Special Needs Dogs

Although NEESSR, Inc. successfully rehomes many springers with "special needs", occasionally a rescue has such extraordinary medical issues or a condition that for all practical purposes makes them unadoptable. While a foster home might be able to provide long-term loving care for these dogs, with the support of our organization, it would be a very difficult endeavor for an adopter. We have created a special category for these dogs. They will be designated as Permanent Foster Dogs. NEESSR will provide lifetime care for our Permanent Fosters.

Sex Male Color Black & White
Location New England Posted 02/25/22

PERMANENT FOSTER DOG: As of JULY 2021, DEXTER is a NEESSR PERMANENT FOSTER BOY

When Dexter first arrived at his foster home NEESSR had him thoroughly examined and caught up on all routine testing and vaccines. The bloodwork results indicated he could possibly have Cushings and his initial thyroid screening was borderline. Full Cushings screenings and full Thyroid panels are costly, but important. Luckily all the diagnostic testing turned out to be negative! Dexter also appeared to have pain in his hind end; diagnosed as arthritis in his knees. Supplements and meds have been helpful. Lastly we had concerns about some of Dexter's behaviors so turned to veterinary behaviorist Christine Calder for assessment and guidance. This consult proved to be very beneficial in understanding Dexter's needs. So far NEESSR has spent $2,093 getting Dexter in tip top shape. Donations made towards Dexter's care would be greatly appreciated.

September 2022: Dexter has been diagnosed with an inoperable anal gland cancer. We are making sure he is kept happy and as comfortable as possible at his NEESSR foster home.

Dexter
Dexter
Sex Male Color Liver & White
Location New England Posted 02/05/16

PERMANENT FOSTER DOG: As of February 2018, Robby is a NEESSR PERMANENT FOSTER BOY.

Robby is an adorable 2.5 year old springer who has been plagued with severe skin issues and recurring ear infections for a long time. We've started addressing these problems and hope to get them under control, making Robby a much more comfortable boy!

Step one was a consult at Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals in Grafton, MA with a dermatologist. Lots of cultures were taken to help identify just what is going on and try to find the underlying cause. It will take a while to get the results; in the meantime he's getting meds for the infections and also being treated to every-other-day medicated baths. Robby also was caught up on some routine vetting procedures.

Robby had a sudden very serious flare up in one of his ears. A emergency trip to the Northern Rhode Island Animal Hospital was required. Meds are helping. The dermatologist at Tufts kindly consulted with the super vets at NRIA during the emergency visit.

We expect it will take time and work and, frankly, money to get Robby totally healthy. He is such a sweet dog - it will be a pleasure to see him enjoy good health! So far NEESSR has spent a little over $800 on Robby's medical care. Donations greatly appreciated!

07/23 - Robby has been diagnosed with ichthyosis, a genetic disease that disrupts the normal shedding of skin cells as well as allergies. Progress has been made controlling both conditions and Robby feels much better. The tests/vet visits and meds have cost an additional $1,100 - bringing the total to $1,877 as of 7/23/16. Please consider a donation towards Robby's care. Thank you.

10/23 - Robby is doing well...his skin conditions and ears are under control and he is off all medication. He is following a special diet, which his adopter will need to maintain. The total bill for his medical appointments, medications and food to date is $2980.

01/10 - Robby's condition has been pretty well under control with careful management. He continues to thrive on his prescription dog food. He has had a few allergy flare ups causing itchy skin and ear infections that were addressed immediately. He has been getting Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic injections, which help a great deal. The cost of Robby's vetting, prescription food and medications now totals $3,403.

12/31 - 2017 Update on Robby: Robby's medical issues have been pretty well controlled with the correct food and meds. Robby is an anxious boy and his foster family has been working with a veterinary behaviorist and trainer to help him. This has been a year of progress! Of course, this couldn't be done without your generous support. Robby's expenses totaled $2,370 in 2017.

Robby
Robby
Robby

12/31 - 2018 Update on Robby: The prescription dog food, meds and the loving care provided by Robby's foster family sure is paying off. Robby's condition is pretty well under control. Continued behavioral work has helped this boy enormously. NEESSR spent $2,291 on Robby's care in 2018. Your support is greatly appreciated!