Wilde's Story

Wilde Picture Gallery

Progress Reports Donate to Help Wilde

Background

Wilde is from a puppy mill in western New York. She is 6 years old with several medical problems including mange, ear mites, mammary tumors and is in need of extensive dental work.

It will cost $1,745 to undo the physical results of her puppy mill life and several months of loving care to heal her trust in humans. In one operation, Wilde will have her tumor removed, spayed, x-rays of her chest to make sure that there are no other problems, pathology to rule out cancer, many teeth extracted and the rest cleaned. Having this all done in one visit will be traumatic but will save her from undergoing a second surgery.

Thank you for helping us help her.

Progress Reports

Dec 15, 2007 - From Pat

Livy continues to enjoy her new life in a house filled with other dogs, good food, and blankets (loves those blankets), and lots of snacks (we need to add stuffed toys to her list). The cold weather, however, is not her favorite thing. We have a lot of "fake" peeing and pooping outside and the real thing inside. Lucky for the human i.e. me, Livy has found Lizzie pee pads in the bathroom and uses them sometimes.

The Christmas tree has only had it lights dragged off of it once, and knocking the wooden lid from the dog food container is not happening as frequently, so we assume that enough food is being provided!!!

Livy is initiating play time with a few of the other dogs. The "boys" are clueless and the "girls" a little too old--so Livy is hunting the stuff animals and has a sneaker that she loves.

After the first of the year, we will start an special application process to find her forever home for this lucky little girl. Since Livy will bolt at any loud noises, does not have recall of her name, and has and will have a lot of puppy like behavior, and other behaviors, she will only be adopted to a home that can provide a detailed plan how to address each of her needs. Since Livy is not at the refuge, interviews for prospective adopters will be held at her foster home in upstate New York.

From our home to yours, we wish everyone a Happy Holiday and a healthy and happy New Year!!!

Pat with Max, Rus,Liz,Bandit, Bark,Taz, and Livy

Nov 30, 2007 - From Pat

Livy is resting comfortable on the library couch working on her tan this morning after her exhausting experience at the vet's yesterday having her staples out. In what proved to be a very short visit, incision look good, some swelling still in the one gland, and lots of staples removed, she is finished with this stage of her medical needs. She did her usual poop and pee in the examing room, the doctor and I discuss my other six dogs and who would be coming in next for check ups and then out we went. Liv has to return in a month for a check up and her kennel cough shot and that should wrap it up, we hope!

Pictures and updates will be forthcoming on a regualr basis until we find Livy's forever home.

Nov 26, 2007 - From Pat

Livy health continues to improve. She has had a brief setback with the increase of swelling around the tumor incision site. I spoke with the vet on call on Saturday and we brought her in (with starlight dog Bandit who has a infection in her leg and needs her teeth cleaned) this morning again. Some fluid was withdrawn and hot packs 3x's a day to bring the swelling down will continue. Plans to take the staples out on Thursday will still happen. Liv is still maintaining her 2.5 lb weight gain!!

A few tussles over the past few days with a older female terrier and then Bark and her had a "discussion". Liv is a good girl when I have to give her a correction, we don't have anything that lasts more than 45 seconds. Thank goodness!!!!

Loud noises continue to scare her and she will hunch over and run like a scared fawn. It is a lot easier to see the physical effects of dogs that are breed in large breeding plants then the mental aspects of what happens. Livy's physical health will heal in a much shorter period of time then her mental health will.

Nov 23, 2007 - From Pat

Livy is back to normal!!! One broken lamp chimney, up on the chair looking out the front window at the birds and trying to get out the front door for a walk (she just found me on the computer and tromped up the stairs).

Doctor's visit today confirmed that the tumor was NOT cancer. All of the tumor was removed, gums from 12 extractions healing well. There is some swelling next to the tumor site and we will cold pack that try and reduce it. One gland is swollen but we don't know the reason so she will continue on Baytril for another week. Livy has gained 2. 5 lbs now reaching a tubby almost 14 lbs. . Dale has sent up a lovey little moss green snuggles and some treats and all is right with the world for now. Staples from incision come out next Thursday.

