Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary Inc.

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"Not to hurt our humble brethren [the animals] is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission:

to be of service to them wherever they require it."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Wiggles was born with no front legs

Photo by Marc Golub Photography Cleveland OH

PLEASE SEE SCOOTER'S UPDATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS WEB PAGE!

CLICK HERE TO SEE SCOOTER IN ACTION! NBC 24 SPECIAL

Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to all the animals abused, starving and neglected. May God touch lightly the soul of an animal we did not rescue in time. The ones that may never have known a kind word or a warm bed and loving human.

On March 2, 2013 I lost my younger brother Jimmy. He was 51 years old and fell asleep never to wake again. The loss is so great and feelings so deep it has been hard for me to concentrate on my dogs. I have no doubt that Jimmy crossed the bridge with his most beloved dog Founder. If I did not believe this concept of the Rainbow Bridge I do not think I could go on.... R.I.P. my brother and friends please share with me a few photos.

On February 2, 2014 Just 11 months to the day my brother died my Mother left this world to be with my brother Jimmy. She always said she never wanted to go before one of her children. She wrote her own obituary and said " she died of a broken heart". I hope the angels know what they have. I bet its so nice up in heaven since you arrived. I hope your dancing in the sky.....

Lorain Fire Department = Lorain Ohio

Jimmy and his best friend Founder Girl

Okinawa 1986 Navy Corpsman with the U.S.M.C.

DIAMOND'S TUMOR?11/2014

YOU CAN SEE BOTTOM LEFT DIAMONDS FOOT

THIS IS HER IN THE CAR TURNING AROUND TO LOOK OUT OF THE WINDOW

dIAMOND'S TUMOR IS 1/3 THE SIZE OF HER BODY

Diamond is such a good dog. She is just so innocent you can feel it. Diamond was picked up by Saint Francis in South Lorain. She was in an abandoned rental home with no heat or electric. The owner who is ill moved out and did make arrangements with a kind neighbor to feed and let her out. She was not wanted and the neighbor is the person that contacted us knowing we take special needs dogs.

Donations are needed for Diamond. We are going to get blood work baseline, heart worm status, vaccinations ( Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella ) possible x ray all depends on what the doctor wants. Please help she has NOT SEEN A VET IN 10 + YEARS.

CLEPH PALLET DOG EMERGENCY 10-15-14

THIS BIRTH DEFECT SEEMS TO HAVE CAUSED A HOLE IN

THE SINUS CAVITY BY THE CANINE TOOTH. POOR SNAGG

SNAGG HAS A CLEPH FROM BIRTH WHEN I SMELLED

SOMETHING FOUL IN HIS MOUTH. UNDER HIS INSIDE LIP

Snagg needs surgery this Friday Oct. 17th. EMERGENCY FUNDS NEEDED IN JUST 2 DAYS Please help ! Pay Pal or Credit card to Avon Lake Animal Clinic 440-933-5297 mail donation to 12516 Cherry Rd Vermilion OH 44089 We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

PLEASE HELP I NEED FUNDS BY SURGERY DAY FRIDAY OCT 17,2014

MAJOR HELP NEEDED - I BEG SO THEY CAN LIVE

Dreyfuss came from Louisiana where he was found dragging his back legs on a dirt road. The bones were sticking out and the heat and flies from a hot summer day in the south just about did him in. Who knows if he was hit by a car or dumped out in the country because of his injuries. A girl found him and took him to a vet. The girl had no money but the vet amputated both his legs from the knee down. He took what payment she could afford. However the care of a 2 legged dog became too much. She sent him to us Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary in Vermilion OH. He came with a "make shift" wheel chair which was a converted cart the kind people take to a flea market. It had some material on it where his rear stumps rested. Dreyfuss has a hard time in a wheel chair because his rear legs have contractured and the muscles atrophied in a strange shape. One of his rear stumps swelled the size of a hot dog bun and should be the size of a chicken leg bone. The vet did x rays and aspirated fluid to do a culture and sensitivity. He has been on 4 different antibiotics. Simplacef,Clavamox, Zenaquin and now Clindamycin. Please consider a donation. We have many dogs in need of on going vet care. I am begging yes.... to save so many lives. Thank You

SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 PLEASE HELP US BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION. WE ARE A 501(c)3 non profit

RANDOM PHOTOS FROM THE PAST FEW WEEKS

POKEY IS BLIND AND WAS AN ABUSE CASE IN OHIO

ADOPTED ...... 9/14

Nail has been adopted ! Nov.2014

He was HW+ when his owner died and family took him to the pound to die.

FAE IS A WONDERFUL LOVING SMART PIT MIX FROM SC

SHE WAS FLOWN HERE ON A PILOTS N PAWS RESCUE FLIGHT

Andy's back legs are crippled he is a German Shep.

8/2014 ADOPTED ! Andy was with us 14 months and now has his own wonderful family

CRIPPLED FROM BIRTH JILL CAME FROM TEXAS 7 YRS AGO

JILL HAD HER REAR LEG AMPUTATED 6-22-14 DUE TO CONTRACTURES AND ATROPHY

COCO ADOPTED 9/2014

CRIPPLED FRONT LEG - CONGENITAL DEFECT

WE HAD A VISIT FROM DICK GODDARD TV FOX 8

IN GODDARD WE TRUST!

KICKED OR HIT BY A COWARD 6/23/14

Riley age 1 has suffered more abuse then any dog should ever have to endure. He came on the same Pilots n Paws rescue flight as Oggy. Riley is HEART WORM POSITIVE. He has been kicked or hit in the face. His jaw may be fractured and his teeth are falling out. His injuries are consistent with trauma but not getting hit by a car. A man in South Carolina was discovered trying to tie him to a pole at the pound. When questioned he said the dog was not his but he was hit by a car. This little 10 pound boy .... is sweeter then McDonald's sweet tea... a lover a hugger and a smart little trooper for enduring this neglect. Prayers for this innocent soul... Now on antibiotics and anti inflammatory pain meds. He has many people interested in adoption now but we need to fix him and make him whole again.

So thankful for any attention or love shown to him.

Dog pound photo upon intake

Riley was almost put to sleep because NO rescue wanted him. The only reason he is alive is because the vet at the dog pound in South Carolina was fired and did not euthanize him. How close was that ? Another rescue person at the pound knew we were taking Oggy and asked us to save his life... here he is ! PLEASE HELP WITH A DONATION 501(c)3 NON PROFIT.

LEFT EYE GROWTH / TRAUMA "Oggy"6/21/14

Oggy is a girl from a dog pound in South Carolina. No one wanted her because of the growth or trauma to her left eye. She was due to die and needed to be out of the pound by 6:00pm the other day. She lived because the dog pound fired the vet that day and as her luck seem to be getting better Saint Francis said they would take her all at the same time. Oggy is 33 pounds and only 2 to 3 years old. She has no idea what is happening to her. We pulled her from the pound and she is safe in a foster home in Greenville SC. We have a flight request in with Pilots n Paws to fly her and another dog we rescued to Ohio. The transport is almost full. Oggy needs to go directly to the vet so we need donations to make this happen. PLEASE help. Oggy will be up for adoption once we get her eye situation figured out.

The scab has fallen off and now we see the eye

The eye has straw, string and saw dust stuck in the eye ball.

We picked up Oggy at an airport in central Ohio. Thank you Pilots n Paws volunteer flights. She flew in today 6/22/14. Her scab has fallen off and the eye ball is petrified. She has been neglected for some time now. Straw, string and saw dust all stuck on or in the eye ball that is bulging out. Our vet put her on antibiotics and anti inflammatory medication for pain. Her tail just wags on..... please donate to help this neglected dog.

Please consider a donation. You can also mail it to Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary Inc 12516 Cherry Rd Vermilion OH 44089
501(c)3 Non profit group DONATIONS ARE Tax deductible.

DOG SHOT WITH GUN 6/1/14

ELYRIA OHIO

This is "CUJO" last night 6-1-14 at 1:30 in the morning he was shot. The man that shot him was trying to kill him for coming into his yard? He has a gun shot wound that has shattered his right front leg and he needs an amputation. The owner of the dog said he was on a chain. Then all of a sudden he was not... right????? He let himself off the chain. The Lorain County Sheriff was called and a case is pending. This dog is at the emergency vet clinic and the owner surrendered him. We have taken him into our rescue to save his life. He was going to face euthanasia if no one paid for his amputation. that is all the info I have at this time. We need donations to cover his front leg amputation. This is urgent and an emergency

UPDATE 6/4/14 CUJO IS HAVING A TOTAL FRONT LEG AMPUTATION TODAY WITH AN ORTHO SURGEON IN WEST-LAKE OH. THE DOCTOR SAID WHEN A GUN SHOT WOUND AND SHATTERED BONES ARE INVOLVED YOU MUST AMPUTATE. ESTIMATED COST IS $1,700.00 WHICH INCLUDES RABIES AND HEART WORM CHECK AND NEUTER. WE HAVE NO VERIFICATION THAT THIS DOG EVER SAW A VET IN HIS LIFE. PLEASE DONATE....

Now known as "C J " he is doing well at home.

Learning to walk on 3 legs. He is a love bug... LOVE BUG

Non profit 501(c)3 rescue donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

MOLLIE 13 Y.O. LAB HELP! 4/26/14

Mollie from Rome GA dog pound is at the vet in GA. Testing and x rays antibiotics and ultrasound's. Please help... we are trying to find a ride for her both by ground and Pilots and Paws air flights. She is 13 years old and was left behind by some other rescues because of her age.... look at her face! Then while boarding waiting for a ride she started to bleed. Massive UTI. 4/28/14

Mollie is home at Saint Francis ...sad to say the blood work did not show a UTI ( urinary track infection ) a special blood test and x ray , sonogram shows a mass and the blood work confirms cancer. Mollie is a loving giving soul and she is not in any pain or suffering. She LOVES to eat and so I am giving her anything she likes... Blue Buffalo and Wellness ... sometimes cans of Pedigree. ALWAYS TREATS.... this is a blessed soul that will eventually go to heaven... because she is so innocent ... I love this dog. Sometimes as so many have asked me "how do you do it ?" I hurt so deeply as if they were the only dog I ever had to walk to the bridge. BUT SHE DIDNT DIE ALONE AND DID NOT DIE IN A GAS CHAMBER. THAT IS THE MOST THAT ANY OF US CAN ASK FOR.

Stuck in GA at a vet clinic waiting for a ride. vet bill is $600.00 She was bleeding from the urinary track. PLEASE HELP/

DOXI WITH BROKEN BACK NEEDS HELP!3/4/14

Ollie 7 pound Doxi with fractured back.

GRAPHIC PHOTO

YOU CAN SEE THE EMERGENCY WE HAD. THIS IS HIS PROLAPSE

Ollie is a small young Mini Doxi that had a bad accident last year. He is now paralyzed as result of a fall and fractured back. We were working on getting him a wheel chair from Doggon Wheels www.doggon.com when he got a prolapsed rectum. Could be due to the poor muscle tone he has in the rear quarters. BUT WE ARE NOT GIVING UP! Ollie spent the entire week at the vet and received a steroid injection. The prolapse was manually replaced several times a day. Ollie is a happy little 2 year old that loves life and living. We have received a donation from a local Vermilion organization called SADIE'S Choice www.SADIESchoice.com who has now donated $200.00 for Ollie's wheel chair.

Ollie chewed off the bottom of his foot. We have gone through antibiotics and Betadine soaks. It has been weeks but we now have that cleared up so he can go to surgery !

We need donations to cover his hospital stay and his surgery ( not yet done ). Please help! His wheel chair is on the way.

DOG INCASED IN ICE FEB 2014

Cinnamon was found eating out of a dumpster by a dog warden from an Ohio dog pound. She was skin and bones covered with ice between her matted hair and skin. She could hardly walk so a volunteer had her shaved. AT 25 POUNDS SHE IS ALMOST 1/2 HER IDEAL BODY WEIGHT FOR A CHOW CHOW

Matted coat holding the ice to her body

She is a Chow Chow mix.

poor little starving dog at 25 pounds !

Cinnamon had a rescue in Canada say they would take her then on the day before her "freedom ride" out of the pound the vet that did the health certificate and Rabies (required to cross state lines) discovered a cancerous tumor on the inside of her mouth. Once the rescue was notified they said they did not want her and she was removed from the transport list. Cinnamon's time was running out because she could not eat most likely due to the discomfort of the tumor which involved one tooth and her lower left lip.

Cinnamon was here for a long weekend and did not eat at all. We got her into the vet Monday morning 2/24/14. She had surgery and came home the same day. She ate her first tub of Cesar dog food even with the sutures and all. I made her a nest of donated thermal blankets and she slept well. We knew this surgery could not wait. We used the money ($700.00) that was set aside for another dogs medical care. We hope through the generosity of people we can get the money to cover her vet bill.

DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE - WE ARE A 501(C)3 NON PROFIT SPECIAL NEEDS RESCUE GROUP. PLEASE HELP ME SAVE THESE DOGS THAT HAVE NO CHANCE !

NO ROOM AT THE INN Christmas 2013

No room at the Inn on Christmas Eve.... other rescues were full and yet the workers at the Emergency Vet Clinic kept calling around to find a place for Si to go. He was hit by a car in Lorain and suffered severe facial trauma. Some stranger took him to the emergency clinic but they were not the owner. His right eye was hanging out of the socket. Despite all the pain he must have been in Si kissed everyone and was looking for food! His eye could not be saved and they removed it. Si is now in our rescue and going to be neutered, micro chipped and heart worm checked on Friday Jan 3, 2014. Because space is limited and we really did not want to take another dog in right now we are putting Si at our boarding facility after we get him vetted. Please consider a donation to help with the cost of vetting and boarding until we can find this Christmas pup a home.

Si is safe we need donations to vet and board him while looking for a forever home. Si is food aggressive and must eat alone. We need to find a home with a fenced in yard and no children. Please consider a donation no matter how small....

LILLY OUR RESIDENT BOSTON

Lilly had to go in a rural mail box to hold her up

when she ate any food or drank any water.

Lilly has been with us for years! She was found in a black plastic bag that was tied shut and thrown in a dumpster. Lilly was near death and just a living skeleton. Turns out Miss Lilly has "Mega Esophagus" which is a pouch in her esophagus leading into her stomach. It fills with food and she vomits thus not getting any nutrition. Lilly first went to Boston Terrier Rescue and then came to us. Lilly was taken to Ohio State University for a full work up including photos of the inside of her stomach. That is how they came up with the diagnosis. She also has neurological damage, her tongue hangs out the side of her mouth.

Lilly is getting old now and we no longer give her Rx. medication. It was taken off the market for humans so I would not give it to her. Lilly can only eat Wellness white fish and sweet potato. A can of food is $2.99 /each at Tractor Supply. Someone found a web site called www.chewy.com 1-800-67-chewy and sent us a dozen cans for $2.00 / each. We always can use monetary donations however if you would please send a can or order some Wellness white fish and sweet potato for Lilly we would appreciate it. send to : Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary 12516 Cherry rd. Vermilion OH 44089

TWO 4 POUND CHIHUAHUAS NEED HELP!12/9/13

When the rescue person in a County near the Indiana state line called me to tell me they just confiscated 15 Chihuahuas from a home and neglect / abuse case. She asked me if I could take any, even one. She told me they did have a few puppies also. I told her another rescue could take the pups and place them. I asked her to send me the worst case she had, one that no one would take. I ended up with 2. The little Chi in the first photo came to me with no hair, inter-digital cysts on all 4 paws. Her toe nails were so long they pointed up towards her belly. ( from filth and bacteria ) She has no teeth which I am sure fell out because I doubt these dogs ever saw a vet. The second little girl was in bad condition. Both came to me with kennel cough which were treated with antibiotics and Temeral-P for the cough. Honestly I do not know how they lived. The little ones in the photos below has been kept in a small cage so long probably her entire life her rear legs have atrophied to the point she walks like a crab. Her walking is getting better but she still shows signs of abuse.

