Entered: 12/12/2010
Status: Adopted
Age: 1
Color: Liver/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, undergoing rehabilitation for a herniated disk, diagnosed with luxating patellas in both knees
Temperament: Good with adults and with children who are old enough to understand she cannot rough-house with them, good with other dogs, good with cats
Update 01/22/11:
Joy was moved to another foster home so it could be determined if she needed surgery on her knees. Her rehab had been going fantastically, and there was no evidence of a problem except for an odd gait that she occasionally displayed when walking. Joy runs, jumps, and plays just as hard as all of the Springers in her foster home, and she never shows any sign of pain.
A trip to the vet diagnosed Joy with medial luxating patellas in both of her knees. After a complete evaluation, it was determined that she did not require knee surgery at this time. She displays a slight bunny hop at times, but she runs, jumps, and maneuvers uneven surfaces without hesitation. The vet felt that Joy would do very well on a quality glucosamine product. Additionally, keeping her weight down and unnecessary pounds off of her lovely figure was recommended. The vet believes that there is only a 20% chance that Joy would need surgery on her knees in the future.
Oh, Joy! This little lady is ready to bring Joy into someone’s life.
Update 01/14/11:
Joy’s recovery is progressing nicely, and her foster family has discovered that she is a very active young lady who loves to romp and play. When she is outside, Joy needs to be kept on a leash to prevent her from engaging in too much roughhousing with her canine foster siblings. Her foster mom finds it also can be a challenge to keep Joy from rough play in the house because she doesn’t realize that she needs to take it easy.
During the Christmas holidays, when her foster mom was home from work, Joy had the run of the house. Since there was a concern that she might get hurt romping with the other dogs when her foster mom returned to work, Joy was crated for her safety. Joy’s foster grandmom, who is visiting the home, reported that Joy cried the entire time that her foster mom was gone, and even attempted to make the great crate escape. Apparently, the crate is not Joy’s favorite place!
Joy is a very loving dog who loves to be near her humans at all times. Although she enjoys playing with her foster siblings, she still wants the security of her humans nearby.
To continue her rehab, Joy soon will be moving to a new foster home. Check back to see how this sweet girl is healing. And watch out – soon there will be no holding her back!
Original:
Joy came to be a MAESSR family member through the help of another rescue group. She was about to be taken to a pound when a volunteer from the other rescue went to inquire about her. Her owner was moving and did not want to take her but allowed the rescuer to intervene. At that point, Joy was unable to walk and was immediately taken to a local vet hospital. There she was diagnosed with a herniated disk. Over most of the next month, Joy underwent observation, various tests and therapy. The great news is that she is progressing beautifully and is well on her way to recovery.
The first night when her foster parents picked her up from the hospital they took her to a large pet store where dogs are welcomed with their people. Joy’s Springer butt never stopped wiggling and everyone in the store thought she was so cute. They couldn’t tell that she had any issues with her back at all. Once home, though, her foster parents needed to continue her rehabilitation with daily work. Joy is now able to stand, walk, and sit. Although she does play with the resident dogs, she is watched very carefully, so they don’t get too rough with her or her with them!
Joy is housebroken and will let her foster parents know when she needs to go outside. She has full run of the house when they are home and is put in a crate when they leave to insure her wellbeing. Joy does not counter surf but has been caught trying to check out the garbage can and was told NO. She would prefer to sleep with her foster parents but, because they are afraid she may try to leap off the bed, she has to sleep beside their bed – better safe than sorry.
She loves being outside as well and, since her foster home had its first snow, her foster dad has found Joy enjoys the snow to the point that she drags him around, trying to leap into drifts. Yes, she will slightly pull on the leash but more so when her curiosity is aroused.
Joy can be a bit aggressive when treats and hugs are being given out to all the dogs, but this issue is being addressed and she is getting better. On her many daily walks outside, Joy at times has a companion by the name of Kitty Kitty, who loves to rub up against her as they walk side by side. Joy loves to car ride and will pop her head up between the seats. Her favorite place to be, though, is when she’s allowed to come sit up in the front seat so she can see where she’s going.
Between her therapy sessions and many walks, Joy’s family has worked with her on basic obedience. In addition to no, she also knows sit, stay, paw and come. She must be thrilled to do things now that other dogs and their people take for granted. Her family is already thinking of the kind of home that will suit this sweetheart best. Joy would be great in a less active environment and one where her rehabilitation can continue. She’s made incredible gains since that fateful day when the first rescuer saw her need and the best is yet to come.