The Clackamas Dogs Foundation sponsors an Emergency Vet Fund to help pay for immediate medical emergencies for dogs that come into Clackamas County Dog Services (CCDS). This fund has saved many dogs and most recently, Ava and Shaggy. Here are their stories.

Ava

Ava, a grey and white Pit Bull Terrier, came to the shelter as a stray and extremely thin. Within her first few days at the shelter it was obvious that something was very wrong as Ava was not eating and vomiting when she tried to eat. She was transported to VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists. An ultrasound was performed on Ava and it came up inconclusive. The next step was an endoscopy to find the suspected obstruction. Over 20 pieces of a rubber-like material were removed from Ava’s stomach. Upon removing the foreign objects Ava started to feel much better and is on her way to recovery.

When Ava arrived at the shelter there was no owner information, however her microchip was registered to the rescue organization “Second Chance Companions” in Washington. Second Chance was very interested in getting Ava back and thankful for the care provided by the Clackamas Dogs Foundation that saved her life. Ava is now continuing her recovery care through the rescue’s foster program and is currently up for adoption.

Shaggy

Shaggy, a Goldendoodle puppy, came to the shelter as a stray. After noticing unusual behavior for a dog this young, CCDS took him to the emergency vet clinic to find out if something was wrong. Shaggy was diagnosed with a congenital defect/deformity called pectus excavatum, which is a defect that effects the sternum. Because of this defect in Shaggy’s sternum, his heart is also in a different position than in a normal dog. Although pectus excavatum is not necessarily a concern on its own, the veterinarians who examined Shaggy are concerned that this may mean that he is more likely to have other congenital defects or issues. He will need in depth examinations and testing to determine if he has any other congenital problems at this time, and this will hopefully give a better idea about what challenges Shaggy might face in his future. CCDS is partnering with a local rescue organizations to make sure Shaggy receives the continued care he needs.