Piper in the car, leaving the shelter.

Piper was left at the shelter by her owner who requested that she be put to sleep. SCBR got the call to come get her and after speaking with the vet at the shelter, it is suspected that the owner knew something was wrong with her and chose to give up on her and let a stranger PTS rather than try to work with her medical problems.

Our volunteer picked her up and Piper barely had enough energy to get up and walk of out of her kennel. The volunteer happily picked her up and carried her to her car and drove her to our own rescue vet that afternoon. Piper was filthy…covered in feces, fleas and dirt.  The whole car ride to the vet (almost an hour away) Piper could barely stay awake and stayed curled up in the passenger seat with her head as close to the volunteer as possible. She was scared and clearly ill.  Upon arrival at the vet, she went straight into ICU.  She weighed in at only 27 pounds, severely underweight  The next day she threw up and collapsed and was immediately put on an IV to keep her stable. The entire time she drifted in and out of consciousness, struggling to hold on. It’s uncertain how much longer she would have survived in the shelter without medical attention.

Piper after her first bath.

Once she stabilized a bit, Piper began undergoing a long series of tests and evaluations.  Based on the results of the initial bloodwork, Piper was prescribed hypoallergenic food, Prednisone and Metronidazole to help stop her diarrhea. After not seeing any change in the recurring diarrhea and no weight gain, Piper was taken to be evaluated by an internal specialist to receive an ultra sound and additional blood work.  In the end, it was determined that Piper has Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) and also suffers from an autoimmune  disease.  In addition to what had already been prescribed, she was placed on Tylan powder, Vitamin K, Pepcid AC and Vitamin B12 injections. She was also placed on Imuran after receiving the last bit of results from the lab.

Piper is extremely underweight due to the IBD.

What is Irritable Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a disorder in which one or more sections of the gastrointestinal tract have become invaded with inflammatory cells. Over time, this inflammation causes the intestine to become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from digested food and weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea often result.

(info taken from Halo pets: http://www.halopets.com/pet-education/pet-articles/Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease-in-Dogs.html)

None of the medications were helping, so Piper was put back on the Metronidazole to help relieve the diarrhea a bit again.

In the end, none of the meds are really solving the problem. She still suffers from chronic diarrhea and her body is not retaining any of the nutrients or vitamins in the food she eats that are essential for a healthy lifestyle and weight gain. In addition to what she’s already been prescribed, her foster mom has put her on enzymes, vitamins and Hydrated Calcium Aluminosilicate Clay powder, as well as putting her on a diet of boiled chicken and rice.

Sadly, nothing is working still. The next step is to seek guidance from a Pet Nutritionist.  Diet plays a key role in treating IBD and finding the right diet that works with Piper’s system will be a challenge.  With the help of a Pet Nutritionist, we will hopefully find a diet that works for Piper and allows her body to correctly absorb the nutrients of the food so she can gain weight.

Piper is very ill and needs urgent help.

Your contribution will help pay for the large amount of medications and supplements she is on, her special diet, and the guidance from the Pet Nutritionist.

We have also found another doctor that specializes in immune issues that we hope to see soon.

Piper is truly a fighter. She’s got everything going against her and it’s shocking that she has made it this far. She isn’t giving up yet and neither are we. We will continue to work hard to find a solution to Piper’s problems so we can get her back to a healthy weight and she can live healthy and be adopted. We have been told her condition is very advanced but we will not give up.

Tylan Powder 58.00
Lab Diarrhea Panel  $ 180.20 (Internist)
Blood Screen $171 (internist)
Internist consultation  $139.00
Internist visit $49.
Calcium Idexx   $39. (Internist)
Vit K  $26.16 RX
TLI test (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency)  $72.50
Pepcid AC $29.35
Vitamin B12 injections  $18.14  RX
Imuran  $16.68  RX
Hypoallergenic Food $100 big bag

Sponsor Piper

Bullie Hugs Sponsor $25.00 Bullie Kisses Sponsor $50.00 Bullie Friend Forever Sponsor $100.00 Bullie Gold Sponsor $200.00 Bullie Platinum Sponsor $500.00

$25 – Bullie Hugs Sponsor:
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography (can be emailed or mailed).

