| After Groom - Feb 20, 2006 |
| MEMORIAL ANGELS |
| FINN Finn is a 3-4 year old purebred male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Finn has had a very hard time of it. He was either severely neglected by his previous owner or he had been a stray for quite awhile as he is very underweight at 27 lbs and was matted so badly that his ears were actually attached to the side of his head with matts. Unfortunately, these are the least of Finn's problems. Finn was hit by a car at some time while he was loose and suffered severe pelvic fractures. His left hip has a simple fracture that will heal on its own with quiet and rest. His right hip is a mess. The joint is broken into two pieces and there are lots of bone fragments. This side will not heal on its own and he will require surgery. There are several different options being discussed and a specialist will see him next week for a second opinion. We would like to give him the best chance for recovery and full use of that leg and if that surgery is done, which will involve plating the hip, the initial estimates are $2500 - $5000. We will know more on the surgery needed and the price next week. We will only be able to get him this surgery with the help of many Wheaten Angels, if you would like to help with his expenses, please click on the link on the upper right to donate by PayPal. Finn is being kept comfortable at the vet's kennel for the weekend. The vet offered to personally shave him down and bathe him to help eliminate some of his discomfort. She did not believe he was in a lot of pain at this point. Major Kudos have to go out to our CO rep, Diane, for all her hard work in getting Finn to this point. We found out about Finn fully a week ago and it took a lot of work and determination on her part, and umpteen phone calls and emails before Finn was finally released. He had no chance of being adopted at the shelter and was scheduled to be euthanized today if the owner did not show up looking for him. This guy would not be alive right now if hot for all her hard work! We are going to be in need of a foster home for Finn as soon as he has had surgery. Most likely he will need to be kept crated and quiet for several weeks, with only short leash walks for eliminating. This can be a foster to forever home as well. Diane says he is very sweet. The entire time people were poking and prodding at his injuries, cutting mats from him, etc., his only response was tail wagging and kisses. He is now UTD on shots and will be neutered. He is located in Colorado Springs, CO February 20, 2006 Update As you can see by the new pics, Finn has now been groomed and is feeling much better. We are still getting advice from specialists on the best way to go to fix his injuries. Unfortunately he has now come down with kennel cough so it will be several days before we can go ahead with surgery. He is being boarded at the vet so that his condition can be closely monitored. He is so underweight it is essential that he continue to eat even though he is ill so he will be strong for his surgery. A HUGE THANK YOU to the many people who have become Angels to help Finn, you are insuring that he will get the best possible veterinary care possible. More updates to follow when we have more info. Feb. 23, 2006 Update We were not happy with the vet and options that were given for Finn so he is now being transferred to his foster home in Longmont, CO and will be seen by a specialist there to get another opinion. Hopefully we will have news and a date for his surgery in the next couple of days. We have found out he never had kennel cough and will be ready for surgery as soon as we have a plan. Again, THANK YOU to the many Angels for Finn! March 23 - 2nd Update Finn has now moved to Longmont to his new foster home with Dave. As you can see he seems to approve of this plan! He has an appt. at a premier animal hospital on Monday - we will upate again after that appointment March 5 Update From his foster dad, Dave: Finn is just a great dog. He has really settled in and found himself a loving home. He is becoming more vocal and we let him out of his pen in the evening. He lays in front of the couch and just wants to be loved by Judi or myself. He is just such a sweet dog. He has been eating really well so hopefully we can put a few pounds back on over the