Fri, 9 Jul 2004
Subject: [WAMAL] ANOTHER Happy Ending
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Thought you might all be heartwarmed to read this exchange:
Hello,
My name is Bryon, and I work closely with our local Humane society and
animal shelter. Last Friday, a Malamute female was brought into our shelter by
local law enforcement. She is very laid back and of calm disposition. No
one came to claim her or even inquired about her. She is grossly under nurshed
and very head shy as to indicate abuse. My family, does weekend care for all
the annimals at our shelter, and this dog, of so many, captured our hearts.
As of yesterday we have officially adopted "Nana".
My problem is this: During the time Nana was at our shelter, she did
not eat. If she did eat, it was not enough to be noticable. I am totally aware
of the nutrition and feeding of our shelter animals, and know that we feed
top quality commerical foods, that are avalible either by donation or by
purchase. Several different combonations were presented to her, but with the same
results. While she was there my wife and I were muchly concerned about her
refusal to eat.
She is very affectionate and non agressive, and listens to command very
well, but now on her second day with us, she still has not eaten, more then
maybe a cup of food I would guess at the most. The Vet that examined her could
find no physical problems, and suggested that she may just be a finicky
eater, or might be in the throngs of a deep depression over the lost owners.
At this point I am desperately seeking any info on how to overcome this
imediate prolem to get her through this, so we can bond as a family with her
and get her into a regular routine in our house hold. Any help would be apprecia
ted. I have spent many many hours searching the net for some info that might
help, but really havent found any that meets our present emergency need.
Thank you
Bryon Best
Hello Byron
Thank you for giving Nana a home. It is very unusual for a malamute to not
eat, but there are many other breeds, including mixes who will not eat while
under stress. If you want to send us a picture we can help determine if she is a
purebred malamute or not. If she is not throwing up and is drinking well and
passing stool, I would not worry overly much.
I would treat her for parasites/worms. And I would begin to feed her some
lightly cooked hamburger and rice. (add a little garlic powder for aroma) or
cooked chicken and rice. Feed her as much as she will eat and pick up the bowl
(you can refrigerate and save for later) when she has stopped eating. Present her
with several chances to eat but do not leave the bowl down. Always pick it up
and put it away as soon as she stops eating and offer it later. My bet is as
soon as she feels safe and "at home" she will begin to eat. She may never be a
typical eater as far as malamutes go, but she will eat enough to stay healthy
eventually. Also animals (including humans) who have been starved can't
handle a whole lot of food initially, so offering mouthfuls on a regular basis may
really be the best thing for her. She has clearly been abused and I doubt she
is mourning for her former caretakers but she is probably very unsure of
anything. Love and kindness will make the biggest difference but may take a little
while. Please let us know how things go. Where are you located, by the way?
Cindy
I recently asked how things with Nana were going. Here is the reply:
Cindy,
Since I last had correspondence with you , we discovered a whole list of
hurdles with Nana
Because of her depleted state, it was not at first evident that she was
pregnant. ultra sound revealed that she was. And because of that depleted state,
the Vet determined that she could not safely deliver. Also we discovered that
she had in the recent past be shot, as the buckshot was still in her. Then
the bombshell exploded, Nana was discovered to have heartworm, in quite an
advanced stage, as well as several intestinal worms including tape worm. Not to
mention broken toes.
In spite of all that, and after many many many trips and stays at the
Vet, Nana is now fully recovered and in EXTRA fine shape. She has gained a good
amount of weight and her youthful nature as well. We have a very wonderful
addition to our family. Haven't thought about pictures lately so I just
snapped a quick one here beside my desk to send along. (not a real good one, but its
hard to get her to stand still for a picture) Thank you for you concern. God
Bless
Bryon Best
Wow what a story!
Cindy
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