Some of Livy special friends have been in touch with us --Livy says hello to: Whitey and Roseann, Lisa, Penny, and Anita

Special Thanks to Lisa.

Nov 19, 2007 - From Pat

Recovery from surgery continues. Homecoming on Friday was tough and Saturday proved to be a challenge to get Livy to take her medicine no less eat or drink. She really did not like to crate but it kept her confined while I was out of the house. The incision area looked nasty...

Sunday didn't start off much better. The incision area was looking a little better but I couldn't get meds in her--concerned and needing to go grocery shopping for the herd and myself, I was at Hanaford by 9 am. The dogs and I both made out really well---turkey for thanksgiving and hamburger and mackerel for the beginning of the week(you can see who gets the good stuff and it's not me). Picked up a new refrigerated dog product that I had been wanting to try for Livy. Comes in a packaged tube and the ingredients looked good for grocery store food. liverworst as a tempter for the meds, Cabot's cottage cheese with the good stuff in it for the digestive tract (dogs and I) and home I went. The liverwurst went over really well--really well. Open up her taste buds and got meds down and a little breakfast and water into her. We then sat by the front window to watch the birds, (neighbor Pat reminds me that husband Steve is the bird lover)but she wasn't quite up to that yet--think she was having a small pity party (don't blame her). Mean while the rest of the herd was still in shock as to all the attention she was getting.

As the sun came up, spirits came up also---I decided that the rest had to be catered to. Locked down the "not good walkers" and the non walker Lizzie (heart and lung condition), and Livy decided that she wanted to join and stood by the front door--fearing that something might happen, I walked the good walkers first and then came back for Livy who was game to go. Bark, Livy and I walked the block--she was happy to get out and was fine. Then raked leaves for a while. A little too much for her incision so back in the house on couch rest---dinner went over well with the new dog food and we watched TV.

House breaking or should we say Pat training is coming along very fast---Livy has now trained me to watch her pace by the back door as a warning that the "doggie door" needs to open. She tramps out to do her thing and then back to the door for the magic open. A few minutes later the same thing repeated. She goes pee or poop each and every time and seems to enjoy the new concierge service that we offer.

Happy Thanksgiving ---- we will post more after Livy check up on Friday.

Special Thanks: Shaker Vet Hospital and Dr. Lara Patrick for Livy's surgery

Nov 16, 2007 - From Pat

Surgical update

Livy came home this morning. A little quiet but did her pee as soon as we took a short walk. She was looking to get back into her chair, but she is on "bed rest" for 7 to 10 days. Liv had 12 teeth removed - severe periodontal disease and some of the normal structures that hold the teeth in place were broken down. The remaining teeth were cleaned and "polished". The spay went well and the incision for the tumor removal and spayed is about 4 inches long. She is on pain medication and antibiotics for several days.

I've set up a large crated by the french door that looks into the yard. It has lots of blankets and her water bowl. In the late afternoon we will move her into the library where we all watch TV in the evening. She is already trying to "paw out". I can hear her as I write.

I'll take her out and gate the room down so the rest of the pack will not bother her as soon as everyone gets use to her being home. Appointment next week to check dental and in two weeks for the staples to be taken out for the tumor removal. Her chest x-rays were clear and tumor was sent out for a pathology consult. Report should be in later next week.

Special Thanks: we have several more donations for Livy's surgery-as soon as I get more names, I post the rest of Livy's special list.

Nov 15, 2007 - From Pat

Thanks to everyone for helping Livy move into a new pain free and healthy world!

The call from the vet's office this afternoon was very positive. Twelve teeth extracted, tumor excised, spay and micro chip "installed". Livy is on heavy pain meds for the next day and we will see if she can come home on Friday.

Livy was just great this morning. She was a real social butterfly in the waiting room. She was greeting everyone, every dog, snooping, tail up and just "lovin it". When we start to look for Livy's forever home, I think she will need to be with at least one other dog to be really happy.

Special Thanks to: Eden, Whittie and Roseanne, Penny, Mary Lou, Ann, Herb and Stephanie for helping make Livy life a healthy one!!!!

I post more on her homecoming and progress this weekend.

