CROSS POST - Rescue advice needed

[WigWag]

A good friend of mine is in a tough situation and I'm looking for advice and maybe help. She purchased two puppies from two different show breeders almost 7 years ago. She was starting on an endeavor to breed only the best to show, etc. Within 2 months she realized that one bitch pup was nicer than the other so she sold the other into a pet home. The pup (chocolate female) was about 5 months old. Well about a month ago her owner called and said she had family problems and was moving and couldn't keep her or her 11 year old mix and wanted my friend to take both. She explained that she couldn't take the mix because she didn't have the resources for him but would take the Lab back as promised 7 years ago. The woman came and signed a release form which had a section stating that the vet records would be faxed and that the dog was free of any serious medical problems and up to date on everything. Within 10 minutes of the woman leaving (in a hurry) my friend noticed the girl was lame on a rear leg. She immediately put her in the van and drove to her vet calling the previous owner on the way who said the dog was totally fine. The diagnosis is a torn cruciate that has been going on for a long time as evident by muscle atrophy and arthritis and she had surgery to repair the ligament in the other leg some time ago. My friend called the owner back and left several messages including ones threatening to take her to small claims court if she doesn't reimburse her for the x-rays and exam and for the surgery as well. The woman has not returned any calls or picked up a certified letter. My friend also called Lab rescue in our area (LRR) and was advised to put the dog down as they would not have taken in a 7 year old dog who needed cruciate surgery. The dog has been in my friend's home now for a week and she is a very very nice dog - calm, sweet, and gets along with all her other housedogs and her cat, etc. She just can't put her down but she also doesn't have $1800 to spend on her surgery. She did contact Labrador Lifeline but they have not emailed her back. Any advice? You can email me privately. TIA

Edit to say that the original breeder of this girl passed away a few years ago from cancer so that is not an option.

<br /> <a href="mailto:wigwags@comca...omcast.net</a>

[Jaspers Buddy]

Grrrrr >. Why are people like this. I am sorry that I do not have any real advice to offer. I would suggest suing her in small claims court. Not because I think you will get anything in the time frame which would be helpful but more because it will make the woman who abandoned her dog's life miserable. How can you do this to a dog with whom you shared a home for 7 years.

[Coles Mom]

That's awful! And I can't believe a rescue would tell her to put down a 7 year old dog just because it needs cruciate surgery!!!!

From what I understand, the suture repair is much cheaper than TPLO and would probably be more appropriate for an older dog anyway. I would suggest contacting some surgeons in her area and see if they will discount to a rescue and offer a payment plan. The surgeon who did Belle's gave us a 25% discount because she was a rescue - that was a $550 savings!

Sure she should sue, but I also think she should give the dog the surgery ASAP. Does she have a credit card in the event payment plans aren't offered by the surgeon? It sucks that she's in this situation, but she's obligated to do what's best for this girl.

[imported_zoezoe]

We had a 7 year old with the same needs...the rescue vet was going to the traditional repair for around $500. I would tell her to try and find a vet that rescues use and explain the dog is essentially a "rescue". Hopefully, Labrador Lifeline will be able to help, but they usually only help in "rescue" or "service" dog situations.

[krisinme]

aww man People Suck!
I feel so sorry for your friend. I sure do hope she can find a vet willing to help her and work with her.

[einstein's legacy]

This issue about long time dog owners suddenly moving really ticks me off. No way I would move somewhere I couldn't take my dogs, just absolutely no freakin way. Unless there's a serious health issue that wouldn't allow me to care for my dogs I would rather live in a hut then leave them behind or give them up. I'm sorry, I know this isn't the advice you asked for but the whole thing just peeved me off.

I hope the dog will be okay.

[Jeep274]

einsteins legacy, I feel the same way. I would much rather be scrapping to get by with my dog, then financially stable without him. People really suck.

wigwag, I really hope your friend can get some compensation out of the scum. I would also recommend contacting local rescues (not just Lab rescues) and find out which vets are sympathetic to these situations. Then make a few calls and get this poor girl her surgery.

By the way, you may want to change your email address to read "wigwags at comcast dot net". By posting a direct link on an open forum you are opening yourself up to spammers. Next thing you know your inbox will be full of scams and porn.

[myfavoritedog]

I wish I had some ideas.. and/or could offer some help. I echo the other sentiments. If/when I ever move Tal is coming too. So will Midnight my cat.

I suspect this has more to do with the dog's health problems than the move. Stuff like this just frosts my a$$.

[lablimo]

That is a despicable story -- > I could never leave my animals behind -- I can't think of a reason that would even qualify. I hope this poor dog gets the help it needs and the previous owner is reprimanded somehow. Good luck.

[Dawson Creek Girl]

I suspect this has more to do with the dog's health problems than the move. Stuff like this just frosts my a$$.

I can't believe people would do this!!!! IT really PI$$ES me off!!

I hope your friend can get some help Sharon. Hopefully Dani will see these or some of our other rescue people.