Sponsored by: Minneapolis Council
Telephone Pioneers of America
Meet Sophie! This lucky girl became a RAGOM dog on Wednesday, July 18, when she was transferred from another rescue group, and transported from Iowa to Minneapolis, where she is currently fostered. We know very little about Sophie’s past, other than she was picked up as a stray and taken to the pound about a month ago. It was discovered that she had a badly injured leg, and she would have been euthanized, but another group rescued her just in time. They took her to the vet and got her leg x-rayed, but when they realized the extent of her injuries, they couldn’t afford to treat her, and her fate was once again not looking good. Thankfully RAGOM came along, and Sophie’s future is now looking Golden (Yes, she is a Yellow Lab, but her future is looking Golden nonetheless!)
Sophie’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, 7/24, with one of the Twin Cities’ best orthopedic surgeons. It is likely that her back right leg will need to be amputated. I knew that she was facing amputation before she came to me, and I worried about how she would handle life with three legs, whether she could do stairs, or walk on hardwood floors, whether my two young Golden goofballs would be too much for her. I did some research, and talked to other fosters who’d had dogs go through amputation, and I came to learn, and to believe that physically she would adjust… but what if losing her leg broke her spirit?
That was before I met Sophie. You see, it turns out that I didn’t need to worry… because Sophie is a survivor. She is special. There is something about this dog that I can’t yet put into words, but I know that she will be ok. Better than ok, she will be GReat. Because she already is. Her leg is mangled, and it protrudes in places where legs shouldn’t protrude. Her foot is turned outward, and she can’t bend at the knee (see pictures). She can hardly use her leg, it is a long, stiff board that she carries around with her, but you’d never know it was a burden to her. Sophie is a happy girl, and is so grateful for every bit of kindness that comes her way.
It’s hard not to know a dog’s history. I wonder if she ever had a loving family. My best guess is yes, b/c she seems to know that she deserves to be loved. She wants, and now even asks for, pets. Even when she is being timid, and not sure if she can trust you, she accepts pets. She’s also been previously spayed, so someone must have loved her. I also think it’s possible she’s been abused. She tends to cower if there’s any uncertainty about what you want from her. The first time I picked up a towel to wipe her feet, she curled into a standing fetal position before I even approached her. Poor baby. We’re taking it slow, but she’s already come out of her shell so much in just a few days.
She’s playing with my dogs now, especially with my 8 month old. It’s pretty amazing to watch her maneuver, and even tackle him to the ground, with her bum leg sticking straight out (see picture)! When she gets tired of being on her leg, but still wants to play, she somersaults right onto her back and, with leg in the air, they continue to wrestle. Somehow, they’ve figured it out and it works for them. My only complaint is that they both love to roll around in the bare spots of my yard, where there is nothing but dirt. Sophie had a nice grooming session last week, and a bath which I’d hoped would hold her over until after her surgery, since she can’t have a bath for a while afterwards. Well, it looks like she’ll be getting another one tomorrow before she goes in, but I can’t complain.
A few more tidbits about her health. She’s had her check-up and, other than her bum leg, she is the picture of health! The vet estimates her at 3-4 years old, and she’s a perfect weight at 71 lbs. She’s been micro-chipped, brought up-to-date on shots, and her heartworm test was negative. I still need to bring in a fecal to check for parasites… the potty department is the only area where Sophie has been less than cooperative. She just doesn’t want to go. I think it must be painful for her, since she cannot squat with her bad leg, and it just doesn’t work well -– pee runs right down her bad leg, and pooping isn’t easy either. So she just holds it, and holds it, and holds it. Poor girl. I’ve tried everything to get her to go, and have sat in the backyard with her at all hours of the day and night, and sometimes she will eventually go a little, but then looks at me with shame as I have to clean her up.
So, you see, Sophie’s life is only going to get better from here. If it turns out her leg can be fixed, great! But if she ends up having to lose it, she will probably jump for joy! She’ll be able to get around much better without having to drag it around with her, and she’ll be able to go the bathroom with dignity again. You see, I’m not afraid for her surgery anymore, I’m excited for her! I think that losing her leg is going to set her free, and I can’t wait to see this happy girl run to her heart’s content!
Please keep Sophie in your thoughts over the next couple of days as she goes through surgery, and I will update again just as soon as it’s over.
Sophie says Cheese!
Kicking back in my favorite spot
The 3 Amigos!
Tackle by Sophie... even with a bum leg!
| Mixed Breed | Born: July 2004 |
| Female | Weight not specified |
Status: Deceased
Sponsored by: Minneapolis Council
Telephone Pioneers of America
Meet Sophie! This lucky girl became a RAGOM dog on Wednesday, July 18, when she was transferred from another rescue group, and transported from Iowa to Minneapolis, where she is currently fostered. We know very little about Sophie’s past, other than she was picked up as a stray and taken to the pound about a month ago. It was discovered that she had a badly injured leg, and she would have been euthanized, but another group rescued her just in time. They took her to the vet and got her leg x-rayed, but when they realized the extent of her injuries, they couldn’t afford to treat her, and her fate was once again not looking good. Thankfully RAGOM came along, and Sophie’s future is now looking Golden (Yes, she is a Yellow Lab, but her future is looking Golden nonetheless!)
