This hunk of burning love is Chubbs, a 5-year-old English Bulldog.
Poor Chubbs has a condition called "screw tail," which is a malformation of one of several vertebrae in the tail. Screw tail is pretty common in bulldogs, and some other dogs who have curly tails. In some cases, screw tail can lead to an infected, painful, itchy and quite smelly skin fold. And, unfortunately for Chubbs, his screw tail has has caused a pretty bad, and painful infection. If you have a dog with a curly tail, you must help him to keep it clean to help reduce the chances of the area becoming dirty or infected. Every time the pup goes poopie, you need to make sure the tail is clean. And, when you clean it, you also need to make sure that you dry it properly too -- infection loves to grow in a warm and moist area. For the majority of dogs, treating screw tail requires surgery to fix it; however, it can be managed with vet visits and medications to keep the infection at bay. Chubbs' dad was hurt at work in October, requiring him to have surgery. He's still out of work and is receiving workman's compensation, but he’s unable to afford the screw tail surgery for his pup. So, he applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help. Thankfully, Chubb’s dad was able to work with his vet on a way to keep Chubb’s infection at bay until he can afford to get the surgery done. Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.
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Meet Katy, a young Chiweenie. Miss Katy was having a hard time going poo—her parents could tell that she was struggling. They were very afraid that poor Katy had an obstruction.
While her parents normally have the funds to cover routine vet care, the thought of Katy having an obstruction and needing surgery was overwhelming for them, so they applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help. Luckily, Katy didn't have an obstruction—she was just a little backed up. Yup, Katy was constipated, which is actually a common digestive issue with dogs of all breeds, ages and lifestyles (constipation does not discriminate when it comes to Fido). If your dog is constipated, they may not have done No. 2 for two or more days. Other signs of constipation include straining, crouching, or whimpering while trying to defecate. And, if you see grass particles, string, or matted feces around your dog’s bum, they may be constipated. While it’s common, constipation shouldn’t be ignored—if left untreated, it can cause some serious health problems like loss of appetite and vomiting. It can also be a sign of a larger health issue. Here are some common causes of dog constipation: · Blocked or abscessed anal sacs · Dehydration · Enlarged prostate · Hernia · Kidney disease · Not enough exercise · Not enough fiber in the diet · Obstruction—ingested debris/dirt, grass, hair (from excessive grooming) · Side effects from other medications (especially pain medications) · Tumors, or other masses in the body Some treatments for dog constipation include: · Feeding your dog a higher fiber diet—check your dog’s food to see how much fiber it has in it, or you can add foods high in fiber into their diet, such as green beans, pumpkin, wheat bran, etc. · Increase your dog’s exercise, which is normally always a good thing · Add a dog laxative or stool softener, that is recommended by a veterinarian · And, sometimes, other medication, given to you by your veterinarian, is needed Regardless, if your dog is constipated, make sure you at least speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s symptoms. Thankfully, Katy was given some medication, and she is now a happy pooper once again! Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories. A portion of every cat, dog exam will be given to the animal charity
May 23, 2018—Gillette, WY--Animal Medical Center of Wyoming—a small and large animal hospital located in Gillette, Wyoming—announced this month that they have created an internal program to continually give back to Fur Kids Foundation, a local nonprofit that helps families with pets with emergency veterinary care. “The cost of our patient’s veterinary bill will not increase, but we have decided to give a portion of the fee from every dog and cat visit to Fur Kids Foundation,” says Dr. Darren Lynde, DVM, Animal Medical Center Senior Partner. “This will allow for us to help support this fantastic group who helps keep people and their pets healthy, and together. We’re proud to support this organization, and hope our clients will be proud to support them as well.” The connection between Animal Medical Center and Fur Kids Foundation runs deep. The veterinary clinic has supported the Foundation since its inception—participating at or being sponsors