August 27th, 2019

This type of neglect is unimaginable to most of us. We all wonder how anyone could possibly leave a dog to suffer like this. This is YEARS of neglect. And then to abandon the dog in such a cowardly way…there really are no words.
It’s very difficult not to be angry. But, here we are again. Shocked, heartbroken, sad, horrified, frustrated, and angry. But thankfully, this is where the journey of healing begins…

Hamilton Animal Services received a call from Hamilton Police Services, at approximately 1:30am on the 24th of August. Someone had called the police in regards to a dog who had been abandoned in a carrier at a gas station on Hamilton mountain. Police did not attend the gas station, but contacted Animal Services to take the call. When the animal control officer arrived at the gas station, he found a severely matted and extremely foul smelling dog in a dilapidated carrier. The animal control officer took the dog directly to a 24 hour vet clinic.

It took staff at the vet clinic three and a half hours to shave the dog down.
Here are some of the notes written by the vet who examined him:
“Eyes red and inflamed, purulent discharge from right, both cloudy. Ears dirty and bilateral infection.
Integument Severe matting. Dry flaky skin. Puncture wound on right hind, could have been a cuterebra, contained maggots. Area surrounding wound, rectum and scrotal area, tail severe dermatitis, likely due to oozing from wound and feces soaked matts. Genital Tumour on rectum.”

The maggots were flushed out of the wound and a drain was inserted. The vet started the dog on medication, and the next morning he was sent to Hamilton Animal Services to wait out his stray time. After a few days, it was obvious the dog wasn’t doing well at the shelter. He was lethargic, refusing to eat, and staff were unable to get his medications into him. Discussion began about possible euthanasia. A staff member reached out to us for help, and we agreed to take the dog into our care. Even though that staff member wasn’t working that day, she offered to drive the dog to one of our affiliate vets to get him the help he needed. (Thank you Kim!)

We named him Posty (thank you Kylie and Carly for the name). When Posty arrived at Glanbrook Veterinary Services, his blood was tested and his kidney levels were sky high. The vets worried that Posty had kidney disease. They started him on fluids and IV medication. The next day, Posty seemed to be feeling a bit better, and the next day, even better. He was much more alert and wanting to get up and walk around. His blood was re-tested and his kidney levels were almost back to normal. We were all thrilled.

Posty is still at Glanbrook Veterinary Services. He’ll stay on fluids for the weekend, and hopefully he’ll be able to leave the clinic on Tuesday and head to his foster home.
All we can do at this point is hope that Posty is out of the woods and on his way to healing.

We are working on having Posty’s abandonment investigated further. There is no excuse for allowing an animal to suffer this way, and no excuse for dumping an animal in this manner.
Suspect animal cruelty or neglect? If you see something, say something! We all have to be the voice of animals who cannot speak for themselves.
In Ontario, you can report animal welfare concerns 24/7 by calling 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625), or by calling your local animal shelter or police department.

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UPDATE AUGUST 31, 2019

Enjoying a little outside time exploring the backyard at Glanbrook Veterinary Services.
Posty is in good spirits and he continues to do well. He’s still on fluids for the weekend, but Dr. McGowan and another staff member are taking turns bringing Posty home with them when the clinic is closed so he won’t be alone. We thank them very much for that.

There has been a police report filed to obtain footage from the gas station where Posty was abandoned. All we can do is hope that footage exists, and that it is of good enough quality to identify the people involved. Hamilton Police Services have been very helpful throughout this process. We’ll keep you posted on the outcome.

Thank you to everyone who has shared Posty’s story and donated towards his care. We couldn’t rescue animals like Posty without your generosity. Our hearts were broken by Posty’s condition, but they are lifted by all your shares, comments, donations and encouragement. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us.

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

Posty is enjoying his weekend in the homes of Glanbrook Veterinary Services staff members.
Before he left the clinic, Dr. McGowan (and her super cute kids) gave Posty a much needed bath and he’s smelling much better! Dr. McGowan was able to remove the drain from Posty’s wound and thankfully the wound is healing really well.
Big thank you to Glanbrook Veterinary Services staff for going above and beyond for this amazing little dog. We have so much hope for a full recovery for him, and we’re so thankful he has you to help him along the way.

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 10, 2019

Some good news and bad news… but mostly good!
Posty is feeling awesome! The wound on his back end is close to completely healed, and his kidney and pancreas levels are almost back to normal. Woot! Dr. McGowan at Glanbrook Veterinary Services has Posty scheduled for another ultrasound on Friday, and hopefully he’ll be well enough to have his neuter and tumor removal surgery too.

