Rescue Case Stories

Sadie: ADOPTED!

Sadie: ADOPTED!

New York – Sept. 26: Sadie was pulled from a North Carolina shelter when it was found out she was very, very pregnant. She gave birth to five puppies, three of whom survived, a few days later. We were contacted by a local rescuer and asked if we could take Sadie and her babies into our program. We received Sadie and her babies, whom we named Johnny Cash, Jillybean and Joey, when the babies were almost four weeks old.

UPDATE: Oct. 10 – Sadie is beyond affectionate and loves to sit in your lap and give sweet, gentle, timid kisses. We estimate Sadie is about 5-years-old. She is housetrained, micro chipped, current on all vaccinations and will be spayed prior to adoption, once she is medically cleared. Sadie has successfully weaned her babies and is ready to move on and start her life with a forever family. She is great with other dogs, children and people and is gentle and polite. Sadie would make an excellent family dog. To apply to adopt Sadie, please fill out our online adoption application. For additional questions, please email elli@mrbonesandco.org

Carolina: Adopted!

Carolina: Adopted!

Update; Oct. 20, 2015: Carolina is ADOPTED!

NEW YORK – Sept. 25: Carolina was found tied up and abandoned at a Wal-Mart in Washington, NC by Joanne, who runs one of our southern rescue partners, J & J’s Homeless Pet Rescue in early September. She had been burned from neck to neck and the wound was fresh. When Jo contacted us, we immediately agreed to bring this very special little one into our One Lucky Pup program. After two weeks of recovery with Jo and her husband, Jim, little Carolina was transported up to us on Sept. 19.

Carolina is four-months-old and recovering well from her burns, as well as being treated for demodex mange, which is not contagious. She is wonderful with other dogs and loves children. She is a bit timid with new people, but opens up soon enough. Carolina is being fostered with Mr. Bones and is learning so many great cues from him. Carolina is up to date on her vaccinations and will be spayed when our vet gives the all-clear on her burn wound. Carolina would love to be adopted to a home that already has another dog – she is sweet, affectionate and has a beautiful temperament. This little one is also super smart, she knows sit, wait and is crate trained! To adopt Carolina, please fill out an application on our website. For additional questions, please email elli@mrbonesandco.org

Coney Island Puppies: ADOPTED!

Coney Island Puppies: ADOPTED!

UPDATE: 9/15/15 –  All the Coney Island Puppies have been adopted!

CONEY ISLAND PUPPIES UPDATE: Our litter of seven starving puppies, abandoned at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) at 3 1/2 weeks in early June, have thrived during  in our One Lucky Pup rescue and rehabilitation program. We are honored that our city shelter asked us to save their lives, letting us know immediately upon intake so that we could pull them that same day and provide vital urgent medical care.

The heartbreak of unexpectedly loosing Dutch after only four days was mended by the unlikely survival of the smallest pup (2lbs.), Coney, hospitalized and near death for days. In honor of Dutch, we gave him his middle name, now calling him Coney-Dutch. The litter was fostered together until they were 7 weeks old, under the watchful eye of Mr. Bones. For the following three weeks, Mr. Bones ‘weened’ his litter, with the final four being transferred to other foster homes at 10 weeks. We’re so appreciative of the Trossman and Quinn families, as well as Kelly Thompson for taking over foster duties once they were old enough to divide.

This litter has been a beautiful lesson in the fragility of life and a testimony to patience, teamwork and compassion. The outpouring of support was tremendous, with nearly everything on our puppy supply wish list being sent our way from friends and strangers. We received donations covering almost half of the 4K we spent to save Coney’s life. Each update post we shared resulted in a flurry of well wishing comments and support that kept us going.

Our journey with these little ones, survivors of an animal cruelty investigation that resulted in charges being filed against the perpetrator for his abuse of other puppies, has been incredible. So many kind people became an indelible part of their story of survival and for that, we extend our most sincere thanks.

Garlic: ADOPTED!

Garlic: ADOPTED!

Update – Oct. 7: Garlic has been ADOPTED!

