Taking on the veterinary care of three homeless Syracuse dogs all at once is the largest commitment the Leg Up Fund has made to date.
Established in May 2015 as a program of the Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse, the new fund sponsors treatment for significantly injured or ill homeless pets brought to Dewitt Animal Hospital-Shelter from the City of Syracuse. Leg Up partners with the DeWitt Animal Hospital-Shelter (DAH-S), which holds a contract with Syracuse to kennel its stray dogs. Their shared goal for these pets is adoption.
Currently LEG UP is sponsoring Tiana, Owen and Amber. Tiana is a young, spritely pup found wandering city streets with generalized mange, an uncomfortable skin condition that causes fur loss, itching and secondary skin infections. Tiana is responding to treatment and is available for adoption.
Owen, approximately six months old, was brought to DAH-S with a fractured leg and broken jaw that hung loosely from his face, most likely the result of being hit by a car. DAH-S arranged for the surgical repair of Owen’s jaw with Dr. Eric Davis of Animal Dental Specialists of Upstate New York. Owen’s jaw was stabilized with a splint that was scheduled to be removed in a second surgery on Aug. 29. His jawbone had been so badly fragmented that it resembled “potato chips,” according to Davis.
Owen wins the heart of everyone he meets. “He’s a cuddler who just wants to be with people,” reported Kerry Driscoll, licensed veterinary technician at DAH-S. She said he just wants to get back to the business of being a puppy again and be able to chew and play with toys.
While Tiana and Owen continue treatment, Leg Up was asked to sponsor a third young pup, Amber, whose leg injuries are still being evaluated at Veterinary Medical Center of CNY. Surgery to repair damaged joints in her front leg may be necessary. Like Owen, Amber’s treatment requires special consideration, as she is still growing.
Leg Up is seeking the community’s help with these three pups’ treatments, which include three surgeries, X-rays, evaluations, medications and weeks of nursing care. Since Leg Up is volunteer-run, all contributions, which are tax-deductible, go directly to pay veterinary expenses.
“Most pets have families that come to bat for them when they’re sick,” said Marcia Tupper, Leg Up volunteer. “These pets have no one, and when you’re nobody’s pet, you become everybody’s.”
To date, nine local homeless dogs have returned to health and found forever homes because of the generosity of community donors. Leg Up has funded mange treatment, entropion (eye) surgeries, abdominal surgery, heartworm treatment, fractures, dental cleanings with extractions and an amputation.
Leg Up is eager to add these three pups to their growing list of once homeless, hurting pets who have regained health and found new families.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to help pay for Leg Up pets’ veterinary treatment, please note “Leg Up” in “Notes to Seller” or on the check.
Online: Visit facebook.com/AnimalAlliance/ or animalallianceofgreatersyracuse.org.
By mail: AAGS, P.O. Box 94, Liverpool, NY 13088.