NOT A HAPPY CAMPER! SHE HATES THE CONE

THE DOCTORS FIXED HER HERNIA AND SPAY ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

Large inguinal hernia

Severe swelling to the left eye

This little girl was taken to the emergency room at Ohio State University in Columbus OH the day after Thanksgiving. Her eye and face swelled fast. We were told to take her to a dentist. We took her to Animal Clinic Northview where they have a vet that does nothing but teeth. A surgeon repaired the hernia and spayed her. She was heart worm neg. and placed on antibiotics. Her entire life was a living hell and now she is healthy and on her way to feeling better. Please help with a donation. We exist entirely on donations. Her bill was over $1,850.00

TRUDY CHIHUAHUA MIX 11/13

ADOPTED!

Trudy's rescue photo taken at the KY pound.

skin and bones with crippled front leg.

Trudy came from KY where she was taken from an abusive situation. She is young but has suffered a fractured front leg that was never taken care of at a vet. She has a crippled front leg as a result. When Trudy ( 11 pounds ) came to us she had kennel cough so bad we did not think she would live. Antibiotics and steroids were given and she is completely better. Heart worm negative. She is completely house trained and looking for a new home. Please email me mparke11@aol.com if you are interested in this loving lap dog.

Trudy in her angel wings looking for a home.

Good with kids and other dogs....very loving

FOOLING AROUND AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET THE COLLAR!

Paco was found on the streets of Vermilion having a seizure that did not stop (Status Epilepticus) since then he has been raced to the vet in uncontrollable seizures 2 times. Paco has been with us 2 years. He is on medication which lets him be as normal as any other dog! While playing with a dog in a wheel chair .... things get rough and little Paco's eye popped out. So I raced him to the vet and he had to have emergency surgery while monitoring his Phenabarbitol level. His blood was in the therapeutic range and he is now home. His bill was $950.00 , emergency admit and surgery to remove the eye. WE SURE DIDNT SEE THIS ON COMING!

PLEASE HELP US WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBEL DONATION BY USING PAYPAL OR CALL THE VET DIRECTLY AT 440-933-5297 AVON LAKE ANIMAL CLINIC !

Paco has a "cone" and is doing well

Seizures are under control and doing fine.

GRETEL FEMALE GERMAN SHEPHERD 5-31-13

This is Gretel after she had a long bath and tick removal.

This 9 y.o. female GSD was picked up as a stray at a rural county dog pound in central Ohio. A dog pound where they PUT DOGS IN A BOX AND TURN IT ON... THE DOGS SCREAM AND YELL AS IT FILLS WITH GAS AND THE LIFE IS SUCKED RIGHT OUT OF THEM. Yes Gretel was scheduled to be "put to sleep" in a very inhumane way. No one came for her and no one called. But we did! Gretel was taken to our vet in Avon Lake and the rest of her life changed for ever. Her collar was so dirty and tight it was blended into the hair and they could hardly get it off at the vet's office. She had over 100 ticks on her. 15 ticks were removed from just one ear alone. The skin on the bottom of the tumor was so tight as it grew larger and larger it was ready to split like an over ripe tomato

post op with drainage tubes in place

ON THE DAY GRETEL WAS PULLED FROM THIS GASSING DOG POUND IT WAS CLOSE TO 90 DEGREES. SHE WAS FILTHY WITH A COLLAR THAT WAS ALMOST EMBEDDED. SHE WAS COVERED IN TICKS AND FLEAS ( 15 IN ONE EAR ALONE ) AND HER TUMOR WAS ABOUT TO BURST. DO YOU KNOW THE SUFFERING THIS OLD GIRL MUST HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH?
TONIGHT SHE IS IN THE VETS OFFICE WITH 24 HOUR CARE. SHE IS ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES...GOD BLESS HER. I AM BEGGING YOU FROM MY HEART PLEASE HELP US WITH A DONATION. we are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

DONATIONS FOR THE "BROWN CRIPPLED DOG" 5/28/2013

CoCo Puff came from a dog pound in southern Ohio by the Ohio River. NO one wanted her and she was going to be gassed to death. We are going to get her vetted and have her front left leg evaluated. Thank you.

WHEELO NEEDS BOTH REAR LEGS REMOVED 5/20/13

Wheelo came from Georgia 2 yrs ago. She is now 3 yrs. old. She showed up at the dog pound in GA already crippled. She has no use of her rear legs. She is strong and active, up and down stairs with the strength of her front legs. She has chronic open areas on her legs that she drags. She cant even fit correctly in a wheel chair.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SHORT CLIP OF WHEELO ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please consider a donation ! We have so many animals in need and we are working on it one by one!

EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR LUCY

Life or death for this girl... her story is below. We need to get her to Ohio State Vet Clinic ASAP. SATURDAY APRIL 20, 2013

WOOD STICK STUCK IN MOUTH 7-24-12

RETURNED TO RESCUE BECAUSE SHE NEEDS ANOTHER SURGERY THEY DID NOT WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY AND THOUGHT SHE WAS TOO OLD.

This is Lucy and she was going to be put to sleep

This is a wonderful and smart girl that needed help ....

Lucy was returned to rescue and after all the surgeries she had ....she needs to go to OSU hospital for a Teflon patch in the roof of her mouth. SHE CAN NOT EAT RIGHT NOW AND IS QUICKLY BECOMING SKIN AND BONES.
BEGGING LIKE NO OTHER TIME. WE ALL LOVE THIS GIRL AND WE MUST HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GET HER TO THE OHIO STATE VET CLINIC.
PLEASE DONATE FOR LUCY!

When I left Lucy at the vet it was midnight and I just picked her up from an emergency transport. I got her from my van and as I handed her off to the technician I removed her collar. It was a pink "COACH" collar, real leather.

I said to my self .... Lucy you are such a lady.... I will hold this collar .... and when you are better ,... you are going to wear it home from here.... with all the dignity and grace you deserve...that's all she has in life is a Coach collar and a hope & prayer to survive.

Lucy came from a dog pound in West Virginia where her owner refused to come and claim her. The volunteers noticed she could not close her mouth and was not eating well. They took her to a vet and found out she had a wood stick wedged in the soft pallet. The stick had been there a long time and caused the surrounding tissue to become necrotic. ( die ) The wood stick rotted in her sinus cavity and some of the bone was infected. The WV vet did what he could with the money available. He recommended euthanasia if she could not get advanced care right away. We made plans to take this dog on a Friday night at midnight. Lucy was pulled from the pound but took a turn for the worse by not eating and unable to drink any longer. The foster drizzled water in her mouth but we needed to move her here to Saint Francis right away.

PRIOR TO SURGERY LUCY IS LAYING UPSIDE DOWN

YOU CAN SEE THE HOLES FROM THE WOOD STICK IN THE HARD PALLET ALONG WITH INFECTED TISSUE

In the above photo you can see the soft pallet with holes in it. When I got her to the vet at midnight the van was filled with the smell of rotten flesh. I could only think of her suffering. She was so happy and wagged her tail as they took her to a kennel at midnight waiting for her surgery the next day.

THIS IS POST OP. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF SURGERY

MANY TEETH THAT WERE INFECTED WERE REMOVED. THE HOLES WERE CLOSED AND DEAD TISSUE REMOVED

Lucy had her surgery Tuesday 7-24-12. She is being kept in a coma like state, heavily sedated for now. The vet passed a tube into her stomach to feed her today. She is on antibiotics by I.V.s and we did a culture and sensitivity to make sure we are using the correct drug. She had some dead necrotic bone removed along with 8 teeth that were involved. She may have a feeding tube inserted tomorrow to give the roof of her mouth time to heal.
PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR LUCY THIS IS HER ONLY SHOT AT A LIFE. IF THE SURGERY DOES NOT WORK AND THE SKIN GRAFT FAILS... WELL LETS PRAY IT WORKS.

Still at the vet!!! 4 surgeries and real close to $7,000.00 ( August 19, 2012)

STILL AT THE VET SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 OUR BILL HAS BEEN CAPPED AT $5,500.00 AND WE NEVER EVEN RAISED 1/2 OF THAT!

Lucy is still at the vet. She just had her 5th. reconstructive surgery on her hard pallet. Sept. 25, 2012 UPDATE: LUCY HAD 2 MORE VISITS WHERE SHE WAS PUT TO SLEEP AND HER RECONSTRUCTIVE AREA ASSESSED AND RE-SUTURED WHEN NEEDED. 10/12

UPDATE MAY20,2013 LUCY HAS HAD HER SURGERY AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY. THIS IS HER ONE SHOT AT A NORMAL LIFE AND THE SPECIALIST DOCTORS THAT TOOK CARE OF HER FEEL ....THIS IS HER LAST CHANCE AND NO ADDITIONAL SURGERIES WILL BE DONE. LUCY'S SURGERY WAS ALMOST $1,000.00 OVER THE ESTIMATED COST GIVEN TO US. Please donate if you can.

Doc Webb is ADOPTED! March 2013

Doc Webb is 6 mo. old Jack Russell Terrier BLIND!

Born with NO eyes ( micro-opthalmia ) we got him from a dog pound where he could have been euthanize

LOOK AT ARTHUR! BEFORE AND AFTER FEB 22,2013

FEB 2013

TUMORS GONE!

SUMMER 2012

WHEN HE CAME TO US FROM KY

ADOPTED 2013!!!

ARTHUR HAS A NEW HOME NOW !

ADOPTED 2/2013 Arthur ( above ) with his new mom and dad. Please see his story below. He was left at a dog pound with those 7 pound tumors on a 103 degree day. He was tied in the sun with no water. Look at this happy boy now!

15 YEAR OLD OWNER SURRENDER! 1-16-13

I received a call from a local man who got my number from the Lorain Animal Protective League. He took his 15 year old Norwegian Elk-hound to surrender him. I had him bring the dog to the house because he absolutely had no where to go. He was headed for the Lorain Dog Kennel ( dog pound ). I do not know the history I do not know the story... in rescue we hear it all. I was told he has a "RIGHT HIND INJURY". This boy "BIG BOO" gets out of the car stiff legged in both rear legs. Just a forlorn look on his face being dragged around with a clothesline rope that resembled a noose. What was going through his mind as he was being led around from one strange facility to another being told "too old" ! This boy has never seen the inside of a house and lived outside everyday of his 15+ years. I brought him in and put him on some fluffy flannel sheets for a bed. He fell asleep so fast and so deep I had to see if he was dead! He was warm, had some food and crashed until morning.... 12 hours!

I have to get Big Boo vaccinated, heart worm checked and have the vet assess his need for an anti-inflammatory such as Rimadyl. We may not get real aggressive but he has to have his mouth checked for dental disease. ( so he is not in pain ) I can not charge any thing more at the vet. PLEASE HELP WITH A DONATION!

SHELA - EPILEPTIC AND DEAF 1-1-13

Shela came from the Lorain County Dog Kennel ( dog pound ) and was pulled by another rescue. I found her on Facebook posted because the other rescue wanted to find a special needs rescue to taker her. They found out she was having severe seizures and was listed as blind or partially blind. I saw people asking about her up in the Maine / New Hampshire area. When I found out she was at the same boarding kennel I use I went to see her. We took her into rescue and brought her home. She had Phenobarbital levels checked at our vet. Because of her size ( a little on the fat size ) we also had her thyroid checked. Thyroid was normal but she remains on Phenabarb. We also found out she is DEAF not blind. That is why it seemed like she did not have a good orientation to her surroundings.

Shela needs monitoring of blood work for Phenobarbital levels. She receives medication 2 times a day. Her medication is adjusted based on the blood work.

Freeway needs medical help 1/8/13

Freeway passed away here at Saint Francis .... He had several surgeries and the tumors just kept coming back. On the day he passed he went out with his girl friend a semi feral white German Shepherd and ran and played like crazy. He came in layed down on his left side. He looked up at me and gave one cry... and took a deep breath... he was gone... R.I.P.

We have had Freeway since 2008 with no one ever wanting to adopt him. No potential adopter has even asked about him. 2 yrs ago he herniated a cervical disc in his neck and required medical attention. Now he has developed a mass in his neck that is the size of a small cantaloupe. We had an aspiration biopsy a short time ago and he was treated with Rx. meds. Last night he was in surgery for over 2 hours as the mass completely wrapped around his jugular vein. He also developed these massive mouth tumors on both sides of the lower jaw which completely swallowed the teeth! The vet removed the mouth growths and the neck mass which were sent away to find out if he has cancer.

Freeway was found walking down the middle of St. Rt. 2 in Vermilion and the couple that found him brought him here. (2008)

Freeway is just a happy go lucky big lanky mutt .... happy to walk around the fenced yard and explore. Since he has spent the majority of his life with us we are not turning our back on him during his time of need.

Medical bills are over $1,200 at this point and donation appreciated very much. We are a 501(c)3 non profit, donations are tax deductible.

UPDATE: THIS IS THE SURGICAL SCAR LEFT AFTER MASS

REMOVAL. THE MASS WAS SENT AWAY FOR BIOPSEY

PLEASE DONATE!!!!

SKEETER MISSING PART OF HIS SPINE 12-4-12

Skeeter came from Southern Ohio. He was rescued as a puppy and then it was determined he was incontinent of urine and stool. This cute little bug was taken to a vet and x-rays showed he was missing his entire lower spine and tail. He does have a constipation problem and is on medication probably for the rest of his life. We took him into rescue when we were contacted by the group that pulled him from a bad situation. Skeeter went to the vet and is now up to date on all of his vaccinations, neutered and his medication has been adjusted. Skeeter is 9 pounds and most likely the product of back yard breeders trying to get a "designer dog". Thus over breeding is what we think caused his medical condition.

How cute is that underbite????

RUFUS SET ON FIRE 9-9-12ADOPTED!!!!!!

Rufus ( A.K.A. Chance ) is a purebred German Shepherd Dog who came from Georgia 9-8-12. We believe he had some sort of accelerant poured on him. His tail is partially missing and burned with severe edema ( fluid swelling ). He has splash marks on both rear legs with missing hair and scars. Rufus has his left ear partially tore off and as far as his teeth almost every tooth is fractured or broken off. He is skin and bones. This boy was placed on pain pills in GA by the vet when we had his rabies shot for transport done. The note from the shelter in GA said "DO NOT TOUCH HIS TAIL VERY PAINFUL".

NO one is going to get the blame for this atrocity he was found wondering around the shelter yard in Georgia. All we can do is go forward with this gentle giant. He wags his tail ( what is left of it ) like crazy when he sees anyone walking toward him. This is a giant good boy. When he gets on his back legs he is over 5 1/2 feet tall

RUFUS ADOPTED OCTOBER 2012!

UPDATE: We were told that the area of Rufus's ear missing is where he had his tattoo cut out. Yes that is right so this poor dog could not be identified after he was set on fire they cut his ear off.

We need help! Rufus needs a tail amputation, antibiotics, dental work for the fractured and broken teeth. No idea what is going to be done with is torn ear.
He needs to be neutered and we had him heart worm checked. We are a 501(c)3 non profit. Donations are tax deductible.
Donations for Rufus may also be made by credit card to Avon Lake Animal Clinic at 440-933-5297 or U.S. mail to Saint Francis 12516 Cherry Rd Vermilion OH 44089

GOOD NEWS FOR ONCE! 8-19-12 ADOPTED

Father Misenko adopted Bobby Lee

Bobby Lee now has 450 students that know who he is! THIS IS ONE LUCKY DOG!!