$50 – Bullie Kisses Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker

$100 – Bullie Friend Forever Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND a SCBR Tote Bag

$200 – Bullie Gold Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND also free entry for one of our  SCBR Events

$500 – Bullie Platinum Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND also free entry for ALL of our annual SCBR Events
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue T-shirt (specify size in Paypal comments section).

THANK YOU from all of us at Southern California Bulldog Rescue!

Tyrone

Tyrone was brought into rescue in November 2011, and at first it seemed he would be an easy placement for placement in a forever home. He is a big lovable ‘teddy bear’ who gets along great with people and dogs alike!

Unfortunately, shortly after coming into rescue, it was discovered that Tyrone suffers from seizures and has malignant bone cancer, so he is staying in hospice care with his foster family. We are currently evaluating Tyrone for surgery to remove his cancerous leg which will alleviate his pain and greatly improve his quality of life, so he can enjoy whatever time he has left to the fullest. We hope that the cancer does not spread.

Tyrone’s favorite activities are stealing slippers, napping on the sofa, and keeping tabs on his people. Please consider sponsoring our ‘teddy bear’ so that this big handsome boy can make the most of the time he has left with us.

Emergency care: $500
Surgeries: $1500
Medications: $50/month
Food: $30/ month

Sponsor Tyrone

Bullie Hugs Sponsor $25.00 Bullie Kisses Sponsor $50.00 Bullie Friend Forever Sponsor $100.00 Bullie Gold Sponsor $200.00 Bullie Platinum Sponsor $500.00

$25 – Bullie Hugs Sponsor:
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography (can be emailed or mailed).

$50 – Bullie Kisses Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker

$100 – Bullie Friend Forever Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND a SCBR Tote Bag

$200 – Bullie Gold Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND also free entry for one of our  SCBR Events

$500 – Bullie Platinum Sponsor
Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND also free entry for ALL of our annual SCBR Events
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue T-shirt (specify size in Paypal comments section).

THANK YOU from all of us at Southern California Bulldog Rescue!

Order Calendars

One Calendar $15.00 USD Two Calendars $30.00 USD Three Calendars $45.00 USD Four Calendars $60.00 USD Five Calendars $75.00 USD

If you are unable to order pay through Paypal, please contact info@socalbulldogrescue.org for more information.

The 2012 Ador-A-Bull Calendar is now available! To purchase, simply follow the link below to order. All proceeds (100%) go towards Bulldog Rescue. Your support is totally appreciated and goes towards the wellbeing of our rescue bulldogs.

Thanks and woof!

Ginger

Ginger came in to Rescue from a hoarding situation, along with her week old pup, Humphrey. She was forced to live outdoors and had three litters in less than two years. She was neglected and severely underweight when she arrived. She had no medical care and amazingly delivered Humphrey on her own. Ginger is a wonderful mother and takes great care of her little pup. She will need to put on healthy weight and re-gain her strength after whelping. She will need to be spayed and vaccinated, but with care and love, we expect her to fully bounce back from neglect and be ready to find her forever home down the road. Please consider sponsoring this special mommy to help her along her journey.

Boarding: $300/month
Food: $50/month
Supplements and Vitamins: $30/month
Spay: $195
Vaccinations: $70
Microchip: $30

Humphrey

Tiny Humphrey is Ginger’s pup. He is the product of irresponsible ownership as his mother was not sterilized and allowed to mate with a Husky. His owner was an animal hoarder who surrendered Humphrey to Rescue at one week of age, along with his mother. He is being cared for wonderfully by his mom, Rescue volunteers and our vet. He has a way to go before he is strong enough and old enough to find his forever home, but with all of the attention he is receiving, he will be enjoying every minute of it! Won’t you help this baby grow into a strong boy? Think of sponsoring little Humphrey.