next few weeks. Finn's surgery is scheduled on March 14. He will be hospitalized for 2-3 days after the surgery. March 14 Update From Finn's foster dad: I just received a call from the orthopedic surgeon who operated on Finn this afternooon. Before the operation they took additional x-rays. The new x-rays indicated that his left hip and pelvis were healing well, so they only did the surgery on the severely broken right hip. He will have to undergo some therapy and a lot of exercise in order to strengthen the muscles in his right leg but the prognosis is very good. They are going to monitor him tonight and tomorrow. The surgeon said that she would call me tomorrow and let me know how he is doing. We may be able to pick him up tomorrow afternoon if everything goes well. They weighed him when I gook him in this morning and he has gained 1.5 pounds in two weeks which is great news. Just some side notes, I introduced him to the comb and brush over the weekend. He acted like he had never been groomed before. Additionally, he has just started playing with the stuffed animals and nylabones after 2.5 weeks with us. It is my opinion that this little guy was not treated very well by him original owners. Finn is a very sweet and loving dog and he has basically taken over house. He has quickly become a much loved part of our family and he gets along well with our other dogs. I will keep all of you advised as to Finn's progress. March 15 Update From his foster dad: The orthopedic surgeon called this morning and said I could pick up Finn today. He is currently home with us. He is laying in the family room with his Elizabethan collar on. He seems to be in a little pain but he will get another pain pill tonight. He will be on pain meds and antibiotics for the next five days. He will also be on a post-surgical routine for the next several weeks. I will start some of the passive range of motion exercises tomorrow. He sees the physical therapist on 3/24 and has his stitches out on 3/31. He will also have follow-up visits on 4/12 and 4/26. I imagine that he will be stiff and sore for several days but we need to get him to use the leg as soon as possible. He is putting a little weight on it now but you can tell it is bothering him which is understandable since he just had surgery 24 hours ago. I will continue to keep you informed as to his progress. Thanks again to all the wonderful people who donated to Finn's care and to Dave and Judi who are taking such wonderful care of him! March 17 Update Thanks to Finn's great foster dad, Dave for the new pics. As you can see, Finn is being pampered and living the great life now. March 24 Update From Finn's foster dad: Just got back from Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital and a visit with the physical therapist. Dr. Pease, the physical therapist, said the Finn is doing great. He is using the injured leg but needs to have some improvement in his range of motion so she gave me some additional exercises and massage therapy to do with him. His incision was completely healed so they also took out his stitches today. He has no restrictions on activity except if he acts like he is getting sore from too much exercise. She wants me to continue him on tight leash walks until he gets up to 30 minutes duration. That will be our goal for the next three weeks. He has basically taken over th house and our hearts and plays well with our dogs. He will have a 4 week checkup on April 12 and a 6 week checkup, if necessary, on April 26. March 30 Update From Finn's Foster Dad: He is doing really well. We are up to 12 minutes on our walks. The goal (set by the physical therapist) is 30 minutes in order to increase his endurance and strengthen the leg muscles in his right leg. March 6 Update From Finn's Foster Family: Finn reached his miletone of walking 30 minutes yesterday. All of the dogs celebrated with a Frosty Paws Dog Ice Cream treat last night. We will continue walking for 30 minutes at a time for the next few days and then gradually increase it. He is putting a little more weight on and is getting very strong. Will have more news next week after he sees the vet on Wednesday. AND THE REALLY BIG NEWS: |
| Anita Perkins |
| Linda Allan, Bug-a-boo, Bosco and Missy |
| Lots of Love Colleen, Mackooshla & Raymond |
| Gloria, Bristol, Guiness and Kansas |
