheelchairs are expensive, and Chance could really use a sponsor or two to help with the costs of purchasing the wheelchair! Chance is able to move his rear legs and stand up with a lot of assistance. He is able to control his bowels, but does leak urine. He came with diapers to help keep him dry, and we have ordered a few belly bands to try on him. It is very common in dogs with paralysis to have urinary incontinence and it is manageable with belly bands and frequent bathing when he soils himself. We will be starting water therapy (swimming in the pool) to help him get exercise and to help with muscle tone. We are also doing physical therapy and stretches with him, which he is learning to love!
Chance will visit the vet this week to get a few vaccinations, be microchipped, and he will need to be neutered before he's adopted. We will report back after his vet visit to update on what our vet says, and also share what his current weight is. Chance absolutely LOVES our two dogs, and really gets excited when he's around them. Our 7-month-old RAGOM puppy, Sully, wants to play with Chance all the time and then they both curl up to nap together in Chance's puppy pen. I think Chance would enjoy having another dog in his forever home, but it's not a requirement and I think he'll do fine as an only dog, too. Chance has previously lived with cats and we have 2 in our home, and he does fine with them. He has also been around kids of all ages and would do fine in a home with or without kids. A fenced yard is not required for him, though he will need exercise to burn off his puppy energy. Right now, since his cart is too small and he tips it over, we are carrying him out to the grass and letting him drag himself around and play with our other two dogs. He has been good about urinating and defecating when I put him outside, too.
Chance is an adorable puppy and is so sweet! Although he is a special-needs boy and will require more work and dedication from his forever family, he is totally worth it and helping him is so rewarding! Please remember: caring for a paralyzed dog is a lot more work than caring for an able-bodied dog, and it will require a lifelong commitment and dedication from his forever family. Please contact your placement advisor if you are interested in learning more about Chance and his needs. We know he will make a wonderful family member for some lucky family!
At a Glance #15-147
| Golden Retriever | Born: January 2015 |
| Male | 30 lbs |
Status: Deceased
Profile
Sponsored by:
Teresa and Jan P
"Stay strong Chance!"
David Anderson and Sheri Auclair
"The Anderson and Auclair family are rooting for you!"
"Keep moving forward!" -Tommy N
"Best wishes." -Anonymous
"In memory of Hallie." -Judy D
"Welcome to the Golden Life." -Kathy and Hailie W
| In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entered Foster Care | Fence | Kid Friendly | Another Dog | Cat Friendly | |
| 7/12/2015 | Not required | Yes, any ages | Not required | Yes | |
| This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog. | |||||
Please welcome RAGOM's newest foster dog and heartthrob, Chance 15-147!
Chance is a 6-month-old male Golden Retriever puppy. He was lovingly surrendered by a family who took him in from a breeder when he was a young puppy. The breeder couldn't find a home for him since he was paralyzed. It is unknown if he was born that way or if he suffered some sort of injury as a young puppy (such as his mother stepping on him). What we do know is that his condition is permanent and he will always need assistance to move around. RAGOM's orthopedic surgeon reviewed his X-rays, and based on what she saw and the amount of time that has passed since his paralysis was first noticed, she doesn't think there is anything that can surgically be done to help him regain function. As you can see in the picture, he has been using a cart to move around. He has quickly outgrown his cart and we will be purchasing a new one for him so he can get around more easily without the risk of him tipping over. These wheelchairs are expensive, and Chance could really use a sponsor or two to help with the costs of purchasing the wheelchair! Chance is able to move his rear legs and stand up with a lot of assistance. He is able to control his bowels, but does leak urine. He came with diapers to help keep him dry, and we have ordered a few belly bands to try on him. It is very common in dogs with paralysis to have urinary incontinence and it is manageable with belly bands and frequent bathing when he soils himself. We will be starting water therapy (swimming in the pool) to help him get exercise and to help with muscle tone. We are also doing physical therapy and stretches with him, which he is learning to love!
