Here we go again… up on the soapbox.
We’ve talked until we’re blue in the face about avoiding puppy purchases from any place other than a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders work diligently to ensure the ongoing quality characteristics of the breed while also performing genetic testing for hips, eyes, heart, and elbows to avoid passing on unwanted medical issues. As a result, buying from a reputable breeder isn’t cheap.
People didn’t want to spend the money to get a dog from a reputable breeder – too expensive. So they got a cheap puppy instead, and when they learned he has considerable joint problems, well, they couldn’t afford the treatment either.
It’s a good news/bad news situation. The good news is that this sweet boy was relinquished to us rather than the alternative. The bad news is that we’re now faced with the expense of treating him. Watch our quick video of Randy. (No sound in video.)
Randy is certainly a sweet boy. There isn’t one staff member, veterinarian, or vet tech that hasn’t fallen for this guy. Despite what must be considerable discomfort, his Golden tail wags as he snuggles into your lap to be held.
Yes, we will provide the surgery Randy needs to re-align his thigh bones and hip socket joints… both of them. The surgery on this “cheap puppy” will be about $3,200 for each hip. We’ll use the Cody Medical Fund to offset the cost. You can do two things to help Randy:
- Share this story with anyone you know who is considering getting a puppy. We don’t doubt that the family who relinquished Randy wasn’t heartbroken to do so. He’s a lovable, sweet dog.
- Help with a donation to the Cody Medical Fund. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference! Thank you.
Following Randy’s surgery, he will need in-water physical therapy twice a week in Leesport, PA. If you’re a DVGRR volunteer and would like to help us with these appointments, please contact Robin (robin@dvgrr.org).
There simply is no such thing as a cheap puppy.
Randy’s operation will reposition his thigh bones to fit into the hip sockets correctly (noted with the colored bones).
Please help Randy with your donation to our Cody Medical Fund.
THANK YOU!