Chance

Profile

Sponsored by:

Teresa and Jan P  
"Stay strong Chance!"

David Anderson and Sheri Auclair  
"The Anderson and Auclair family are rooting for you!"

"Keep moving forward!" -Tommy N

"Best wishes." -Anonymous

"In memory of Hallie." -Judy D

"Welcome to the Golden Life." -Kathy and Hailie W

Please welcome RAGOM's newest foster dog and heartthrob, Chance 15-147!

Chance is a 6-month-old male Golden Retriever puppy. He was lovingly surrendered by a family who took him in from a breeder when he was a young puppy. The breeder couldn't find a home for him since he was paralyzed. It is unknown if he was born that way or if he suffered some sort of injury as a young puppy (such as his mother stepping on him). What we do know is that his condition is permanent and he will always need assistance to move around. RAGOM's orthopedic surgeon reviewed his X-rays, and based on what she saw and the amount of time that has passed since his paralysis was first noticed, she doesn't think there is anything that can surgically be done to help him regain function. As you can see in the picture, he has been using a cart to move around. He has quickly outgrown his cart and we will be purchasing a new one for him so he can get around more easily without the risk of him tipping over. These wheelchairs are expensive, and Chance could really use a sponsor or two to help with the costs of purchasing the wheelchair! Chance is able to move his rear legs and stand up with a lot of assistance. He is able to control his bowels, but does leak urine. He came with diapers to help keep him dry, and we have ordered a few belly bands to try on him. It is very common in dogs with paralysis to have urinary incontinence and it is manageable with belly bands and frequent bathing when he soils himself. We will be starting water therapy (swimming in the pool) to help him get exercise and to help with muscle tone. We are also doing physical therapy and stretches with him, which he is learning to love!

Chance will visit the vet this week to get a few vaccinations, be microchipped, and he will need to be neutered before he's adopted. We will report back after his vet visit to update on what our vet says, and also share what his current weight is. Chance absolutely LOVES our two dogs, and really gets excited when he's around them. Our 7-month-old RAGOM puppy, Sully, wants to play with Chance all the time and then they both curl up to nap together in Chance's puppy pen. I think Chance would enjoy having another dog in his forever home, but it's not a requirement and I think he'll do fine as an only dog, too. Chance has previously lived with cats and we have 2 in our home, and he does fine with them. He has also been around kids of all ages and would do fine in a home with or without kids. A fenced yard is not required for him, though he will need exercise to burn off his puppy energy. Right now, since his cart is too small and he tips it over, we are carrying him out to the grass and letting him drag himself around and play with our other two dogs. He has been good about urinating and defecating when I put him outside, too.

Chance is an adorable puppy and is so sweet! Although he is a special-needs boy and will require more work and dedication from his forever family, he is totally worth it and helping him is so rewarding! Please remember: caring for a paralyzed dog is a lot more work than caring for an able-bodied dog, and it will require a lifelong commitment and dedication from his forever family. Please contact your placement advisor if you are interested in learning more about Chance and his needs. We know he will make a wonderful family member for some lucky family!