Rambo!
Photos courtesy of Hard Luck Hounds.

After spending much of last night updated old posts on my personal blog – and lingering a little longer on those tagged “my furkids,” including those published in honor of Petfinder’s Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day – I couldn’t help but feature a special needs animal today. Don’t let Rambo’s tough guy name fool you; due to a painful (and avoidable) medical condition, he’s endured more suffering than any living creature ought to – and, while the nice folks at Hard Luck Hounds have healed him, Rambo needs your help to stay healthy. Keep reading, kind-hearted people. Have I got the dog for you.

 

RAMBO
Bull Terrier: An adoptable dog in Grandview, MO
Large • Adult • Male

Rambo is an adult male Bull Terrier. He came into our rescue after he was relinquished to a shelter for chronic medical issues. His primary problem when relinquished was severe skin disease caused by demodex mange mites. What is often a manageable (non-contagious) skin problem had reduced this beautiful dog into a quiet, reclusive, painful existence. We took Rambo in and didn’t really know what we would end up with on the other side. We began a rigorous protocol of medications and bathing to heal his chronically infected skin. One of his pictures shows the “before” and is truly heartbreaking. We slowly began to see progress and his skin condition is now very well controlled. As he began to feel better we started to see the personality emerge of an active, happy and wonderfully “bull-headed” dog! He is always in a great mood and very friendly and playful. He is quite the comedian and really loves to play.

In the process of trying to figure out why he had the skin problem we discovered a loud heart murmur. He has been seen by a cardiologist and diagnosed with sub aortic stenosis. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2344 He will most likely lead a very normal life and has been started on an inexpensive beta-blocker to help keep his heart rate an an appropriate number. He is thriving despite the diagnosis and although SAS can be unpredictable it is not a death sentence for Rambo. This diagnosis was the missing puzzle piece as to why his immune system was overcome by the demodex.

Due to the length of time it has taken us to resolve his skin problem Rambo has been with us for several months. He is dreaming of a home and backyard – and a family to call his own. Long term boarding does not bring out the best aspects of a dogs personality and boredom is a constant challenge. He is happy and well-adjusted but doesn’t have an adequate outlet for his energy level. Rambo isn’t allowed to play with small dogs or cats although he has never shown signs of dog aggression. He has not been neutered yet although will be done before adoption. He has one abdominal testicle and we were waiting for the ECHO results to proceed. After castration and after he is in an environment with consistent interaction and exercise we know he will make someone a wonderful companion. He is so eager for attention and will easily bond to his new family. We do not have any direct experience about how he would interact with small children. He will do best with an experienced dog owner who is willing and able to begin basic obedience classes and provide him with regular vigorous exercise. Rambo will need a bit of ongoing attention for his skin although we don’t expect it ever to be a major problem for him again. Regular bathing and close monitoring should keep his skin quiet and comfortable. The heart medications will need to be continued and the cardiologist has recommended annual follow up. Rambo’s new owner should be willing to maintain a relationship with their veterinarian so he can be monitored for change or progression.

We would love to provide you with more information about Rambo and would love for you to meet him. He is truly a wonderful dog that has been given a second chance, now the final step will be a forever home equipped to help him with the challenges he has overcome. His ideal family will see the dog he can become when saturated with TLC and exhausted after playing! He will need structure and training but his new owner will see immediate rewards for their effort. If you are interested in Rambo, please email us at hardluckhounds@gmail.com You can access an application for adoption at www.grandviewvet.com under the Hard Luck Hounds tab. Prior to adoption all Hard Luck Hounds dogs are:

Spayed or neutered
Heartworm tested
Vaccinated
Treated for intestinal parasites
Micro-chipped

Adopting your new best friend is always better than shopping for one! If you have any questions please feel free to email us at Hardluckhounds@gmail.com

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More about RAMBO
Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Prefers a home without: cats • Special Needs

Our Kaylee has a heart murmur – diagnosed three+ years ago now – and, while it is a constant source of worry for her humans, she’s as shiny as always; several inexpensive medications have kept the condition in check. So don’t let Rambo’s cardiac issue scare you away, nor his skin problems. Everyone is a little worse for wear some time, am I right?