Sophie’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, 7/24, with one of the Twin Cities’ best orthopedic surgeons. It is likely that her back right leg will need to be amputated. I knew that she was facing amputation before she came to me, and I worried about how she would handle life with three legs, whether she could do stairs, or walk on hardwood floors, whether my two young Golden goofballs would be too much for her. I did some research, and talked to other fosters who’d had dogs go through amputation, and I came to learn, and to believe that physically she would adjust… but what if losing her leg broke her spirit?
That was before I met Sophie. You see, it turns out that I didn’t need to worry… because Sophie is a survivor. She is special. There is something about this dog that I can’t yet put into words, but I know that she will be ok. Better than ok, she will be GReat. Because she already is. Her leg is mangled, and it protrudes in places where legs shouldn’t protrude. Her foot is turned outward, and she can’t bend at the knee (see pictures). She can hardly use her leg, it is a long, stiff board that she carries around with her, but you’d never know it was a burden to her. Sophie is a happy girl, and is so grateful for every bit of kindness that comes her way.
It’s hard not to know a dog’s history. I wonder if she ever had a loving family. My best guess is yes, b/c she seems to know that she deserves to be loved. She wants, and now even asks for, pets. Even when she is being timid, and not sure if she can trust you, she accepts pets. She’s also been previously spayed, so someone must have loved her. I also think it’s possible she’s been abused. She tends to cower if there’s any uncertainty about what you want from her. The first time I picked up a towel to wipe her feet, she curled into a standing fetal position before I even approached her. Poor baby. We’re taking it slow, but she’s already come out of her shell so much in just a few days.
She’s playing with my dogs now, especially with my 8 month old. It’s pretty amazing to watch her maneuver, and even tackle him to the ground, with her bum leg sticking straight out (see picture)! When she gets tired of being on her leg, but still wants to play, she somersaults right onto her back and, with leg in the air, they continue to wrestle. Somehow, they’ve figured it out and it works for them. My only complaint is that they both love to roll around in the bare spots of my yard, where there is nothing but dirt. Sophie had a nice grooming session last week, and a bath which I’d hoped would hold her over until after her surgery, since she can’t have a bath for a while afterwards. Well, it looks like she’ll be getting another one tomorrow before she goes in, but I can’t complain.
A few more tidbits about her health. She’s had her check-up and, other than her bum leg, she is the picture of health! The vet estimates her at 3-4 years old, and she’s a perfect weight at 71 lbs. She’s been micro-chipped, brought up-to-date on shots, and her heartworm test was negative. I still need to bring in a fecal to check for parasites… the potty department is the only area where Sophie has been less than cooperative. She just doesn’t want to go. I think it must be painful for her, since she cannot squat with her bad leg, and it just doesn’t work well -– pee runs right down her bad leg, and pooping isn’t easy either. So she just holds it, and holds it, and holds it. Poor girl. I’ve tried everything to get her to go, and have sat in the backyard with her at all hours of the day and night, and sometimes she will eventually go a little, but then looks at me with shame as I have to clean her up.
So, you see, Sophie’s life is only going to get better from here. If it turns out her leg can be fixed, great! But if she ends up having to lose it, she will probably jump for joy! She’ll be able to get around much better without having to drag it around with her, and she’ll be able to go the bathroom with dignity again. You see, I’m not afraid for her surgery anymore, I’m excited for her! I think that losing her leg is going to set her free, and I can’t wait to see this happy girl run to her heart’s content!
Please keep Sophie in your thoughts over the next couple of days as she goes through surgery, and I will update again just as soon as it’s over.
Sophie says Cheese!
Kicking back in my favorite spot
The 3 Amigos!
Tackle by Sophie... even with a bum leg!
Hi! It's me, Sophie, aka Snowfie :) I love to run and play in the snow. Nothing new with me, just thought I'd send some new pics of me and my friends playing outside. Check out the picture of me and my foster sister, Pumpkin 07-661 (she's the short little "wide as she is tall" gal next to me :)
TTFN :)
Beautiful Sophie!
Sophie in action
Sophie and Pumpkin
More Sophie in action!