Pee Wee a.k.a. Bobby Lee

Pee Wee came from West Virginia where he was removed from an "abuse and neglect case". Several dogs were removed and all adopted EXCEPT FOR PEE WEE! This little cleph pallet boy was NOT GOING TO DIE IF I HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. So Saint Francis took Pee Wee and another dog that was in the back ground "Bubbles". As you may know we always take the dog in the back ground of the photo of the dog we are taking into rescue. Father Misenko from a Catholic Parish west of Cleveland adopted him. Pee Wee ( aka Bobby Lee ) has now found his forever home.

SKITTLES STORY front leg amputated 7-10-12

ADOPTED 2013

We were asked to take a dog with a "severely broken leg". Skittles had been at a pound in central Ohio for 4 days. I knew the 4th. of July was coming up and did not want her to sit alone in pain during the holiday. I told the dog warden on the phone "if you can get this dog to my vet today before 1:00PM I will take her". The dog warden himself put this dog in his car and drove her to Avon Lake Animal Clinic. Within 4 hr. of talking to the warden this dog was in surgery and received her amputation.

This photo is Skittles right after surgery. The vet tech told me when she came out of anesthesia she gave kisses walked back to her kennel. Skittles came down with a bad case of kennel cough ( infectious tracheal bronchitis ) She stayed at the vet clinic a little longer in isolation. She knows commands like "sit" and "stay" Skittles is not a barker and she IS HOUSE TRAINED. This is a good dog and I know anyone looking for a dog to adopt will not pass this girl up! She is that nice! email mparke11@aol.com to see Skittles

Sittles bill was $ 1,686.95 This dog will now be able to live a normal life and find a wonderful home someday. Please help us with her vet bill. We are a 501(c)3 non profit special needs rescue group.

Credit card donations to 440-933-5297

LOOK AT THIS ...NEED I SAY MORE? JULY 4TH 2012 ADOPTED 2-22-2013

THIS DOG CAME FROM KENTUCKY

THNAK GOD A SHELTER VOLUNTEER FOUND HIM IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY

This dog now named Arthur was left tied to a fence in Kentucky at a dog pound. IT WAS 104 DEGREES AND HE HAD NO WATER ! NO FOOD! NO SHELTER!

How could someone do this to a living thing? It is criminal to leave him go with no vet care and then dump him like this. His transport from Kentucky ONLY TOOK 1 DAY. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED OR OFFERED. THE RESCUE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER LIKE NO OTHER .. WE DO NOT EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER BUT THROUGH RESCUE WE KNOW EVERYONE.

HERE IS A FACE CHILLING IN THE AIR CONDITIONER

THIS BOY CANT BE MORE THEN 2 YEARS OLD ... WERE GOING TO FIX HIM UP.

Please help with a donation. I just cant help but wonder what this dog thought or felt ...left in this condition tied to fence in 104 degrees .... poor soul.
we are a 501(c)3 non profit rescue and donations are tax deductible.

credit card donations may be called to Avon Lake Animal Clinic 440-933-5297

U.S. mail 12516 Cherry Rd Vermilion OH 44089

The large tumor on Arthur's back was so heavy and hung so low it looked like it was on the bottom. All tuomors removed now and he feels so much better.

2 BONDED GIRLS FROM MICHIGAN

MISSY AND ELSA 6-21-12

Elsa is Missy's bonded friend for life.

Elsa will sit near Missy and clean her tears away for hours as if she knows it hurts.

Missy always looks like she is crying

Those are real tears because her eye lids are inverted and each blink is painful.

Missy and Elsa were picked up together on the same property in Michigan. They love each other and it shows every day. Missy has entroupia which is inverted eye lids both eyes top and bottom. Each blink is excruciating painful. That is why she always looks like she is crying. Missy will have surgery to correct her eyes June 22, 2012. They will also check for a spay scar when she is asleep. Her best friend is also at the vet with her and she is heart worm ++. However once we got her to the vet with Missy upon exam she developed a fever of over 104 degrees would not eat or drink. Her blood work shows she has anemia. She has a bladder infection also. She is now on I.V.s and antibiotics. Xrays show she has ingested as many as 4 metal pieces and the doctors feel she is in a heavy metal toxcity crisis. We are doing emergency surgery to remove the metal from her stomach as I am told this is life threating.

6-21-12 Missy is having her upper and lower lids done so she will not be in pain any longer.

Elsa is have life saving surgery for heavy metal toxcitiy, xray shows she has injested some long pieces of metal. Heart worm treatment is on hold right now.

UPDATE: ELSA HAD A 4 BLADE RAZOR HEAD IN HER LOWER STOMACH. NOW REMOVED

Elsa survived the surg. very well however the heart worms were just too much and she had chronic anemia... she was in respiratory distress and suffering... we put her down...R.I.P. in heaven while your body lays here at Saint Francis your soul and spirit runs the forever green hills while waiting at the bridge.... I will see you again Elsa.

WORST CASE OF ABUSE / NEGLECT EVER! (from Keystone Florida 6-1-12)

Roho sitting in the sand while in Florida

You can see her crippled legs

This Red Bone Coon Hound belonged to a Vietnam Vet. ( served 1963 ). He is from Keystone FL. The dog named "Roho" which is "Red" in Spanish. Was hit by a car in April. Roho is 2 years old. Volunteers who care for animals but do not belong to any formal rescue took the dog to the vet for him. The man had money however would not pay for anything. X=rays showed a fractured back. Roho needed her bladder expressed at least 4 times a day. When I got a call to take this special needs dog I was told her "rear looked like raw hamburger" however nothing prepared me for what I saw. The V.F.W. post in Orange Park FL raised the money to purchase an airline ticket for Roho to get to safety. She flew in Wednesday May 30,2012. Roho went directly to the vet from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Roro sitting with her legs in bandages.

This is Roho a sweet loving innocent girl.

Roho was kept in this mans home along with 2 other Red Bone Coon Hounds and a Long Hair Chihuahua. The dog cannot control her stool and the entire house was covered in feces. From dragging her crippled legs around she developed large sores on her legs. The sores are very bad and require soaking in Betadine surgical scrub and daily dressing changes. She is on oral and topical antibiotics. The vet said when she arrived at the clinic directly from the airport the worms ( tape worms ) were crawling out of her anus. Her stomach was full. The fleas were so bad they were crawling off of her and all over the crate.

Here is the shocker. That man must have left her sit since her accident. This is a tunneled decubitis ulcer ( bed sore ) between her legs. This is where the pressure was great for long periods of time that interfered with circulatory blood flow causing tissue death.

This tunneled decubitis ulcer ( pressure sore )

is so large you could place a grapefruit inside. That is the size of the cavity between her legs..

Roho was also found to be heart worm positive. We have done the heart worm treatment for 2 days. I have to place her in a small kiddie type pool with Betadine surgical scrub to clean out the large open ulcer area every day. Her legs must be soaked in the Betadine daily and a fresh dressing applied with topical antibiotic. We are using another dogs wheel chair to keep the pressure areas off the ground and to assist in getting her legs off the ground. We need to get her a wheel chair of her own speciffically made for her to avoid futher pressure areas. She also has a bladder infection from stagnant urine not being expressed on a regular basis.

6-18-12 THE WOUND IS PACKED WITH STERIAL GAUZE AND BETADINE SOLUTION DAILY. ( WHEN SHE DONT PULL IT OUT ) NOW WE ARE LOOKING AT PLACING A DRAIN IN THE WOUND TO LET THE INSIDE OF THIS MONSTER WOUND CLOSE UP BEFORE THE OUTSIDE. PLEASE DONATE .....WERE NOT DONE YET!

UPDATE: JUNE 17, 2012

THANK YOU ! ROHO (RED) HAS HER WHEEL CHAIR TO GET THE PRESSURE OFF OF HER REAR AREA. SHE IS LEARNING

UPDATE JUNE 17, 2012

ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS "GOOD NURSING CARE" LOOK AT THE WOUND NOW!

Above all we need a prayer for Roho. I will do everything humanly possible for this girls recovery. I am begging for you to please help with a donation. We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible. She can have a good life.....

SANDY MAY NEED BOTTOM OF JAW REMOVED-5-24-12

SANDY aka MOLLY WAS ADOPTED AND WILL BE SPENDING HER WINTERS IN FLORIDA...... WAY TO GO MOLLY GIRL I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. 6/15/12

Sandy was so happy to sit in the air conditioner

This is the tumor on her lower jaw.

Here is how it all happens. I woke up at 1:00AM turned on the iPad and saw this girl looking at me. I sent an email to a group of friends at that pound in Central Ohio. She was put on the transport the next morning and I picked her up in Cleveland at 4:00PM. Sandy went right to the vet from the transport. I took a couple of photos with the cell phone. While taking the photos at one point Sandy just seem to collapse in my arms. The stress of the dog pound and the heat of the day just got to her. Once in the cool of the air conditioned car she fell right asleep.

Sandy just seem to collapse in my hands

I like to think she felt "safe" and knew she was going to be cared for now.

Sandy sat in the front seat of the car

This is her name take from the pound and on her transport "SANDY" on her collar

WE DID THIS FAST! HERE SHE IS 1 DAY LATER!

SANDY CAME INTO RESCUE YESTERDAY AND SURGERY IS DONE TODAY.

Sandy almost got put to sleep. This loving Yellow Lab girl deserves a chance in life.  WE feels her tumor is cancer. We are taking the tumor off 5-25-12 and sending it for biopsy. If it comes back cancer the vet will then remove the bottom of the jaw between the 2 canine teeth. please help with a donation. We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.
UPDATE 5-25-12 SANDY CAME INTO RESCUE YESTERDAY 5-24 AND HAD HER TUMOR REMOVED TODAY.   THE VET FEELS IT IS CANCER SO THE SPECIMEN WAS SENT AWAY. SHE WILL STAY AT
THE VET CLINIC WAITING FOR THE RESULTS. IF
THIS IS CANCER WE WILL HAVE TO BE A LITTLE
MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH THE SURGERY AND PART
OF HER BOTTOM JAW WILL BE REMOVED IN ORDER
TO SAVE HER LIFE. PLEASE HELP.....

LOOK AT THE DOG IN THE BACK GROUND!5-12-12

Bobby is the black and white collie in the back gr

THE BLACK CHOW IN THIS PHOTO WAS ADOPTED 5-28-12

This is Bobby. He was in the background photo of a dog we were taking from Kentucky. I saw him in the kennel and just knew we were not going to let him die either. He was due to get euthanized the next morning at 8 AM. Bobby came along with the black Chow we were pulling also due to die the next day. They came home to Vermilion and went to our vet in Avon Lake. Bobby was heart worm neg. 1 yr. old and neutered. He had a good bath and after 5 days we took him to the boarding facility until a spot opened up at Saint Francis. Very sad news Bobby came down with a strong strain of parvo and is fighting for his life right now. He is on several antibiotics all given I.V. we are having a hard time keeping his temp. down and he is in isolation with blood work done about 3 times a day. This sweet and innocent dog just a baby was given a second chance to have a life and escape the gas chamber. He is such a love now fighting for his life. We need prayers folks and donations because its just not fair to let him die this way. Donations can be made by going to our web site www.saintfrancisanimalsanctuary.org or mail. 12516 Cherry Rd. Vermilion OH 44089 or by calling in a credit card to the Avon Lake Animal
Clinic 440-933-5297. We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible. email mparke11@aol.com or call 440-967-3610

Bobbby passed away

alone in the middle of the night . at the vet clinic he went home..... RIP

I have told the vet to do everything under the sun to save this dog. Please help with a donation. SADLY - ALONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT HE WENT HOME..... R.I.P. BOBBY YOUR TORMENT ON THIS EARTH IS OVER...

ANGEL OUR 5 LEGGED DOG IN NEED OF DONATIONS.4/28/12

Angel has been with us for years

she is a Bull Dog Pit mix from came from Missouri

Out of the clear blue last week Angel our Pit / Bull dog mix from Missouri developed a sore on her one good front leg. The sore became so bad in a matter of a few days I could not believe it. The worst news came true. This sore is cancer and we can not remove the leg. She uses that leg as a primary weight bearing leg for her body. The tumor was removed yesterday 4-27-12/ The vet clinic said Angel is doing fine.... we could use donations to help cover her medical care at the vet. Please consider a donation.

We have had so many emergencies and dogs pass through Saint Francis in the past 2 months I feel the need to explain because I have not updated the web site. For those of you that do not know me I am the chief cook, bottle washer, nurse and poop picker upper!

1.) We took 7 Chihuahuas from a puppy mill auction in Missouri, 2 were pregnant. One mother had 6 babies all died within a week.

2.) We took 2 puppies covered in mange from North Carolina. One is crippled in the front and back legs. The mange is under control with medical care.

3.) We responded to a call in Lorain OH. A puppy was near frozen to death found in an alley. We took the pup to the vet where he received top notch, advanced medical care and did not make it. Sadley he froze to death.

4.) Grunt , Bear and Eeyore our most beloved rescues that lived here forever.... passed away with in a few days. Eeyore the hairless German Shep. Dog had a heart attack on the kitchen floor and died in my arms.

5.) Sonny one of our new rescues from Central Ohio had a respiratory emergency, bi lateral pneumonia. He spent 7 days in ICU with IVs , moist air, O2 his bill was over $2,000.00

6.) The white GSD below came home to die basically. She had the face abcess clear and then when she was spayed the vet found a tumor on her spleen which was cancer. Then somehow she picked up a form of respiratory distemper. ( doing wonderful now )

FEMALE WHITE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG 2-7-12

She was in severe pain.

You can see the hole the infection left as it came through her face.

We need help! This dog was labeled a “senior” because she bone skinny. She came from the dog pound in Youngstown OH. She was due to be euthanized with heart stick. That is where they give them a shot deep in the heart to kill them. They call it humane! No one wanted her because she has a large abscess where a tooth infected so bad it put a hole in her face and her sinus cavity. She was in so much pain you could not touch her. She had surgery Feb 6^th. and is on antibiotics. Our vet said she is between 4 and 5 years old. We are treating all her medical issues and will spay this week. We would love to find a home for her. Donations needed to help with her medical care. This all happened yesterday and we do not have a name for her yet! email mparke11@aol.com

Dove in ICU / isolation with IVs going. 2/20/12

UPDATE 2/21/12 This dog now named "Dove" has been at the vet since she went in for her mouth infection. She had dental work and the infection cleared up very well. We actually had 2 homes for her one in Chicago and one in Canada. That does not happen too ofter when you have a place for a dog to go before they are even out of the hospital. We had her spayed while in the clinic for her face surgery. The vet found a tumor on her spleen. He feels it is cancer and removed the spleen. She was getting better from the spay and spleen surgery when she picked up some kind of respiratory infection (not kennel cough ) Her WBC ( white blood cell ) count was very high and she stopped eating. They had to keep her on IVs and feed her chicken to get her meds in. Now severe cage aggression is noted. She will charge the front of the cage if you even come in sight of her. Her adoption is on hold at this time.... and the poor girl is coming home to Saint Francis. We are going to try to work with her and see if we can stop the agression. Her vet bill is well over $3,000.00, one thing led to another.

This dog had surgery Monday 2-6-12 we need help with donations to cover her medical bills. Please consider a donation ! Thank You

2 BROTHERS RE-UNITED!1-28-12

Frankie is on the left and Vinnie is on the right.

Just look at these two brothers reunited again after months. They spent their entire life together

The Animal Control Officer found Vinnie's brother in KY and contacted us. Please look at the photo of Vinnie when we first got him. He and his brother Frankie were kept in a small pen outside in KY. They were not neutered and never received any vet care of any kind. We got Vinnie back in October but his brother Frankie took off into the woods and they could not catch him. Vinnie was strong HEART WORM POSITIVE. We had him treated for heart worms then a month later he was neutered. Sad news is.... Frankie was tested and is STRONG HEART WORM POSITIVE. Now he needs to be treated also. Just look at these two brothers that are so happy and playful I had a hard time getting them together for a photo! Please help us get Frankie treated.

