Rescued pregnant dog requires extra care
Editor’s note: this month, the Rescue Report gives the rescue agencies that are regularly featured the opportunity to express their gratitude to readers and to those who care so deeply for animals.
On Oct. 6, a concerned resident on a nearby pueblo reached out to Dew Paws Rescue for help with a dog. The dog had collapsed behind a house of a family who Donna Leshne, founder of Dew Paws Rescue, had helped in the past. The female dog appeared to have been shot in a leg and was missing an eye. She was also pregnant.
Unable to move far from her niche at the back of the house, the family gave her food, water and a blanket. By the third day, the family was frantic because the dog would not leave or go home. The family reached out to Leshne.
“We were able to arrange for her to be transported to East Mountain Veterinary in Edgewood,” said Leshne. “They have helped us in the past with ‘rez dogs’ in need. She was there before they closed that day.”
Leshne decided the dog who was about to give birth needed a strong name, and called her Esther.
Over the next few days, Esther was under evaluation. It was clear she was in rough shape.
An X-ray showed she was carrying eight puppies. Esther’s wounds were dressed and she was given an antibiotic that would not harm her puppies.
Leshne found Esther a foster home with Geri Eigenberger, who Dew Paws Rescue had worked with as a super foster in the past with cats and dogs. A few days later, Eigenberger voiced concern about Esther’s overall body composition and behavior.
So back Esther went to East Mountain Veterinary, where she spent the next five days until she gave birth.
Her first pup was born dead, her last pup lived a few hours and another one died about 24 hours later. Esther and her five healthy puppies returned to Eigenberger to foster, and on Sunday, turned 4 weeks old.
Dew Paws Rescue is partnering with Lifeline Puppy Rescue in Brighton, Colo., to send the puppies there when they are 8 weeks old with two sets of DHPP vaccines and are dewormed. However, Dew Paws Rescue will be showing the puppies on social media in case anyone locally wants to adopt.
Dew Paws Rescue has its hands full. The group is providing oversight for two nursing mothers and one other litter of puppies from Tijeras.
Esther’s puppies are now eating on their own. Her leg wound is almost healed. On Monday, she was readmitted to East Mountain Veterinary with a uterine infection. She was put on antibiotics and is scheduled to be spayed. Leshne is hoping she returns to Eigenberger on Thanksgiving.
“The puppies are fat and healthy, and this was a good save,” said Leshne. “The generosity of local support allowed us to be able to pay for all hospital stays.”
Leshne said there is someone interested in Esther as a candidate for adoption. “For that we are grateful. Thanks for all your support and well wishes,” she said.
Tracks
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: Emmett is a 3-yearold brown dog. His leash skills are good, and he likes to curl up with a toy and mellow out.
Christopher is a little over a year old, is great with other dogs, and loves to play and cuddle. He sleeps well at night. A car ride is one of his favorite things, and when he goes places, he charms everyone he meets. He learns very quickly and is receptive to commands. His previous foster provider said he is gentle, sweet, fun and super silly.
The animal shelter, 100 Caja del Rio Road, is open Thanksgiving Day. The shelter’s adoption hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, call 505-983-4309, ext. 1610.
Dew Paws Rescue: Lexi and Oliver’s owner recently died. Lexi, 13, is a female blue merle cattle dog who weighs 35 pounds. Oliver, 9, is a male black-andwhite mixed-breed dog. Both dogs are well-mannered and are good on leash. Both are fixed, and their vaccinations will be updated and they will be microchipped. They may be adopted together or separate. If you are interested in fostering or adopting, call 505-412-9096 or email infodewpaws@gmail.com.
Española Humane: Chloe was found in the shelter’s parking lot, tossed over the fence overnight, with a prolapse that required surgery. She recovered quickly. Chloe, over 1 year old, weighs 42 pounds of love, waggles and enthusiasm. Chloe likes other dogs and loves people.
Dude is a 3-year-old tabby who is ready for a home. The cat is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
The shelter is open to walk-in adopters from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit espanolahumane. org or call 505-753-8662.
Felines & Friends: Calico/tabby mother Whitney was rescued with 3-month-old kittens Whitman, Whilma, Whitley and Whitlam. The litter was spayed and neutered, vaccinated and is recuperating in foster care. Whitley is the smallest of the bunch and looks just like her mother.
Nacho Bell Grande and Crunchwrap Supreme were rescued with their sisters at 1 month old and raised in a foster home. Now 3 months old, these fluffy gray tabby mixes are sweet and ready to find homes.
Visit FandFnm.org to see over 150 available kittens or stop by the Felines & Friends adoption center at Petco. Applications to adopt or foster can be submitted at FandFnm.org.
The Horse Shelter: Levi is a 4-yearold sorrel grade quarterhorse-type gelding. He is early in his saddle training and needs an experienced adopter. He has an easygoing temperament and has low reactivity. Levi stands 14.1 hands high and weighs about 900 pounds. Review his riding video at thehorseshelter.org or call 505-577-4041 for more information.