for events, and hosting an annual booth at the Foundation’s signature event, Pet-A-Palooza, since 2012. “We are truly grateful for the support from Animal Medical Center, and their clients,” says Mary Melaragno, Fur Kids Foundation President and Founder. “When our group first formed in 2011, the veterinary team at AMC was one we leaned on to see if there was even a need for a group that would help families afford emergency veterinary care—they helped us determined that our idea was needed in our community. We are very fortunate to have so much support from our veterinary providers and community members in Campbell County.” Created in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of families with animals in Campbell County, Wyoming. Since September 2012, Fur Kids Foundation has helped 521 families in Campbell County, Wyoming and granted more than $88,400 in emergency veterinary care. The Foundation is completely volunteer ran, and 75% of the funds raised go directly to helping families with pets. Success stories can be viewed online at www.furkidsfoundation.org/success-stories.html. For more information about Fur Kids Foundation, visit www.furkidsfoundation.org. Find FKF on www.facebook.com/furkidsfoundation. Follow us on Twitter, @furkidswyo. For Immediate Release Contact: Felicia Messimer [email protected] Get the scoop on events at Pet-A-Palooza on June 2
May 23, 2018—Gillette, WY--Fur Kids Foundation’s signature event--Pet-A-Palooza—takes place Saturday, June 2, from 8 am-1 pm at CAM-PLEX Park Shelter No. 5. The all-day pet festival held in Gillette, Wyoming features the Fast and the FURriest Fun Walk, Pawject Runway fashion show for dogs, the Small Dog Showdown 40-foot dog race for pups 20 pounds and under, 4-H dog agility and dog demonstrations, as well as silent auction tables and vendors with pet-related products and services, as well as Jump House Mania for your two legged kiddos, and Pizza Carrello serving up their finest wood fired pizza. The event is free to the public; some activities and attractions have fees. Each dog owner who attends the event is required to complete a registration form and liability waiver before entering Pet-A-Palooza. Participants may download registration forms ahead of time a www.furkidsfoundation.org/pap.html. Fur Kids Foundation is the only organization in Northeastern Wyoming that provides families with pets access to emergency veterinary care when they cannot afford it. Since September 2012, Fur Kids Foundation has helped 521 families in Campbell County, Wyoming and granted more than $88,400 in emergency veterinary care. Pet-A-Palooza is Fur Kids Foundation’s signature event and largest annual fundraiser. Roughly 75 percent of the funds raised at all Fur Kids Foundation events help families keep their pets healthy in Campbell County, Wyoming. Contests
Attractions
Want to Help? Fur Kids Foundation seeks volunteers to work throughout the day. Interested people should contact the Foundation at (307) 363-1131 or [email protected]. Pet-A-Palooza is supported by: Advance America; Animal Medical Center of Wyoming; Anastasia & David Blackwell; Cathy Brand, RE/MAX Professionals; Cloud Peak Energy; Community Veterinary Clinic; First Interstate Bank; First National Bank of Gillette; Forever Faithful Pet Crematory; Friedlan Family; Fraternal Order of the Eagles; Lazy KT Designs; Darren & Kim Lynde; Mary Kelley; Billy & Toby Montgomery; Overhead Door Co of Gillette; Pinnacle Bank; Pizza Carrello; Premier Home Mortgage, Inc.; Quality Auto; Red Hill Veterinary Hospital; Scott & Linda Rexroat; Peggy & Rod Seppala; Steven K. McManamen, Attorney At Law; The SPaw; and Thunder Basin Homes. For more information about Pet-A-Palooza, contact the Fur Kids Foundation at [email protected] or (307) 363-1131. Created in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of families with animals in Campbell County, Wyoming. Since September 2012, Fur Kids Foundation has helped 521 families in Campbell County, Wyoming and granted more than $88,400 in emergency veterinary care. The Foundation is completely volunteer ran, and 75% of the funds raised go directly to helping families with pets. Success stories can be viewed online at www.furkidsfoundation.org/success-stories.html. For more information about Fur Kids Foundation, visit www.furkidsfoundation.org. Find FKF on www.facebook.com/furkidsfoundation. Follow us on Twitter, @furkidswyo. For Immediate Release Contact: Felicia Messimer [email protected] |
Welcome to the Fur Kids Foundation blog archive that features inspiring stories of pets and people! Get inspired by these amazing furry tales of recovery and hope! All because someone like YOU cared.
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