‘Tiny’ went into foster care at five months of age. 

He was a malnourished, bald, rash covered, shy little man who was surrendered by his ‘family’ who bought him as a fathers day gift that just didn’t work out, and for Tiny’s sake, it’s a good thing they did!

They brought him in with a receipt for the $1000 they paid for him from a back yard breeder (they paid extra as he was the only black so therefore ‘rare’), a 10 lb bag of puppy chow with instructions to feed him two cups a day mixed with two cups of rice ( that’s all, for a five month old Great Dane!) and a rusty pinch collar saying,’ you’ll need this’.

 The foster took him in originally with the intention of fostering until he recovered from his medical issues and a proper home could be found. It took them a long time to gain his real trust as he was fearful of the world and didn’t seem to have been an indoor dog at all.  It took them even longer to start to put weight on him once they got rid of the round worms, and figured out his food allergies, and longer still to get his hair to grow back. 

After about 8 months with them, Tiny was finally becoming a somewhat healthy dog. Although they knew due to his malnourishment at an early age he would never be an overly healthy boy, but he had come leaps and bounds. 

He was nicknamed the ‘glass dog’ as there wasn’t a week that went buy that they were not calling the vet for something or other.  

Tiny has never overcome his trust issues with some strangers and displays some fear/status related aggression. That combined with his health issues and shear size did not make him a great candidate to adopt out. So he has remained with the foster and is content and safe in their home.

Tiny began exhibiting leg trouble at about a year of age, he would run and then limp, or have trouble getting up after sleeping. So he was taken back to the vet where he was diagnosed with a partial cruciate ligament tear in his hind legs. Not bad enough for surgery but enough to put him on supplements and pain killers and limit his activity drastically.

He seemed to get better fairly quickly, but fell on the stairs about two months ago and needed to be carried up. Back on the pain killers and bed rest for a week and he was able to bare weight again. All seemed ok, until a week ago when he very quickly went down hill. He was unable to get up without help and was not wanting to tackle stairs at all. He was in obvious pain, so back to the vet we went.

The foster was informed that the ligament is now completely torn and its either surgery, amputate or euthanize. We know it is not fair to amputate the hind leg on a dog this size, he would be unable to get around at all, and to euthanize... it's unthinkable!   

June 14th 2007 ~ Update:

Tiny's Surgery is booked for June 20th, and he has begun his preparation. Prior to surgery, the dogs are familiarized with the hydro-therapy under water treadmill. This will cause less anxiety later when Tiny has to start his therapy after surgery.

The buoyancy of water allows the patient to work on range of motion of the joints and increase muscle strength and endurance without the strain experienced with weight bearing activities.

Tiny mastered the underwater treadmill within minutes and was wagging his tail and taking treats by the end of his session! He's ready!! (we will take some video during his next session)

Special thanks to the Aldergrove Animal Hospital for all they are doing for Tiny. Please check them out when you have moment at The Spaw  They are taking good care of our boy!

 

 

 

 

Octobe20th 2007 ~ Update: 

Tiny's x-rays have come back and we are all very pleased and excited! His operated leg is completely healed! We now have the ok to start his hydrotherapy to build more muscle. After a few more sessions his therapy and in house rehabilitation will be complete.

We are also excited to say the Tiny now has an orthotic brace for his other leg that we are hoping will prevent him from ever needing surgery. It was specially made for him and he wears it while he is being walked or exercised to prevent any damage and to help keep his muscles toned.

May 8th 2008 ~ Update

Tiny is now ready for his forever home to adopt him.

We are looking for a breed and dog experienced home willing to commit to Tiny for the rest of his days and his needs. He has worked hard to get here and deserves only the best of homes. If you think you may be able to offer Tiny his forever home please contact jaime@absolutek9.ca  (interviews, references, home check and adoption fee apply.)

We apologize for no updates sooner, Tiny has been busy (and so have we!) since his surgery on Tues June 21st!!
He came through the procedure just fine, although he's a little bald and was quite swollen. He slept for the first few days and he is now doing wonderfully.
The first month's recovery includes a lot of bed rest (its been quite the challenge keeping the 150lbs goofy guy in bed and resting let me tell you! Thank goodness for marrow bones and CBC radio!) 
 
For the first ten days Tiny needed to be 'sling walked' to and from his potty breaks, and back to bed. We have been icing his leg two to three times daily and helping him with mobility exercises daily as well as he rests.
Twice a week we make the trek to see Dr Bowra and the ladies at Aldergrove Animal Hospital for healing laser therapy, and electric stimulation for his surgery site to keep the muscles toned on his operated leg.

This week we took his first walk around the block and he is starting to put some weight back on the leg. He is progressing wonderfully!
In the next few weeks he will start his hydrotherapy (we will take some pictures and hopefully video!) to get more weight back on the leg and help him to walk normally again. Tiny has been a great patient, he has not yet given much complaint and seems to know we are helping him and is willing and patient with his therapy. He wants to send you all A big thank you once again and we will keep you updated with some pictures shortly!
Jaime, Wes (foster parents) and Tiny!!!  

   

 

Tiny is being sponsored by:    

Carolyn D. ~ $50.00*

Charles L. ~ $250.00*

Lindsey B. ~ $410.00*

Spinner and Suzanne ~ $40.00

Buddette ~ $20.50*

Anonymous ~ $60.00*

Kelly Cook ~ $55.00*

Lisa T. ~ $105.50*

Penny P. ~ $200.00*

Elizabeth R. ~ $20.00*

Tamara R. ~ $25.00

Lesley S. ~ $210.00*

The Treslove's ~ $100.00

 

 

Jessica H. ~ $50.00*

Absolute K9 ~ $100.00

Care Collar Fund ~ $110.00*

Sherman & Todd ~ $30.00*

Trunk Sale Donation Tin ~ $7.00

Sherm and Todd's Grama & Grampa ~$20.00*

Garage Sale ~ $450.00

Nicole, Chris and Kiefer ~ $100.00

Kristin, Graham and Spike ~ $25.50*

Dayle F. ~ $50.00 in memory of  Khaeleigh who crossed the rainbow bridge on May 15, 2006*

Gail M. ~ $100.00*

Pub Night fundraiser ~ $1896.00

 

Tiny wants to send huge slobbery kisses to everyone that has helped him on his journey to become well again. THANK YOU!

 

 

Notes from GSRBC's President:

Having met Tiny now on several occasions, I wanted to let everyone know what a truly great dog Tiny is. 

Tiny is the kind of dog that makes your chest swell when you meet him. He is not without issue, (what dog is?) but is a great big oaf of a dog that is happy and goofy whenever I see him. He gets along great with the other dogs in his foster home, and will make someone a really wonderful companion. If someone doesn't adopt this boy soon, I am going to go and steal him away!

Open your heart to Tiny, you will not be disappointed!

Kelly ~ GSRBC

 

 

We are a registered non-profit Charity as of April 1st 2005