Kiki (top) and Sunny (bottom), a pair of feline friends in need of a home.
Photos courtesy of Helping Hand Cat Rescue and Adoption.

Seven-year-old Kiki and her 17-year-old big sis Sunny are two shy kittens who have found themselves homeless in their adult and senior years. They desperately need a new home into which they can retire – together. If you’re the sort of special person who’d like to make that happen: firstly, I love you, and so does Dog. Secondly, these lovely ladies are staying with Helping Hand Cat Rescue and Adoption in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and you should give ‘em a call right away. Kiki and Sunny are eager to meet you, yo!

Kiki and Sunny
Domestic Short Hair Mix: An adoptable cat in Excelsior Springs, MO
Medium • Adult • Female

Kiki is the brown marbled tabby and Sunny is the white cat with black and tan spots. Kiki’s b.d. is 03/28/05 and Sunny’s b.d. is 09/14/94. They both came from the same home and I would prefer they be adopted together. I will do a two-fer on them to keep them together. Both cats are timid and will need a quiet place to reside. Both of them will hide if there’s too much commotion in the area. Sunny, right now is for the most part eating strictly canned food. As you can see, she is 17 years old. She does have a touch of arthritis. When she walks, she minces on her toes. She will need a little extra TLC to make her comfortable in her golden years. Kiki is especially timid. She is a very friendly cat, though and purrs up a storm when you pick her up and cuddle her. Please consider these two together and give them a loving home! My contact number is 816-810-4163.

More about Kiki and Sunny
Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Prefers a home without: cats, dogs, young children • Special Needs • Primary colors: Tabby – Brown or Chocolate, White • Coat length: Short

 

Uno, the senior pom and recent puppy mill rescue.
Photos courtesy of Husker’s Hope Dachshund Rescue.

YOU GUYS! Someone needs to adopt Uno here before I start crying! Or do something rash like bring him home myself. (Note to Shane: that was a joke!)

Uno is a special older guy who was rescued from a puppy mill, where he lost his lower jaw – most likely due to inadequate (read: nonexistent) veterinary care. Though he’s considered a senior dog, he’s still got a lot life ahead of him – and he needs a super-awesome human who can help make up for lost time. He deserves all your tender loving care and more. Show him that not all humans are big, greedy meanies, mkay?

Uno
Pomeranian: An adoptable dog in Kansas City, MO
Small • Senior • Male

Uno is a tiny Senior Pomeranian, about 12 years old, who was rescued from a puppy mill. Uno is a very content little fellow, despite missing his mandible (low jaw); most likely caused by a lack of proper dental care in the puppy mill. His picture does not do him justice. He is adorable.

Although Uno is missing his lower jaw, he loves to eat and demands to have dry kibble mixed with his softer food. In fact, he refuses to eat food that does not have some solid chucks in it.

Uno would love a home where he can hang out next to or in the lap of his owner. His retirement years would be heaven with someone to spoil the memories of his past life completely away!

If you’re interested in Uno, please contact us!

Uno’s adoption fee is $200

Please consider making a donation, to help Husker’s Hope build the funds needed to help save lives!

More about Uno
Pet ID: 12-013-R • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • Special Needs • Primary colors: Black, White or Cream • Coat length: Long

Uno is available for adoption through Husker’s Hope Dachshund Rescue. Call them! Today!

Sisters Clementine and Heather need a home, asap!
Photos courtesy of The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

Clementine and Heather are a pair of sisters who were originally adopted from The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City when they were just wee little kittens. Several years and a new baby later, and the two are back at the shelter and once again in need of a home. Here’s what HSGKC has to say about them:

 

Clementine & Heather
Calico/Domestic Medium Hair-White Mix: An adoptable cat in Kansas City, KS
Medium • Adult • Female

Date of birth: 5/04

11/18/11: Clementine & Heather are sisters who are looking for a home together. Clementine is a beautiful white cat with a medium hair coat. She’s an affectionate girl and she gets along with other cats. Heather is a Calico kitty with a pretty coat and an adorable round face. She is very friendly and curious. Both girls get along with other cats. They are 7 years old.

We’ve posted more photos of Clementine & Heather on their individual Petfinder pages.

