Home

Our Mission

HB Video

The Sanctuary

Map & Directions

Available Goldens

Adopting

Adoption Application

Fostering

Surrendering Your Golden

Donating

How You Can Help

Volunteer Application

Shop Our Golden Mall

Membership

Events

Golden Stories

Newsletters & Articles

Pet Resources

Contacts

Email Us
 

In late October 2002, we were contacted by a resident of Yakima, Washington. She asked if Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue would be willing to take in Scooter, a Golden/mix puppy. Scooter was found abandoned on a seldom-traveled country road. It was initially believed that she had been struck by an automobile, for she could not walk. However, it was later discovered that she had not been hit by a car. Sadly, Scooter was born without kneecaps, a birth defect that caused her legs to jut straight out from her torso, with no bend whatsoever. When found, she was approximately 10-12 weeks old.

As Scooter's story began to unfold, we found ourselves wondering what type of monster would have dumped Scooter by the side of the road. Did they even bother to stop, or did they simply toss her out the window? 

Scooter's fortunes finally began to turn for the better when she was delivered to the Humane Society of Central Washington. Given the fact that animal shelters are over-run with healthy homeless animals, and Scooter's deformity would certainly render her un-adoptable under most circumstances, her young life could very easily have ended not long after she arrived at the shelter. However, this courageous girl captured the hearts of the shelter staff. They took her under their collective wing and she became something of a mascot at the facility. Scooter certainly did not view herself as disabled. She would scoot around on the floor, using only her front legs to pull herself forward. 

Incredibly, the concerned residents of Yakima did not stop at merely befriending Scooter. They orchestrated a fundraising campaign in the community and purchased a wheelchair for Scooter's rear legs so that she would be more mobile. And then they set out to find Scooter a permanent home. Two families in Washington attempted to adopt Scooter but could not cope with her "disability". Scooter's benefactors then turned to the Internet to broadcast Scooter's story and that is how we learned of her plight.

After reading her story, we became charter members of Scooter's fan club. Even though we had not yet met Scooter, she had captured our hearts as well. We concluded that we should offer Homeward Bound's assistance, both for medical treatment and to find Scooter a permanent home. The next dilemma was the means to transport Scooter from Yakima, Washington to Elverta, California. 

Once again, the compassionate, resourceful folks in Yakima rose to the occasion. They donated use of a private plane and paid for the cost to fly Scooter to Redding, California, where she was met by a Homeward Bound volunteer. Several days later, Scooter was driven down to the Sanctuary in Elverta. 

From our very first meeting, we could see that Scooter had a Golden heart, even though it was readily apparent that Golden Retrievers were not in her ancestry. We marveled at the way she would move about the room using only those front legs of hers. She was so happy and affectionate, perhaps not even realizing that she was just a little different from the healthy dogs that swarmed around to greet this latest arrival at the Sanctuary.

After resting for two days at the Sanctuary, Scooter was taken to an appointment with Dr. Robert Richardson of Sacramento Veterinary Surgical Services. Dr. Richardson is an extremely gifted surgeon who had previously performed miracles on some of our walking wounded. He agreed to perform re-constructive surgery on Scooter, but cautioned us that she would never be normal. The best-case scenario was that she would be able to use her rear legs for stability and might even be able to hop around like a bunny. The worst-case was that the surgery would make it much easier for Scooter function in her wheelchair apparatus.

On January 21, 2003, Dr. Richardson operated on Scooter. He cut the muscles and tendons in her legs, fused the legs in a 90-degree angle at the knee and ankle and then reattached the muscles and tendons. Metal rods were attached to her legs with screws to hold the bones in place while they fuse together in the desired position. The metal rods will be removed in about four weeks. 

Dr. Richardson determined that Scooter does have nerve sensation in her feet and no spinal problems. Therefore, she should be able to support herself with her rear legs once they have mended. He is cautiously optimistic that she will be able to walk, but did indicate that she will need considerable physical therapy, as her muscles have atrophied.

Scooter's medical bills are mounting and a second surgery may be required. Since Scooter is definitely not a Golden Retriever, and some of the kind folks who donate to Homeward Bound may have the expectation that their donations will be applied exclusively to the medical needs of Goldens, we have established a separate Scooter Fund to help pay for her medical treatments. If you would like to contribute toward the cost of Scooter's surgery and rehabilitation, please send your donations to:

The Scooter Fund
Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary
7495 Natomas Road
Elverta, CA 95626 

We close by paying tribute to the wonderful citizens of Yakima who participated in the rescue and relocation of Scooter. They set a standard for compassion and decency that should serve as a model for all of us to follow. We would particularly like to recognize Mike Flory and Patsy Die for their Herculean efforts on Scooter's behalf. They could not turn their backs on this little orphan. Nor could we. 

Redding Record Searchlight highlight's Scooter plight - 01/17/03

7495 Natomas Road, Elverta CA  95626  |  TEL  916-655-1410  |  FAX  916-655-3410   |  501(c)(3) non-profit organization - Tax ID #68-0442702