Good news! Ella had her surgery today at the Shreveport vet hospital and came through the operation in good shape. The vet who performed the amputation, Dr. Keith Ratcliff, called me just before he took Ella into surgery for a pre-op update, and then one of his vet techs called me after the operation to let me know everything went well. We had some increased risk for the anesthesia because Ella is heart-worm positive, but as Dr. Ratcliff said, we had to get the leg removed first and we will have to treat the heartworm condition after she gets to Montana. He said Ella was also full of hookworms and tapeworms, so he began treating her for that and we will have to follow up when she gets here.
The information I had from yesterday was apparently not correct, because Dr. Ratcliff believes her leg is the result of trauma, not a birth defect ... and trauma that had never been treated. I can't even imagine.
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Please vote for the ranch in the Shelter Challenge -- and you can vote every day! We're currently in third place, putting us on track to win $3,000 for the animals. Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT, for Montana, and it will bring up our listing.
Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.
Thank you!
I've catching up on posts. I have had a sick Mother who has needed my attention quite a bit lately but good news she has improved & is doing much better. (She is 86 so it doesn't take much to get her down when she is sick but fortunately she is of good health generally so that helps to fight off the gunk that goes around)
I'm so glad Ella made it thru the surgery & that she will be under your care. No, I don't I will ever understand how some humans can disrespect another living being. God bless you & Alayne!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | February 22, 2010 at 08:24 PM
Thank you for the update and the photo of her is so very precious!
I hope for a time when people no longer use their power, andger & lack of control to hurt animals.
Posted by: boundforglory | February 17, 2010 at 09:30 AM
Thank you for tsking her. Welcome Home!
Posted by: gayle | February 16, 2010 at 08:43 AM
I'm betting she doesn't stay at the ranch long....somebody is gonna scoop her up for sure! I just wish I lived closer.
Posted by: Debbie | February 15, 2010 at 07:57 AM
The cruelty these helpless four-legged angels have to endure. But I truly believe what goes around comes around or is the other way? Anyway; I'm glad she's on the mend. Golly she's cute!
Posted by: Cora | February 15, 2010 at 01:39 AM
What a sweet face! Sooo glad that she will be coming to the ranch to be restored to complete health. You guys are angels!
Won't comment about those who hurt her except to say they deserve the wrath of God.
Posted by: Nina | February 14, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Poor Ella, she will love her new home, I'm sure!
Posted by: Dawn | February 14, 2010 at 01:45 PM
Dear Steve, thank you so much for this encouring update on Ella.
I know she still has a long road ahead of her (heart-worm treatment is certainly no laughing matter), but your TLC is going to work miracles, as usual.:-)
I'd better not comment on those who left her trauma untreated...:-((((
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | February 14, 2010 at 05:58 AM
Best wishes for a quick recovery for Miss Ella. She is a lucky girl to have Steve and Alayne on her side.
Posted by: Evelyn Gelegonya-Babare | February 13, 2010 at 01:46 PM
I'm so glad that Ella is getting the attention she deserves. And what a beautiful face she has. I'm sure her personality is just as nice. Can't wait for her to get to the ranch. (and see all the snow??!!) Get well soon, Ella.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | February 13, 2010 at 11:32 AM
The sooner Ella gets to her new forever home, the better. The poor thing has been through so much. It just unbelievable. She has earned her spot at doggy paradise, otherwise known as RDR!
Posted by: chris b | February 13, 2010 at 10:32 AM
So glad to hear things are now going in the right direction for her, thanks to RDR! Praying she has a speedy recovery and feels all the ails her!
Posted by: Toni | February 13, 2010 at 08:05 AM
So glad Ella came through her surgery in great shape and that she's doing well. No more inhumane treatment for her...she'll soon be in doggie paradise! She's a very lucky girl!
Posted by: Ann | February 13, 2010 at 03:51 AM
Yay Ella! And YAY RDR for taking in this beauty and getting that leg tended to. Can't wait to see her new adventures!!
Posted by: Lesa | February 13, 2010 at 12:12 AM
Thanks so much for the update.
Ella, I can't imagine, either. Your sweetness is even more poignant for knowing this news. But you are in the best of hands now and soon will be in the very best place for a three-legged girl. It's all good from here. Kisses on your sweet nose.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | February 12, 2010 at 08:47 PM
On my kitchen wall is a plaque with the words
"Father, Hear and bless thy beasts and singing birds. Guard with tenderness...Small things that have no words."
I might add God Bless Steve and Alayne and all those that work so closely with them to identify and take from harms way, creatures like Ella.
Hell is too good for those who failed her but she now has a chance for Heaven on earth at RDR.
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | February 12, 2010 at 08:30 PM
Thank you RDR for all you do for these animals that need you!
Posted by: Taz | February 12, 2010 at 07:53 PM
RDR to the rescue! I would give my last $1 to Rolling Dog Ranch! Your work never ceases to amaze us!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | February 12, 2010 at 07:09 PM
That just makes me sick. Totally inhuman! I'm so glad she is getting to you guys--I know you will give her the best care possible so she can start her new life. I already predict she will have a bond with Timmy.
Posted by: Aliza | February 12, 2010 at 07:01 PM
She is such a purrty woofie! We are glad she is coming to you!
Posted by: Junior & Orion | February 12, 2010 at 06:23 PM
Ella is going to be one of my new special favorites because she looks very much like my own "Elle". Did the vet spay her while doing the operation on her leg? Poor baby......mangled leg, full of worms, and having a litter of pups while in that condition! Thank God she is now in good hands and doesn't have to suffer anymore.
Posted by: Marla | February 12, 2010 at 05:57 PM
I can't imagine either. Bless her heart, I'm SO glad she's finding her way to you.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | February 12, 2010 at 05:47 PM
What a sweet face. Thank you at RDR for giving Ella a bright future without the pain. I'm glad I'm able to donate.
Posted by: Christal Anderson | February 12, 2010 at 05:05 PM
"trauma that had never been treated" That makes me so sad.
I try to be a good person and not judge others and I realize I do not know Ella's whole story of how she ended up at the shelter but I really hope whoever failed to take care of her or worse yet, hurt her, goes straight to hell when they die. There, I said it!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 12, 2010 at 05:00 PM
What a precious, precious girl! She is so darn cute and I can't believe someone would purposely hurt her - and that no one would want to adopt her. Thank you for rescuing another little angel!
Posted by: Alisa | February 12, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Great news - only good days are ahead for Ella!!
Posted by: Suzanne | February 12, 2010 at 04:40 PM