In December 2009 we met Drea (now Scout) -- but only because the dog we had chosen on the website had already been adopted. We had not been drawn to her website photo -- and we hadn't given her a thought until we walked in and saw her -- a patient little dog, calmly sitting and observing all the action; scruffy with black and white wiry fur, a curly tail, terrier ears, and bright eyes.
We love her so much! Even my husband, a "cat person," has been taken in by her sweet and loving disposition. We were told she would be a great family pet -- which has indeed been the case. My daughters adore her and it is mutual -- and additionally, Scout loves everyone who comes in the house...wagging her curly tail furiously at each new visitor's arrival. And despite a relatively calm nature, she shows plenty of spunk when the mood strikes her.
We had an unexpected turn of events, however, when a couple of months after her adoption, she came up lame. She demonstrated apparent pain in her left hind leg and an unwillingness to use it. After numerous vet visits and a specialist diagnosis, it was determined that Scout had sustained a hip fracture as a young puppy (she was 8 months when we adopted her) and that it had not healed properly. All of our walks and jogs and doggie playdates worsened her pain. I was shocked to realize that Scout had lived with chronic pain so long, never complaining and probably not remembering any other way. Surgery, as soon as possible, was the best option for her.
She underwent a hip procedure called a femoral head ostomy (FHO) on May 11, 2010, and as I write this we are coming up on the 3 month anniversary of her procedure. She graduates from doggie rehab today (it is her 12th and final visit to a special rehab center). Our summer has been extremely focused on strengthening her leg and bringing it as close as possible to full function. We have progressed from heating and icing regimens and 5 minute walks to 40 minute walks with short bouts of jogging...and at this point she appears to be pain-free and loving life. She is still a few months from total healing, and ensuring proper use and exercise of her leg will be a lifelong undertaking for our family.
We are glad that she found our family because we were able to help her with her needs. Her surgery and recovery have been expensive and extraordinarily time-consuming. However, she has already brought so much happiness to our family, and we appreciate her all the more after having traveled this unexpected journey together. There is something incredibly touching about watching an animal persevere through a surgical recovery.
I would like to thank APR for the care given to Scout while she lived there for two months, and for welcoming our interest in adopting a pet. I appreciate all of the "screening" of prospective owners, as I have now learned how much of a commitment a new pet can be. Since another shelter recommended we get a "stuffed dog" when I mentioned a concern over allergies...I especially appreciate APR for treating us with respect and helping us adopt this precious little animal that is now a member of our family.
Since I have this opportunity, I would also like to mention Dr. Lori McDougal, the orthopedist at GVS who was Scout's surgeon, and Jonna Kanable, the therapist at Atlanta Animal Rehab who has overseen Scout's rehab, and who has counseled me week after week after week -- answering my endless questions and encouraging patience on my end and compliance with Scout's PT regimen.
Dana Rawls (and Jim, Erin, and Jill)
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