Special Circumstances: Duke (#1126)

My name is Duke (#1126) and I would like to tell you my story. I am a three year-old Golden Retriever that was loved and cared for, but at the age of six months I fell out of the back of a pickup truck and pulled the tendons in my right lower leg. The carpal joint in that foot was hyperextened, which caused me to drop my hock when I walked so that I actually walked down on what you would describe as my wrist. This condition had caused the pads on my foot to be worn off and my foot was continually raw and infected. My family couldn't get this healed, so rather than me walking around the house with a bloody foot, I was put outside. When they realized this wasn't much of a life for me they called Golden Bond and they came to my rescue.

Once in my new foster home, I visited with Dr. Libbi Hawkins of Raleigh Hills Vet Clinic, trying to figure out just what was needed for me to heal properly. My foster mom started soaking and bandaging my foot at least twice a day. That has done on daily since the end of October, which was my intake date. The original infection cleared up, but my paw continued to cause me problems as other sores continued to open and it just wouldn't heal.

I was then taken to see Dr. Munjar at The Veterinary Referral Center of Portland, where it was suggested that the only way this would really heal properly was to have carpalarthrodesis surgery, which is the fusing of the wrist joint. Since I am such a good boy, Golden Bond decided I was certainly worth the expense of the surgery.

You can see by my picture that I have had the surgery and the beautiful blue cast covers the wrist where the metal plate is screwed into the bone. I will be recovering for quite a while with weekly check-ups with Dr. Munjar. But this really isn't a problem as I am happy in my foster home where there are two other Goldens. They all love me and we play together, as much as I am allowed, and life is good thanks to Golden Bond Rescue, who really did come to my rescue.

After telling you my story I wonder if it might be too bold to ask if you would care to donate to the cost of my surgery. All of my bills will come in just under $2,000 and Golden Bond sure could use a little help if you would be so inclined. Thank you, in advance, for helping out the organization that took it upon themselves to be so generous with me.

Your friend,
Duke

Update: February 10, 2005

Hi to all my supporters out there in Golden Bond Land!

As you can see I am now sporting a new bandage. How's that for a bright green color? You missed my red bandage of last week; it really was a smash. I am having to have my bandage changed weekly to check the healing sore on the top of my foot, the bottom sores have now all healed.

My foster mom was given more acepromazine to keep me even calmer than I've been. I'm feeling so good that I want to romp and play and I am supposed to sit and lay in a very dignified manner so I continue to heal well. I am displaying these postures in these latest pictures.

Bye for now, just thought I would check in with you all plus I wanted to especially thank the people who have donated money to me through my website pictures and write up.

Thanks and I just love you all,
Duke

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Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, Inc.
PO Box 25391
Portland, OR 97298-0391

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