Please consider a donation to help Frankie get his heart worm treatment. Vinnie ( his brother ) has already been treated for heart worms.

VINNIE FROM KENTUCKY!10/20/11

Original photo from sent from Kentucky

Vinnie was left to starve and his kennel mate ( brother ) is on the run in KY. WE will take him too when and if the catch him. Vinnie is at our vet right now. His teeth are gone to the gum line from being in a kennel trying to get out. He has a tumor on his side and severe dermatitis from fleas with open sores and missing hair. This happy go lucky pup was so thankful for a dish of food when he came his tail never stopped.

He was loaded with hooks, whips, rounds and the worst part of his totally neglected life ... STRONG HEART WORM POSITIVE.

His life is changing for the better now and we are going to get him fixed up!

We need to start with the heart worm treatment. He is having blood work and x rays done today.

We need funds to cover his heart worm treatment, lab and xrays, tumor removal, neuter and much needed dental... PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO SAINT FRANCIS for Vinnie from Kentucky.
Credit Card: 440-933-5297 (vet clinic 7AM to 9 PM )
Mail: 12516 Cherry Rd Vermilion OH 44089
We are a 501(c)3 non profit group .... donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.
We are a special needs rescue.

Please help with a donation! We are experiencing very urgent medical cases now. Please help these special needs dogs.

2 DOGS RAN OVER WITH HAY MOWER1-9-12

Hero and Deacon were playing in a hay field in Kentucky. The hay was tall and they were small so the person driving the hay mower did not see the 2 young pups. The hay mower went right over them. One dog lost his front leg and the other lost his rear leg. The sad news is they were never taken to a vet for care. The wounds slowly closed and they lived. The problem is now the stumps have a thin layer of skin over the long bones. The vet said as the stump muscles atrophy ( shrink ) the skin covering the end of the bones will break through. We want to make them safe so down the road when they find a family to love. Both dogs need complete amputations of the stumps that were left when the legs were torn off in a hay mower. LOOKING FOR A HOME FOR HERO MISSING FRONT LEG. BOTH BOYS NOW ADOPTED!!!!!

Deacon lost his left leg in the mower accident.

Hero missing front leg torn away in an accident

6-17-12 DEACON WITH HIS NEW MOM !

DEACON THE 3 LEGGED DOG HAS FOUND A HOME. THANK YOU!

Please consider a donation for Hero and Deacon. They have had a hard life in the short time they have been alive. We are a 501(c)3 non profit group and donations are tax deductible.

Chihuahua rescue Ohio 11-18-11

Sonny spent his first week with us at the vet.

He is on antibiotics and had several medicated baths. He has hair loss and itching all over.

Sonny has hair loss with open draining areas.

He had no chance of adoption while in a dog pound in Ohio. We took him home!

UPDATE : THIS POOR DOG HAD AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO HIS ANTIBIOTICS. HE WAS RETURNED TO THE VET FOR DAYS WHERE HE RECEIVED MEDICATED BATHS TO HELP THE SKIN CONDITION AND AFTER THE MEDS FOR HIS REACTION HE WAS PLACED ON NEW ANTIBIOTICS. HE IS BACK HOME NOW.

Sonny had no chance of getting out alive. He has open areas that are draining and hair loss. He is always scratching. He spent several days at the vet and received skin scraping, blood work, medicated baths, antibiotics. Lets give him a chance at a normal life someday. Donations needed to pay for his medical care. Thank you.

Sonny in Intensive Care with IVs / O2

UPDATE ON CHIHUAHUA DOG : 3-7-12

Sonny was real sick. He was having a hard time breathing. We took him to the vet where he was put in I.C.U. on I.V.s and antibiotics. A chest - X ray showed pneumonia bi lateral. HE COULD NOT BREATH so he was placed on oxygen and a warm saline mist vaporizer. The staff had to clap on his chest several times a day to loosen up his congestion. Blood work was done and a culture and sensitivity showed he had several kinds of bacteria. Sonny almost died. When I got the bill .... I almost died. His bill for this episode was over $2,000.00! PLEASE HELP!

MOTHER DOG LEFT IN SHOE BOX 11-20-11

MOM AND BABIES ARE ALL ADOPTED.

THEY ALL WENT TO WONDERFUL HOMES.

Abby the mom Yorkie mix was taken to a dog pound in ARKANSAS in a shoe box! She was not wanted because the irresponsible owner never got her spayed and she got pregnant. When she was due to deliver the babies she was placed in a shoe box and left to be euthanized. ( owner surrender ) A rescue person happen to be there and saved her for Saint Francis. On 11-9-11 she delived 2 beautiful babies. One boy and one girl. The white one with the black feet pads is a female and the black one with the white feet pads is a male. Mom is 7 pounds and the babies only a few ounces right now. Mom is 2 1/2 yr. old. just a baby herself. We have no idea what the dad is because no information was give. ALL OF OUR DOGS ARE SPAYED, OR NEUTERED, VACCINATED DHLPP OR DHPP, BORDETELLA VACCINATION, RABIES, MICRO CHIPPED, HEART WORM CHECKED IF OLD ENOUGH, DENTAL WORK IF NEEDED. BROKEN HEARTS MENDED ! The babies will be up for adoption on / around Christmas eve. They will be spayed / neutered when 4 mo. old at our vet clinic. The Mom is also going to up up for adoption when the babies can eat on their own. the adoption fee is $250.00 each. That is for total vetting on the mom and pups.

Black male with white pads on all of his feet

His eyes opened up today for the first time 11-22-11

Female white pup with black pads on her feet

eyes opened today 11-22-11

PLEASE email mparke11@aol.com if you are interested in adoption of the mom or pups. The adoption application is on this web site.

The shoe box mom and pups were adopted.

They all went to wonderful homes and mom was spayed. This black pup went to New York ! Look at him.

ABBY THE DIABETIC YORKIE

Abby was taken to a dog pound in Tennissee to be "put to sleep". Her owner of 12 yrs did not leave her insulin. Six days at the pound left this poor girl with her blood sugar off the charts. Her blood sugar was over 600. Her systems were failing and kidneys shutting down. She was taken to the vet in TN and stablized. We received her here on 4 I.U. of NPH U-100 insulin. We did blood sugar checks everyday and adjusted the insulin. She ended up on 5 units. This baby was adopted to a person that understands the condition all to well..... thank you .

Arnold the Chihuahua has passed away THIS IS AN AWFUL STORY10/28/11

Arnold was a 6 pound Chihuahua from central Ohio where he was rescued from a dog pound. He had a large - ugly tumor on his side and that is the main reason we took him. He went right to the vet where he had a few days before his scheduled surgery. Last Friday he was scheduled to have the tumor removed and at 5:00AM he started to have violent major seizures. The vet treated him with injections of Valium and started him on Phenabarb after witnessing the awful seizures. He did not have surgery. This past weekend his respiratory status took a turn for the worse. He was given state of the art medical care with 24 hr. surveillance. He had blood work and X Rays to see if the tumor could be safely removed.

If all you knew was the above story about Arnold you may ask yourself .... as sick as he was WHY did you keep him alive? Here is the rest of the story: The day I took Arnold to the vet which was 5 days prior to his death, he bit me. He had came from central Ohio with NO vaccination history of Rabies. Day 3 after the bite when Arnold started to have violent seizures we started to worry. Neurological signs / symptoms of Rabies include seizure activity.

Clinical signs (primary most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Abnormal behavior, aggression, disorientation, seizures, ascending paralysis, vocalization changes (caused by paralysis of the larynx).

Clinical signs (secondary most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Fever, hypersalivation, death in 7-10 days from the onset of clinical signs

Sadly Arnold passed away before 10 days of quarantine. The vet had to remove his little head and send it to the Department of Health in Columbus Ohio. This had to be done to determine if he had rabies. This was a very tense 36 hrs. of waiting. Arnold did not have Rabies and his little body will rest at Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary, When a dog dies..... an angel dog barks in heaven. Run free and fly with your wings Arnold. You will never know pain again. Until we meet at the bridge..... I know your is in a better place. Arnold's medical bill is well over $1,000.00 after our rescue discount we owe $975.00 for his care. Please consider a donation.

AGAINST ALL ODDS! LITTLE MISS MUFFIT9/2011

Miss Muffit getting a life saving blood transfusion from a Pit Bull "Flower"

Miss Muffit's story is way down on this page. She has been here with us for years. She came from Maryland where they found her as a stray. Muffit is physically deformed with only 4 inches from her shoulder bones to her hip bones. ( per x rays ) her head is cocked off to one side and her legs are very long. Miss Muffet's anus is on top of her back and she requires a bath every single day. Better yet please look at his little video of Muffit. She was found laying on the kitchen floor and the only thing moving was her eyes. SHE WAS ALMOST DEAD AND NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO EVEN BARK. No idea .... off she went to the vet FAST!

SHORT VIDEO OF LITTLE MISS MUFFIT CLICK HERE!

Miss Muffet is what some folks call a "hunch back" if she were human. She is 5 y.o. and almost died this week. A Pit Bull from another rescue gave her a unit of blood. Her glucose was so low the machine would not read it. ( most likely in the teens ). The vet feels it is an auto immune response in her body and we are treating her with several Rx. drugs and Rx. food right now. Her bill was over $1,500.00 and that includes the re-visit with additional blood work and Rx. meds ( $225.99 ) She is holding her own now and this may never happen again.

We are in need of donations for Muffit. Please help! We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

BORN WITH NO FRONT LEGS9-2011

D0 not lket this face fool you... he chases cats. He hates cats and given the chance he chases lawn mowers and motor cycles. missing 2 legs does not slow down this dog... and we love him .

CHANCE IS A JOY TO HAVE HERE

THIS IS THE MOST LOVEABLE DOG IN THE WORLD

CHANCE IS A YOUNG PIT MIX

HE WAS BORN WITH DISFIGURED FRONT LEGS

Chance is a true inspiration to anyone that has the pleasure of knowing him. He is so trusting and innocent. He has been given some minor obstacles to over come in life. He is happy and so very smart. Please God don't let me complain about my trivial aches and pains.... in life Chance is an inspirational spirit placed on this earth to teach us all a lesson in humility.

Nov. 26, 2012 I love this boy so much.... he chases cats but cannot catch them. He jumps up in the van and loves to go for rides. He gets along with all of the dogs and people.

Oh my God do you love this boy or what???

He waits for me to feed the other dogs and watches every move! I got the photo with the cell phone.

ELVIS CHEWED OFF HIS LEG TO FREE HIMSELF FROM A TRAP.

ADOPTED ! 10/11

ELVIS HAD THE TRAP ON HIS REAR LEG FOR 2 WEEKS

HE CHEWED THE LEG AT THE LEVEL OF THE TRAP. POOR DOG!

ELVIS IS A YOUNG ADULT WITH A STRONGWILL TO LIVE.

HE SEEMS TO BE A BASSITT / BEAGLE MIX WITH EXTRA LONG EARS!

Elvis was spotted in the woods behind some houses in Wakeman OH. One neighbor called the other and said he saw a dog running in the back of the property with a "trap" on the leg. He was seen for approximately 2 weeks in this condition. When he showed up again coming out of the woods he had no trap and NO LEG. He chewed off the leg to free himself from the painful metal animal trap. The vet said if he had let the leg "fall off due to rot or necrosis of the tissue the infection would have killed him first". Elvis has been running in the woods and behind the houses in Wakeman for 2 months. One of the property owners that was feeding him got him in a dog pen yesterday ( August 14, 2011 ). He is not Ferrel however will not let you touch him or examine the stump. Extensive photos of the dog and stump were sent to the vet and Elvis will be going in for an amputation. The long bone that remains only has a thin layer of skin between the leg and the ground when he walks. PART OF THE BONE IS STICKING OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE STUMP This would cause a life long problem. INFECTION and on going agony.

Elvis was so scared when he was in the woods alone

The vet techs at the clinic said he was starting to trust them and said he was just scared. poor dog

UPDATE 8-20-11:

Surgery was 8/19/11 things went well for Elvis.

Elvis was up walking around just 6 hr. after surgery. He had his chewed off leg amputated.

Elvis needs a surgical amputation to get him ready for a new home and new life! Estimate given is between $1,400.00 and $1,600.00 Please help us save Elvis while we try to ease the agonizing and painful memory of his ordeal. THANK YOU!

CREDIT CARD DONATIONS MAY BE CALLED IN TO 440-933-5297 THANK YOU.

BREEZE BORN WITH NO FRONT LEGS !

Breeze at age 1 year old.

Breeze baby photo!

Breeze is a 1 yr old Lab girl that was born without front arms. She gets along fine like this however she is now having a problem with her longer paw. When she lands down on her chest she has caused a repetitive trauma called a "seroma". This is a fluid filled sack on that paw. We contacted Leimkuehler' Orthotic & Prosthetic Center Inc. Amherst Ohio. William Leimkuehler developed a hard rubber stump holder ( for lack of another word) which fits on her one stump.

We are going to try Breeze with this cover and see if she will adjust to it. If she does we can go on and add an inch or so to the cover after seeing the wear pattern. LETS HOPE FOR THE BEST ! THE PHOTO TO THE LEFT IS WILLIAM LEIMKUEHLER TRYING TO FIT BREEZE WITH HER STUMP CAP.

PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO SAINT FRANCIS ANIMAL SANCTUARY FOR BREEZE AND ALL THE SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS THAT WE CARE FOR. THANK YOU. DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

DUKE BLIND / CUT OFF TAIL8/8/11

Duke is a 5 y.o. pure Yellow Lab boy. He is blind and someone has cut off his tail. WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD CUT (DOCK ) A YELLOW LAB'S TAIL? CRAZY!! He is such a good boy... we took him to the vet and got his dew claws removed during a neuter. He has dental work to clean and remove a few bad teeth. Heart worm negative and RABIES, DHLPP, BORDATELLA ( KENNEL COUGH) VACCINATIONS. He is now micro chipped. This boy came from Kentucky where he was put in a dog pound as a stray. This dog was a house dog I have no doubt ... he is clean and fresh white... not a barker and loves to walk on a leash... and that fat lab rear end wags and wags when he hears you say his name... Duke! Duke is up for adoption right now.... come and take a look. 440-967-3610

CHIHUAHUA LEFT IN THE WOODS 7*21*11

I received a phone call at almost mid-night and when I yelled at the dogs to be still so I could hear this lady she told me "they are barking at me I am in your drive way" She said her daughter had been a volunteer here a few years ago and I did remember her name. I knew she had a dog which I told her I am full.... however when she said it was a Chihuahua I went out to take a look. Her son was 4 wheeling in the woods and almost ran over this little guy that was stuck in a mud hole and could not get out. He was covered in fleas and ticks, dirty beyond dirty. He has urine scalds on both rear legs and is weak in the hips with a slight problem walking. His left eye has a corneal abrasion / cataract he is blind in that eye. HIS TEETH ARE GREEN NUBS AND SMELL LIKE ABCESS.

THIS IS THE GREEN NUMBS HE HAS FOR TEETH

THEY ARE INFECTED AND WILL BE REMOV ED BY THE VET TOMORROW 7*22*11

This dog is an unaltered male that has had NO vet care that we can see. His vet bill will be over $700.00. All his teeth are being pulled as we are not able to save any. He is on antibiotics and will be neutered at the time of his dental. Please help with a donation. We did not plan on taking him but he was headed to the pound if we did not. He is at the vet tonight 7-21-11 for necessary medical care. He was most likely kept in a cage thus he has urine scalds on the both rear legs. Lets give him a chance at a good life.

CHOPPER IS ADOPTED.... THANK YOU!

