It is with heavy heart we update everyone on Happy’s passing.
Happy came to NASAP in October, a loving happy go lucky dog. He walked with a limp but happily ran for toys and cuddles. He had a big smile for everyone and extra snuggles for anyone who gave him bum scratches. We knew when Happy came to us he had had a rough life. His off centred hips and odd gait told stories of years of pain and discomfort that he had to over come. We expected X-rays and pain medication and palliative care for him to enjoy his golden years and find his forever home. However, while in care he had an unfortunate accident while playing and got knocked over by his back legs. He was rushed to Guardian Emergency Vet as he could not stand and was in a severe amount of pain. The team at Guardian was amazing and loving; they took great care of Happy. They quickly gave him pain medication to make him comfortable and thoroughly assessed him. They did X-rays on his hips and legs and found the accident caused him to dislocate his right hip. This could have been an easy fix had they not found more insidious injuries.
They also found his left hip had dislocated over 5 years ago and without proper medical care had years of thick severe scar tissue holding the joint together. This injury would require a total hip replacement after the 2 month rehab and recovered from his right hip surgery. Compounded to that, they found his right knee had been dislocated several years ago, again large amounts of scar tissue was holding the joint together. This injury they assume would break due to both rehabs and then would need a full joint replacement, again with months of rehab to re-learn how to walk. Happy must of have been in significant amounts of pain every day but he never showed it!
We made sure he the orthopaedic surgeon and trauma surgeon assessed him for the best possible prognosis, unfortunately they all agreed with his age and significant trauma to his bones the recovery for each surgery, would be painful and lengthy. They were so worried about his pain management that night they didn’t want to wake him from full sedation to complete his X-rays. Our team had to make the heart breaking decision to let Happy pass. His quality of life was our biggest concern. Our dog team was with Happy for his final moments, reminding him he was loved and will always be remembered. He was only in foster care for a few short weeks but he had the best weeks, knowing warmth and love. We fulfilled our promise to give him the best life possible.
If you can help us make sure other animals are able to receive graceful and lifesaving medical care please donate in Happy honour. All donations are welcome and accepted, tax receipts are possible for any donation over $20. Donations can be sent via e-transfer to “etransfer.nasap@gmail.com” or through CanadaHelps