| 10/05/02 -
Shauna
From Puppy Mill…to Pet Store…to Rescue
Shauna has had a pretty rough start in life. Reading her paperwork we know that on June 16 she was at the puppy mill where she was born. Shortly after that date she was transported to a pet store in the back of a truck with many other puppies. On June 28 she was at the pet store suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection. She was placed in an isolation cage and the store's veterinarian examined her. He noted that she had a mild to severe nasal discharge and prescribed an antibiotic to be given for 10 days.
When the vet rechecked Shauna again 18 days later, he noted she had a severe nasal discharge and continued the antibiotic treatment. She was again rechecked 7 days later, and after no improvement the antibiotic was changed. Treatment continued for another 10 days. Just over 1 month later she was again checked. Shauna was not improving and still had a nasal discharge. Antibiotics were continued. Approximately 1 week later he noted still no improvement. No further treatment, treatment "REJECTED" and she was returned to isolation. “No further treatment, treatment rejected…” they weren't going to do anything; just put her in the back room!
This poor little puppy about 2 months old, transported like a turnip in the back of a truck, gets sick and is then put in an isolation cage in the back room (out of the sight of any customers) from June 28 to September 14… that's 3 months!!! Luckily, a very caring and compassionate lady became aware of the situation and was able to remove Shauna from the store. She had already contacted NBR and arrangements were made for Shauna to be brought to a veterinary hospital for evaluation and proper care.
When our Doctors at the hospital examined Shauna, they were very concerned. Concerned not only because of the upper respiratory infection, but they were also worried about her front legs. Poor little Shauna had spent most of her life in a small cage, so when she stood up or walked her front legs bent FORWARD at the wrist. Her legs would need therapy; possibly even braces. She had no muscle mass and was very wobbly on her newly found legs.
Shauna was now almost 5 months old, severely underweight (19 pounds), and had a chronic respiratory infection. Chest X-rays confirmed that the infection was now also in her chest. A transtracheal wash was performed. This procedure removed phlegm from deep inside Shauna's respiratory system. This material was then cultured to determine the right antibiotic. Shauna showed improvement within the first 24 hours.
Shauna is now living in a foster home. She is still taking antibiotics and receives daily steam treatments and percussion therapy on her chest to help hasten her recovery. She continues to improve every day, and has already gained 5 pounds in just over 1 week. She is now a very happy puppy playing with the other dogs in her foster home. Shauna still tires very quickly, and sleeps more than a 5-month-old puppy should, but I can see her gaining strength daily. She has another 3 weeks on antibiotics and, if she receives a clean bill of health, she will then be spayed and ready for adoption.
I do hope that Shauna's story helps to make people more aware. Yes…that cute puppy in the pet store at your local mall is very sweet, and yes… the pup deserves a good home like any other puppy, but buying that puppy gives them the profit they need to place their next order with the puppy mill. Your purchase perpetuates the cruelty and neglect these puppies and their unfortunate parents are subjected to every day. The only way to stop this from happening is not to buy anything, not so much as a biscuit or a goldfish, from ANY store that sells kittens or puppies. You can make a difference! The next time you are tempted to give your business to a pet store who sells dogs, please picture Shauna in that back room all alone, just a baby, sick, for 3 months of her life. Show them you care and tell them they won't get your business. They don't get ours!!!
If you are interested in adopting this dog, please fill out an
online application first. Then e-mail the contact below. Be sure to include your full name, city,
state, and area code in the subject line of your message.
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