JACKSON 5 POUND CHIHUAHUA

Jackson came from a home in Tennissee where he disappeared for 16 days. When the owner found him wondering back into the yard he could hardly walk and was skin and bones, dehydrated. He almost died. The owner knew he had problems and wanted to send him where he would be taken care of and safe. We got Jackson a few weeks ago. Please see the x rays below. We did find a BB near the spinal column. Who knows if this is the reason he is having neurological problems with walking in the hind legs? The first thing we had to take care of is HE IS HEART WORM +++

Who would shoot a 5 pound dog with a BB gun? It takes a BIG MAN to do that !

Please consider a donation Heart worm treatment already done.

LITTLE SUSIE BIG PROBLEMS7-6-11

Susie is one of the most wonderful tail wagging, kissing dog you will ever meet. She has now been at the Avon Lake Vet clinic for 15 days. Susie was rescued from a dog pound in central Ohio. She was on her last day there and you know what that means. Susie has an " AURAL HEMATOMA" of the left ear. It looks like air has been blown into her ear like a balloon. It happens usually when the dog will shake her head from side to side hitting her ear. She has a bad bacterial skin infection along with demodex mange.

This photo is after her second surgery on the ear.

Her ear may not ever look normal but at least she will be pain free.

Susie was so happy to be out of the dog pound

she enjoyed sleeping on her bed with a sheet to comfort her wounds

It was the sweet look on Susie's face that made us pull her. She is a wonderful and smart dog. She has a awful case of mange with bacterial skin infections and an ear infection. She has had drains and surgery on the ear. Her vet bill is over $1,000.00 she remains at the vet tonight after almost 3 weeks in the clinic. Please consider a donation to help Saint Francis pay for her medical care.

TAZ BEFORE AND AFTER 6/23/11

ADOPTED!

Taz is a rescue from Kentucky. He was in a kill shelter and is now looking for a home to call his own. He is 7 yr. old and will be going to our vet this week or next for neuter, heart worm check, rabies, DHLPP, bordetella and micro chip. The doctor will also check his teeth to see if they need cleaning. Adoption fee is $150.00 email : mparke11@aol.com for info.

WILLY WHITE GSD 4-23-11

ADOPTED!

THIS IS WILLIE AT THE DOG POUND (VERY SAD)

HE JUST LOOKS LIKE HE HAS GIVEN UP ON ALL HOPE!

Willy 5 y.o. white long hair German Shepherd Dog

Willy a 5 y.o. white GSD with long hair. Beautiful ! It took 4 hr. of grooming by 2 people to get this boy looking like a star! Willy had a heart worm check and we discovered he was heart worm positive. Poor Willy came from a hording situation in central Ohio now this.... but that is not where the bad news stops. We took an X ray of Willy's crippled front left leg to make sure it was not a fracture or tumor. The radiologist said it was a birth defect. We fround out from the X ray that Willy had been shot by a bee bee gun. WHO WOULD SHOOT A CRIPPLED DOG??? Willy had his heart worm treatment and is still at the vet. He is a large dog at almost 85 pounds. The heart worm treatment will be hundreds of dollars along with the xray and blood work Willy's medical bills are over $1,000.00

We did everything we could to get Willy from a hording situation and a dog pound to a wonderful family someday. Please consider a donation for his medical bills.

POOR ANDY WITH AN EAR TUMOR 4-3-11 ADOPTED ! 7/5/11

This little dog named Andy is only about 1 to 1 1/2 yr. old. He came from Newport TN where he was picked up as a stray by animal control. How anyone could own him and not take him to the vet as they watched this horrid tumor mass grow on his ear? He is safe now and going to the vet tomorrow. ( 4-4-11 ) He will not have surgery until the end of the week and we are asking for donations to cover his medical bill. We have no idea what his heart worm status is and he is an unaltered male. I doubt anyone took this baby to the vet in his life. All that is about to change now. Watch for updates and say a prayer for Andy. Most likely he will have his ear removed along with the tumor.

This large tumor will be removed this week.

We think he will also have his ear removed along with the tumor.

ANDY HAD SURGERY 4-8-11

HE CAME THROUGH LIKE A TROOPER! PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO HELP WITH MEDICAL EXPENSES

Please consider a donation for Andy. We need to collect $750.00 to $800.00 for his ear removal.

PLEASE HELP MATILDA!

Matilda and Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary would like to Thank You! March 26, 2011 Matilda came from the Lorain County Dog Pound. She had been there awhile and the dog warden contacted me to take her because she was such a nice dog. No one wanted to adopt her. Her first day here we discovered she could not open her mouth. With no history and starting at ground zero we started doing research and testing. We sedated her to do x-rays and the vet did a physical exam. Her jaws were closed and we could not pry them open. X-rays were sent to an orthopedic specialist. No acute trauma was found but recommended an MRI. Blood work and biopsies were sent to Dr. Sheldon in California to rule out Masticatory Muscle Myositis, (Eosinophilic Myositis the results were negative. I was feeding her 8 Cesar tubs of Duck and a can of Rx. ID dog food mixed up together per day. Matilda was losing weight if she had any chance to lead a normal life we had to get her to Ohio State University. I posted a request for donations to my web site and the news paper contacted me about doing a story on her. The next thing I know Fox 8 in Cleveland called to do a story on her. With all the media coverage the original owners of Matilda saw the story and contacted me. The dog belonged to their mother who passed away in 2008. Matilda lived with her dog mother a Black Lab and step children in Elyria. When the children were asked to move they let Matilda go loose last Fall. That is how I got her from the dog pound. Matilda’s name was “ Piggy” and I was told she was born in Ft. Lauderdale Florida in June 1998. ( Yes almost 13 years ago ). I was also told when she was 5 days old a table fell on her head the subsequent injuries resulted in both jaws being fractured. She was taken to a vet at 5 days old and the owner was told she would only live a day or two at the most. Her owner fed her with an eye dropper and she made it. Her jaws fused closed over the developmental years and eventually fused shut for the rest of her life. Matilda has compensated with her tong moving food in her mouth that is pushed between her lips. We spent 5 hours at the Ohio State Vet Clinic. They actually filmed the exam for further teaching of veterinary students. More tests were done and blood work, urine analysis, x-rays etc. were all reviewed again and again. Dr. Dyce said Matilda’s face muscles have atrophied away to nothing. She would never be able to eat even if the jaws were corrected. The only procedure that could be done is removing her bottom jaw so she could use her tong to eat. He did not recommend this and I would not put her through this. He said if she was young we would have had more options. They also told me her missing eye is most likely a result of the same injury that fused her jaws. Dr. Dyce told me to put her on DRY dog food with small kibbles. Matilda is now eating very well Iams dog food small kibble. That is how she survived all these years. Matilda will live with us the rest of her life and her needs will be taken care of and she will want for nothing! God Bless

We have been waiting for an appointment with Dr. Dyce at Ohio State University for Matilda. This is her one and only chance at a life free from the feeling of being trapped in her own body. The Ohio State University Vet Clinic has a cancellation and we are going to see Dr. Dyce if we can come up with the money by Thursday March 24, 2011. We know the MRI is $1,500.00 plus surgery if needed. We are required to pay 1/2 the high end of the estimate at the time we leave her next Thursday. We have tested her for everything we can at this end. WE KNOW SHE DOES NOT HAVE Masticatory muscle myositis, atrophic myositis or eosinophilic myositis. WE SENT A BIOPSY AND BLOOD WORK TO DR. SHELDON IN CALIFORNIA, NEGATIVE ! MATILDA WAS SEDATED TO SLEEP AND EXAMINED / X RAYED. WE SENT THOSE X RAYS TO AN ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALIST. Here is what we know for sure. Matilda is missing her eye. IT HAS NOT BEEN REMOVED SURGICALLY BY A VET. SHE HAS A SCAR ABOVE HER MISSING EYE ORBIT. HER MOUTH IS SHUT AND SHE CAN NOT OPEN IT. SHE PUSHES HER FACE INTO HER CESAR FOOD. THE DUCK HAS THE CONSISTENCY OF LIVER PATE. WE MIX ONE CAN OF Rx. FOOD "ID" WITH 8 TUBS OF CESAR. SHE EATS THIS EVERY DAY. IF SOMETHING CAN BE DONE WE HAVE TO GIVER HER A CHANCE AT LIFE. PLEASE HELP. SHE CAN NOT OPEN HER MOUTH, BARK, PANT, OR DRINK NORMALLY. IF SHE VOMITS SHE WILL DIE.

Matilda missing rt. eye with much muscle atrophy

No idea at this point if trauma cause her missing eye and locked closed jaws

THE M-2 ANTIBODY TEST FOR MASTICATORY MYOSITIS WAS DONE AND THE RESULTS ARE NEGATIVE. WE RECEIVED SO MANY EMAILS FROM PEOPLE TELLING US TO TEST FOR MASTICATORY MYOSITIS. I WANT YOU TO KNOW WE LISTENED. THE NEGATIVE RESULTS MAKE US THINK MORE AND MORE THIS IS TRAUMA RELATED. THE VET CANNOT SEE ANY EYE BUD IF HER MISSING EYE, WHICH WOULD HAVE INDICATED POSSIBLE MICRO OPTHALMIA. THE EYE OPENING WAS NEVER SURGICALLY CLOSED BY A VET, SHE JUST HAS A HOLE THERE. IF ONLY POOR MATILDA COULD TALK.... AND TELL US WHAT SHE HAS BEEN THROUGH.

I received a phone call from the dog warden at Lorain County Dog Pound. He asked me to take this Shar Pei mix with one eye because she had been there for awhile and was a nice dog. He did not want to put her down. The vet for the pound also offered a free spay and heart worm check. I took her and found out she was already spayed when they checked her abdominal area. Heart worm negative OK ready for adoption! While walking her on her first day here I fell in love with this girl. Wonderful on a leash, not a barker and the kind of dog you just want to be around. Her second day here someone came to adopt a dog and I showed them over 10 dogs. They fell in love with Matilda this one eyed beauty. The people filled out the micro chip information form. I told them I just had her heart worm checked the day before and I would give her a Heartguard heart worm chew pill and she would be set for the next month. Matilda could not chew the pill. She could not hold it in her mouth and it fell to the ground. Matilda tried to eat it by pushing it into the ground with her mouth. We all said "what is going on here she can not open her mouth"?

Matilda asleep at the vet for exam and X-Ray

This was like the Black Beauty story folks! She was at the dog pound with hundreds of people over looking her. They did not see her inner beauty the soul within. Could they not get past the stereo typical " Black dog syndrome" plus she is missing an eye. Some people that may have taken her might have said "how did I get stuck with a sick dog?" With all my heart I held her head in my hands and said "Matilda I love you and thank God your here with me.... I will not let you down, I'll get you help". This dog CAN NOT pant when she is hot. She CAN NOT lap water to drink and her bark is so muffled it sounds like she has been de-barked. I feed her Cesar tubs and it breaks my heart to watch her push her face down to get the food between her teeth. When she looks up at me with food all over her nose... this is sad... so sad. COULD THIS BE TRAUMA? HER EYE IS MISSING NO SIGN OF AN EYE BUD ( MICRO OPTHALMIA ) COULD HER JAW HAVE BEEN BROKEN?

I did not go through with the adoption and took Matilda to the vet the next day. They sedated her so the vet could examine her mouth. While she was asleep we both tried to manually open her mouth. The jaw are locked in the closed position and would not open even 1/2 an inch. X-Rays were taken while she was asleep. The X-Rays showed nothing exceptional they were sent to a specialist for an opinion. We need to take her to Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio. She will need a CT scan or MRI. We will need at least $1,250.00 as the MRI is close to a $1,000.00 by itself. If this dog has an emesis ( vomits ) she will die and it is just that simple. She can not open her mouth at all.

We think Matilda's locked jaws and missing eye are from trauma. Some where in her life she may have experienced horror beyond belief. Right now she CAN NOT OPEN HER MOUTH, BARK, PANT, OR EAT AND DRINK LIKE A DOG. IF MATILDA VOMITS SHE WILL DIE. PLEASE HELP US GET MATILDA TO OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOR HELP. PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION.

ANNA aka: ANNA BANANA ! 3-12-11

ANNA is a Boston Terrier mix that came from Tennessee. We have no idea what happened to her because the lady that owned her said she was already paralyzed when she took her a few years ago. The owner was moving and could not keep her any longer. Anna was taken to a shelter in TN where we found her. Anna has no use of her rear legs. She has to have her bladder expressed a few times a day in order to urinate. Because of her paralysis she has no feeling to urinate. This little sweet heart came with a wheel chair but it did not fit the way it should and caused pressure on her back. It had no harness just a strap around her girth. We took several wheel chair parts we had here at Saint Francis and put them together. We try to only use wheel chairs from Doggon Wheels! www.doggon.com We love Anna and she is ruling the kitchen with a iron paw!

GRUNT ! 3-10-11

WHAT A WONDERFUL DOG !

GRUNT IS LOOKING FOR A RETIREMENT HOME!

GRUNT is a gem! He was taken to the Lorain County Dog Pound to be surrendered because the owner's living situation changed and he could no longer keep him. However we received a phone call from Jack the dog warden asking us to take him in. The dog pound is no place for an old guy like this. Most would think he is unadoptable. Guess again folks... this house trained boy is looking for a retirement home of his own! IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE HAD A STRING OF BAD LUCK JUST LISTEN TO GRUNT'S LUCK! STRIKES AGAINST HIM: 1.) OWNER SURRENDER ( DIE FIRST IN A DOG POUND ) 2.) LARGE DOG 3.) BLACK DOG ( BLACK DOG SYNDROME LAST TO BE ADOPTED ) 4.) SENIOR ( OWNER SAYS 13 YEARS OLD ) 5. MISSING FRONT LEG ( 3 LEGGED DOG ) OH MY GOD COULD IT GET ANY WORSE FOR THIS BOY? Grunt has been to our vet for a good check up. He did not need a dental because his teeth were in really good shape. heart worm negative! all vaccinations UP TO DATE. micro chipped. house trained. Call or email us if you feel you can offer Grunt a retirement home for the rest of his life. He gets along with everyone and people and dogs. mparke11@aol.com or-440-967-3610 Update: Grunt died in my arms. I want everyone to know... if you are reading this... I loved him.... RIP my dear soul. Feb. 2012

WE NEED HELP ON THIS ONE!

LISA WAS SAVED WITHIN HOURS OF THE FLOOD

SHE WAS SICK AND WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SWIM TO SAVE HER LIFE.

Strange coincident or what? You be the judge. I received an email on Saturday Feb. 26 th. regarding an old black dog at Morrow County Dog Pound in Mt. Gillied OH. She had been hit by a car and had a rear leg swelling that seem to have gotten better on some medication they gave her. Fact: an old black dog at a rural dog pound has little to no chance of making it out alive. Sunday 27th. we went to the dog pound located in the middle of the Morrow County fair grounds. This is very rural Ohio. We took Lisa who was as they said in the email, old and black. The faces of those being left behind haunts a rescue person. You see them crying and you hear them wanting to go with you. So you take the one you came for and go on your way.

The next morning Monday Feb. 28, I woke as I usually do looking at my cell phone for the correct time. I opened my email for a quick look and the first email had " Morrow County" in the subject area. Hours after I was there to save Lisa the old black dog, they had a flood. The fair grounds completely flooded and thus the dog pound. The small dogs in cages were drowned. They could not even try to swim while locked in their cages. The big dogs could swim for their lives.

Lisa would never have make it out alive. She was very sick. Lisa had a ruptured uterus ( pyometra ) and was already septic. The infection was so bad she had stopped eating and drinking. Her temperature was sky high and her blood work a mess. Lisa could never have kept herself afloat much less swim for hours.

Why did I go to a dog pound 3 counties below mine when I have never been there ever! Lisa is alive and still at the vet clinic. She had emergency surgery and IV antibiotics. Lisa is going to be OK. I just can not imagine the pain she was in. I cried for the faces I saw in the pound just about 12 hr. before that were silenced for what ever reason too soon.