Boarding: $300/month
Food: $50/month
Supplements and Vitamins: $30/month
Neuter: $125
Vaccinations: $70
Microchip: $30

Sponsor Ginger and Baby Humphrey

Bullie Hugs Sponsor $25.00 Bullie Kisses Sponsor $50.00 Bullie Friend Forever Sponsor $100.00 Bullie Gold Sponsor $200.00 Bullie Platinum Sponsor $500.00

$25 – Bullie Hugs Sponsor:

Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography (can be emailed or mailed).
$50 – Bullie Kisses Sponsor

Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker

$75 – Bullie Friend Sponsor

Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND also a Southern California Bulldog Rescue T-shirt (specify size in Paypal comments section).
$100 – Bullie Friend Forever Sponsor

Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND a SCBR coffee mug.

$200 – Bullie Gold Sponsor

Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND also free entry for annual SCBR Events

$500 – Bullie Platinum Sponsor

Picture of your sponsored dog along with a biography
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue sticker
AND also free entry for one of our annual SCBR Events
AND a Southern California Bulldog Rescue T-shirt (specify size in Paypal comments section).

THANK YOU from all of us at Southern California Bulldog Rescue!

SoCal Bulldog Rescue will be participating at the PetSmart National Adoption Day on September 10, 2011 only. Please come and meet some of our adoptable bulldogs and say hello to our volunteers!

PetSmart – Tustin Marketplace (Google Maps)
2741 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92782
714-731-1106

A three-day pet adoption event is being held at all PetSmart^® stores in North America with a goal of helping to find thousands of pets a lifelong, loving home.

The National Adoption Weekend is proudly sponsored by PetSmart, Purina^® Pro Plan^®, Purina^® Tidy Cats^® (U.S. only) and Purina^® MAXX^® Scoop (Canada only)

Adopt a pet and receive:

• U.S.: A coupon for a FREE bag of Purina Pro Plan brand dog or cat food (maximum value of $13.99)*
• Canada: A coupon for a FREE bag of 2.7kg or 3.63kg Purina Pro Plan dog food for dog adopters or 1.59kg bag of Purina Pro Plan cat food for cat adopters. Plus cat adopters get a FREE 7kg pail of MAXX Scoop litter*
• Plus other valuable coupons*

Contact or visit your local PetSmart^® store for participation times of local animal-welfare agencies.

* While supplies last.

It’s that time of the year! Our 2nd Annual Laugh-A-Bull Comedy Festival at the Brea Improv center is now scheduled for Sunday August 21, 2011 at 2pm. Doors open at 1:15pm. Please come to our Improv show; tickets on sale for $35 per person. See you there! [Scroll down to buy tickets online]

To purchase tickets, use the form below. After you’ve selected the correct amount of tickets, you will be taken to Paypal to complete the payment. Should you have any questions, please email info@socalbulldogrescue.org.

Guests

1 Ticket $35.00 2 Tickets $70.00 3 Tickets $105.00 4 Tickets $140.00 5 Tickets $175.00 6 Tickets $210.00

Name of your guests?

For those of you who are wondering what fostering an older bulldog is all about, here’s a sampling of a typical day with Mr. Wally….

“When he gets up in the morning, the first thing my foster Dad does is clean up the pee puddle I left on the kitchen floor during the night.   (I pee a lot more lately since I’m on Prednisone for my anemia, but I don’t know why I don’t use the doggie door at night – maybe I’m just afraid of the dark).   Then I get my pills rolled up in a piece of doggie meatball (yum!).   Now breakfast – some kibble and canned food with warm water, olive oil, my vitamins and some yogurt and pumpkin on top – yum again!   After eating I take a long drink of water and then Dad dumps out the bowl and puts in fresh water because I tend to ‘backwash’ a lot!

“After breakfast Dad puts in my eyedrops, and cleans my face wrinkles.  He says I’m a really good boy and gives me a kiss on head.  If I get a chance while Mom and Dad aren’t paying attention, I make a run at Chester on the other side of the baby gate (I really hate Chester – not sure why, but I’d sure love to get a piece of him.  Maybe I’m just jealous because he’s still young and handsome!).

“Now it’s time for our morning walk – I don’t go very far but it’s a good chance to check out what’s going on down the street and have a nice poop.   After we get home Dad cleans up my rear end.   With all the folds and flaps back there he goes through four or five baby wipes sometimes getting it all cleaned up, but I guess it’s better than wiping it on Mom and Dad’s rugs or my nice soft pillows!  Don’t forget my tail pocket!

