Online auction news plus updates on the critically ill greyhounds seized in Fort Worth last month

Braden, image courtesy Gail Ebert

(Updated 7/30/2010 8:00 p.m.)

(Updated 7/31/2010 4:20 p.m.)

2 Hounds Design is hosting an online auction to benefit the rescue groups faced with extraordinary medical costs resulting from the rescue of 29 starved, neglected, and tick-covered greyhounds seized earlier this month from a home in Fort Worth. The auction starts today and runs through August 3rd.  It includes over 200 items, from jewelry to software and art deco posters to hand-made throws, plus everything a greyhound lover could ever want.  All proceeds benefit the rescued greyhounds.

The rescue groups include Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT), Greyhounds Unlimited (GU), Texas Italian Greyhound Rescue (TIGR), Collin County Humane Society (CCHS), Saluki Tree of Life Alliance (STOLA), It's a Grey Area Greyhound Adoption (IAGA), and All Breed Rescue of Texas (ABR).  It is their volunteers who have welcomed these neglected dogs into their homes and are putting their hearts and souls into trying to help them recover.  For many of the dogs, this is a chance at a new and better life.  But these dogs were in such horrific shape when they were rescued that even the best possible vet care and the love of a dedicated foster family can't save all of them.  Braden, Martin, Rachel, and Pudge have passed on.

Braden was the last of the 29.  Found over a week after the seizure in a park only a few miles away, he was in the worst condition of all the dogs.  He was in kidney failure due to acute malnourishment and exposure and suffered from and epic external an internal parasite infestation. Braden was the only one of the 29 that never made it to a foster home, but the veterinary staff and volunteers were with him around the clock until he finally passed peacefully on July 20th. 

Rachel, image courtesy Gail Ebert

Rachel had an indomitable spirit but the diseases and parasites were too much for her body and she died yesterday morning of a massive seizure. 

Martin had a great appetite and will to live, but never fully regained his strength. He began to experience severe and irreversible neurological issues and passed in the arms of his foster mother just last night.  

Pudge thrived on attention from his foster mom and anyone who stopped by. He was covered in ticks when he was rescued, but he sat or stood patiently for the 1.5 hours it took to de-tick him.  Unfortunately, Pudge passed away earlier today.

Braden, Rachel, Martin and Pudge all knew love, happiness, and compassion at the end.  Without these wonderful organizations, that would not have been possible. 

None of the greyhounds are out of the woods yet, and while some are beginning to recover, others remain gravely ill.  Here are updates on many of them, provided along with new photos (see slideshow below) by the rescue groups caring for them.

Martin, image courtesy Gail Ebert

Greyhound Adoption League of Texas took in 10 dogs - Charlie, Martin, Rachel, Ella, Max, Nate, Nicole, Pico, Pudge and Braden.

Charlie is a spunky, 2-year-old. Charlie absolutely loves attention and wags his tail the entire time. Charlie was sweet right from the start - he is truly a "Wal-Mart greeter" type of a boy. Charlie has considerable alopecia, scaling skin and crusting skin on his ears and a cyst on his right haunch which is being monitored. Like all of the other pups, eating remains a challenge.

Ella is a shy girl estimated to be approximately 2-3 years old. Her tests are still being received, and preliminary reports indicate she, like all the others, has tick-borne diseases.  Ella has been coughing, and has a mass on the right side of her vertebral column, which proved to be an inflammatory abscess. Both the coughing and the growth are being monitored.

Pudge, image courtesy Gail Ebert

Max is thin and has open sores, but his body and spirit are recovering with the help of good food, a soft bed, and TLC from his foster parents.  Max's wound on his left haunch area is healing up very nicely.  He continues on his medications combined with some Pepcid AC to settle his stomach.  Max was found in the same cage as Nicole, so the two are being fostered together in hopes of being a comfort to one another.

Nate is a handsome, 4 1/2-year-old brindle. His registration ear is double tattooed, so his identity will never be known. Nate was so anemic and dehydrated when he was rescued that he needed an immediate blood transfusion He has large areas of alopecia on his neck, back, and abdomen, as well as scabs on his neck. Nate is getting medicated baths weekly and is being fed 3-4 times daily for gradual weight gain. His weight has gone from 51.7 to 60.4.  Nate is resting a lot as he tires very easily.

Nicole is a tiny, 2-year-old who currently weighs in at 35 pounds.  Nicole is thin and has patchy skin from her tick infestation, but her body and spirit are recovering with the help of good food, a soft bed, and TLC from her foster parents. She is very timid around people and will need time to learn to trust.

Pico is a 3-year-old brindle.  Most of Pico's fur is coming out in clumps, plus she has large areas of alopecia, scaling skin and numerous scabs. With all she has been through, this is one happy girl. Pico is a voracious eater, so hopefully she'll put on weight quickly. She is a quick study, too, conquering the doggie door right away.