Chance will visit the vet this week to get a few vaccinations, be microchipped, and he will need to be neutered before he's adopted. We will report back after his vet visit to update on what our vet says, and also share what his current weight is. Chance absolutely LOVES our two dogs, and really gets excited when he's around them. Our 7-month-old RAGOM puppy, Sully, wants to play with Chance all the time and then they both curl up to nap together in Chance's puppy pen. I think Chance would enjoy having another dog in his forever home, but it's not a requirement and I think he'll do fine as an only dog, too. Chance has previously lived with cats and we have 2 in our home, and he does fine with them. He has also been around kids of all ages and would do fine in a home with or without kids. A fenced yard is not required for him, though he will need exercise to burn off his puppy energy. Right now, since his cart is too small and he tips it over, we are carrying him out to the grass and letting him drag himself around and play with our other two dogs. He has been good about urinating and defecating when I put him outside, too.
Chance is an adorable puppy and is so sweet! Although he is a special-needs boy and will require more work and dedication from his forever family, he is totally worth it and helping him is so rewarding! Please remember: caring for a paralyzed dog is a lot more work than caring for an able-bodied dog, and it will require a lifelong commitment and dedication from his forever family. Please contact your placement advisor if you are interested in learning more about Chance and his needs. We know he will make a wonderful family member for some lucky family!
Updates
Monday, October 12, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Most important, thank you to Tommy N., Judy D., Kathy and Haile W., and Anonymous for remembering Chancie with paw prints at Goldzilla. Your help and support is greatly appreciated!
Chancie (along with TFM, daughter M, and the 4 residents) had a wonderful time at Goldzilla. Hoping to conserve Chancie's energy, TFM borrowed a wagon from neighbors.
It was a terrific idea, but come that Sunday, Chancie would have none of it. He kept jumping out of the wagon! So, we put on the rear-end harness and this determined little guy walked around Goldzilla. He had so much fun meeting people in the Foster Tent area and loved the Showcase parade. As expected, everyone was tired at the end of the day and slept well that night!
We are really starting to see the payoff from all of Chancie's hard work: daily walks (we're up to 14 houses "round-trip") and PT, including manipulation to increase his flexibility and massage to soothe his aching muscles. About 10 days ago, I found him lying on his left-hand side. Another first which has now become a regular occurrence.
And here's the best news ever: Chancie has started to use his wheelchair!! He's approaching this challenge like he approaches everything in his life: with total enthusiasm and commitment. The two short videos included below show his first attempts at using the chair. Interestingly, what we have found is that Chancie's right rear leg is substantially weaker than the left rear leg. He seems to function best with his right leg suspended in a stirrup, but with his left leg unhindered so that it can provide further support for him. Also, because of his spinal curvature, we found that wedging a towel between his right hip and the chair is the most comfortable for him.
The next video shows Chancie's first wheelchair attempts at home on the grass.
Every day, he gets a bit stronger and more agile in his chair. The most fun Chancie has had so far was in the backyard, when the residents were also out. Chancie rolled over a garden hose and a few stepping stones - nearly tipping over - with total disregard for his safety and stability. He was ecstatic at the thought of interacting with the residents on their terms. They, however, were not nearly as enthusiastic about this and, in fact, were somewhat chagrined! And so Chancie has taken another huge step forward. We celebrated this major milestone in Chancie's development with, what else, ice cream! We are also mindful, with his significantly increased activity level, that Chancie walks on two, rather than four, legs. So, he is now on a daily regimen of glucosamine and fish oil. Dr. H has also prescribed a low dosage of Rimadyl, for use on an as-needed basis, after he has a particularly challenging workout.
TFM's final news is that Chancie is moving to the home of a wonderful permanent foster this week. He will continue his journey with people committed to helping him function to his fullest capacity, cradled in loving care. A lifetime supply of hugs and kisses and much love go with you, little man.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Chancie attended a Meet-and-Greet in Shakopee several weeks ago. He had so much fun! He and Daisy (15-123) entertained us almost nonstop with their puppy antics. In between their games, Daisy met her forever family and is now in her new home. Hooray for Daisy!
