The puppy, Thompson’s 31st foster dog in three years, was in bad shape.
“I’ve never seen a case so sad,” Thompson said, referring to the mange that was ravaging the tiny dog.
Mohawk’s fur was patchy and his fevered skin a raw pink.
The mange was caused by a compromised immune system that permitted the Demodex mite, a mite that is commonly found on and usually co-exists peacefully with most dogs, to run amok.
And Mohawk wasn’t alone.
His litter mates Gizmo and Gladys and their father, Spike, all were dealing with similar problems.
They are being cared for by foster parents through 4 Luv of Dog Rescue, a Fargo-based animal rescue organization that relies on volunteers and donated dollars to survive.
The pugs came from a local [breeder] who found the multiple cases of mange too overwhelming to deal with.
Similar hardship cases come to the rescue organization on a regular basis, said Jill Nona, a volunteer and core member of the group.
“Every week it’s something coming through the door,” Nona said.
Recent cases include a shepherd mix that needed an eye removed and a black Lab puppy that was treated with a blood transfusion after ingesting rat poison.
Both dogs are doing well, volunteers say.
In the case of the pugs, treatment may take up to eight months for some, said Natalie Helm, a volunteer who is also a veterinary technician.
“These guys are all on an oral antibiotic (for the mange),” Helm said. “They also have an additional overgrowth of bacteria which is causing an infection on their skin, so they are on a secondary antibiotic for that.”
The dogs are also given a medicated bath every other day, she said, and two of the dogs are being treated with antibiotic eye drops for ulcers on their eyes caused by scratching.
The cost of treating rescued dogs can add up fast and 4 Luv of Dog’s medical bills can top $100,000 annually, Nona said. Money comes from donations and grants.
When volunteers are presented with animals that are sick but otherwise adoptable, they find it hard to turn them away, knowing euthanasia will most likely be their fate.
“If it was managing a business, you wouldn’t do that, you’d think about where the money is going to come from first,” Nona said.
“But it’s not a business. You take it (the animal) in, go with your gut and hope you get some income to help,” she said.
(Detroit Lakes - Jan 11, 2013)