“If I need to go in my crate for a while, Dad always gives me a couple of biscuits – yummy!   The crate’s not so bad – I have my red blankie in there and it’s a good place for a nap or maybe to spend some time chewing my antler or nylabone.

“Sometimes my dad will clean out my ears with cotton balls and some kind of blue stuff.  Not too crazy about that part, but at least he warms the stuff up so it’s not too cold in my ears, and he only does it every couple of weeks so I can’t complain too much.

“I get an afternoon or late evening snack, – a little kibble with some yogurt – Dad says I still need to put on some weight!

“At dinner time, it’s more pills, and then dinner… love that pumpkin topping!!   Maybe I’ll take another charge at Chester if I see him – did I say how much I hate Chester?   (Mom and dad are trying to train me to get along with him better – we’ll see about that!  But it’s worth it for the extra treats!)  Then it’s time for eyedrops again – another kiss on the head for being a good boy!

“In the evening we take another walk and poop – “clean-up on aisle 6″ again!   Somtimes during the day I’ll use the doggie door to go out back and sneak out another poop – Dad’s always checking my rear end for when I do that so I don’t bring the mess inside!

“Later I might watch some TV with Dad, or stalk him around the house just to keep an eye on him  (whatever he’s doing I need to make sure he stays out of trouble!).   Then I settle in on one of the pillows in the family room with Ruby and Bosley (my foster sister and brother – they’re pugs) for a well deserved good night’s sleep!    See you in the morning…….!”

A note from Wally’s foster dad:   This may sound like a lot of work (and I suppose it is, especially if I include the many trips to the vet, recuperation time from his surgeries which required extra attention, occasional bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, etc. etc.).   But we very quickly established a daily routine and it’s really not all that time consuming.     Still, it’s a bit of work and a daily commitment, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world – it gave me a chance to connect with Wally deeply and it’s an experience that I will never forget, and will never regret.  If you are considering fostering a bulldog, I promise you will not regret it either!

Ruby:

Delilah:

Boris:

Spike (our own honorary bulldog):

Pokie:

Bandit:

Coco:

Gus:

Often times, people ask us why English Bulldogs need rescuing. It’s a valid question, I must say. However, generally speaking purebred English Bulldogs are not easy, nor cheap to keep and care for. When adopting or caring for an English Bulldog, you may want to consider the following. Below is a list of things your pet store or breeder may not have told you.

1. English Bulldogs over heat very fast and have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

   Therefore, they do not make good hiking, running or jogging companions. They must be kept indoors during the hot summer days and may go into heat stroke if not treated properly. The first signs of heat exhaustion:

   • Excessive panting and/or noisy breathing
   • The skin on the inside of the ears becomes flushed and red.
   • Heat Exhaustion can progress in to Heat Stroke, as indicated by:
   • Weakness
   • Staggering
   • Blue/grey discoloration of gums
   • Fainting – loss of consciousness Heat stroke is an emergency situation. If your dog shows signs of heat stroke, you must cool him down as rapidly as possible. Don’t wait for veterinary treatment. Heat Stroke is an Emergency – Treat the dog NOW! DO NOT try to force your dog to drink. His swelling airways can cause any liquid he takes in to be regurgitated and possibly aspirated into his lungs. However if a dogs temperature is 105 or higher rub a piece of ice on his tongue, 10 seconds on, 10 seconds off. Hose the dog down with cool water – not cold. Apply an ice pack to the dog, and soaked towels or any other form of fabric to their body.

