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Dusty PDF Print E-mail
Written by Dani   
Monday, 06 July 2009 03:17

Dusty is a happy-go-lucky shepherd/husky mix without a care in the world. You would be surprised to know that Dusty has a 3 pound tumor hanging off of his leg! The King George Animal Rescue League (KGARL) wants to help Dusty, but can’t do it without your help! KGARL is collecting donations to have Dusty’s tumor removed. KGARL has already paid the initial vet visit. The vet has recommended surgery at an estimated cost of $800. The vet thinks he is only 3 to 4 years old, and said that time is of the essence and the surgery needs to be performed ASAP. KGARL has already found a rescue who has agreed to take the dog assuming we can get him the much needed surgery.

Please read more for an update on Dusty!


Take a close look at this picture. Seems like a happy-go lucky dog, right?
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A normal shepherd/husky mix, right? Now look below.
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Yes, that’s an approximately 3 pound tumor hanging from his leg! Dusty was found last week beside a 4-lane highway and brought to King George Animal Control, King George’s county shelter, which is located 20 miles east Fredericksburg, Virginia. Dusty is a great dog, incredibly friendly and very sweet. He gets along with everyone and has won over the hearts of all the Animal Control officers and volunteers. Dusty doesn’t act as if he’s in any pain; he just has to hop along when he is taken out for walks because of his tumor. Wouldn’t it be great to see Dusty run and be able to play with other dogs and people without being held down by a 3 pound tumor? The only thing between this wonderful dog and a new life with a loving family is the surgery that will save him.

The King George Animal Rescue League (KGARL) wants to help Dusty, but can’t do it without your help! KGARL is collecting donations to have Dusty’s tumor removed. KGARL has already paid the initial vet visit. The vet has recommended surgery at an estimated cost of $800. The vet thinks he is only 3 to 4 years old, and said that time is of the essence and the surgery needs to be performed ASAP. KGARL has already found a rescue who has agreed to take the dog assuming we can get him the much needed surgery. We would also like to get him neutered while he is under anesthesia. At this time, we do not know if Dusty is heartworm positive. The vet recommended that the surgery should be our first concern, and if Dusty is heartworm positive, we’ll treat him after the surgery. This would be another big cost for us. We have already found a foster home willing to care for Dusty while he undergoes his surgery, and possible heartworm treatment.

If you are able to donate anything at all to help Dusty, please go to www.kgarl.org and use our Paypal account. We are recognized by the IRS as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You do not need to have a paypal account in order to donate through Paypal. You can also mail a check to KGARL at PO Box 1003, Dahlgren, VA 22448. Every little amount counts! Please help us give this dog the second chance he deserves, that many never get. Please don’t call KGAC to inquiry about the health of Dusty. KGARL is in daily communication with them. Any questions can be emailed to Dani at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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UPDATE, 6 July 09
Dusty has settled very nicely into his foster home. He isn't afraid of anything and is good with his foster dogs and cats. He loves attention, but doesn't demand it. He has been the perfect house guest. He got a bath and his ears cleaned, and was a perfect gentleman. His results came back and he tested negative for heartworms! He is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday.

We have raised $420, so we are halfway there. Please forward this website to anyone you know that might be able to help Dusty.

UPDATE, 7 July 09
Dusty was quite the trooper today!  Dusty's surgery went well but due to the very vascular nature of the 2 and 1/2 pound tumor there was an extensive network of blood vessels.  The vet decided it was best to keep him overnight to make sure there wasn't any unusual bleeding.  His neuter went fine.
 
His foster mom went by to see him at 5 pm and he looked great.  She said he was so funny because he was still trying to "step over" his tumor even though it is gone.  He was also trying to negotiate with his Elizabethan collar.  He had his same perky, sweet attitude.  We should receive his pathology report in about a week.
 
Here is a photo of him after the surgery with his post-op bandage and collar.  We have also reached our goal of raising $800 for Dusty’s surgery and recovery.  Thank you all for making this happen and giving this sweet boy a second chance!

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LETTER FROM DUSTY, 9 July 09

Hi Everyone,
 
It's Dusty.  I just wanted to thank everyone for helping me get rid of my awful tumor.  I was always happy and cheerful, but now my life is better than ever.  I go back to the doctor tomorrow to have my dressing changed.  Everything is going great in my foster home.  My doctor says I can't play right now, but when I am healed I have two doggie friends that I really like to play with.  I can't wait to chase the cat around the house.  His name is Pooter.  He really likes me, but my foster mom won't let us do anything but lay around together right now.
 
I have to keep my Elizabethan collar on when I am by myself, but when my foster mom or dad or with me they let me take it off.  I don't even try to chew at my bandage.  I listen very well.  I haven't had any accidents in the house.  Now that my tumor is gone, I am as perfect as they come.  Once I’m completely healed and my vet has cleared for travel, I’m off to the Burlington County Animal Alliance.  From there, they will help me find my forever home. 

Thanks again to everyone who cared enough to come to my rescue.  
Dusty
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LETTER FROM DUSTY'S FOSTER MOM, 11 July 09 

To all of Dusty's friends:
 
Dusty went to the vet yesterday for his dressing removal.  I forgot to take my camera to take a picture of Dusty with Dr. Whitter, but in typical Dusty fashion, he was a perfect angel.
 
The incision is longer than I thought it would be.  Dr. Whitter said the surgery took about an hour.  He said much time was spent identifying which blood vessels were supplying the tumor and which were supplying his leg.  He wanted to take as much care as possible not to damage any nerves or vessels to the leg which could have caused lameness or numbness in Dusty's leg. 
 
There certainly doesn't seem to be any damage.  My problem now is keeping Dusty "quiet."  He is ready to run a marathon.  He does still "step over" his tumor every now and then, but seems to be getting used to the idea that it is no longer there.
 
Dr. Witter wants to dressing to stay off and I am to call Monday for the biopsy report.  The sutures are to be removed on July 20.
 
Thanks to all from Dusty's very grateful foster mom.

LETTER FROM DUSTY'S FOSTER MOM, 16 July 09
 
Dr. Whitter called.  The biopsy was negative for any sign of malignancy.  It showed bundles of collagenous tissue forming a fibrous mass or nodule.  Dusty is doing great.  His incision looks good.  He is a ball of energy.  I will be glad when he gets the okay to run and play.  He is scheduled for his suture removal on Monday, July 20.  Assuming that goes well, KGARL is planning on transporting him to BCAA that week so they can begin the process of finding his forever home.
 
Dusty has discovered toys in the past few days and he loves them.  Of course, he only wants to tear up Eddie's favorites.  (Eddie is my sheltie)  I try to give him the ones that my dogs don't play with but he always ends up with their favorites.  He gets as many as he can on his bed at one time.  He is continuing to do great.  His sutures come out Monday and he will be ready to find a new home.  He has been a joy and will be missed, even by Eddie.

 
Last Updated on Sunday, 26 July 2009 13:00