Buddy is a large, eight month old, happy-go-lucky Yellow Labrador puppy with a gentle soul and a desire to play like he was meant to. The problem is Buddy has a birth defect that prevents him from walking normally.
Buddy was born with partial hip joints and his femur bones are unable to connect to the non-existent socket part of his hips. This causes him to walk with a very painful sway to his step because the end of his femurs are protruding out the side of his legs and bone is rubbing on bone.
A few weeks ago Buddy’s owners dropped him off at the Burlington County Animal Shelter requesting euthanasia because they cannot afford the surgery necessary to give him a chance at a pain free life. Given his age and youthful exuberance workers at the shelter called Burlington County Animal Alliance (BCAA) because they could tell from Buddy’s eyes and attitude he wasn’t ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge just yet.
After meeting Buddy, Lorraine Schrieber, BCAA Founder couldn’t say no. She took Buddy for three veterinary opinions and decided to go with the majority of recommendations; let Buddy wait a few more months to enable his body to finish growing before surgery. At that time the end of his femurs will be removed. Next step is an extensive round of physical therapy (yes, there is, indeed such a thing as physical therapy for canines) in an attempt to build muscle growth in place of his missing hip sockets.
Here is the tough part… surgery and post operative care will cost somewhere between $4,000 to $7,000 if Buddy is to have a chance at a normal life. BCAA, like so many rescues in this down-turned economy depends on the “generosity of strangers” and is asking for donations to offset Buddy’s expenses.
Take a look at Buddy in the slideshow and see if he can open your hearts and purses just a wee bit. Donations can be made to BCAA on line through PayPal or by credit card. Of course any checks can be sent to: Burlington County Animal Alliance, c/o Lorraine Schrieber, 7 Pioneer Lane, Willingboro, NJ 08046. BCAA is a 501(c) 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
The other half of the puzzle is finding Buddy a post-operative foster home where he can heal and get the rehabilitation necessary… like someone with a swimming pool that doesn’t mind letting canine family members perform the doggie paddle!
Would you like to meet Buddy? He can be seen every Saturday at Pet Adoption Day between 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Mt. Laurel PetsMart, 62 Centerton Road (where Costco & Wegman’s is located) along with other adoptable pets at BCAA’s table. He is one goof of a fellow and friendly as all get out. Pure innocence with a dash of rambunctious!
Please help Buddy.
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