Oscar's Journey to Minnesota

A bit from the volunteers who brought Oscar from the Rez to Secondhand Hounds:

Oscar was found in an area "off the Rez" near the home/farm of a gentleman named Dennis who is well known among the rescue groups as a self-admitted animal hoarder. Oscar had a "traveling companion" who was a Husky/Husky mix. They were both strays, and were likely roaming the area around Dennis' home because he keeps numerous dogs outside, with food accessible. Oscar was not fond of the leash (not aggressive at all, just put on the brakes immediately upon being leashed), indicating that he hasn't had much - if any - experience with one in his life.

Oscar's wound is not new, according to the vet. He has been self-cleansing the wound to the best of his ability, but it is deeply contaminated and will require daily cleansing until it begins to heal from the inside. In spite of the severity of the laceration, Oscar allowed us, without distress or any signs of aggression, to load him into a crate once, then move him out of the crate into a new crate in a different car, and then rode home for over 5 hours without a peep.

Oscar has the look of a very large, all white German Shepherd. Because of his height, and the size and shape of his head, he appears to have some Great Pyrenees in his breed makeup as well (this breed is often seen on the Rez because of its ability to survive the climate). He is significantly underweight - currently about 70 lbs - and could easily stand to gain 15-20 pounds to fill out his statuesque frame. His teeth are in beautiful condition, and the vet has approximated his age at about 1-2 years old. With proper vetting and a loving home, he will likely have many healthy years ahead of him. He has shown a loving and docile personality in the face of great pain and a challenging life. Ironically, we named him Oscar as part of our "Sesame Street" character theme, but he is the polar opposite of his "Grouchy" namesake. :)

He is so deserving of a warm, generous, and loving home...

Day 2- A Day of Firsts

Day 2- 2/20/2011

Oscar was picked up from the Emergency Vet this morning. Even though he just had major surgery, he managed to lick my hand when he saw me. The vet told us that he would need daily vet visits including skin stretching in hopes of closing the wound.

He was a little slow to move and had to be lifted in and out of the car. I could feel his ribs and hip bones without difficulty. Even though he yelped in pain he never growled or nipped. Upon arrival to our house he devoured two cups of food immediately. It was obvious he hadn't eaten for awhile. He then fell fast asleep for about 6 hours on a warm blanket.

When he woke up he had to be coaxed through the house with chicken, and had his first visit to the backyard. He did his business like a gentleman, and then had to be coaxed back inside with some more chicken. The whole time I am thinking, 'there's a fricken snowstorm outside get your butt in here.' He stayed up for a little while to be loved and just fell back asleep on his blanket. I am sure he is exhausted.

Tomorrow will be his first check up at the vet. He is on twice daily antibiotics, and his wound continues to ooze because it is not entirely closed. He doesn't let this get him down though. He knows he has been saved, and today was the first day of the rest of his life. He will never be hungry, thirsty or unloved again.

My only complaint: He is quite smelly!! And I can't do anything about it for awhile. So suggestions for odor deodorizers is much appreciated!!

Day 1- Oscar's Rescue

Day 1- 2/19/2011

This is the story of Oscar. He is a 1 year old German Shepherd/Pyrenees mix from Lake Traverse Indian Reservation who was rescued by Secondhand Hounds.

As you may already know, the Tribal Authority of Lake Traverse has issued a ban on all dogs living in tribal housing. As of April 1, all dogs must be off the reservation or will be shot on sight. Rescues have been working closely with volunteers in Lake Traverse to save as many dogs as possible before this date.

Oscar was rescued from the reservation on 2/19/2011. Based on reports Oscar walked right up to the volunteers as if he knew they were there to save him. He was leash less and collarless. They noticed his stomach wound and knew he needed immediate medical attention.

Oscar rode for 4 hours from Traverse to the Twin Cities. The volunteers that drove him commented that he slept the whole way without a peep. He must have been exhausted. He was sent to the Eden Prairie Emergency Vet where he was brought into surgery at about 9 pm. The wound, right below his ribcage, was the size of a grapefruit, and extended through layers of skin, tissue, and muscle. It was black and infected. The overnight vet team worked hard to debride all the necrotic tissue. Stitches were placed to stretch the skin. Therefore, the wound is not entirely closed yet, and he is still at high risk for infection. Antibiotics were started and he spent his first night at the Eden Prarie emergency vet.

We thank them for all of their hard work.