Nov 14, 2007 - From Pat

Surgery is less than one day away.

Starting to get a little apprehensive that everything goes well---Dr. Patrick has operated on several of my dogs that have serious medical conditions so I know that Livy has the best. We are going to stay positive and order a snuggler for her and a bag of liver biscuits for her recovery and enhanced eating ability. She has gained some of the weight Dr. Patrick wanted to see her gain before surgery and she has had 10 days of antibiotics. I'm writing up a note to send with her: she is not still sure of her name but that's improving every day. She will hesitate to come to call so if she gets loose you just can not get her (she will try and hide) - loud noises just scare her badly. I hope the confusion in the operating room will not cause too much trauma and I'm getting a large crate put together for her so she can have some peace and quiet for several days.

Now for a more positive note: Livy had a little learning lesson yesterday---we were not too happy with the climbing on the plant tray that has all my orchid plants-knocking some over as she tried to get to the window---she took the correction well and was a little quiet the rest of the day and last night, but arrived in bed to sleep about midnight. So all is forgiven. Called my neighbor Pat this am and thanked her for the entertainment value of her bird feeder --- between the birds and the squirrels, Livy is in the front window most of the time watching her version of "TV". This am we had a race between the side window with the cat outside and the front window with the birds. The rest of the pack (6) just sat in amazement and watched the mad dash between windows.

Yesterday's walk with 3 others (two jacks and a mini sheep dog mix) was a true test of getting along with the pack. Livy did excellent!! Walked right along with the rest of them, did her poop and peep, and sniffing. Barkley still doesn't want to play but he will race her around the back yard. It is do much fun to watch Livy explore the world!!!

We will update you on Friday after surgery ----thanks to all for helping Livy--

Nov 8, 2007 - From Pat

We have a Jack Russell!!! Livy is hunting!! She has discover the grandchildren stuffed bunny that I keep on the guest room bed. For the second time she has run around the bed, jumped up and attacked the bunny, let it go and then "talk to it". She has this very cute little cord ling bark that she does while she hops up and down to see if the bunny will move. Livy will finish up "her hunt" with another lap around the bed one complete back run around the chair and then flop down with on of the other dogs in a dog bed. As I write this update, she is snuggled in a dog bed with her head on Max's (the only dog in my house not a rescue) back side.

Of course the rest of the motley crew is in shock at everything!!! Oh my goodness, look at what she is allowed to do, is what I get most of the day. She gets three meals--a snuggler red plaid coat to go outside (all the dogs have snugglers), and allowed to sleep in bed with US.

Now Livy is not along with her play. She also has taken to playing with Bandit and Barkley, two of the Refuge Starlight dogs that live here. Bandit and Livy were seen in play posture this am and then started the play dance of who was going to run first. Bandit at age 15 and having short legs usually losses.

I don't want to give you the impression that we have a perfect little girl here. No one will dare to get up on a chair or into a bed while she is sleeping. Livia is not nice when awakened by a dog. Human OK. Dog growl--- And we are really working on potty and not jumping on every end table.

Surgery is next Thursday.

Nov 6, 2007 - From Pat

Wilde now know as "Livy" for Olivia is adjusting nicely to home life. The antibiotics are kicking in and she is eating her food more slowly and chewing, drinking more water and yesterday started dashing around the house like a happy puppy.

Livy is getting use to a nice leash walk around the neighborhood 2x a day with one or more of my calm walkers (the rest of the pack of now 7 dogs). She still becomes a little startled at sounds, cars and unfamiliar worldly things.

We do have to watch the end tables near the windows---Liv loves to hop up on the chairs and stand on the end tables and watch the world outside---not quite as bad as having the grandchildren over but close.

Potty, Potty is now the word to go outside and do your business. She is catching on to this new word. She will go up to the door and with a little push, go out side, look in the (french door) window, wait, then know she is suppose to do something. A short dash on the grass and back to the door--no pee-no open door--back to the dash 2 more times, back to the door. Third try she pees, door opens and good girl-success!!!

Since she still does not know her name, it was a good time to change it to something short so Livy for Oliva (a wire fox terrier that I placed in a new home) came about. Her name with recall will need serious work.