Lisa was covered in burrs from being on her own.

She is not as old as they thought she was just very sick and looked old.

Lisa has been at the vet clinic recovering from her emergency surgery for a week now. She is better and coming home soon. Lisa's vet bill is $1,250.00 please help by making a tax deductible donation.

DACHSHUND HIT BY A CAR AND HIS EYES POPPED OUT!

ADOPTED! 10/11

THIS POOR BOY WAS HIT BY A CAR IN GEORGIA AND TAKEN TO A VET. HE HAD TO HAVE BOTH EYES REMOVED RIGHT AWAY. THEY ALSO THOUGHT HE WAS PARALYZED DUE TO A FRACTURED BACK. HOWEVER ONCE THE SWELLING WENT DOWN ON THE SPINE HE REGAINED HIS MOBILITY. HE ALSO HAD SUCH A FACE TRAUMA FROM THE ACCIDENT HE JUST HAD THE DRAIN IN HIS HEAD REMOVED. ROSCO IS NOW ADJUSTING TO BEING BLIND. HE IS GETTING ALONG FINE NOW WITH ALL THE LITTLE DOGS. Rosco arrived at Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary 2-24-11 Please email mparke11@aol.com if you would like to get more info on adopting Rosco.

Rosco is up for adoption at this time.

He gets along with all other dogs and is easy going.

Rosco's eyes are surgically closed

He is learning to walk and smell to get around after his sudden blindness

BABIES UP FOR ADOPTION 2-23-11 BOTH ADOPTED!

These babies came to us so sick they had to spend the first week at the vet office. We were told they were blind but after we got them we now feel they can see out of one eye. They are blind in one eye which looks like micro opthalmia ( eye under developed during birth ). The little one is a girl and came here at 2 1/2 pounds. The larger one is a boy and weighed in at 4 1/2 pounds. I think they are a Chihuahua / Jack Russell Terrier mix. Small

THESE TWO BABIES WERE MARKED "BLIND"

WE THINK THEY EACH CAN SEE OUT OF ONE EYE AND THEY SEEM TO BE BLIND IN ONLY ONE EYE.

These 2 babies are about 12 weeks old. They were tested for everything under the sun. They had liquid diarrhea ! They came from Tennessee where they were taken to a dog pound because they were unadaptable. How crazy..... these babies are lovable and precious! Please email to find out more. mparke11@aol.com The adoption fee is $200.00 THEY WILL BE SPAYED / NEUTERED, MICRO CHIPPED, VACCINATED ( DHPP, BORDETELLA , RABIES ) WORMED. The tiny girl has dew claws that will be removed at the time of the spay.

The 2 babies you see in the photos above almost died due to diarrhea. They were dehydrated and could not keep anything down. They were taken to the vet where they spent days trying to figure out why. We tested for everything and it all came back negative. Once placed on antibiotics and re-hydrated they are now 100%. The vet bill was over $500.00 Please consider a donation to help Saint Francis care for little ones like this.

EPILEPTIC DOG "Q-TIP"2-8-11

Q-Tip is a 8 pound Chihuahua

He is on medication now for seizure activity.

Q-Tip is an owner surrender from Lorain OH. We were told he has seizures and they did not have the funds to take him to the vet. Q-Tip was not neutered and had no vaccinations. He was never on heart worm prevention. We took him to the vet where he was neutered, vaccinated, micro chipped and heart worm checked. We did not see any sign of seizure activity. We wanted to take a wait and see approach as to the intensity, duration and frequency of the seizures if he did have any. This past Sunday night 2-6-11 Q-Tip fell off of my computer chair in the most violent seizure I have ever seen. His head arched backward all the way almost touching his back. His mouth was in a growling motion and he salivated. All 4 of his legs were running as fast as he could and his body was trembling and thumping on the floor. This happened several times Sunday night and Monday morning he was started on Phenobarbital and Valium. I have not seen any more seizure activity and it has been a few days now. We will follow up with blood work and monitor the levels of medication. Poor little Q-Tip!

DAISY( BLIND & DIABETIC) ATE CANTALOUPE RHINE 2-4-11

Daisy is a rescue from Florida

Her story is on this page a couple of paragraphs down.

Daisy the BLIND Yellow Lab girl almost died this past week. I cut up some cantaloupe for our resident rescued pig Miss Piggy Sue. She LOVES cantaloupe but not the rhine. So I cut one up and left the rhine FAR BACK ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER because I know this girl I did not put it in the trash. When I came in from the barn I found the entire dish of cantaloupe rhine GONE. Daisy vomited and I thought that was it. Daisy is a brittle insulin dependent diabetic. One week after the incident ( 7 days ) Daisy started to vomit her Rx. diabetic food and having foul smelling diarrhea.

I gave Daisy the insulin dose of 30 IU and fed her as normal. When she vomited and I saw we lost her entire food for the feeding I noticed partially digested cantaloupe rhine. She became weak and I did a blood sugar which was 27. THAT IS NOT GOOD FOLKS! Off to the vet she went for tests. We found out from x rays and blood work Daisy was headed to surgery. The vet had to stabilize her blood sugar and then after a few hours into surgery she went. The vet recovered 2 pieces of rhine that were lodged in the small intestine. Daisy could not eat for a few days after surgery because her bowel surgery. Her blood sugar was being done several times a day and a glucose I.V. was used for low blood sugar levels. Her insulin was adjusted up and down for days. Food was slowly introduced and insulin / sugar monitored. Daisy is doing fine right now and still at the vet.

Daisy's surgery was a shocking $1,998.00 to save her life. (This was after our rescue discount) EMERGENCY ADMIT, LAB WORK, BARIUM SWALLOW X RAYS, GLUCOSE TESTING, I.Vs , INSULIN AND RX. FOOD. EMERGENCY SURGERY.
PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO HELP US. GUS ( STORY BELOW ) WHO ATE A JINGLE BELL AND DAISY HAVE COST US ALMOST $4,000.00 AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO PAY FOR WINTER HEATING FUEL. PLEASE HELP....

JAGGER- GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG WITH FACE TUMOR 1/11/11

Jagger is a large German Shepherd Dog

He will listen to any commands given to him.

jagger's tumor is connected above the right eye.

The tumor is very vascular with a good blood supply. The tumor feels hot.

This dog was taken to the dog pound in Kentucky this past Christmas. The owner said he was 13 years old and they did not want him any longer because they were moving. The dog pound they took him to said he was too old to adopt out and too old to take him to the vet. Jagger ( his real name ) came to us a few days ago. This dog is so smart, calm and well mannered. We are taking him to the vet tomorrow for tumor removal, heart worm status check. He has a skin condition on his back that may be from fleas. I really doubt it is mange from the pattern of missing hair. The vet will check it out tomorrow.

Jagger's back is missing a large area of hair.

Most likely flea problems. This dog has been totally neglected.

Jagger's owner told the pound he was 13 years old. I think when people take dogs to be killed in the most awful way they make up stories to make them-self feel better. Obviously not taken to a vet in a while with a tumor like that on his face. We will find out if he is heart worm positive also. This dog is not 13 y.o. I know German Shepherds and he looks to be a purebred. His teeth are extremely clean and white almost tarter free. His eyes are clear and I do not see signs of cataracts. His hips seem to be fine as he can run and walk with no sign of problems.

Please consider a donation to help with the medical cost of getting this neglected dog medical care. Donations are tax deductible we are a 501(c)3 non profit group. Credit card donations may also be called in to Avon Lake Animal Clinic 440-933-5297 c/o Jagger. Thank you.

GUS ATE A JUNGLE BELL!

Gus has no eyes and his teeth have been filed off

Gus is a rescue from New York, NY. He was going to be a "BAIT DOG". He has NO EYES AND SOMEONE HAS FILED HIS TEETH OFF TO THE GUM LINE. So when he was thrown in to the Pit Bulls he would not be able defend him self. His story is listed on this web page toward the bottom. Gus lost several pounds in the past few months. He vomited and would not eat yesterday ( Jan. 3, 2011 ) We took him right to the vet. Blood work, x rays and assessment were done. When the vet called and said he ate a JINGLE BELL I thought he was kidding. HE WAS NOT!

The jingle bell got stuck in the small intestine. Back in May 2010 we went to a fund raiser event at Knuckle Head Saloon in Huron OH . They had the "Blessing of the Bikes" The motor cycles were blessed for a safe season. Gus attended with us and I guess when the bells with a little black and orange Harley Davidson ribbon were passed out.... he got his!

HERE IT IS !!!!

IT STILL HAS THE HARLEY DAVIDSON RIBBON ATTACHED !!!!

THE VET COULD TELL IS WAS A JINGLE BELL

FROM THIS XRAY TAKEN AFTER AN EMERGENCY ADMISSION 1/3/11

Emergency admission, x rays, blood work and surgery came to $1,500.00. Gus is still on I.V. antibiotics because his intestines were taken apart to remove the bell he runs the risk of peritonitis. This is a heck of a way to start out 2011 PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION! 501(c)3 non profit.
UPDATE: FEB. 1st. 2011 GUS HAD TO RETURN TO THE VET AND REPEAT BARIUM SWALLOW X RAYS. WE HAD TO R/O A INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE AT THE SURGERY SITE. HE IS HOME NOW AND DOING WELL BUT HIS NEXT BILL WAS $546.50 PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION.

MY BEST FRIEND CHEW CROSSED THE BRIDGE AND WAITS FOR ME12-12-10

He has been here 10 1/2 yrs.

The Chew is bottom row right side.

The Chew passed away a few days ago.... and I will miss him so much. He had a bloody nose and it would not stop so I took him to the vet. The chest x ray showed he had cancer. The lung cancer was not the primary site. We did not know where the primary cancer was. Chew weighed close to 100 pounds and did not look sick. I brought him home to spend his last few days. Chew was like the Wal Mart Greeter to anyone that came to Saint Francis. With in days of his birth we discovered her had Mega Esophagus and vomited every time he ate or nursed. I held him up right to eat vertical for months and he just stayed. Chew died approximately 6 feet from the spot where he was born..... and I loved him every day from birth to death.

TWO NEGLECTED YELLOW LABS 11-23-10

Daisy came from Tallahassee Florida and Buddy came from North Carolina.

DAISY PASSED AWAY FROM A LUNG INFECTION 10/2011

Daisy is blind due to untreated diabetes

Daisy was taken to the vet to be put to sleep when the owner no longer wanted her around. They never took care of her diabetic needs with insulin. This resulted in blindness from years of neglect. ( Diabetic retinopathy ) We also learned from a rescue person in Tallahassee that she was forced to live outside on a brick patio because of her frequent urination, again due to her untreated diabetes. She got sores on her pressure areas like the elbows. Because of her diabetes the sores got very bad and did not heal well. A rescue in Florida got Daisy to us in a rescue transport. Daisy came to us with a blood sugar over 600. She had open tunneled sores on her elbows. Her bottle of insulin was not refregerated because no one knew!

This sore had to be sugically removed.

This is Daisy's right front elbow sore.

Daisy's blood sugar is being checked almost daily to adjust the insulin. She is now on 25 I.U. of NPH Humulin insulin twice a day. Daisy is on Hill's Rx. diabetic dog food. This is specifically for diabetic dogs and not just over the counter low calorie. Daisy is on antibiotcs for a severe urinary track infection. Her urine was almost pure blood. This is most likely due to the high levels of glucose in her unine. We love her.....

BUDDY FROM NORTH CAROLINA

Buddy like Daisy is around 7 years old and has lived a life of total neglect. He was sent to us by a rescue in North Carolina THAT FOUND HIM IN A DITCH and he could not get out. Buddy is deaf. He has pleural effusion ( like pneumonia ) in one of his lungs as seen during a chest x ray. He came to us with diarrhea. We got him on Rx. low residue food and Flagyl antibiotics, and endosorb. He has laryngeal paralysis based on respiratory presentation. His heart size is appropriate. Snap heart worm test is NEGATIVE! He has temporal muscle atrophy ( no muscle in his face ) the bones stick out awful. Weakness in both rear legs and he is incontinent of urine. Buddy has 29 fatty tumors all over his body.

Buddy has approximately 29 tumors on his body

Temporal muscle atrophy - entire face

Some tumors are very large and located all over.

Buddy is on Flagyl antibiotics, Endosorb and Rx. Low Residue food. He is taking Temaril P twice a day for respiratory issues. We are giving him Proin-50 for urinary incontinence. We have been using an adult Depends diaper on his rear end to catch the urine because when he goes.... WOW! its a flood. The vet said we need to have him gain weight before we can think about tumor removal. He is going back to the vet for blood work to assess for thyroid or diabetic issues. He is drinking excessive water and urinating frequently.

Buddy is incontinent of urine ( all the time !)

We are using a Depends adult diaper opened up and used like a belly band.

DAISY AND BUDDY are 2 very high maintenance dogs. One blind the other deaf their needs are over whelming. PLEASE HELP WITH A DONATION I JUST CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

TINY YORKIE 4 Y.O. FROM Mount Juliet, Tennessee GRAPHIC = DISGUSTING = SAD 11-15-10

ADOPTED! FEB. 2011

LOLITA WAS TAKEN RIGHT TO THE VET IN TN

THEY REMOVED OVER 100TICKS FROM HER LITTLE BODY

Lolita was running in a shopping center for over a month. The ACO ( dog warden ) called me once they caught her. She had what looked like a giant tumor on her abdominal area. She was covered with over 100 ticks which the vet removed. The X ray taken in Tennessee revealed to the vet this was a true disaster in progress. This baseball size growth turned out to be a hernia. The X ray showed her intestines, colon and entire female reproductive track was bulging through the abdominal wall. The doctor said most likely an animal bite tore the abdominal cavity open and the internal organs were hanging out!

THIS IS A LARGE HERNIA

MOST LIKELY FROM AN ANIMAL BITE THAT TORE THE ABDOMINAL WALL

Lolita was transported on an "EMERGENCY TRANSPORT" from Mt. Juliet, TN to Vermilion, OH 11-14-15. She is having surgery 11-15-10. ( right at this time as I type ) This poor dog has suffered enough, imagine the terror of being torn apart and no food ( only what she could find in the parking lot ) and no shelter for a month. The ACO could not find an owner and no one reported her missing.

It was very hard to find a rescue to take this little girl's case on. We took her within 5 seconds of being asked. Now we need donations to help us with this little dogs surgery and recovery. Lolita is only 4 years old please help her. We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

TWO BROKEN LEGS! 9-23-10 ADOPTED 8/2011

4 PINS AND 2 METAL EXTERNAL BARS PER LEG

EACH LEG HAS THE SAME PINS, SCREWS AND PLATES

THIS IS THE LITTLE GUY WITH NO NAME

HE IS NEAR SHOCK WHEN RESCUED LOOK AT THE EYES.

I received a phone call to help with a little dog that had been hit by a car and the lady said her brother had no money. The dog belonged to her mother who had recently died. The caller told me her brother couldn't even take care of him self let alone a dog. The dog had been hit by a car on Saturday morning 9-18-10. I went to the home in Vermilion ( Lorain County ) and found the guy on the front poach trying to brush the fleas out of the little white dog. He tried to get the dog to walk so I could see how he limped. The dogs back legs were swollen and bent in ways they should not be. The dog looked like he was in severe pain as you can see by the eyes. He screamed aloud in pain as he tried to move. He had no way to scratch the fleas that covered his little body. He is white and you could see fleas every where on the poor thing.

THE SURGERIES WERE DONE ON SPERATE DAYS

EACH SURGERY TOOK ABOUT 2 HOURS TO PLACE THE PINS.

THESE ARE THE PINS, PLATES AND SCREWS

IN BOTH LEGS THAT WILL REMAIN IN PLACE FOR THE NEXT 3 MONTHS.

