12/10/01

Dear Santa,

It’s my very first Christmas and I have been a good girl this year. I don’t chew things I am not supposed to, I am housebroken, crate trained and very good in the house.  I love my humans, especially kids, and my canine and feline friends.  I learn my manners and tricks quickly and never complain.  I really like treats, belly rubs, swims, rides in the car and snuggling with anyone who will let me.  My only naughty habit is I’d really like to be a lap dog! 

There is one thing I want most for Christmas:  I want to be able to run and play like other dogs and I’d like to stop hurting every time I try.  I was born with something called Canine Hip Dysplasia and it makes it hurt whenever I walk or try to run and play.  There is something called an ‘operation’ that will fix me and I would like it very much for Christmas. 

Love,
Sugar

PS – Would you also consider a nice big bone for me to chew while I am ‘recuperating’?

12/18/01

Dear God,

Before I lay me down to sleep I want to thank you for all the special angels you have sent to watch over me.  'Thanks' does not seem enough, nor are there words that can describe how grateful and lucky I am to have these wonderful people be so kind to me. 

Thanks to all of them, tonight, I sleep in a nice, warm and very soft bed.  AND, for the first time in my life, I can walk without much pain.  I am so excited to feel good that I just want to run and play like all puppies do.  My foster Mom won't let me, she says I am supposed to be recuperating, after my 'big surgery' but I feel great - a few stitches is nothing compared to what it used to feel like!

I send a big hug and kiss to each and every one of you who came to my rescue with donations, prayers and loving care.  I got my first hip remodeled and am scheduled for my second one on 12/28.  My Christmas came early and I am truly thankful to all of you.  Dreams really do come true - Happy Holidays to all!

Love - Sugar

Sugar was born 7 months ago and had a family.  One day, she went on a hike and couldn’t make it so they took her to the vet.  X-rays showed hip dysplasia and a call to rescue was made.  The owners said “She’s a good girl and does just fine.  She doesn’t seem to be in any pain, except on 3-4 mile hikes...”  They were having family difficulties and could not deal with Sugar’s potential problems too.

 The first thing we noticed when she arrived was she 100% lived up to her name – pure Sugar.  This sweet little gal loves the world and lovingly approaches anyone she can.  She especially likes to nuzzle under your arm and snuggle up close to you.  She has a happy disposition and is in a perpetual good mood despite her pain.  She loves kids, dogs, trying to chase the ball and anyone who will give her a kind word or a pat.  She does not jump up, never runs or bolts and her favorite position is ‘sit’ for pets and attention.  What a nice, polite, and calm little girl!  

A few hours later we realized something was really wrong.  After all, this was a 7 month old PUPPY and she didn’t move more than 3 steps without sitting down.  She had the desire to romp and play with the other dogs, but did so from a lying down position. Then we realized this pup is lame and literally can’t walk more than a few steps.

An immediate trip to the orthopedic specialist confirmed our worst fears.  Sugar had bad hips, really bad hips and is in pain.  In fact, with every step she takes, her left one dislocates from its socket.  Good news is she is young, there is no major joint damage (arthritis) done yet, and she is a prime candidate for special surgery called Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO).  The TPO, if done immediately, will re-model her bad hip joints into good ones and make her the bouncy, happy puppy she longs to be.  The bad news is it will cost $2400 to do it.

Time for some tough decision making:  Is she worth it? – Absolutely, she is young, otherwise healthy, and has her whole life ahead of her, not to mention a wonderful disposition.   Is she a good candidate for full recovery? – Surgeons think so.  She will need 6-8 weeks of rest and then be better than new.    Then the big one, can we raise the funds to pay for it, especially in these economic times? – The answer is we have to try. 

GRR entered a special fundraising campaign to get Sugar her special present: A Happy (and pain free) New Year.  Thanks to the gracious and wonderful donors below, Sugars Fund is now complete! 

Sugar will need 2 separate surgeries, one on each hip done 2-4 weeks apart.  With any luck she will have her newly remodeled hips by New Years.  She will need another 4 weeks of rest and be ready for her new forever family by late January.  If you are interested in adopting Miss Sugar please see our adoption information below.  Check back for more information and updates as she progresses.

Sugar Update 12/18/01

The little sweetie is doing just great.  This little pint size pup has so much spirit.  Even after this big surgery (with shaved rear end and 2 incisions closed with staples, screws and bone plates holding her pelvis and hip joint together), this little doll just wants to romp and play with Cooper, who she has adopted as "big brother."  Of course, there can't be anything even close to romping allowed.  It's really important now to keep her confined so she doesn't do anything to undue all the work the surgeon did.  She is already putting some weight on her left leg, which is appropriate for one week after surgery.  

She really is doing very well and enjoying all the attention she is getting from my (eight!) kids.  But I know she can't wait to run and play again......but this time it will be pain-free.  We keep reminding her that it will all be worth it because in a few months she will be able to run, jump, swim and play like any other GR puppy should get to do.  And for the first time, she won't be in pain while she is having fun!  

Sugar and GRR would like to thank the following Holiday Angels that made her wish come true!

GRR and Sugar would like to thank all of you for your generosity and support.  Without you, more than 300 Goldens in the last 3 years would not have a comfy and warm home for the holidays.  We wish you all a happy and safe holiday season!

Tax deductible donations of any amount can and do help.  If you’d like to donate to the Extraordinary Golden Fund (EGF) to help future dogs like Sugar, you can do so on-line via check  or credit card or mail them to:

Gold Ribbon Rescue
Attn: EGF
PO Box 956
Austin, TX  78767-0956

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