GARLIC joins our One Lucky Pup rescue, rehabilitation and adoption program as a rescue from NYC ACC. He previously lived with his sister outside for his entire life, 5 years, before being surrendered to Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) after his owners decided they no longer needed him because their warehouse was closing. Garlic’s previous owners were dishonest or ignorant about the origin of his medical issues and skull deformities which resulted in inaccurate vetting at the city shelter, which deterred adoption interest. Garlic became a Must-Pull on the At-Risk list once he developed a URI.

Upon rescuing him, we admitted Garlic to The Animal Medical Center for immediate diagnostics and treatment for early pneumonia. A CT scan confirmed the bone growth on his skull, which caused his extremely misshapen head, was benign, a condition called calvarial hyperostosis which is a developmental abnormality. Because Garlic has already reached full skeletal maturity, it should not grow any further or cause other issues. Our ophthalmologist determined his left eye, while blind, doesn’t need to be removed. He was neutered and placed in foster care in NJ with foster mom Beth, and her dog Tobey. Garlic is as sweet as they come, gentle with all people, kids, cats and other dogs and allows all handling.

Garlic is ready for adoption now and can’t wait to give tons of love! He is a total sweetheart!

Are you willing to look past Garlic’s physical differences and give him the home he very much deserves? If so, please fill out our adoption application or email elli@mrbonesandco.org for more information. Thank you!

Dax: ADOPTED

Dax: ADOPTED

UPDATE: As of Sept. 15, 2015, Dax has been ADOPTED!

UPDATE July 29, 2015 – After 25 days in the hospital, Dax has been discharged and is recovering in foster care with Mr. Bones himself! It was discovered that Dax suffered ocular trauma, suspected to have been unintentionally cased by a littermate due to being confined in a crate with many other puppies. Dax is permanently blind in his left eye. Because of this same confinement, Dax is also undergoing physical therapy to correct his carpal (wrist) issues, which force him to walk on his forearms as opposed to his paws. Dax will be fitted for corrective braces on August 5. While his lungs have suffered permanent scaring, the extent is currently unknown. Dax will be closely monitored and rehabilitated over the coming weeks and is expected to be available for adoption around Sept. 15.

DAX’S STORY:

Dax, 12-weeks-old and 9lbs., as of July 8, was pulled from NYC ACC after being brought on June 11 in as a cruelty seizure by the NYPD, along with his entire litter. Dax is currently being treated for sever bacterial pneumonia and has been hospitalized since July 3, when we were allowed to pull him from the city shelter. He was set to be discharged on July 5, but suffered a major set back and as of July 8, is still hospitalized. On x-rays, healthy lungs should look black (filled with air.) The white parts on his x-rays is infiltrate into the lungs, which is the pneumonia. On the lateral views, the pneumonia is obscuring the ability to see Dax’s heart because of how severe his sickness is. Dax’s CO2 was high, which can happen in cases of severe pneumonia. For comparison, normal levels are around 35-45mmHg. Dax’s level, as of July 8, is 68 which makes him critical. We are hopeful that he will make it, because we know he is a strong little fighter.

Dax has been named in honor of Duncan, a dog who belonged to two very important people in the Mr. Bones & Co. family, Dr. Daniel Spector and Dr. Abbie Lebowitz-Spector, two of our trusted and highly regarded veterinarians. Duncan was adopted by Dan after being surrendered to a shelter at only 9 months old because “he was getting too big”, though it was suspected to have been because he had very bad hip issues and arthritis. Dan was in vet school at the time and had surgery on both his hips done.  Over the years, Duncan went on to be a blood donor for other animals in need, and touched the lives of countless humans along the way. He was a gentle and loving soul. When Duncan passed suddenly of terminal cancer, the Spector’s generously reached out to us to sponsoring a dog in his honor. Given the strength we see in little Dax, who we named in honor of Duncan, and how hard we are fighting to save him, we felt this puppy was the perfect dog to pull in his honor. We can’t wait to see all the big things Dax will accomplish in his life. We know, just as Duncan did, Dax will move mountains for the people in his life!