The owner had no intention of taking this dog to a vet for treatment or to be put to sleep. The dog went into rescue Monday night so he sat all weekend with 2 BROKEN LEGS ON THE VERGE OF SHOCK DUE TO PAIN. This situation was reported to the Lorain County Dog Warden who contacted the Humane Officer for Lorain County. The dog does not even have a name so he was admitted to the hospital under " HBC" ( HIT BY CAR ). He is safe and we need a name for him. If you have any ideas for this little trooper email mparke11@aol.com.

POST OP RECOVERY STILL INTUBATED!

HE GOT UP ONE DAY AFTER THE LAST SURGERY AND WALKED AS BEST HE COULD TO DO HIS BUSINESS.

Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary is a special needs rescue and we take the animals that most will not do to complexity of care of financial burden. We are in such need of donations especially for this little guy with 2 broken legs that his owner didn't even take to the vet. Please help! We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

RAILROAD TRACK BABIES 9-18-10

LORAIN OHIO RESCUE

SEE THE QUARTER SIZE BALD SPOT ON THE HEAD.

THE PUPS ARE ALL BETWEEN 2.2 AND 2.8 POUNDS

6 BABIES FOUND BY THE RAILROAD TRACKS

IN THE WEST SIDE OF LORAIN.

These 6 babies are all that is left from an abandoned litter of Pit Puppies. They were left to die alone with no mother shortly after they were born. A lady that lives by the railroad tracks in Lorain Ohio told me 2 were found dead and one she gave away ( God help that one ). The pups have ring worm, bacterial skin infections and intestinal parasites. She said she did the best she could and fed them herself but she knew they needed more help then she could give.

THE PUPS WERE TAKEN TO THE VET RIGHT AWAY

SKIN SCRAPINGS WERE DONE ON VARIOUS LEASIONS ON THE PUPS.

This is what is being done for these babies. They require a bath twice a day with betadine surgical scrub ( antibacterial soap ). Then they get Lotrimin AF ( anti-fungal ) for the ring worm sites on the pups. We are using a large tube 1.1oz PER DAY! They are all on oral antibiotics for the skin infections. The pups are being dried off with paper towels due to the ring worm and skin problems. They are on disposable chux pads as we need to keep as much stuff as possible disposable and avoid cross contamination to the other dogs. ( or me! ) They were all wormed with Nemex - 2 for puppy worms. We have them on Esbilac stage 2 formula for puppies as this will give them a little extra nutrition they never had the first few weeks of their lives.

Please consider a donation for these babies that were left to die alone in the woods by the railroad tracks. The daily cost of their care is adding up quickly. Thank you !!

MOLLY CAPTURED MY HEART IN KANSAS CITY MO. Sept. 13,2010

UPDATE BELOW!

I sort through email after email reading stories that make you cry. Hard working dedicated people trying to get dogs placed with rescues and save lives. This is what the email said " DEAR GOD PLEASE SOMEONE TAKE HER!!!! 4. BD20A- 11411420- Female- cage card says 4-6 yrs old, but unsure. Terrier Mix? SEVERE MEDICAL- This poor dog is a mess! She has no hair on her besides her head (and that hair is matted) Very disorientated. I cannot even begin to tell you what kind of dog she is- can’t tell. I am not a vet but fur loss could be several things- fleas, mange, allergies. Very sad. Would barely lift her head when called to. She was abandoned in her yard by her family. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=207048&id=569838019&fbid=428299293019&ref=mf "

The email said this dog would be killed ( euthanized ) at 4:00PM. This only left a few hours to save her life. A few phone calls and emails and the wonderful rescue people in Kansas City had this dog on her way to a vet at the very time she was going to be put to sleep forever. Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary rescued this pup and she is safe now.

This is the only photo I have of Molly. She was suffering and when I contacted the people in MO trying to get her out of the pound they told me the dog warden put her and 5 others in a back room. They literally had no hope for rescue or adoption unless someone saw the urgent code red email that was sent at the last minute. The dog arrived at the vet approximately 4:00 PM Kansas City time. The vet called me and said the dog had so many fleas she had NO hair on her body. The fleas were nested in her skin and remaining hair on her head. The vet said Molly has a severe ear infection that was draining and foul smelling drainage. She has a bacterial skin infection and the skin testing shows she DOES NOT have demodectic or sarcoptic mange. Molly had so many tape worms in her stool its a wonder she is still alive. UPDATE : HER FLEAS HAVE BEEN TREATED WITH CAPSTAR AND SHE WILL GET A BATH. SHE WAS GIVEN RX. MEDICATION TO TAKE CARE OF THE WORM INFESTATION. TOMORROW (9-14-10 ) MOLLY IS HAVING BLOOD WORK TO SEE IF SHE IS ANEMIC FROM THE FLEAS FEASTING ON HER FOR SO LONG. SHE WILL HAVE A HEART WORM CHECK AND BE SLIGHTLY SEDATED SO THE VET CAN CLEAN HER EARS OUT AND SHAVE THE FEW HAIRS SHE DOES HAVE ON HER HEAD. Molly is about 25 pounds and she ate wet dog food that was fed to her tonight by the vet staff. We are working on Pilots and Paws flight rescue to help get Molly home quickly.
UPDATE: I JUST GOT AN EMAIL .... ALL 6 IN THE BACK ROOM ( BITE ROOM ) WERE RESCUED! MANY FOLKS HAVE SENT ME AN EMAIL ASKING ABOUT THE OTHER 5 DOGS. NOW WE KNOW .THANK YOU GOD.

THANK YOU TO ALL ACROSS AMERICA !

MOLLY THE KANSAS CITY GIRL IS HOME.

MOLLY KC IS HOME THANKS TO SARAH O.

SARAH IS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER WHO GOT MOLLY TO HER FLIGHT !

MOLLY KC HAD A MEDICATED BATH YESTERDAY

NOVEMBER 23, 2010 SHE IS GOING TO A FOSTER HOME FOR THE WINTER.

We are in desperate need of funds to pay for Molly's vet care in Kansas City MO and also her vet care once she gets to Ohio. This poor dog was left to die in a yard where the people moved out of the house. Her suffering has stopped and she will know love and kindness. Please help with a tax deductible donation.

TAKEN TO VET TO BE KILLED BECAUSE " SHE HAS FLEAS" 8/2010

ADOPTED!

Broccli is 10 1/2 yrs old

She HAS NO FLEAS ANY LONGER thank you!

While at the vet to get one of my dogs a rabies vaccination I listen to a man at the desk tell them he wanted his dog " put to sleep". She looked so normal and walked in to the vet clinic smelling everything and looking around. I had to ask " why are you putting your dog to sleep?" HIS ANSWER : " BECAUSE SHE HAS FLEAS". I am sure I just stood there for a few seconds... in shock. Did this man just tell me he was killing his dog because she HAS FLEAS? Yes he did! Well I asked him for the dog and identified myself as a rescue. The office girl at the clinic verified I was a rescue and so he gave me Broccoli !

The owner went to his house and came back to the vet clinic with Broccoli's papers dated 2000! Yes the family had her for 10 years. Her last rabies was 6 years ago and no updates on heart worm or other vaccinations. She came from a rescue and they had her spayed in 2000. She is house trained and gets along with the other dogs. She went to the vet and had a complete dental done. Broccoli is a good girl that did not need to die because she had fleas. That day I got her I found out she was heart worm negative and gave her a Capstar ( works on fleas in 30 minuets ) then Revolution flea and heart worm medication. SHE HAS NO FLEAS!

This is a beautiful dog on the inside and out!

Broccli is house trained and micro chipped.

Broccoli is a senior full of energy and loves to go for walks. She will tell you when she wants to go out. She walks well on a leash. All vaccinations are now up to date, she is spayed, heart worm negative, NO FLEAS, complete dental work is done and already spayed. We micro chipped her now. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A WONDERFUL HOME THAT WILL CARE FOR HER AS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. SHE IS A GOOD GIRL AND WOULD LIKE A HOME THAT WILL LOVE HER. CONTACT mparke11@aol.com if you would like to meet Broccoli.

LITTLE MOTHER MOLLY RESCUED! 8-1-10

Mom was in a kill dog pound in a family way.

She was about 35 miles north of Dayton Ohio

Molly is about 1 yr. old and she weighs about 25 pounds. When we rescued her we took her to the vet to have x-rays done and get a head count. The x-rays showed up 6 spines and 6 skulls so we knew she was having 6. The x-rays also showed the doctor the size of the skulls in relationship to the mother's pelvic opening. We do not know the dad's size so it was necessary to make sure she could deliver.

We have 2 black 2 brown (tan) and 2 white

This is the pups at 1 week old.

Pups born July 20, 2010 all 6 healthy.

Mom is young but she is a good mother and lovers her babies so much.

We will update the photos of the babies every week. They grow so fast. We do have the pups on Petfinder web site because you can come and pick out a pup now. When they are ready at 6 weeks of age they will have been wormed with Nemex -2 puppy wormer at 2 - 4 and 6 weeks of age. They will receive DHPP the puppy shot along with Bordetella vaccination which is kennel cough vaccine. The pups will all be micro chipped prior to leaving. The adoption cost is $75.00 and they come with a good supply of Eukanuba puppy food.

THE CHARMIN PUPPY IS UP FOR ADOPTION!

2 weeks old and the eyes are now open.

The pups have now received the first worm medication. They are so cute.

email : mparke11@aol.com to see the pups!

EMERGENCY : ANGEL OUR 5 LEGGED DOG ATE SOME SORT OF NYLON HARNESS WITH A STRING OF NYLON ATTACHED. I THOUGHT SHE WAS NOT EATING BECAUSE OF THE HEAT ( ABOVE 90 FOR DAYS ) I TOOK HER TO THE VET AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS. XRAYS SHOWED EXCESS GAS BUT NO FOREIGN BODY. SHE HAD EMERGENCY ABDOMINAL SURGERY JULY 7, 2010 THE NYLON STRING SEVERED HER BOWEL AND CAUSED SUCH A PERFORATION SHE GOT PERITONITIS.

ANGEL IS A REAL FIGHTER = FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE.

PHOTO TAKEN JULY 17, 2010 AFTER MANY SURGERIES.

UPDATE: JULY 19, 2010 ANGEL IS HAVING A HARD TIME FIGHTING THE INFECTION IN HER ABDOMINAL CAVITY. SHE IS STILL AT THE VET AS OF TODAY AND HAD ANOTHER SURGERY THIS AFTERNOON TO FLUSH OUT THE INFECTION FROM THE CAVITY. THE PERITONITIS IS JUST NOT CLEARING UP AS EXPECTED. SHE IS ON I.V. MEDICATION ANTIBIOTICS.

Angel was picked up as a stray a few years ago in Springfield MO. Her entire story is located on this home page several stories down.

Angel is in ICU with I.V.s going.

She has had 3 surgeries in 3 days.

Angel has had surgery every day for the last 3 days. July 7, 8, 9, 2010 They left her incision open and had to go in every day to clean the abdominal cavity out. Please help by making a tax deductible donation. We couldn't let her die or be put to sleep. We save dogs from all over the United States and Angel is one of our own.

Angel's abdomin is packed with cotton filler because she is given anesthesia and her abdominal cavity is flushed to clear the paratinitis infection. Her last surgery was this morning July 21, 2010. The doctors keep her abdomin open so they can go in every day or every other day without having to cut into her each time.

UPDATE: AUGUST 3, 2010 ANGEL IS STILL AT THE VET AND DOING VERY WELL SHE WILL BE COMING HOME SOON !

July 21, 2010 Angel with "OPEN ABDOMIN"

She has had more then 8 procedures where her abdomin is flushed trying to clear the infection.

MAGGIE 4.2 POUND CHIHUAHUA 7/6/10

TUMOR REMOVAL SURGERY TODAY JULY 9, 2010

This is the sad little face I first saw.

Maggie sitting on her tumor with no bottom jaw or teeth.

Maggie came from a dog pound in Georgia. She has a very large tumor on her abdominal area and between her legs. Maggie came to us on an emergency transport Monday July 5th. 2010 and remains at the vet clinic. We had an X-Ray done of the tumor and the doctors that looked at it said it was calcified. When I felt the tumor it was as hard as a rock and seems very heavy.

Maggie walk all over the place.

The tumor is about 1/2 the size of the dog.

from the rear view this is the tumor.

She is skin and bones she was loaded with fleas

Maggie is missing her bottom jaw and she has no teeth. However just put food in front of her and look out. She eats everything in site. Maggie has infected wounds on her back from the fleas eating on her. She is on antibiotics now. Maggie had blood work including heart worm check. We are waiting for the results of her blood work. Maggie will remain at the vet for now and if he feels she can go under anesthesia Friday then she will have the tumor removed.

This is how maggie sits on her tumor.

She is alert and full of energy we have that going on her side.

UPDATE: JULY 7, 2010. X RAYS SHOW HOW LARGE THE TUMOR IS. HER BLOOD WORK WAS NORMAL! HEART WORM NEGATIVE. THIS LITTLE GIRL IS GOING IN FOR SURGERY THIS FRIDAY!

WHILE AT THE VET TODAY 7/7/10 I TOOK THIS PHOTO

I HELD HER UP SO YOU COULD SEE THE SIZE OF THIS GROWTH / TUMOR UNDER HER ABDOMINAL AREA.

THIS IS AN X RAY OF THE TUMOR ON MAGGIE

AS YOU CAN SEE THE VERY LARGE ROUND TUMOR LOCATED ON THE ABDOMINAL AREA BETWEEN HER LEGS

Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary operates on donations. Once we found this pup we had her up to Ohio and in the vets office within 3 days. Maggie has no fleas now and she received a medicated bath. She is on antibiotics for the skin infections. The X-Ray that was taken gave information as to the extent of involvement of the tumor. As always we are providing the absolute best medical care in the world! (my opinion ) Please help with a tax deductible donation.

Look at this beautiful girl, how far she has come in a few months. She is smart and loving. Her cancer has now affected her lungs. I will hold her and love her for the rest of her precious life.

Maggie spent 3 days at the vet this week 10/15/10

Chest X rays - blood work - medication. Her cancer is back now ... I love her very much.

PUREBRED BOXER NEGLECTED & ABUSED TO NEAR DEATH 6-30-10

I received an email yesterday ( 6-29-10 ) asking if anyone could take this poor Boxer. I looked at a few photos the pound took and just broke down in tears. This is neglect to the point of total abuse. I named him Alex and when no one responded to the urgent pleas for help, I took him. On his 8th. day at the pound he left for a better place. He was facing heart stick at Mahoning County Pound and I just could not let that happen.

Alex is at the Avon Lake Animal Clinic receiving exceptional care. He was heart worm tested negative. The plan is to assess the blood work start an IV for hydration. He was placed in isolation for now because of the possibility of kennel cough from the pound. The large swelling under his neck is an animal bite. Upon exam you can see teeth puncture wounds from an animal bite. This is now a severe area of infection and the swelling was drained today releasing the abscess fluid. His skin tested negative for mange or mites. He is getting tested for "Cushings Disease" by doing a blood test called " ACTH STIM" test. That stands for adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test.

Cushing's Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)is a common condition in older dogs, often mistaken for the aging process itself. Dogs gain weight, lose hair, urinate in the house, and make owners begin to prematurely consider euthanasia. Yet Cushing's disease is treatable and that treatment can result in a longer, more comfortable life for the dog and its owner. Thus, it is important for the regular pet owner to learn the basic facts about Cushing's disease.

Alex got out of the transport car and walked into the vet clinic on his own. His head was down and I could see the despair in his eyes. He has all but given up on this life and who could blame him? As he lay on the office floor waiting for the doctor I stroked his head and looked at the mangled broken body one tear fell from my eye to the top of his head and he looked up at me .... as if to say.... "please don't give up on me yet."

