The day I made the call to FOCAS regarding a sweet dog (named Little Joe) they had advertised, is a day I will forever be thankful. This dog was found laying on the side of the road by a highway patrolman last Valentine’s Day. The story drove me to tears. Little Joe had been viciously attacked by coyotes. He suffered multiple wounds on his legs and neck, and he was unable to walk. His foster mom assured me that he had bounced back from his ordeal and was now ready for a forever home.
I couldn’t wait to meet him. He seemed to possess all the characteristics I was looking for in a new pet…good with cats and liked playing with other dogs. We arranged a meeting with myself and my 10 year old dog, Sylvie. We had to make sure they got along…and Sylvie would have final veto power. When this little bundle of energy popped out of the car, Sylvie and I instantly fell in love. He had great social skills, and he and Sylvie started playing together immediately! Foster mom, Cyndi and I brought both Sylvia and Little Joe to a big grassy area so we could watch them and see how they got along. We both felt great joy at how well they were playing together and knew this was a match made in heaven. I adopted Little Joe that day and to this day, couldn’t be happier!
Sylvie and Sailor (formerly Little Joe) are the best of friends. Sailor is a great playmate and has also restored Sylvie’s confidence in other dogs. Sylvie was attacked over a year ago by another dog and was generally afraid of other dogs. Sailor has an amazing spirit. He’s full of confidence, smart as a whip, and charms every person and dog that crosses his path. I was told about all of the things to expect with this new dog: he needed to be housetrained, he may be leery of men, and the potential that he may chew…but I felt well-prepared to take him on. What I was not prepared for, however, was how much I would love him from the very beginning, and how he would brighten up every single day of my existence. Thank you to FOCAS for all the hard work they do in helping to give animals a second chance. There are so many incredible personalities just waiting to blossom as they wait to be placed in a safe, secure, and loving home. If you don’t believe me, just ask Sailor.
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This story was provided by Katie Bauer, Programs Coordinator of FOCAS, Friends of County Animal Shelters at http://www.focas-sandiego.org.
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Grady was brought to a San Diego County Animal Shelter by a Good Samaritan who found him wandering the streets all by himself. Severely malnourished and suffering from over 200 foxtails lodged in his mouth and nose, this poor dog looked as though he was not going to make it. Worse still, it soon became apparent that Grady had also sustained a gunshot wound in his hip some time ago, which was rendering his leg almost useless.
The shelter staff was amazed at Grady’s exceptional demeanor given all of the pain he was in. They were even able to pull out all of the foxtails without Grady making a fuss. To everyone’s surprise, Grady wagged his tail during medical treatment and even tried to throw in a few kisses to anyone who came near.
The FOCAS adoption counselor at the animal shelter was aware of Grady’s plight and, soon, a rescue plan was in the hatched. Thanks to the generosity of the Lauren Foundation, FOCAS was able to provide Grady with the medical care that he needed including surgery to repair his injured hip in an effort to save his leg. Grady was then placed in the capable and loving hands of a foster mother at Boxer Rescue, where he was able to get the care and rest he needed while waiting patiently to for his new forever home.
Because of the caring, collaborative efforts of these people and organizations, Grady’s life was saved and he has been adopted by a family who truly appreciates him for the sweet dog that he is. His new family reports that his physical therapy sessions have done him a world of good; he now almost has full use of his leg, and that he has gained those ten much-needed pounds.
You can contact FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters) at http://www.focas-sandiego.org, or call at 619-788-7880.
Almost too often, a special animal comes along and captures the hearts of all those who meet her. That is Olivia and here is her story.
Brave little Olivia was found caught in a wire fence and in her desperate struggle to get free, her front leg was injured beyond repair. Fortunately, someone found this little girl and brought her to a shelter, however, the San Diego Department of Animal Services was unable to provide Olivia with the care she needed, which is when FOCAS stepped in.
A veterinarian determined that Olivia needed to have her injured leg amputated, so FOCAS took her into our program and worked to find the resources necessary to save her life. FOCAS found her a foster home in which she could be cared for before and after her surgery, and we are happy to report that Olivia was able to have her severely injured leg amputated and she has fully recovered. Olivia is now 100% and is as active as any young kitten her age. She can run, jump, leap (and sometimes fly) around her foster’s home. She also loves to play with the other cats in the home too.
This undaunted little girl has not given up her fight even for a moment, so why should FOCAS? The generosity of FOCAS supporters helped Olivia to get her surgery, and continues to help the countless other animals just like her in need of a helping hand.
Olivia is now ready to be adopted, and here’s what her foster has to say about her:
If you are looking for a fun, energetic and loving kitten – then you might want to take a closer look at Olivia. Tragically at 6 weeks old Olivia’s leg was severely injured and she had to have her leg amputated. Within days of her surgery Olivia was running and playing as if nothing had happened. A true testimonial to her spirit and her desire to live a grand life! Olivia would love to go to a home where another kitten or young cat lives – she LOVES to play. (Her foster home has 4 cats.) Olivia is adventurous and a partner to explore the house with would be on the top on her list. Because of her playful nature Olivia would do best in a home where children are 10 years or older.
To see a video of Olivia recovering in her foster home, please visit her on the FOCAS Web site here.
FOCAS
Friends of County Animal Shelters
PO Box 8375
La Jolla, CA 92038
volunteer@focas-sandiego.org
(619) 788-7880
