Stray Thoughts 2019 Volume 2 Spring 2019 Newsletter_Digital
Stray Thoughts
News, Events & Adoption Information
Spring 2019
Inside
Carrera is a Special Needs Dog
with an Extra-Special Spirit!
Page 1 & 2:
Carrera
Page 2:
WSHS Wishlist
WSHS Staff
Ways to Give
Page 3
Ready for a Home
Page 4:
Ask the Trainer
Page 5:
Pet Watch with Dr. Main
Letters from Adopters
Page 6:
Volunteer Spotlight
Upcoming Events
Page 7:
Hearty Thanks
Page 8:
Annual Plant Sale
Stray Thoughts is an official
publication of the West
Suburban Humane Society,
a not-for-profit, volunteer-
based animal shelter.
No city, state, or federal
funds support WSHS.
Donations are tax
deductible as allowed
by law. Please call
(630) 960-9600, ext. 25 to
submit articles or receive
donation information.
Adoption Center:
1901 W. Ogden Avenue,
Downers Grove, IL 60515
E-mail Address:
[email protected]
Phone: (630) 960-9600
Fax: (630) 960-9604
www.WSHS-DG.org
S
everal months ago, we received a call
from a WSHS supporter about a
paralyzed dog that needed help. Carrera
was found on the streets of Chicago by a
Good Samaritan and was taken to Chicago
Animal Care and Control. She couldn’t walk,
had some scrapes and cuts and looked like
she had recently had puppies. The vet there
took x-rays and started her on pain
medication but couldn’t find a reason for
the paralysis. She soon became a staff and
volunteer favorite. Unfortunately space at
animal control is always at a premium and
keeping a paralyzed dog there long term
was not an option.
Carrera’s time was up. Without a
commitment from a rescue to take her, she
would be euthanized. We didn’t know what
her long term prognosis would be or if we
would be able to help her, but one look in
those beautiful, sad eyes and we knew we
had to try. We picked Carrera up and
immediately took her to our vet. It was
fortunate that the surgeon was able to take
a look at her immediately. He could not
determine the reason for her paralysis but
because she had been paralyzed for so
long, there is no way to reverse the damage.
Carrera is determined and has the will to
live. He felt that even with the paralysis she
would be able to live a full, happy life.
Carrera will be paralyzed for life. Because
she cannot fully empty her bladder, she will
battle constant bladder infections. She will
require medication for pain and joint
supplements. She will also need to be on a
special diet. We know it is going to be hard
to find the right home for her, but we think
she is worth it. Carrera has had some
physical therapy and has been fitted for a
cart which will help with her mobility. She is
growing stronger and stronger every day.
With everything she has been through,
Carrera is a friendly, happy-go-lucky girl.
She is a little shy when she first meets new
people but she warms up quickly. She is
safe and happy and enjoying the good life in
her foster home. Unfortunately, the foster
home’s situation has changed and they are
no longer able to care for Carrera. One
reason is that she gets very lonely when
everyone is at work all day and has a hard
time entertaining herself since all she can
do is drag herself from place to place.