2. English Bulldogs are prone to skin infections.

   • Eczema, or canine atopic dermatitis, is the most common skin problem in the English bulldog. Eczema is a non-parasitic infection that causes dry, itchy skin that often manifests in scaly bumps or open sores. Allergies, stress and insect bites can all cause eczema in the bulldog, which tends to be worse in the warm, summer months.
   • Dermatitis, pyoderma and staph are bacterial skin infections that commonly affect the English bulldog. These infections can simply affect the skin surface or they can penetrate deeply into the skin. Allergies, insect bites or moisture in the dog’s skin folds can cause these infections.
   • Seborrhea is another common skin condition with the English bulldog. Seborrhea causes the skin to become either excessively oily or excessively dry. Infections, either bacterial or fungal, can cause this condition. An infection may appear as inflamed patches of skin that emit a foul odor, and a veterinarian can usually treat an infection with an antibiotic.
   • “Hot Spots,” also known as acute moist dermatitis, are round, hairless, itchy sores on the skin. Allergic reactions to insect bites, parasites, food and even anal gland problems can cause these spots. The English Bulldog can also be prone to acne, which is caused by dirt entering the pores of the skin. Allergic reactions can also cause this condition. Acne often affects younger bulldogs and appears as pimples or blackheads on the lips, chin and muzzle.

3. Knee and joint issues are common, and only made worse by jumping or skate boarding.

   The condition called Luxating Patella means the knee is out of place or dislocated. The patella, or knee cap, should be located in the center of the knee joint. A luxating patella is a knee cap that moves out of its normal location. Some dogs can tolerate this problem for many years, some for all of their lives. This weakness in the knee predisposes the knee to other injuries, especially torn cruciate ligaments. With advancing age, arthritic changes may take place in the joint resulting in pain for the dog.

4. Hip dysplasia, a structural deformity of the hip joint, is also common in English bulldogs, as they tend to have looser joints than other breeds.

   Hip dysplasia usually requires surgery. In addition, as this dog is typically a heavy breed, owners need to be careful not to exacerbate this problem by letting the dog jump off of objects such as furniture.

5. May have eye problems such as Entropian, Ectropion, Cherry Eye, Distichiasis, Dry Eye, Corneal Ulcer and Conjunctivitis.

   Some of these symptoms may require surgery and can be painful if left untreated. Blindness may also occur.

6. Rear end/Tail problems are also common.

   Tight tails or pocket tails require regular cleaning and can become infected. Some English Bulldogs have screw tails that may need to be removed due to pain or discomfort. The tighter the tail, the less air circulation there is which causes infections. Their anal glands can also be compacted which will require the attention of a vet. Pain and unpleasant smell can be associated with this procedure. Anal glands are the small glands to the left and right jus tbelow the dog’s anus. They normally secrete a little fluid onto the stools when they defecate.

7. English Bulldogs are Brachycephalic – which means flat faced.

   This is often associated with some soft tissue features, pinched nostrils, elongated soft palate, and extra folds in the throat. These things combined are called the “Brachycephalic Syndrome” and they tend to obstruct their airway and interfere with his breathing. especially when hot, stressed or exercised. This is also what makes the bulldog snore. This heavy breathing will become even more pronounced when a bulldog is hot or during periods of exercise, or when the dog is excited or agitated. A bulldog may frequently gag in an attempt to clear their airway and occasionally bring up foam and saliva while eating or drinking. The harder he breathes, the greater the swelling and elongation of the soft palate you will see their tongue turn blue as a result and their breathing may be what you describe as a rattling noise. Surgery can be performed to correct this issue.

8. The folds in the wrinkles of their face and read end need to be cleaned frequently.

   Bulldogs are not self cleaning, so they can not wipe their faces of goop or sweat collected in their folds. If left uncleaned, an infection can develop and can lead to skin problems.

9. English Bulldogs need to be fed high quality food due to their allergies and sensitivities to lower quality foods.

   Some side effects of lower quality foods can lead to excess shedding, weaker joints, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive itchiness and lack of energy. They also have sensitive digestive systems and should not be over fed.

10. And last but not least, English Bulldogs are very stubborn.

    Adult bulldogs are rather quiet and phlegmatic, spending much of their day snoring on the sofa. They do need ‘some’ exercise, preferably walks in cool weather. Untrained bulldogs can lead to dominant behavior and if not socialized properly, can lead to aggression issues with other dogs, food, toys and other possessions. They are stubborn and determined; their persistence means they will always try to get their own way. The good news is that all bulldogs are trainable and can become excellent companions.

This week while his foster dad is out of town, Wally is vacationing at Uncle Roger and Auntie Sharon’s house, where he’s having a great time lounging in the dirty laundry and going for stroller rides. Sounds like someones getting spoiled big time!!