Meet Bo!  Bo came to GRFR with some excess poundage that needs to be lost.  You see, Bo had a previous TPLO surgery that has developed complications.  The veterinary specialists are not sure whether he's having a bad reaction to the material used in the surgery, or if there are other issues.  He will be in pain until we can get him to a healthy weight and have his TPLO re-examined.  Orthopedic surgery is less likely to have a good outcome if the dog is overweight, so a doggie diet and low-impact exercise program is a critical part of his treatment.

Bo has a special exercise regime that uses an underwater treadmill to help him exercise without damaging his joints.  This exercise regime comes with a cost of several hundred dollars.  The surgery to remove the material that is causing the irritation and repair the TPLO will be between $1000 and $2000.  Bo is a wonderful dog that loves everyone, in spite of his constant pain.  Can you help us help Bo?  Please consider a donation, or, if you have experience doing rehab following TPLO surgery, and have the time to commit to his recovery, perhaps you'd like to adopt Bo.  Read more about him here, and submit your application online if you've not already done so.

Bo says Thank you!

Hello - my name is Hot Rod and I am a "Tripod Dog"

I just recently had surgery to remove my front left leg. When I came to GRFR a few months ago, I was in an awful lot of pain.  When I was just a little guy and only a few months old, my front leg was seriously injured by a blunt force trauma. Unfortunately, nobody treated my injury and I didn't heal properly.  GRFR took me to many consultations with specialists, and they gathered second and third opinions, and considered all of the pros and cons for me.  They decided my best option was to have this surgery.  I am very excited to be pain free and that I will be much healthier and more athletic now!  GRFR says my recovery should be quick.  Hopefully I can quickly get my balance back so I can run, chase balls and play with other dogs.  I am certain I can  that life with three legs is going to be great!  I also heard that three legged dogs can do just about anything that four leggers can do, only with more style and pizzazz! Please don't feel sad for me, as I am excited to start this new journey!  Some of the other special needs dogs here at GRFR told me some great "pawsitives" about being a Tripod Dog:

• You can make a lot of wonderful new friends with a Tripod: Everyone wants to know your story!
• Tripods have fewer toenails to trim
• Snuggling is easier without that leg getting in the way

Not only is Hot Rod ready to get going on his recovery, he is very excited about now being able to join the Colorado's Tripawd Club. The club's motto is "It's better to hop on three legs than it is to limp on four." To lean more, check out the information, activities and inspiring stories on their super website at http://tripawds.com

Hot Rods surgery was a bit expensive, but definitely worth it. If you would like to make a donation on his behalf, he would greatly appreciate your support!

UPDATE:  Levi has had his surgery and everything went very well.  He is now in his new adoptive home and loving life.  Levi is exploring everything and learning all about the world.

Levi came to GRFR with cloudy eyes.  He can't see very well, and is terrified of performing simple tasks like jumping out ot the car.  GRFR took Levi to a canine opthalmologist, and it turns out he has genetic cataracts.  Without surgery, it is certain he will develop glaucoma, which is very painful to dogs, require daily eye drops, and his vision will remain very impaired and .

With surgery, he will be able to see much better.  He will only have a 10% chance of developing glaucoma as he ages.  GRFR is committed to giving this dog the care he needs, but it will be quite expensive.  If you would like to help Levi see again, and avoid a future of pain and darkness, please consider donating on his behalf.

Samuel is an 8-10 year old, purebred Golden Retriever.  Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue was contacted by the shelter that had Samuel in his care.  He was diagnosed with heartworm, and was badly in need of rescue.  Heartworm is preventable, and is normally treated with Immiticide®.  Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of that medicine.  We are not financially able, at present, to reserve funding for future treatment of heartworm positive dogs that come into our program.  We will provide doxycycline and an appropriate preventative, the interim recommended treatment.

Since Samuel is a mature dog, keeping him calm will be easy.  Samuel is looking for an especially loving home that can give him lots of TLC and can help him put on a few more pounds for the winter.  If you're interested in adopting him, please check out his bio and fill out an adoption application, if you have not already applied with us.  If you'd like to help us build a reserve fund to enable us to treat his heartworm with Immiticide® once the drug is available, please donate on his behalf!