The Inspiring Journey of Hope the Rescue Dog and Her Unbreakable Spirit
- Camille
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Click here if you would like to read the story of where Hope came from.
We were unable to schedule an appointment for Hope before Tuesday. Today, we visited the new veterinarian at Monroe County Animal Hospital, where the staff was exceptionally caring and supportive. Dr. Wiley, the veterinarian who attended to her, was excellent and provided a lot of valuable information.
Initial Assessment
The first step was to weigh her, and she came in at 64 pounds. We were informed that she is slightly underweight, which indicates that we'll need to address her nutritional needs moving forward.
Veterinary Examination
Next, Dr. Wiley conducted a thorough examination of Hope. During this process, she noted the absence of a spay tattoo, which is typically used to indicate that an animal has been spayed. Based on her observations, she estimated that Hope is between 4 and 5 years old.
Physical Sensitivity
Dr. Wiley checked Hope's legs and observed that she is quite sensitive in that area. Despite this, she remained remarkably calm and tolerated all the poking and prodding like a champ, showcasing her resilient spirit.
Procedures and Tests
Following the examination, the veterinary team took Hope to the clinic's back area for additional procedures. They trimmed and cleaned her wound, performed a skin scraping to check for any underlying skin issues, conducted a fecal exam to rule out intestinal parasites, and collected blood samples for lab testing. The process can be quite overwhelming for any pet, but it's essential for ensuring her health and well-being.
Here are the results so far. Her bloodwork came back positive for heartworm and Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis, which is transmitted by fleas and ticks. Her fecal test was positive for hookworms. Her wounds are infected, so she will need antibiotics.
Click here for more information on heartworm in dogs.
Click here for more information on Ehrlichiosis in dogs.
The skin scraping tested negative for mange, but the bloodwork and skin scrapings were sent for more comprehensive analysis. She might still have mange, so we'll treat it accordingly until we receive the results.
Hope has a fairly long recovery journey ahead. Heartworm treatment requires about a year of therapy. Dr. Wiley sent us home with:
Cephalexin an antibiotic to treat the skin infection
Doxycycline an antibiotic that helps treat heartworm
Deracoxib for the pain and inflammation
Vetropolcin Ophthalmic Ointment for the infection around her eyes
Panacur to treat the parasites
Nexgard to prevent reinfection (Dr Wiley got us the first dose for free)
There will be more treatments and drugs in the future, but this gets us started on the road to recovery.
Hope's journey is a testament to courage and resilience. We've witnessed her body language and behavior evolve from that of a scared stray to a relaxed, gentle giant. At the vet's office, she even napped on the floor while her medications were being prepared. We invite you to keep following her story, as we believe it will demonstrate how love and patience can transform a life. These blog posts will chronicle the path Hope takes, the obstacles she'll conquer, and the lessons her story provides to those who believe in second chances.
Early Days of Uncertainty
Hope's life began with difficulties. She was found wandering alone in a rural area, looking thin, frightened, and a bit cautious around us. Many rescue dogs start their lives this way, relying on instinct and caution for survival. Hope's initial body language and behavior showed her fear: she kept her tail and head low, staying just out of reach until someone spoke to her. I believe she initially struggled to trust us. Today was the first time she tried to climb into my lap when I wasn't paying attention. I got completely slobbered, but having her trust me that much made it worthwhile.
When we found her, we already knew the journey ahead would be challenging. We will provide food, shelter, and gentle care, but the real challenge will be helping Hope heal emotionally. We are watching her, almost hour by hour, relax and settle in.
Finding a Forever Home
We expect several months of rehabilitation before Hope is ready for adoption. It will be essential to find the right family. The perfect home should provide love, patience, a safe environment, and a commitment to offering a permanent home. Rescue dogs present unique challenges but also offer unparalleled loyalty and affection.
Her journey should highlight the significance of animal rescue organizations. These groups offer essential services that save lives and change futures. Supporting them through volunteering or donations can have a significant impact.
Continuing Hope’s Story
Hope's journey will continue. Each day will bring new adventures and opportunities for growth. Her resilient spirit reminds us that with love and care, even the toughest beginnings can lead to joyful conclusions.
If Hope has inspired you, think about visiting local shelters or rescue groups. Every dog deserves the chance to transform their story. Hope's life demonstrates what can be achieved when compassion takes the lead.
I will keep writing blogs about Hope's journey, and I hope you enjoy them. If you wish to keep receiving the blogs, please subscribe.
Comments