Our city shelter system is overwhelmed. Please encourage those you know to go to the NYC AC&C and adopt, foster or find out how they can volunteer. The pet overpopulation crisis starts long before an animal enters their facility. The system is not perfect, but if we do not support, and be fair and open communicators, with our city facilities, our shared goal of contributing the success of the animal welfare movement will not be accomplished. It is important to not simply react, but to act as well!

Dax will be available for adoption once he healthy and cleared. He will no doubt be a sweet and loving dog and we are eagerly searching to find a wonderful home where the lengths we went to save his life will be appreciated every day. For more information about adopting Dax, please email elli@mrbonesandco.org and fill out our adoption application on our website.

 

Monkey: ADOPTED

Monkey: ADOPTED

Update: Monkey is ADOPTED as of Sept. 15, 2015!
PEANUT ALERT! Monkey, formerly known as Cottonwood from NYC AC&C, is a 30lb., 8-month-old pocket pittie. Poor monkey suffered from some type of a blunt force trauma injury that resulted in a broken femoral neck (thigh bone where it connects to the pelvis.) By the time we found him on June 3, roughly 6-8 weeks after his initial injury, the lower half of his body had been wasting away as he struggled to play and live like a normal puppy with such a severe, untreated injury. He appears to have been crated most of his life as he also has ‘flat feet.’  This little one is all love, great with dogs, people, kids and cats.
On June 18, Monkey underwent a total hip replacement, thanks to the folks at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, and their AMC to the Rescue program, led by Dr. Hart. As of July 8, Monkey is on track to recover in full and is doing beautifully! To adopt Monkey in NY, CT, PA, NJ, please fill out an adoption application or email elli@mrbonesandco.org
Minnie: ADOPTED

Minnie: ADOPTED

UPDATE: Minnie is ADOPTED!

Minnie was hit by a car on May 27 and left for dead. She was taken to NYC ACC and the following day, was listed on the At-Risk/Urgent list, given only a few hours to be pulled by rescue of she would be euthanized. Mr. Bones & Co. received an urgent plea to save her. We were in the throes of production for our annual benefit just two days away, Rescue the Runway, and were also broke, but we could not allow this sweet girl to perish because she was abandoned and subsequently hit by a car. We requested to be put in as her last resort and two hours later, when no one else stepped up, Mr. Bones & Co. did. We picked Minnie up that same night, on May 28 and rushed her to one of our emergency animal hospitals. Minnie cried the entire way to the hospital and was in a tremendous amount of pain, yet she was incredibly sweet and allowed all handling. After a thorough exam and x-rays, we learned the extent of Minnie’s injuries included five pelvic fractures, multiple skin abrasions (road rash) and Bilateral scleral hemorrhage (blood in the eyes)

Due to the severity of Minnie’s pelvic fractures, which included a right ilial wing and left acetabular fractures, she underwent an intensive, 8-hour surgery on May 29. The most severe fracture, on her right hip where the femur and pelvis connect, required a bone plate, screws, and pins. The left acetabular fracture was repaired with locking plate and screws.

As of July 8, Minnie is on the right recovery path and began physical therapy. Despite a second surgery due to breaking a pin, she is resilient and happy as a clam! Minnie is dog, cat and kid freindly and available for adoption in NY, NJ, CT and PA.

 

Chance: ADOPTED!

Chance: ADOPTED!

Update: June 16 – Chance has been ADOPTED!

Chance, was one of a litter of Labrador puppies that an NYC puppy rescue organization had brought up from a kill shelter in the South, unknowingly infected with deadly parvovirus. While he was expected to survive, the rescue organization responsible for Chance, who had the worst of the illness, had requested he be euthanized because they did not want to pay for treatment.

Mr. Bones & Co. refused to let this puppy die just because another rescue organization, whose mission is supposed to be to save puppies, not kill them when it becomes inconvenient, decided he was no longer worth saving. We asked if we could have the puppy, agreeing to cover all costs from the beginning until he was discharged. By the time we took him home from the hospital, Chance was 12 weeks old, weighed only 7lbs. and racked up $6500.00 in care costs. But he was worth it!

Chance has thrived in our program and as of June 7, he is 4 1/2 months old and weighs 12lbs. This lab/pointer mix is hilarious, happy and healthy. He is being fostered with our Executive Director and has been learning how to be a dog under the watchful eye of Mr. Bones and his fur-sister Charlotte. To adopt this champion, please email elli@mrbonesandco.org

Kona: ADOPTED!