Heather and Clementine originally came to us when they were little kittens. At that time they were very sick with an upper respiratory virus and it caused horrible eye infections in the kittens. Heather had to have an eye removed at that time because it was so badly damaged. But she’s had no other upper respiratory or eye problems since she was young. Both of Clementine’s eyes were saved. She occasionally has some eye discharge problems and needs medication when that happens.

Heather and Clementine get along well together. They’ve been together their entire lives so we’d like to find them a home together. They were originally adopted when they were young and returned recently due to a new baby in the family and not enough time to care for them.

Please consider opening your heart and home to these beautiful girls – both of them! – in their time of need. ‘Tis the season, am I right folks?

Five tiny little kittens – brothers and sisters – need your help!
Spring these innocents from jail, won’t you please?
Photo courtesy of the City of Osawatomie Animal Control.

OMD, I couldn’t stop myself this week! I think I need help! Cuteness intervention, stat! Instead of the customary one or two animals in need, today I’m writing about seven. SEVEN! Someone adopt these cuties before I’m forced to DOUBLE the size of my household! I will hold you all personally responsible. (Note to Shane: I’m totally joking. Mostly.)

First up is a litter of five kittens (pictured above) who have the unfortunate luck of beginning their lives at the City of Osawatomie Animal Control. Not that Osawatomie isn’t a lovely place, but the pound is no place for youngsters now, is it? (Or adults for that matter, but still. KITTENS! They’re just BABIES!) And as Osawatomie AC points out, “I’m in a fight for my life. This pound serves several towns so the space is always a pressing concern.” Nope, no way to spend your childhood AT ALL.

Litter of 5
Domestic Long Hair: An adoptable cat in Osawatomie, KS
Medium • Baby • Female

We don’t know the sexes of all of these kittens, but the three torties are most surely female. These are just babies and need new homes right away! I’m in fight for my life. This pound serves several towns so the space is always a pressing concern.

More about Litter of 5
House trained • Primary colors: Black, Orange or Red • Coat length: Medium

Also staying at the Osawatomie pound is one Wet Cat, so charmingly named because she will run through any obstacle – no matter how unpleasant – for a little TLC:

Wet Cat
Domestic Medium Hair-Black: An adoptable cat in Osawatomie, KS
Medium • Baby • Female

This cat is so friendly she walked through her water bowl because it was the closest route to where we were standing! She needs rescue ASAP! I’m in fight for my life. This pound serves several towns so the space is always a pressing concern.

More about Wet Cat
Primary color: Black • Coat length: Medium

Osawatomie isn’t that far a drive from KC, people! Just an hour south of KCMO! Half an hour if you’re already in Olathe! You would do anything for love, yes? Well then!

Last but not least is a listing a friend asked me to pass around. Prissy is a deaf cat located in Murray, Kentucky. Before you let this girl’s “special needs” scare you off, go talk to Deb of Invisible Voices (“a friend” of the previous sentence), who herself is a guardian to a deaf cat, Jake. While it’s true that living with a deaf nonhuman requires special considerations, including nonverbal means of communication, deaf cats are every bit as deserving and capable of forming loving relationships with others!

Prissy-DEAF
Domestic Medium Hair-White: An adopted cat in Murray, KY
Small • Young • Female

This cat was found and kept for awhile by the person who found her. She is scared and is DEAF. She is mostly white with a smudge on top of her head. She needs some TLC. Update: Prissy has been with us for 2 weeks as of 4-14-11 and is doing much better. Her coat is sparkling white now, she is much more people-friendly and her personality is showing well. She would prefer a home without other cats, but may be okay with a very careful introduction. She would do best in a home without smaller children because she startles easily due to her deafness and can get overstimulated. She is a playful cat. Indoor only home due to her deafness and being white.

More about Prissy-DEAF
Pet ID: 11-0264 • House trained • Prefers a home without: young children • Special Needs

Prissy is currently staying at the Murray/Calloway County Animal Shelter in Murray, KY.

Even if you’re unable to adopt any of the lovely felines featured here, please spread the word! Forward their listings to friends in the area, share them on Twitter, and “like” them on Facebook. You get the idea! A little bit of networking may be the difference between life and death for these cats. Please help however you can!