On a daily basis, Chance is working very hard to gain strength and endurance. In addition to our backyard walkabouts, we are walking up and down the street in our neighborhood. He's up to 4-5 houses in one direction and we then turn around and come back. Good progress! TFM thinks he would do this nonstop, but because she's on rear harness and leash duty, we take a rest midway through our jaunt. Chancie is not very fond of the leash. He'd much rather go exactly where he wants to go - but he's getting used to it! Most of all, he loves to explore and is never happier than when we meet someone along the way.
Physical therapy is one of Chance's favorite activities. He gets so excited when I put his boots/harness on and we head through the house and out to the car. He knows exactly where we're going and can't wait. Once we arrive at the vets:
He works on his balance (on what look like a prickly Bosu balls): 
He works on his core: 
He stretches: 
He gets a deep-tissue/muscle/joint massage: 
The results have been so encouraging. When Chancie arrived in my home, his legs and joints were stiff and inflexible. It's almost as if they were frozen. But since we started PT, his range of motion and flexibility have improved substantially. What TFM noticed almost immediately when we started the PT was a small but noticeable lessening in the outward splay of Chancie's front legs. His legs will probably never be 100% straight, but he continues to improve. Second, when Chance first arrived, he laid exclusively on his right side. TFM could roll him over to his other side, but it was obviously not comfortable for him because he'd roll right back over to the preferred side again. Given this, imagine my surprise when I saw him taking a nap - lying on his stomach - this past week. Real progress that he can initiate and be comfortable in a new position.
Third, TFM has put down a yoga mat on the kitchen floor. This enables Chancie to be more mobile. And it helps him as he tries to push himself up into a sitting position. These days, he tries that a lot. He can now push himself up into what TFM calls a precursor to a sit. It's only a matter of time until he gets all the way up.
And on the totally fun side of things, the residents have introduced Chance to the joys of peanut butter. Everyone gets a spoonful at the end of the day, just before we go to sleep at night. He loves his peanut butter!
Chancie hopes to see you at Goldzilla next weekend. He will be in the Parade, in the Foster Tent, and wandering around the grounds (with the residents and TFM in tow). Stop by and see this marvelous little guy who has a spirit that doesn't know the word quit. It will make his day and I promise that it'll make your day!
Monday, August 24, 2015
In keeping with RAGOM's strong commitment to the dogs in its care, Chance has been approved for physical therapy. We had our first two appointments this past week with Dr. H. Like everyone who meets this sweet little man, Dr. H fell in love with Chancie immediately. She started our session with a hugs and pats, took a few body measurements, and we then fitted him with a harness and life jacket. TFM knew exactly what Chance was thinking as his time in the underwater treadmill unfolded from the expressions on his face:
"Why am I in this funny-looking bathtub? Is that water coming in the bottom?"
"The water's getting deeper. I need some help here!"
"Yikes! What's going on? Now the floor is starting to move!"
"That wasn't so bad. I worked hard. I think I'll just rest for a while...I can't wait to tell Tundra (14-123) that I've started my Mr. Universe training. Hooray! "
And Chance did work hard at exercising his legs. Tired at the end of the session, he just decided to float, secure in his life vest and the kind, supporting human hands. This whole sequence of events made it so obvious to TFM that this little pup has been loved his whole life. He adapted to a new and unsettling experience so very quickly and regained his self assurance and savoir faire rapidly. Kudos to Chance!
After the treadmill, Chancie worked out on the exercise ball - alternating between his front and back legs.
Dr. H noted that Chance's legs are relatively stiff. She showed TFM how to do some basic stretching exercises with him to increase his flexibility and range of motion. Then, at our second session, in addition to the treadmill, exercise ball and stretching exercises, we put Chancie into his wheelchair.
Dr. H identified why we're having so much trouble with the wheelchair right away. Chance is going through an uneven growth period (which is common to all puppies). Right now, his back legs are longer than his front legs. This difference is compounded because, as a result of his spinal condition, his front legs splay outward. As a result, when he's in his wheelchair, Chance has to "carry" substantially more weight on his front legs and chest than would an adult dog whose front and back legs are about the same length and whose front legs are, essentially, perpendicular to the ground. That's why Chance is having trouble with the wheelchair! Chancie's further growth, aided by physical therapy, will resolve the situation. Until then, we will put Chance into the chair regularly so that he becomes thoroughly accustomed to it and work toward the day he can use and enjoy the freedom that the chair will bring him.