| Diane Mulhern |
| Brian, Susie, Jack and Finnegan Rodgers |
| Jake, Gidget and Shaggy Rocheleau |
| Gary, Deanna, Welby, Grady & Freeway |
| Wendy Harter |
| A family in Ross, California is rooting for you |
| Katherine Zmijewski |
| Get well soon! Dawn, Noura, Adam & Harry Mouradi |
| I send prayers and hugs to Finn. Margo Hansen |
| Stephanie, Gareth & Francis Markwell |
| Gaylen, Douglas & Emma Sowa |
| Arin Berkson |
| In Memory of Winston Tina Pipinos |
| In Loving Memory of Mulligan Lorraine White & Felix |
| Lisa Saneda |
| Finn, your buddy Harley is pulling for you and wishes you the best. Norman Silvers |
| Nancy, Rob and Alpine |
| Kathleen Taylor |
| Hugs N Kisses to Finn! Love Nina & Elise Likins |
| Tonya Hopkins and Fletcher Girl |
| We pray your body and heart heals quickly. You are a beautiful boy and we love you. Linda, Calee & Gracie |
| VGay Wilson |
| Get well soon! Miriam Popp |
| Kris and Steve Todd |
| Get Well Finn, from Bandit and Baily in NC |
| Lauren Stone |
| The Armandi's Cape Cod, MA |
| Lisa Mandelino |
| Rachel Glickman |
| Dorothy & John Hurley |
| In Memory of Courtney Danielle Wilson July 11, 1990 - Feb 10, 2006 |
| Maureen Smith and Clancy |
| We love you Finn! Jessica DiEleuterio, Bernie and Oscar! |
| Benny and Barney |
| For Finn on behalf of my beloved Wheatie Irish Cody |
| Get Well soon, Finn! In Memory of Bailey, our Sweetie Wheatie! |
| Patrice Horton |
| Joshua Marinov |
| Best wishes for a speedy & full recovery! Kerri, Josh & Mia in Orlando |
| The Bush Family |
| Wishing Sweet finn a speedy recovery Kramer & the Davis Family |
| Sweetie we are thinking about you and hoping you are feeling better real soon! Sherry, Jack and Oliver |
| Here's hope that you will no know you're loved Michelle Wisniewski |
| Stephanie Loup and Louis |
| Global Media |
| In Memory of Bowser Van Pay |
| In Memory of Rascal RIP 1/20/06 |
| For Finn from the Duggan Family |
| Marilyn Lueders |
| Elaine Hallen |
| Stephanie Loup and Louis |
| In Memory of Ali and Puff and from Wheaten Wickett |
| Get Well Finn! Ann, Dan, Phoebe & Desi |
| Get Well Soon Finn! Jen Walsh |
| Carol Walck |
| For Finn, with much love from Ken, Charlene and Phoebe Sham. We're rooting for you little buddy! |
| Finn with his forever dad - Moving to Longmont, CO March 23, 2006 |
| Dave Foote |
| Judy Beck |
| Here is to a great new and long life, Finn. Max Nirenberg (15 yrs old) and his humans, Julie and Saul |
| Ashley Rounds |
| Anne Rudolph |
| Natalia Piatnitskaia |
| Stephanie Belcher |
| Lane Blank |
| To Finn with love, from Kelly & the Spadola Family |
| Ashton Cobourn |
| Michele Wolfe |
| Lynn Wright |
| Leslie Ryan |
| Hope Finn Gets Well Soon Pat Dec |
| Florence Funk |
| Stephanie Jillian |
| Katie Clifton & Aaron Bickel |
| Bless your heart! Carrie and Max |
| Mary Beth Kvaka |
| Eugene Martinez Katie Clifton |
| CG Tuchek & CA Romans Jr |
| From another who has benefitted from Arin Berkson's thoughtfulness and generosity - mend quickly and well, Finn! |
| In Memory of Cally 3/17/04 - 3/4/06 You will always be in my heart. Get well soon Finn! Love, Michele |
| In Memory of Bailey Maryann Gabriel and Katie |
| Joshua Soloman |
| Jennifer Wood |
| Get well Soon Buddy, your fellow Wheaten, Oliver |
| New pics, right before and after his surgery on March 14 |
| Diane and Bill Vigeant Boogie, Scooch & Shadow |
| Polly Knapp |
| New pics, late March 2006 |
| I hope the rest of Sweet Finn's life is charmed. He is in m y thoughts and my heart. Greta Davidson |
| ADOPTION IN PROGRESS! |
| Keep trying Finn! You will be doing the "Wheaten Wiggle" very soon! Love Sarah, Eliza and Sibley (4.5 year old Wheaten) |
From Finn's Foster - soon to be forever - Dad: Finn and I just returned from his 4 week check-up at Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital. The vets are really pleased with his progress. His is walking and using the injured leg very well, his range of motion is good and he has gained 2.5 lbs. since his surgery. They are also pleased with the improvement in his muscle mass in the injured leg. They want to see him again on April 26 for his 6 week check-up. They said if he continues to progress, they will not have to see him again after that visit. April 2006 - A FOREVER HOME! Finn has been adopted by the Foote Family of Colorado CONGRATULATIONS! |