Surgery in one week!!

Nov 2, 2007 - From Pat

HOW YOU CAN HELP - The good news --- no mange or ear mites and Wilde's tumor is operable. The lymph nodes are not swollen and the chances of a dog having breast cancer at her age is low so we can go ahead with surgery.

It will cost $1,745 to undo the physical results of her puppy mill life and several months of loving care to heal her trust in humans. In one operation, Wilde will have her tumor removed, spayed, x-rays of her chest to make sure that there are no other problems, pathology to rule out cancer, many teeth extracted and the rest cleaned. Having this all done in one visit will be traumatic but will save her from undergoing a second surgery. Dr. Patrick said her teeth are so bad she is surprised she can eat. Wilde is starting on an antibiotic tonight to help clear up any infection. November 15th is the day of surgery.

Nov 1, 2007 - From Pat

We are still waiting to visit the vet this afternoon to determine what medical procedures need to be performed and when. Wilde loved seeing the other dogs on arrival -- we had set up an x-pen for her and I introduced Max first-she leaped for joy. It seems that humans (along with some noises Wilde first night in her foster home provided to long and interesting. She managed to get out of two different types crates and with a thud, flipped over the top of the large wooden food container in the kitchen trying to get some food). I brought her into bed with the rest of us. With four other dogs in the bed, room was at a premium -- I just hugged her and covered us up and she finally sighed and lowered her body and was asleep. We managed to get to 3 am before we had to start all over again. With the second settling finished we were able to sleep until 6:30 am. Breakfast was served at 7 am and was a success!! Every morsel was gone so fast---it was interesting to watch her eat. She lays down almost on the ground.

In preparation for her vet visit this afternoon, I re-read her paper work. We had received some very conflicting information on this little one and I wanted to see what was really going on. ... how interesting ... no number for her rabies tag and with the name and address of the "owner" crossed out how could we be sure that this was her. We had a little time so I checked out NYS Ag & Markets web site and found the address of the vet in western New York that had signed the certificate. Then changed to good old google found the phone number and made a call. The vet's office was very nice. I explained the situation to the office manager and she gave me what she though what happened.

It seems that this generic hand written rabies certificate is given at the county rabies clinic that are held several times a year. For $5.00 you can get you dog/cat vaccinated. The vet who signature was on the certificate participates in the clinics. So why wasn't there a tag number? She said that a lot of the Mennonites operate puppy mills in that area and bring there dogs in for the vaccine.We were told that Wilde was doggie door trained so how could that happen. She said the Mennonites keep the dogs in large barns with tunnels that run throughout the barn. The dogs have to use these tunnels to get outside. Wilde is a lucky dog to get permanently out!

Oct 31, 2007 - From Pat

Wilde arrived today and she is a little beauty. She loves to be around the rest of my dogs. I'll write a more lengthy report tomorrow after she see my vet. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it is not cancer.

Oct 30, 2007 - From Pat

Wilde's blood and heart worm tests came back OK! On Wednesday she will be arriving at my home for foster care and medical treatment. Wilde first appointment with her surgeon, Dr. Patrick, is Thursday (Nov 1) afternoon.

Thank you all, from Wilde and the volunteers at the Refuge.

Donate to Help Wilde

Please donate to help with Wilde's long term care and feeding. We need to raise $1,745 for Wilde's medical expenses. You can make a direct donation (via PayPal) or support Wilde by purchasing her favorite Refuge charm (see below).

PayPal	Personal Check
	Russell Refuge, Inc. Attn: Donation for Wilde PO Box 725 Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Wilde's Favorite Charm

Crystal Paw Charm
Only $4.00

The proceeds from the sale of this charm will help pay for Wilde's care and feeding.

Russell Refuge, Inc. 501(c)(3) Status

Russell Refuge, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations made to Russell Refuge are tax-deductible to the contributor. Donations can be made by Pay Pal on this site or by check payable to Russell Refuge, Inc. and sent to:

Russell Refuge, Inc.
PO Box 725
Attn: Donation for Wilde
Rhinebeck, NY 12572