Kona: ADOPTED!

Kona came to us from the Wallingford, CT Animal Control. You can watch his complete story on the video link below. Kona, 9 1/2 years old,  spent his entire life with one owner who developed a heroin addiction which led to a heartbreaking life of neglect for Kona. After Kona got into his former owners heroin stash in 2010 and suffered an extreme overdose, he was never the same. This traumatic event coincided with a sudden degenerating of motor ability and neurological impairment. After four more years if neglect, Kona was abandoned at the animal control facility in July 2014. When Mr. Bones & Co. learned about Kona’s story in February 2015, we couldn’t say no and shortly thereafter we brought him into our One Lucky Pup program.

Kona spent 32 days in the care of our emergency vet, Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists, where complete diagnostic were run, including an MRI and spinal tap, along with two oral surgeries to remove over 30 teeth that were severely damaged and causing him tremendous pain. In addition to acute digestive and unknown bacterial skin issues, Kona was diagnosed with Cerebellar Ataxia, a degenerative brain disease  causing neurological impairment, as well as tumor on his spin that affects his hind legs. We were relieved to find that Kona’s disease is progressing very slowly.

Despite all that Kona was dealing with, he easily won over every person and dog he encountered with his hilarious and goofy personality. This gentle giant simply wouldn’t give up, and neither would we! Many of those who met him recommended treehousepuppies.com for his needs and we got him lots and lots of his favorite treats from there. We are elated to share that we Kona found a forever home almost a decade in the meeting with a fantastic man named Dave. Kona now calls Boston home and is finally living the life he deserves!

Percy: ADOPTED!

Percy: ADOPTED!

UPDATE: As of 10/31/14, Percy has been ADOPTED!

Percy, part of our Global Animal Welfare rescue program, came from The Bahamas and was named after his incredible perseverance. He had suffered a traumatic injury, likely by a car, and was unable to walk or use his hind legs and after seeing his story on Facebook, Mr. Bones & Co. arranged a complicated and costly emergency medical evacuation led by Nassau veterinarian Dr. Robert Allen.  Because the treatment needed was not available on the island, the Bahamanian government allowed us to evacuate this puppy. On Oct. 6, six days after we learned of him, he was safely with our nonprofit in New York City, and immediately rushed to Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists.

Dr. Philippa Pavia began his urgent care, scheduling surgery for the next morning. 10-weeks-old, and 11lbs. at the point we received him, his injuries appeared to be at least two weeks old. A splint was placed on his left hind limb to stabilize the tibial fracture, but due to the spiraling nature of this fracture and further bone movement after the injury this could require surgery. Dr. Pavia had hoped to be able to perform a femoral head ostectomy to save his hip but due to the degree of damage this was not possible. His hip surgery was a salvage mission to remove painful and unstable bony fragments and we would have to wait to determine if this leg can be saved. There was a great chance he would never regain full function of this limb.

But true to his name, Percy surprised everyone when he began to take a few steps on his own only three days after surgery! While Percy will still need to undergo continued monitoring, physical therapy and check ups, we are in this for the long haul with this little Royal Bahamian Potcake, and so is he!

UPDATE: Oct. 25, 2014 – Percy is cruising around the animal hospital where he is finishing up his stay and is making a tremendous recovery! It does not appear his tibia will require a surgery. Follow up x-rays will be performed within a few days. We are urgently looking for a foster or adopter in the NY/NJ/CT areas. Please share his story – this Potcake is ready to find his way home!

What is a Potcake Dog?

The potcake dog is a mixed-breed dog from the islands, typically thought of as Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico. Its name comes from the congealed rice and pea mixture that local residents traditionally fed stray dogs – the food leftover, caked to the bottom of the pot. Potcake dogs generally have smooth coats, cocked ears, and long faces and various coat colors. In the late 1970s, The Bahamas named the type the “Royal Bahamian Potcake”.As of February 2011, the Bahamas Kennel Club lists it separately from the mixed-breed dog within Group 9 – Non-Registered.