PLEASE HELP ALEX THE PUREBRED BOXER BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION. NO LIVING THING DESERVES TO END UP LIKE THIS.

UPDATE: JULY 1, 2010: ALEX WAS DOING WELL DURING THE NIGHT AND EVEN WALKED OUTSIDE TO DO HIS BUSINESS. THE VET CLINIC SAID DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS HIS BODY TEMPERATURE STARTED TO DROP. THEY GAVE HIM HEATED BLANKETS AND PADS. SADLY HE SLIPPED AWAY TO THE RAINBOW BRIDGE AT 8:30am . I WOULD LIKE TO THINK AFTER A LIFE LONG ABUSE AND NEGLECT SITUATION AND 8 DAYS IN A DOG POUND HE WAS SO COMFORTED BY LOVING PEOPLE AND WARM BLANKETS TO LAY ON.... HE TOOK COMFORT AND SLIPPED AWAY IN HIS SLEEP. HIS REMAINS WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO SAINT FRANCIS AND BURIED WITH ALL THE DOGS AND HORSES THAT WE HAVE LOVED.

I am sorry folks... I am so sad I have no words ... this never should have happened.

UPDATE: JULY 2, 2010 I JUST FOUND OUT FROM THE VET THAT POOR ALEX ONLY WEIGHED 34 POUNDS AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH.

JOHNA DEAF PIT BULL WITH EARS CUT OFF June 2010

Johna is deaf from birth.

Some stupid person cut his ears off right next to the head. This is called a fighting crop.

Johna came from a dog pound in the east side of Ohio. He is a pure Pit Bull Terrier. Johna is 100% deaf which has nothing to do with the fact that some jackass cut his ears off real close to the head. This was done by some sub human so that when they used this poor dog to fight the other dog could not grab on to his ears while fighting. We pulled this dog for a rescue that needed help in the southern part of the United States. We took him to our vet and the vet said he did not think this dog ever was used for fighting ( 1 yr. old ) because he had no scars on his body and has a good disposition. What a baby of dog Johna is.

Johna is such a baby.

He is not at our rescue he was transported to a rescue that wanted him in a southern state.

Johna is a good dog and loved the car ride from the pound. He had to be woke up at McDonald's for his double cheese burger. Then he went right back to sleep in the air conditioned car. How can people be so cruel to helpless animals. We wish this dog good luck and a good life with loving people that will never abuse him. We were glad to help in this rescue God bless Johna.

TIGER - CLEPH PALLET 6/2010

Tiger came from a dog pound in West Virginia. He has a very large and involved cleph pallet. When I look down at his face I can see his back teeth through his nose hole because he has no roof in his mouth. He is most loving and when you pet him he acts like it is the first time in his life anyone every said "hello". He gets along with the other dogs here at Saint Francis and we are just glad he found us! Tiger is only about 1 to 11/2 years old. Welcome home Tiger!

Lorain County Rescue6/2010

UNO LOST HIS LEG

I received a call from the Lorain County Dog Pound yesterday June 10, 10. I was told to come and get a little 4 to 5 pound Chihuahua that had a broken leg. I went right to the pound in Elyria. This was not an old dog. He was found by a lady that had 2 Poodles and felt sorry for him telling the dog pound he had a broken leg.

This is Uno at the dog pound.

Thanks to this pound worker Uno made it to Saint Francis.

We took this little guy right to the vet. He did not seem to be in pain but his ears were loaded with ticks and his body full of fleas. He was taken in to the vet and received x rays of his rear back leg. Please also see the short video clip of this little guys leg as it was when we got him. Uno's leg was shattered. He had many fractures in his leg. The vet said fractures like this were most likely caused from blunt force trauma.

Uno most likely has been in pain for 2 weeks.

This severe fracture had to cause him such pain and he had no where to go.

The Tibia and Fibula are both fractured.

Uno's leg can not be saved. He must have an amputation.

Uno will be fine with 3 legs.

He is safe now. He has been through a lot for such a little guy.

I stayed with him until the surgery was over.

He had some bad teeth pulled and neutered all at the same time.

The vet feels the injuries to this dog were most likely 2 weeks old. This is based on the current state of lacerations ,abrasions and bruising to the inner aspect of his legs. I am also told the doctor feels "BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA" caused the fractures. A mail man went house to house checking to see if any one knew who this dog belong to. If the dog pound can find the owner they will press charges for leaving this dog in this condition. No one reported this dog missing. He is only about 6 yrs old.

We really had no intention of taking on another dog. However this pup was at a gassing dog pound. He was going to the vet for his fracture but I feel they would not have spent the money on an amputation. He more then likely would have been put to sleep. PLEASE HELP US OUT. WE NEED DONATIONS! WE ARE A 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

TWO DOGS LEFT IN DROP BOX JUNE 2010

Pops is the 5.1 pound Chihuahua and Possum ( that is how the pound spelled it!) Possum is a purebred West Highland Terrier. They were left in a dog pound overnight drop box in North Florida.

Pops in a senior Chihauhua

He is 5.1 pounds. IV fluids and antibiotics were started right away at our vet clinic.

Pops was in bad shape although he flew on Pilots and Paws half way to Ohio then over nighted. He drove the rest of the way to Ohio by transport. He was very hot and he felt dehydrated to me when he arrived. On Sunday he was taken right to the vet for exam and treatment. Pops had a temp of 104.8 and could not stop coughing. He had blood work done a chest x ray and ultra sound of the heart. His heart is very enlarged and the xray showed pneumonia. This little guy was sick. He was started right on I.V. fluids and antibiotics. He stayed at the vet for almost a week. Pop's teeth are so bad that we feel this may be some of the reason for his massive infection. He is on several types of antibiotics along with cough medication. Pops also has hair loss as a skin scraping showed he did not have mange but severe flea infestation.

Pops chest x ray shows an enlarged heart

The vet feels he has pneumonia and severe dental infections.

The vet has estimated Pops to be about 14 years old. He has been in a state of neglect for some time now and then to be taken to a "drop box" at a dog pound where he would most likely be euthanized. How awful. Pops is safe tonight and well cared for. He is getting the best medical care that can be provided. He did not deserve to die like that after all these years.

Possum came from the same dog pound in Florida this past week. He is a West Highland White Terrier. He was left in the "drop box" with his skin looking like he has a severe scald or burn. Missing most hair from his neck back we took him right to the vet when he came to us because he was uncomfortable. His eyes were crusted together he is on RX eye medication. He was tested for mange and found not to have it. He has a severe skin infection secondary to yeast infection, most likely neglect and flea infestation. Both ears were loaded with a yeast infection and he is receiving treatment here at Saint Francis.

JUNE 2010 THIS IS HOW WE GOT HIM!!!!

2 MONTHS LATER AUGUST 2010 WOW!!!!!!

NOW I AM AS BEAUTIFUL ON THE OUTSIDE

AS I ALWAYS WAS ON THE INSIDE! ALL I NEEDED WAS A FEW PILLS AND SOME LOVE!

The total vet bill for these two dogs coming from Florida is over $1,700.00 The visit was on an emergency basis and on a Sunday! Pops spent almost a week there. Please make a donation to help us care for these neglected dogs.

BABY PUG - A MILL SURVIVOR IS DEAD AGE: 3 MONTHS.

Dayz is a little Pug / Beagle mix according to the mill owner. She was surrendered to rescue because she had bi lateral ( both sides ) abdominal hernias. They were reducible and the vet said as soon as she was a little older we would spay her and repair the hernias. She also had a leg problem. The potential for her leg surgery was 50 / 50 and if it was needed it would be costly.

I received over 100 applications to adopt Dayz. I searched each one and there were several very good ones. I found a couple in the Washington DC area. I loved to talk to them because they were like expectant parents, so excited and so involved anticipating the arrival.

Dayz's foster mom that had watched pups for me in the past was going on vacation and said she had a lady she knew to watch her current foster. She asked me if I wanted Dayz to go to her home along with her pups. I agreed and got her name and number in the event I needed her. Last Monday May 24, 2010 I received a phone call from the current foster and she told me her sister wanted to adopt Dayz. I told her I received over 100 applications and found someone in Washington DC area. I told her they were paying for Dayz's surgery. She told me her sister would "pay for everything" and even told me the name of the vet she would use. She wanted to know if the people I picked out would "back out of the adoption?" I told her I really doubted it and the conversation ended. I told her I needed to pick up Dayz because she was going in for surgery. That afternoon the first foster who is a friend of mine called me and said " Lisa lied to you.... Dayz is dead."

I was told the foster home's Saint Bernard killed Dayz. The sad part of this besides her death, the entire time this lady was talking to me Dayz the baby with so much potential was laying frozen in her freezer, killed the week before. I was lied to and never told by this lady that my pup was dead. I thought this over all week and she has never called to apologize for Dayz's death. Accidents happen, yes I know but I am so upset by this lady lying to me. Trying to adopt her knowing she is dead. I feel I should have been informed immediately when my dog was killed. I was lied to and this is sad. Would you ever trust this lady with one of your dogs?

THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS WERE DEVASTATED AND CALLED THE FOSTER TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. THEY LEFT A MESSAGE AND NEVER RECEIVED A RETURN PHONE CALL.....

RESCUE ON VERMILION RIVER May 10, 2010

BOTH DOGS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED TOGETHER! THEY LOVE EACH OTHER AND WILL STAY TOGETHER. THANK YOU.
A few days ago the Vermilion police and fire dept. were involved in a "Beagle rescue" when 2 small dogs were spotted on a small ledge in the Vermilion river. They were down the cliff about 50 feet from the top as reported by the Fire Chief Chris Stempowski. The area they were standing on was only about 2 feet wide. They had no way out so the fire dept. got a boat and while attempting to get them off the ledge a concerned citizen with a boat stepped in and assisted in the rescue.
The Chief took them to the Dirty Dog and they received a complimentary bath. They were then taken to the vet for a quick chip scan and physical. They were then taken to Saint Francis.

No idea how they got 50 feet down a cliff without injury. No collars no tags. Well feed ( fat ) nice shinny coats and trimmed toe nails. These are very small dogs and not hunters. So friendly they seem like house dogs and are bonded like glue to each other. HOW COULD NO ONE BE MISSING THIS PAIR? we are still looking for the owners at this time.

These two Beagles will be taken to our vet if we are not able to find the owners. If you would like to donate a portion of their medical care it would be appreciated. SPAY / NEUTER / VACCINATIONS / MICRO CHIP / HEART WORM CHECK. Donations are tax deductible. Thank You.

DEET'S SAD LIFE 4-28-10 UPDATE BELOW JUNE 2010

THANK YOU MIKE AND MICHELLE FOR A GENEROUS DONATION THAT HELPED PAY FOR DEET'S VET BILL. IN MEMORY OF YOUR PRECIOUS DOG THAT WAITS AT THE BRIDGE.

This is the very large and strange tumor on Deet.

The tumor biopsy now shows he has the worst cancer possible.

Deet is a pure bred American Pit Bull Terrier

He is full of kisses and loves everyone! He is a good dog.

Deet came from Kentucky where he lived his entire life in a 6 foot by 6 foot kennel. His house was a blue plastic barrel with a hole cut in the side. To get off the concrete he would spend many hours on top of his plastic house, this was his life! A neighbor lady brought straw in the freezing cold winter because she felt sorry for him living in his blue plastic barrel. The owner said the only kind of food he would eat was the cheapest dog food that the "Dollar Store" sold and that is exactly what he got for the majority of his 6 years. Deet had a Rabies shot in 2005! That was the last time he saw the vet and never received heart worm medication. He never was taken to the vet for the ever growing huge tumor on his side.

The email that came with many requests to take dogs said " NO ONE WILL HELP HIM ". That caught my attention and I read the email request. I felt no one was going to help this lady trying to save a neighbors dog. I felt the desperation in her email as she searched for a rescue or person to help a dog with a big tumor. His owner surrendered him to rescue. Deet arrived at Saint Francis April 24, 2010. He was taken to the vet Monday April 26, 2010. Deet's tumor had a biopsy sent to find out what we were dealing with and while sedated he was neutered. The large lump on his hip bone was hard in some spots and soft in others. He also had an X-ray taken of the lump. Heart worm negative which is hard to believe but true!

BAD NEWS: Chondrosarcoma (CSA)
This is the second most common primary bone tumor in dogs and accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all primary bone tumors. It is a cartilage tumor, usually not as malignant as OSA. It generally occurs on flat bones such as ribs or skull bones, but can occur in the limbs, usually the thigh bone (femur). Symptoms are similar to OSA, and many cases are managed with removal of the tumor whenever possible. Chemotherapy has not been shown to be effective. Recent studies suggest that a specific type of antibiotic, called “fluoroquinolone” may be toxic to the cartilage cancer cells. Further studies are needed to see whether this antibiotic will have a role in treatment of this type of cancer.

DEET'S VET BILL IS OVER $600.00 HIS PROGNOSIS IS POOR. HE HAS A FEW MONTHS TO LIVE. WE PLAN ON MAKING THOSE MONTHS GREAT! WE MADE AN INFORMED DESICION NOT TO DO EXTENSIVE SURGERY.

Deet loves to go for walks to the lake.

He goes to the edge of the water but will only get his toes wet. I do not think he likes to swim.

UPDATE: DEET'S TUMOR IS GETTING LARGER

He enjoys walks by our lake and eating good food. Deet is not ready to go to the bridge just yet!

German Shepherd Dog needs donations. (4/14/10)

ADOPTED MAY 2010!

This dog is an owner turn in. We thought he had flea allergies on his lower back. While at the vet for routine work we found out he has multiple sebaceous cysts. The vet said this is like acne when a duct gets blocked. These areas required some laser surgery and regular incision and removal of the large ones. Zack has no idea what is going on and why he is here. He has been at his house for 2 years and the house was lost due to foreclosure. He has not seen a vet in a very long time but he is heart worm negative. He is neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped. Zack is so smart he knows sit, shake and stay. Our vet feels he is about 4 to 4 1/2 yrs. old. We are really trying to find a loving home for this wonderful German Shepherd. He lived with another dog and a cat in his past home.

Zack's back had to be shaved for surgery.

The vet feels his back will get better and with proper food and baths the issue will be resolved.

Zack knows sit, shake and stay. VERY SMART.

Zack is a very smart dog !

4 to 5 y.o. and a wonderful loving dog.

Zack's medical bill was $559.50 and that is with our generous rescue discount. Please consider a donation as Zack is just one of many taken in this weekend. OUR VET BILL IS OVER $4,000.00 from this past week. Thank you.

REAR LEG AMPUTATED IN TRAP 4-6-10

ADOPTED AFTER 1 1/2 YR. WITH US!!!!!

Molly forgives all who never took her to the vet

when her rear leg was cut off in a trap down in Kentucky.

Molly is a rescue from Kentucky where she got her rear leg cut off in an animal trap. She was found as a stray and taken to the dog pound. After seeing the scar tissue and swelling I can tell you this dog NEVER saw a vet. The end of the long bone is just covered by a thin layer of skin and starting to stick through the skin. There is a small open area right now. The amputated leg / stump is also very swollen. Can you imagen the pain this young pup went through as she had such a traumatic thing happen at such a young age. Molly is only about 1 year old. Someone had to see she her suffering with a cut off leg and yet she never was taken to the doctor.

Molly is going in for surgery and receive a stump revision of the leg. She cannot go on with the bone sticking through the skin for obvious reasons. Her surgical amputation will most likely be about the leg joint. But this time she will have a clean surgical incision with pain medication to make her comfortable. This young dog is such a good girl and loves everyone! She has suffered enough in her short life. Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary really does take the ones that have little to no hope of adoption or rescue. Please consider a donation to help Molly get the care she needs. Molly will be up for adoption when we get her all fixed up!

You can see the swelling in the stump.