Like most of his human counterparts, Tyson started the new year on a happy note. But his bid for total freedom from an extended legal fight is still a long way from over.
Tyson, a 4-year-old beagle, was the focus of a special fundraising effort by the Washington Area Humane Society late last year. To say public response to the plea for help defray the costs of knee surgery for the dog was positive would be an understatement.
"Yes, we did receive enough funds for Tyson's surgery and he is recovering in his foster home," said WAHS volunteer Jeannie Sexauer, who oversees the society's foster program. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated to the cause. And we also appreciate the letters and calls we received regarding his condition. Many people said they were remembering him in their prayers."
Tyson's foster caretakers wish to remain anonymous, Sexauer said.
"I think you will find that anyone who opens their homes and hearts to our animals prefer anonymity," she said. "They become foster moms and dads because of their love and concern for the dogs and cats at our shelter."
Tyson has been in foster care since June 2006 after being housed at the Washington Area Humane Society's shelter on Route 136 in Eighty Four. He was rescued from "very poor living conditions" nearly two years ago and has been involved in an ongoing court custody case since that time.
The legal hassle notwithstanding, Tyson is "bouncing back" from the surgery he experienced in November, Sexauer said.
"Tyson's foster mom took him to his final veterinary followup appointment to check out his leg, and the doctors gave him a good report," Sexauer said. "He is about 85 percent healed and they feel confident now that he will have a complete recovery. He is starting to use the injured leg, walking at first, of course, but then on to his normal routine of just having fun. He is a very lucky boy to have had so much help from so many people. His foster mom is sincerely appreciative of that help. It made the holidays very special."
Tyson's recovery is symbolic of the spirit the dog possesses, Sexauer said.
"He really is a fighter, a game little guy," she said. "He was very fortunate to have found a long-term foster family who would love to adopt him if the court case is ever resolved."
Not long after Tyson took up residence at his foster home last year, his foster mom noticed he was limping and took him to see a veterinarian. The doctor diagnosed a ligament in his knee as "blown out" and he was unable to jump or run and could put no weight on the leg.
Without surgery, Sexauer emphasized, Tyson "would not have recovered."
At the time of its fundraising efforts, the Washington Area Humane Society's no-kill shelter estimated the cost of the surgery would be between $1,200 and $1,500. That goal was exceeded.
"We received contributions from people throughout the region," Sexauer said. "There were sufficient funds to cover the surgery. Financially, an operation of this kind is beyond the capabilities of our shelter. But we always want nothing more than to see these sweet animals have successful outcomes. It's comforting and reassuring to know that so many people share the same ideals and are willing to open their hearts with such generosity."
While Tyson progresses toward a full recovery, he also remains one of 11 dogs who have been part of a court case that is being fought by his former owners. They were found guilty of animal cruelty but because of their appeals none of the animals has been able to be permanently adopted.
"It's a very unfortunate situation," Sexauer said. "The foster families who are caring for these dogs certainly want to become permanent guardians."
Meanwhile, the humane society continues to seek funds to help with the cost of daily medications for Brinkley, a chocolate Labrador retriever. A neutered male estimated at between 8 and 11 years old, he was found in a valley by a creek near Amity.
Brinkley was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and also is missing the toes on his left front paw, perhaps because his foot may have been caught in a trap.
"He's still our shelter mascot and, despite all his hardships, is a loving and adorable animal," said Faye Klein, volunteer director at WAHS. "Even though he's in constant pain, he is always happy to see people and lets you know with his wagging tail and happy expression. Just call his name and his eyes light up."
However, Brinkley will be on pain medication at a cost of $3 a day for the rest of his life, Klein said. He also needs to have both hips replaced at an estimated cost of $3,000, but because of his advanced age, surgery may not be a realistic option.
"We are not asking for money for his surgery, but anyone wishing to help with his medication needs is invited to visit the shelter to make a contribution or send a donation to the Brinkley Fund," Klein said. Yet another dog in need is Liberty, an adult female Redbone coonhound.
She was one of several dogs the humane society officer brought to the shelter last summer. They were running loose in high grass with no apparent food or water. When the owner was finally located, he retrieved his dogs "for a fee," Klein recalled, with the exception of Liberty, who was emaciated and sick. She was initially treated for worms, but more extensive tests revealed cryptosporidium, an intestinal parasite causing severe diarrhea.
Over the ensuing months, Liberty was successfully treated for the parasite but her weakened immune system and the less than optimal kennel conditions caused her to become re-infected by other common parasites (worms) and her symptoms continue.
"Fortunately, she has been able to gain weight, a full 24 pounds since she first arrived, and her sweet disposition has never changed," Klein said, adding that volunteers have shouldered nearly all of Liberty's medical costs. "It is so difficult for dogs like Liberty to recover in a shelter environment. Liberty has been very lucky to be fostered by a local veterinary technician, but I do believe that she is still in need of a permanent home."
Most recently, Liberty unjderwent more testing for her intestinal problems.
"They X-rayed her and found that her intestines have collapsed in on each other," Klein said. "The problem is fixable and hopefully she will do well during surgery. Liberty's foster mom says the veterinarian is the finest she knows and Liberty is in great hands. She feels very fortunate that the problem was finally diagnosed in time. The vet said this can happen with large infestations of worms and the other problems Libby had when she arrived. Of course, it is rare. We're keeping our fingers crossed and praying for her."
Klein said Liberty's "best hope" is "finding someone with a tile floor, unflagging patience and a huge heart who will give her a chance to get well."
For more information on animals in need of medical help or those available for adoption at the WAHS shelter, call 724-222-PETS (7387) or visit the Web site www.washingtonpashelter.org .
