My name is Tucker!

05/15/09: TUCKER IS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR HIS FOREVER HOME

Tucker is ready to be adopted. Read the latest report from his foster mom:

“Tucker is doing great! His skin condition has cleared up nicely, however, he still has some redness around his eyes that should disappear soon. His dream would be to live with a family where he can run around and play all day.

He is just such a happy dog and so well behaved! Tuck's tail never fails to crack people up when it is going a mile a minute. He will gladly drop at your feet whatever toy he happens to be playing with in hopes that you will throw it just one more time. Once we go inside after our play session, he flops down on the floor like a Boxer-Rug.

He is getting along great with his foster siblings as well as any people who come by the house. He is definitely a lover, not a fighter! Tucker is patiently waiting for his forever home, and no dog is more deserving to have a wonderful life!?

04/15/09: Look at my new pictures!



04/05/09: LOOKING GOOD!!!

Tucker has returned to the vet several times since our last update and he finally seems to be showing much improvement. His last appointment was with a Dermatology Specialist because we were worried that his condition was declining.

Tucker started to shake his head and, as we suspected, it was determined that he had infections in both ears. He was started on another course of antibiotics as well as topical medication to put in his ear canals. The doctor also suggested changing Tucker’s diet. He is finally looking good!

Read about a weekend with Tucker from Auntie Liz:

“So Louie, Sneakers and I spent the weekend with Tucker, and let me tell you, we had some fun! Everyone got along great, shared toys and all slept on my bed. They did leave me about a foot of room on one side.

Tucker's skin is looking SO good! His fur on his face and ears is coming in nice and soft, his eyes are clear and he looks like he's on his way to being a whole new dog. He likes to "talk" when he brings you his favorite rope toy, I think he's saying, ‘Time to play!‘ The tail is still going a mile a minute whenever he sees anyone coming.

He is full of life and energy, but he does calm down nicely. His foster mom says he is very low maintenance. When she gets home from work she will sit in a chair and he will bring her his rope or his Kong to throw for him. He is great in the car and is good with cats, he also is fine being an only dog or with others.

Tucker is ready to be adopted and looking forward to becoming part of a family. Tucker is the best!!!”





02/10/09:



Below is the latest update for Tucker, along with some new photos. You can actually see the sparkle in his eyes.

"Hello everyone! I am Tucker’s Aunt Liz. I had the pleasure of fostering Tucker for the first few days he came into rescue. Tucker was here to visit this weekend. When I saw Tucker walk through the door I almost couldn't believe it was him until I saw the tail going a mile a minute.

His coat is softer, his fur is filling out and the shine is beginning to return. All he wanted to do was give kisses and play. The veterinarian saw him again on Friday and compared him to a picture that she took two weeks prior. She determined he is well on the road to a full recovery. He will be neutered this week, but we haven't told him that yet.

I am now fostering a 15 year old lab, Nina, and Tucker was very good around her. I was afraid that he was going to knock her down in his excitement to play, but he was very calm with her. We had a family get-together on Saturday and he had a blast playing with everyone. I want to thank Jacqueline for saving him, thank Helen for bringing him to meet me, and thank my sister Rose for fostering and giving him such great care."





1/16/2009:

TUCKER IS GETTING BETTER SLOWLY



Overall, Tucker‘s skin has shown improvement but there are patches that were so severe that it will take much longer to see results. The doctor said, “it will take a long time for his hair to come back, and the best way to judge his improvement is by the smell and greasy feeling of his fur/skin as well as his level of comfort”.



Tucker’s eyes were bothering him so he is getting eye medication once again. He is due for a check-up with the doctor a week after his last ivermectin injection so he will be seeing the vet soon to evaluate his progress.



According to our recent conversation with the doctor, they may recommend continuing ketoconazole (it would be reasonable to check some blood work before doing that...liver values in particular). They will probably want to do a skin scrape to check for scabies (although hard to find on a scrape) and check his overall skin. They may also put him on revolution....and other meds.



His foster home is giving him lots of TLC as you can see by the newly posted pictures. They are continuing with medicated baths once a week, as well as giving him Derm Caps ES to help his skin heal.



Below is an update from his foster mom:



“Tucker still scratches sometimes, and we're using vinegar to help keep that under control. The smell is way down. He will still shy away when you go near his face but it is not surprising due to the amount of irritation. His coat is much softer to the touch now, and his ears and other sore spots aren't as dry and rough.

He is eating well, likes to play, and is a great listener. Overall his attitude is very good. He only chews his toys and sneaks on the furniture when we're not home. He gets along with people, other dogs, and our 'old' cat ( he only got slapped by him once when he got a little too close). He still needs work on his skin, but like any injury it takes time to heal. Will keep you posted.”



P.S. “Tucker says a big hello to his Aunt Jacqueline.”


A TERRIBLE CASE OF NEGLECT

Tucker is a 3 year old male who was brought into an animal clinic to be euthanized because his family said they could not afford the cost of treatment for his skin issues. When the attending veterinarian heard from the front desk that they had dropped him off to be killed, she chased them down the street and convinced them to sign Tucker over to the clinic. She knew he was a sweet dog.

NBR received a call from the vet who asked for our help; this was not the vet’s practice and she did not have authority to keep Tucker and treat him at the clinic. We immediately offered our help when we were told his story.

We quickly made arrangements with another hospital to get Tucker the medical attention he desperately needed. The veterinarian did everything she could within her limits to make Tucker comfortable while he waited for transfer to the other hospital later in the day.

Upon examination it was determined that Tucker has a wide spread yeast infection, a severe case of fleas, and evidence of long term, untreated dermatological issues. The doctor did some skin scrapings which were negative for mange, but these results are not conclusive.

We are awaiting a more detailed report from the doctors about his condition. As you can see by the pictures, this is a terrible case of neglect. Tucker has obviously endured extreme discomfort for a long time…his skin is crusty and feels like leather. Sadly, he looks much older than his three years.

Please help us to give Tucker the care he needs to lead a happy, healthy life free of pain.

URGENT: PLEASE HELP ME by sending a donation to help with his medical bills. Our funds are depleting rapidly. We will soon be unable to help dogs with medical issues. YOUR HELP IS IMPERATIVE.

If you can help with the medical care for "TBD"

You can send a check directly to: Northeastern Boxer Rescue
P.O. Box 95 Sunderland MA 01375. or use PayPal




Boxer Rescue Contact Area:

Northeastern Boxer Rescue

Jane Scott - janescott@boxerrescue.com

Pam Fosco - pam@boxerrescue.com