Stray Thoughts 2019 Volume 2 Spring 2019 Newsletter_Digital

Stray Thoughts News, Events & Adoption Information Spring 2019 Inside Carrera is a Special Needs Dog with an Extra-Special Spirit! Page 1 & 2: Carrera Page 2: WSHS Wishlist WSHS Staff Ways to Give Page 3 Ready for a Home Page 4: Ask the Trainer Page 5: Pet Watch with Dr. Main Letters from Adopters Page 6: Volunteer Spotlight Upcoming Events Page 7: Hearty Thanks Page 8: Annual Plant Sale Stray Thoughts is an official publication of the West Suburban Humane Society, a not-for-profit, volunteer- based animal shelter. No city, state, or federal funds support WSHS. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please call (630) 960-9600, ext. 25 to submit articles or receive donation information. Adoption Center: 1901 W. Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 E-mail Address: [email protected] Phone: (630) 960-9600 Fax: (630) 960-9604 www.WSHS-DG.org S everal months ago, we received a call from a WSHS supporter about a paralyzed dog that needed help. Carrera was found on the streets of Chicago by a Good Samaritan and was taken to Chicago Animal Care and Control. She couldn’t walk, had some scrapes and cuts and looked like she had recently had puppies. The vet there took x-rays and started her on pain medication but couldn’t find a reason for the paralysis. She soon became a staff and volunteer favorite. Unfortunately space at animal control is always at a premium and keeping a paralyzed dog there long term was not an option. Carrera’s time was up. Without a commitment from a rescue to take her, she would be euthanized. We didn’t know what her long term prognosis would be or if we would be able to help her, but one look in those beautiful, sad eyes and we knew we had to try. We picked Carrera up and immediately took her to our vet. It was fortunate that the surgeon was able to take a look at her immediately. He could not determine the reason for her paralysis but because she had been paralyzed for so long, there is no way to reverse the damage. Carrera is determined and has the will to live. He felt that even with the paralysis she would be able to live a full, happy life. Carrera will be paralyzed for life. Because she cannot fully empty her bladder, she will battle constant bladder infections. She will require medication for pain and joint supplements. She will also need to be on a special diet. We know it is going to be hard to find the right home for her, but we think she is worth it. Carrera has had some physical therapy and has been fitted for a cart which will help with her mobility. She is growing stronger and stronger every day. With everything she has been through, Carrera is a friendly, happy-go-lucky girl. She is a little shy when she first meets new people but she warms up quickly. She is safe and happy and enjoying the good life in her foster home. Unfortunately, the foster home’s situation has changed and they are no longer able to care for Carrera. One reason is that she gets very lonely when everyone is at work all day and has a hard time entertaining herself since all she can do is drag herself from place to place.