Greyhounds Unlimited took in Shyla, Miato, Meg, Ivy, Nedra, Iris, Icon and Neeka
   
Shyla is doing well. Her foster reports that her stomach is doing much better.  She's said to be a perfect free-feeder, probably because her stomach had shrunk so much that she doesn't eat a lot at one time, but munches along. Her little personality is so very sweet and her foster mom reports she has seen several folks this week who have asked about her.

Miato is a 1.5-year-old Deerhound.  He is a young dog, only around 1 1/2 years old. He came to his foster home wanting to do nothing but sleep and eat....then he began to feel the effects of food in his stomach.  In less than a week's time, however, he became lethargic again. After a quick trip to the vet, he was feeling better though.  According to his foster, "Miato has returned to the persona of a 1 1/2-year-old.....bouncy, happy when we come home, trotting around the yard, ready for food."

Nedra is a 3-year-old who is doing remarkably well. She has had a good appetite from the day she arrived in her foster home. Her pressure sores are starting to heal. She's itchy because of all the tick and flea bites that are healing, and also because she has dry skin as a result of being malnourished. Nedra is beginning to learn what it is like to be a pet and live in a house. She has found the big soft dog beds and happily curls up in them to sleep through the night, as well as nap during the day while her foster mom is working. When foster mom has to go out, or takes the other dogs for a walk, Nedra shows how happy she is that they came back by play bowing and prancing through the house greeting them. And just in the past couple of days, she has been experimenting with the new toys that her fans have sent to her.

Iris is 5 years old.  According to her foster dad, "Iris continues to improve daily and discovers new things she can do in her new life such as bounding up and down the stairs. Her hair is slowly starting to grow back in places, appetite is excellent, and she’s starting to fill out.  She has not had one mistake in the house and as yet has not tried to climb up on any furniture. She is a food surfer and had my sardine sandwich for lunch. Her affection towards myself and visitors is overwhelming. Her tail never stops wagging."

Icon's foster family reports that he is progressing nicely. He is eating well, getting along well with the other dogs in the household, and has not had a single accident. The itching from the numerous tick and flea bites has subsided and he continues to take antibiotics to combat the multiple tick-borne diseases he has contracted.  "He is a very smart dog and is figuring out how the household works quickly."

Meg is settled into her foster home and after a bit of a slow start, and a trip to the vet to jump-start her appetite, she finally started eating and hasn't stopped. She's smiling and starting to play.  Her foster mom reports Meg " has practically potty trained herself, only two accidents. The trash can now has a nice secure strap on it as she thought dumpster diving would be a fun hobby, and she is trying to counter-surf...it is safe to say she is feeling much better, and I suspect we will have a little spitfire on our hands in the future."

Ivy's foster family reports "Ivy is doing better now! She is a shy little girl but comes around quickly. She adores my children and the other dogs in the house, including the little dogs.  We are continuing to cook for her. Yesterday we did some boiled chicken and noodles with the kibble. She is starting to look healthier. Her face just looks like she feels better. We are working on the counter surfing (she thinks everything on the counter is a snack for her!). She is a total love and a joy to be around.

Neeka is still a little timid, but each day gets better and better. At first, she did not know what treats were, but now she is a little beggar. She gets along great with her foster's two cats, and when she walked in the house for the first time got a kiss on the nose from the Himalayan. She loves to be petted and loved on. Neeka is still unsure about toys. She loves to lie around on doggy beds. "I love having Neeka around; she is such a sweet, gentle girl and a true pleasure getting her healed from the horrible environment she was in."

Texas Italian Greyhound Rescue took in Zareen, Job, Nijah, Maya, Shiloh and Landry.

Zareen originally had drainage tubes placed in her back to relieve the build-up of fluids from the tick/flea bites. Those tubes are no longer needed and have been removed and she is recovering as expected. 

Job joined Zareen in her foster home a week later.  He is slowly recovering from the tick/flea bites that have scabbed over. He does have heartworms and his treatment will start once he is strong enough to withstand the long recovery process.  He is doing well and they are both glad to be back together.

Nijah is doing well and loves her new foster home, toys, bed and siblings.

Landry is recovering and has begun to romp around his foster home.  He loves to play with the other dogs there.

Shiloh remains a bit lethargic but is improving a little each day.

Maya is feeling better and has gained 5 pounds, but like many of the others Maya is facing further medical treatment.  She has formed a close bond with her foster mom.

Collin County Humane Society took in Malak.  Malak was initially hospitalized and on IV fluids and antibiotics.  After three days, he was able to be moved to a foster home where he is starting to interact with other dogs and play a bit, but spends most of his day sleeping.  His foster mom is cooking for him and his appetite is good.  She describes Malak as "truly the most gentle and loving natured dog I have ever met.

It's A Grey Area took in Keller.  He is still skittish and has some skin issues but his cough is better.  His foster reports that he has a bit of pep in his step so he is on the mend".  He is eating well and playing with the other dogs in his foster home.

For more information: "Rescued: 29 critically ill greyhounds seized from alleged hoarder in Fort Worth"

You can help: Shop the online auction now through Monday, or make a donation directly to the rescue group of your choice.  You can donate online on the organization's websites.

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