Bad news, Hamilton Police Service officers attended the gas station and neighbouring businesses to try to gather video evidence regarding Posty’s abandonment, but unfortunately there were no cameras filming in the area where he was left. Bummer! They’re going to keep us updated if anyone comes forward with information. Thank you Hamilton Police Service for looking into the situation and for your kind words about Posty.

This video is of the first time anyone has seen Posty play since he came into our care. Pretty amazing that this little guy has so much resilience after what he’s been through.
We’ve been overwhelmed by emails and messages regarding Posty. So many people cheering on this sweet dog!
Thank you for all your encouragement, donations and offers to foster/adopt Posty. He will be made available for adoption when he is feeling well enough and gets the go-ahead by the veterinarians caring for him.

Go Posty!

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

Posty had his neuter and tumor removal surgery yesterday and he did great! He’s already trotting around like nothing happened at all! Such a trooper.
Posty is at home with Dr. McGowan for the weekend. Plan is to give him a few days into next week to see how everything heals, and then go from there.
Thank you Dr. McGowan and Glanbrook Veterinary Services staff for taking such great care of our little super star!

You go Posty!

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

Posty sporting his new pajamas!
Thank you Crystal from Glanbrook Veterinary Services for making these for him!

Posty continues to do great. He has another blood test early next week to see where his pancreatic levels are, and if everything looks good, he’ll be ready to find his forever home!
We’ve had an overwhelming number of inquiries about Posty, so when he is ready, please be patient with us while we swim through the sea of applications we will receive. We’re all volunteers at Ladybird, so it may take us some time to get back to you.

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

The vets at Glanbrook Veterinary Services let us know that Posty has been urinating more than usual over the last few days. They’ve been monitoring his water intake, and on Monday they’re going to do some tests to check for possible reasons… one of which may be Cushing’s disease. Results from the tests should be back on Tuesday.

A bit of a setback for our wee superstar, but it’s not slowing him down one bit! He’s happy, playing, and is even starting to bark when he wants your attention! Something he hadn’t done at all until the last week or so. His bark is adorable too!

We know there are many folks waiting for Posty to be available for adoption, and unfortunately the wait will be a little bit longer. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we make sure Posty is truly ready to go to his forever home.

Thanks everyone for your support and donations towards Posty’s care. We told him about the many, many people out there who love him and who are rooting for him, and he made the happy face you see in this photo. 🙂

 

 

 

Posty’s personality is perfect, but he’ll need life-long veterinary care due to his sensitive stomach, and his recent diagnosis of Cushing’s disease.

Here’s a note from Posty’s foster folks at Glanbrook Veterinary Services:

“Posty has stolen the hearts of the Glanbrook gals. Over the last few months, we have come to know “The Post Man” as a gentle soul, with hilarious curiosity. He loves to love, and he loves to snuggle. He is wonderful with other dogs, big and small, and will even greet a curious cat. He is the kind of dog that needs a home where he will get the attention he desires.
Health-wise, he has overcome severe dehydration, with his kidney values returning to normal. His pancreas appears to have recovered as well! Because of his previous poor nutrition, he seems to have a sensitive bowel, which will require him to be on an intestinal diet lifelong. He does not however have any vomiting or diarrhea. As well, it has been recently discovered that Posty has what is referred to as Cushing’s disease. This is an endocrine disorder where his body has an excess amount of circulating stress hormone (cortisol). This can cause him to have a potty belly, pant more, drink more, or urinate more. There is not a cure for Cushing’s disease, but the symptoms can be treated. The cost for treating him monthly will be about $50. He will need follow up bloodwork every 4-6 months.”

Have room in your heart and home for a sweet pup who will give you lots of love, but who will need more vet care than your average dog? Posty is waiting for you!

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UPDATE OCTOBER 13, 2019

* Posty found his forever home with a wonderful person! Yay! *

 

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December 2020 – Posty was our Forever Home Friday feature!
His name is now Trooper.

A note from Trooper’s forever home:
“We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are truly blessed to have Trooper in our lives. He is so loveable and such a good boy. He gives my mom so much love and she loves him as we all do with all her heart. He is so good for taking his medications.He has been such a good boy that I know Santa will be visiting him. He is a pampered puppy and his vet appointments have been very good. Thank you for all that you do.”