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My name is Lucy!

Posted over 11 years ago

My basic info

Breed
Golden Retriever
Color
Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut
Age
Young
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Female
Pet ID

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Purebred
Checkmark in teal circle Needs experienced adopter
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Has special needs

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Lucy endured an unexplained back fracture which led to a stroke and paralysis in both her hind legs. She regained the use of her right hind leg, but her left leg was permanently damaged. She was also incontinent and could not control her bowels. Her previous owners could not afford the necessary care, so they left her in their backyard. Lucy laid in urine and feces for two months while trying to survive one of the coldest winters on record. When she was finally given up to SEVA GRREAT, she was very weak and weighed less than 40 pounds. She had no hair on her tail and hind parts because of urine scalding. She was able to move around by tucking her left leg under her belly, but often tripped over the leg and developed a large sore on her hip from constant dragging.
After large doses of antibiotics and lots of love, Lucy spent six weeks in therapy and rehabilitation at P.A.W.S. to try and save her leg. Unfortunately, due to the extent of the damage from the stroke and the length of time the condition was left untreated, the therapy did not work and amputation was necessary. The therapy did strengthen her core muscles and hind leg so Lucy was able to tolerate the amputation.

Prior to surgery, Lucy served as Co-Grand Marshall of the Christmas parade at Town Center. She loved the crowd and was quite a ham. She had her surgery November 21, 2011 and the amputation was successful. Her recovery has been a very tumultuous time. Because Lucy was so skinny, she kept bumping into things and popping her stitches open. She has endured more than ten additional surgeries and anesthesia to re-stitch the incision.

Lucy had her stitches removed and was declared fully recovered March 25, 2012. The only mention of stitches are the ones she keeps her foster family in with her love of life and antics. She has adjusted well to being a “tri-pawed”. Her posture and gait are much better and she does not drag her side on the ground unless there is a renegade tennis ball that gets away from her. After the surgery, Lucy’s bladder can be easily expressed. Diapers are still a necessity to combat the incontinence and uncontrollable bowel movements. She is on a tight schedule to keep accidents to a minimum.
Many will say we saved a dog’s life, but we think it is the other way around. Lucy saved us. She is an absolute example of determination and perseverance.

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