You may remember the story of Lucky from our March newsletter. Brought to the Allegan Shelter as a stray in need of medical attention, he was the result of a breeding experiment gone awry: a Rottweiler/dachshund mix!

We scooped him up right away and brought him to one of the trusted vets in our network for a check up and consultation. He diagnosed Lucky with Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and said that the pressure within the cranium was causing all sorts of problems for our little guy: an enlarged and low hanging head, an odd gait, bulging eyes, balance issues, disorientation, pain, and sensitivities to touch. He immediately referred us to a neurology team in Ann Arbor for further diagnostics and a care plan.

A week later Lucky was taken to Dogwood Neurology Referral Center in Ann Arbor for a comprehensive consultation. After careful examination, Dr. Isaac concurred with Dr. Paternoster’s initial diagnosis, and said that the pressure on Lucky’s brain needed to be relieved in order to determine what normal functions could be resumed.

An MRI and high dose of Prednisone [a steroid] to reduce the inflammation on his brain revealed that Lucky was a candidate for a shunt; a delicate, one way valve placed at the base of the brain to drain the excess fluid that cushions and bathes the brain tissue. Without this surgery, Lucky would surely die, as the fluid pressure would continue to build and compromise the brain tissue itself, and hinder its ability to function.

Approximately a week and a half later, Lucky’s big surgery date arrived. About 5 hours under the knife, our little guy made it through to the other side. The surgery was a success! His recovery went well, and after 4 days in the hospital, he was able to return to his foster home for further healing. We were told not to expect any real noticeable differences for at least a month or so; because his brain had been under so much pressure, it would take a while for the tissue to regenerate and gain functions that had been dormant.

But we noticed positive changes right away: Lucky held his head up high almost immediately. His hoppity horse like gait had been replaced by a more sure-footed “big-boy gait”! His spirits were lifted, his appetite was voracious, and he actively sought out the companionship of the other dogs in the household and wanted to snuggle with his caregivers.

We were thrilled at those immediate results. He began to seem like a normal puppy….his birthright! Then we had a setback. As the incisions began to heal, the itching prompted Little Lucky to scratch at them. He may have wiggled the shunt site enough to break the seal a bit, and was put back on high doses of Prednisone, antibiotics and pain pills. He seemed a tad agitated during his wakeful times, and was restless at night, but gradually progressed from there.

Our little boy went in for his “final check up” last Tuesday, June 5, and got a clean bill of health – a milestone! Dr. Galle said that we should finish the meds he was taking and bring him back in 6 months. He got clearance to resume normal activity and play (other than rough housing with other dogs)….and he can now wear a harness and be leash trained.

Then last Saturday he had another setback: he had a pretty intense seizure that required an emergency call to the neuro-surgeons who immediately called in meds locally. He continued to be agitated all weekend, and had multiple seizures thru out that time.

We then rushed him back to the Dogwood Neurology Center in Ann Arbor where he remains under observation. We need all possible prayers, but we are hopeful for his future. He is a sweet, affectionate little dog who deserves a chance at life.

We continue to love him and care for him as we have from day one. He’s our little Lucky, and he’ll pull thru this, we just know he will! Your prayers and support would be most appreciated! Look for his story and a blog of his healing progress soon, on our Wishbone Pet Rescue website.www.wishbonepetrescue.com.

Thus far, Wishbone has spent over $5,000.00 for Lucky’s needs. This money has come from our Second Chance Fund. This fund was established on behalf of our beloved Chance, the black lab who 3 years ago was hung, poisoned and finally rescued when a neighbor heard his screams.

Chance has brought many animal lovers to continue our mission through the Second Chance Fund. So how could we turn our back on Lucky, who obviously came into this world (as we all do), with a mission? It is our hope to raise enough money to cover our initial costs (so that we can help the next special needs dog or cat that comes our way) and also put aside a “trust” for Lucky’s future forever parents, so that if he should ever need further care and/or a second surgery, we could support them thru such an endeavor.

We can only do this with your help! If you are inspired by Lucky’s story, then please give to his cause! It takes all of us, banding together to really make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Had Lucky not landed at our shelter, who knows what would have become of him? Surely he would NOT have made it on his own. And likewise, we cannot do this work without you.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING GENEROUSLY!

YOUR DONATIONS HELP US TO CONTINUE TO DO MIRACLES!

LUCKY THANKS YOU !