On a day-to-day basis, Chance fits in more and more comfortably with the resident pack. TFM's guys are not enthusiastic about Chance's puppy tendency to grab at tails and legs as they pass by within his reach. But they're relaxing and becoming more tolerant of this little sweetie pie. And when Chance is a bit more tired and mellower, its a different story. Then, he's one of the crowd and snuggles in with everyone else. Cubbie has started to play with Chance also.
On some of the hotter days, Chancie has enjoyed our backyard pool. It's a nice opportunity to cool off for this little guy.
Our world is busier and far richer with Chance in it. He is a happy, confident, well-adjusted puppy. He compensates marvelously for his physical shortcomings. He is never happier than when he is doing puppy things: chewing bones, chasing sticks, asking the guys to play with him, exploring the backyard, and so forth. We are also working on the fact that TFM's hand is not a stick and not to be mouthed/chewed! In so many ways, Chancie provides a marvelous blueprint on how to live our lives:
- Be curious and try to do everything.
- Work hard and play joyfully.
- Offer/ask for hugs and kisses frequently.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Love everyone unreservedly.
- Cheerfully accept your situation and move on - to live to the fullest.
Chancie is a very special pup who needs a very special home.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Hi, everyone! Mr. Wonderful has arrived in MN and we have had an action-packed several weeks. But before we get to that, a big THANK YOU to David Anderson and Sheri Auclair and family for sponsoring Chance. He has - and will continue to have - some expenses that dogs with fully functioning legs do not have. Your help and compassion for this sweet little boy are greatly appreciated.
Our biggest news is first: when Chance arrived to TFM's (temp foster mom) home, we did several things that have helped in caring for Chance. But the benefits have far exceeded my wildest expectations. My home has slippery wooden floors and a smooth kitchen floor. Chance was slipping and sliding on a full time basis - and not making any progress. So, TFM got Chance some hiking/trekking boots that have rubberized bottoms. They give him grip/purchase both inside the house and outside in the yard. With my assistance with his rear end, Chance is no longer somewhat helpless. He can walk! Second, TFM got a rear lift harness (an adjunct to his Walkin' Wheels wheelchair). This harness allows me to lift and support Chance's hindquarters. It is much more comfortable for him, I know, than a towel sling. These aids have made our lives so much easier. Chance doesn't need to be carried. By a wide margin, however, Chance is the one who has benefited most from these aids. The boots and harness enable us do walkabouts in the back yard. He is ambulatory! He explores. He chews on flowers and mulch. He chases sticks. He runs after the other guys. He is a fully functioning dog. And Chance loves it. He is so happy - which is obvious by the big smile on his face. (An important side benefit is that he is getting weight bearing exercise on both his front and rear legs.) TFM has 3 wide steps leading from the kitchen to the back yard. Chance is now confident enough (that I'm right behind him w/his rear end) that he enthusiastically throws himself down the steps. This is one intrepid little guy.
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Here's a video of Chance in action.
The wheelchair has not been an overwhelming success. Chance and I went over to visit Tundra (14-123) and his FD this past Sunday to help with fine-tuning the chair setup. A big thank you to handsome Tundra and FD (you're handsome too, R!) for helping us out. It became apparent, however, that Chance does not have the strength in his chest and front legs at this time to get very far in the chair. We will explore what needs to be done. Here's what Chance said to me on the way home: "Tundra told me that he goes to PT twice a week. And it really shows. I'm like the little guy on the beach that everyone kicks sand on compared to Tundra who looks like Mr. Universe." So, what could I say? TFM promised Chance that he will look like Mr. Universe also!
We visited the vet for a routine booster shot this past week. Chance is terrific in the car - lies quietly - and, of course, turned on the puppy charm at the office. He sure knows how to work a crowd. The vet was extremely pleased that Chance is using his front and back legs so much - we go outside to play 6-8 times a day. The vet discussed how important exercise is to maintain and build muscle tone and as an aid in neural recircuiting in Chance's back legs.
