A Big Smile and a Bigger Heart

Burr came to the AWLA in August of 2017, and we were sure he’d find his perfect family immediately. His face was never without a smile, and at eight years old, his energy level was fairly mellow even if his personality was outsized. Clear the Shelters was right around the corner and we were excited to wish Burr a happy bon voyage as he headed off to his new home.

But then we saw him limp. It wasn’t obvious at first, but as he continued to play and be active with volunteers and in dog playgroups, it became more pronounced. Our shelter veterinarian looked at him but wanted an expert opinion to be sure of the diagnosis, and after a trip to Vola Lawson Animal Guardians the Regional Veterinary Referral Center, it was confirmed: Burr was suffering from a cranial cruciate ligament rupture, a serious condition that is similar to an ACL tear in humans.

We could tell that Burr had a lot of energy and wanted to get out and about, and we wanted to help him do so without pain. We receive some funds from the City for our animals’ basic medical needs, but for bigger expenses like Burr’s, we rely on Sarah’s Fund, which allows our community to help cover the costs of emergency treatments or life-changing surgeries.

Thanks to these donations from so many generous supporters, Burr was able to undergo surgery to repair his cruciate ligament, but his journey wasn’t over. His recovery period would take months, and he would stay in the care of one of our amazing foster caregivers while he recuperated, attended physical therapy and had regular vet check-ins. He enjoyed Christmas with them, even receiving a brand new toy and a huge chewy bone from Santa Claws, while continuing to work his leg and regain his strength.  And he continued to keep up his good spirits!

After a long road to recovery, Burr is finally ready to find himself a new family. From his time with his amazing fosters, he already knows his basic commands, and he’s house-trained. He loves leisurely walks and eyeing the squirrels from a safe distance, after which, he wants nothing more than to snuggle on the couch with his best friends. And through everything he’s gone through, he maintained his big smile.

Back in August, we thought our boy Burr would find his family in no time, and we are once again wishing that for our senior retriever. If you’d like to learn more about our pup who’s overcome so much and is stronger for all of it, we hope you’ll come in to meet our handsome Burr!

If you’d like to help us be prepared to care for animals like Burr in the future, please consider making a donation to Sarah’s Fund for animals with medical needs.  On behalf of Burr and so many others, thank you!

 

First photo courtesy of Alison Lane Photography