Hi Everyone! It's me, Snowfie! Just thought I'd send a quick update to let everyone know that I'm doing just great. I run around the yard like I'm in a race. I do have to say, though, that I'm always the last dog in the house. I LOVE outside!!! Foster mom usually has to call for me. Once she spies me, I stare at her for a second (I want to make sure she's serious) and then I sprint to the patio and fly up the stairs. Once in the house, I make a bee-line to "my" couch. I'm enclosing a picture of me and the two resident Goldens on the couch. I feel pretty fortunate because Kirby and Emma told me that there was a time when Foster dad had a rule that "big" dogs couldn't be on the couch. I went to a slumber party last weekend and played with my old buddies, Mason and Zach. Zach and I played and played outside. When we came in, I settled in for long nap. Whew, that boy has energy!!Zach and I went to a doggie party. I met a lot of new dogs and, as long as they weren't too "in my face" right away, we got along fine. I'd play for a while and then run over to Zach's Mom to get pets. Eventually, I went to all the Moms to get pets :) They all thought I was soooooooo sweet. Foster Mom can't figure out why no-one has shown much interest in me - she says I'm the sweetest thing since Frosty Paws! She's quite sure it's my leg that scares people off but, trust me, it shouldn't scare you off. I feel great and the only thing that looks a little odd about me is when I sit down - my leg stays straight. I love walks, rides in the car, the park, and kids. I only have one bad habit (unless you call gett ing on the couch a bad habit) - I chew on things when my humans aren't home - magazines, a pair of flip flops, greeting cards, a TV remote. Sorry, I must get bored. Foster mom solved the problem with a lovely wire kennel with my favorite bed in it. Not only do I stay there when Foster mom is at work, but I nap in there occasionally too - especially when the couch is occupied. I'm totally fine when my humans are around :) Me and my foster family are moving this week. I've had my bowl and bed packed for a long time. Foster mom said something about being in the country so us fur-kids have room to run. Oh boy!!! I'll write again after I get settled in to my new digs... Love, Snowfie
Hi Everyone! Not too much new to report on sweet Sophie. We're still doing PT and Sophie still doesn't care for it. But, she's very patient with me. Sophie started scratching quite a bit and I thought she might be reacting to some allergies, but it seems to have passed. Sophie is the sweetest, most well-mannered, lovable girl.. She was a little shy at first, but now she is truly one of the pack. She will lay on the deck in the sun for hours, she doesn't bark at passersby, she is just the cat's p.j.s! And, the neighborhood kids LOVE her. If they are out playing and Sophie comes outside, everyone stops and runs to the fence to pet Sophie. One little girl has renamed Sophie "Butterscotch". Sohie just soaks up the attention and pets and neck scratches. I guess Sophie got tired of laying on her dog bed, because she recently helped herself to the couch and that has been her comfy spot ever since. I felt awful asking her to move so I could sit down and watch a movie tonight. We compromised though :) We're off to bed. Sophie sleeps on the landing. She favors the landing over the bedroom. Maybe she thinks she's protecting us. She truly is a gem, our sweet Sophie! Until next time...
Sophie girl is doing well. I'm looking forward to our visit with Dr. R. on the 20th to get her opinion on how Sophie's leg is healing. I'm keeping my paws crossed that she's healing well and we'll get good marks from the Dr. Sophie is not crazy about her physical therapy. She likes to get her head in the way of my hand and, based on that, I assume that my manipulating of her leg is not at all comfortable for her. The poor sweetie. She has a good attitude though - her tail is happy one. She likes everyone and they like her. She is especially fond of her foster dad - and he of her.
Here's a picture of Sophie with her warm pack on before PT. Once PT is done, the ice packs come out.
Sophie and Jazz
Sophie - good patient
Miss Sophia is doing great! We went to the vet last night to get some fluids since she hadn't been drinking enough, and also picked up some prescription food. I'm happy to report that today is the first day she's acted like herself again! She ate two good meals, and is finally drinking on her own. She's doing pretty well maneuvering up and down the steps to get outside, and her tail is wagging again. YAY! It's so good to see my happy girl coming back! She also got her cast off last night, so no more pretty pink leg. Her incisions aren't exactly pretty, but they are looking good. It's important now that she doesn't lick them, so she is wearing the e-collar whenever I'm not able to watch her. Luckily it's only on when she's lying down so it really doesn't bother her much, and she allows me to put it on with no problem. Always her sweet self. Now for the bad news... well, bad for me, not for Sophie. She is going to move to a new foster home this weekend, since my young boys like her too much to leave her alone. My 9-month old pup, in particular, became great play buddies with Sophie before her surgery, and just doesn't understand why she can't play with him anymore. I've had to keep them separated, and even then he will stand at the baby gate and bark at her to play with him. We could manage for now since she clearly doesn't want anything to do with him, but I am concerned that in another week or two, when she is starting to feel better, it will be impossible to keep these two apart. My house is small and it's just me and the dogs, so we decided it would be better to move Soph to a foster home with older dogs who will respect that she can't play right now. A little peace & quiet, and lots of TLC, is what the doctor ordered for the next six weeks. So, this will be my last update on Sophie, but I will visit her, and continue to follow her story. This little girl wiggled her way into my heart very quickly, and I can't wait to see her healed and ready to begin the next -- and best -- chapter of her life, in a loving new forever home. Bye for now, sweet girl. Your new foster mom will take great care of you.
Yeah, I know... it was prettier with the pink cast on 
Mmmm, breakfast in bed... I could get used to this!
Sophie is home from the hospital and resting comfortably! She looks a LOT better than she did last night.
Coming home from the hospital
Resting comfortably