We also participated in the Elk River Meet-and-Greet this past weekend. Chance had so much fun - new surroundings, smells, people, and other dogs. What more could he want. And he let everyone know it - not at all shy about barking his enthusiasm to all the other dogs.
TFM is so fortunate to be able to participate in and help Chance on his golden journey. It is time consuming. But much of that has been by choice: Chance is so responsive and commits to everything we do. He is so adaptable. His progress with our exercise regimen is obvious. The objective is not the care of a disabled puppy. It's working to help Chance become all he can be. And Chance's infectious enthusiasm makes the process so fun. He is a happy, curious pup who has some sass in him. The word "cure" is not in our lexicon. But Chance can continue to improve and adapt to live a long, lovely life. He is a Golden and thrives on family and human interaction. He will be a supremely loving and responsive companion. We had a saying where I used to work: "We don't have problems - only opportunities." For the right forever home, Chance provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which you will never regret.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Chance gave everyone quite a scare last week after his neuter surgery. Initially he did well, but then the next day he developed bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and had a fever of 105. After that, he stopped eating. We got his diarrhea stopped and his fever down, but he still continued to vomit occasionally and he refused to eat. He was growing more and more lethargic and we were really worried about him. Finally, we ended up at the ER vet, where we had bloodwork and X-rays done. These were both within normal limits, and we took him home on an anti-nausea medication. Within a few days, he started eating, and shortly after that, his appetite returned 100% and he started acting like a puppy again! We will have him on GI protectants just in case he developed an ulcer, but we think he likely had a bad reaction to surgery and anesthesia. He is feeling so much better now and he is getting stronger every day. He is starting to pull himself around more with his front legs, and even trying to stand on all four legs! His right rear leg is a lot weaker than his left rear leg, but we think that with continued exercise, he will get stronger. In addition to needing a new wheelchair, Chance has also had some pretty big vet bills from being sick. If you would like to help offset those costs, please consider donating towards his care or sponsoring Chance. RAGOM doesn't turn away dogs requiring medical care, so we depend on our awesome, loyal fans to help with the extra costs that these special needs dogs require in order to be happy, healthy dogs.
We want to thank Chance's sponsors, Teresa and Jan P! We are so grateful for your contribution!!
While he was sick, he developed hot spots on his right side after his belly band leaked and he was too weak to move off the urine-soaked blanket. I was checking on him every few hours overnight, but even this short amount of time was enough to cause his skin to react. We found that by using a raised bed (a Coolaroo bed, to be exact), it allows any extra fluids to pass through (to a pee pad placed under the bed) and it allows air to circulate and keep his skin dry. He really likes the bed and we have found that he rests easier on his left side with the bed than without.
A few other things we've learned about Chance:
- He would likely do best in a home where someone is home either all of the time, or at least part of the day. I work full-time and come home at lunch to give him a break and he does OK with that, but he really would benefit from being able to get up and around more often. Once he gets his wheelchair, he will be ready to go for walks and he will need to burn off that puppy energy!
- While another dog isn't required in his forever home, I think he would like another dog's company. Even though he couldn't keep up with our 7-month-old Golden puppy, he still loved to play and mouth-wrestle with him! He gets so excited when he sees another dog and he wants to be around them.
- He rides really well in the car. He sits or lays nicely on the back seat and doesn't bark or go crazy.
- He handles bath time and grooming well, which is good, considering he will need a bath more often since he does leak urine. We also use baby wipes to spot clean as needed in between baths.
- He LOVES antlers to chew on!
- He enjoys swimming and it's also a good form of exercise for him. He does need to wear a lifejacket, though!
Chance has made the move to MN to a new foster after our resident dog got sick. We miss him like crazy, but we knew it would be best for him to have a foster family who could dedicate the time that he needs on a daily basis. We also think that by making the move to MN, he will be able to attend more RAGOM events and meet more potential families that way, so it's a win-win situation!
I've included a picture of Chance when he was a little puppy in his wheelchair. Gosh, is he cute or what?! If you are interested in learning more about Chance, please contact your placement advisor!
