Banfield Foundation Grant Improves the Lives of Four Yorkies
Adorable senior Yorkshire Terriers Cody, Nutella, Dominic and Breezy were taken in by a local Massachusetts Animal Control Officer (ACO) after their owner sadly passed away. Each of the sweet senior dogs had seemingly experienced an extended lapse in veterinary care and required prompt medical attention.
Spunky male Cody, often seen with his tongue poking out, was quite opinionated for a little guy! Quick to let you know if and when he wanted attention, Cody enjoyed the company of other dogs – as well as any comfy couch at his disposal! Upon initial examination, Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas was concerned about Cody’s extended belly, subsequently ordering lab work and X-rays through our veterinary partner VCA Westborough. The results from this preliminary testing led Baypath’s shelter veterinarian, Andrea Moolenbeek DVM, to recommended exploratory surgery at Tufts.
Cody in Foster
Dedicated Baypath volunteer Linh Pond was excited to welcome Cody into her home as her first foster pup. Linh explained that after losing their beloved dog, her family wasn’t quite ready to adopt a new dog, so fostering was the perfect fit. During surgery at Tufts, it was discovered that Cody’s abdominal swelling was the result of a pancreatic pseudocyst requiring removal to prevent further complications and pain. Extremely content recuperating with the Pond’s, Cody relished their loving care, enabling him to recover in the comfort of a doting foster home instead of returning to the shelter while awaiting adoption.
Our highly-skilled staff immediately noticed the ocular cloudiness present in Cody’s companions Dominic, Nutella and Breezy. Thanks to a generous grant from the Banfield Foundation our team purchased specialized diagnostic equipment including an Otoscope and Ophthalmoscopes. Essential for precursory health exams, the Ophthalmoscope is used in routine examinations to help diagnose ocular illness, while the Otoscope is used to examine animals’ ears, noses and upper throats. This lifesaving equipment allows for the delivery of comprehensive medical care within the shelter walls. Our ability to utilize this vital veterinary technology prevents the need to transport animals across the state to various veterinary hospitals, thus reducing the amount of stress to which the animals we serve are exposed.
Joe Pocher, DVM, Using Ophthalmoscope and Otoscope for the Yorkies Exam
Thanks to these important diagnostic tools, veterinary partner Joe Pocher, DVM, was able to determine that Dominic was mostly blind in one eye, while his other eye had forming cataracts. In addition to his failing eyesight, he required updated vaccinations, a comprehensive dental cleaning, senior lab work, a urinalysis and x-rays to rule out kidney stones. During further diagnostic testing to rule out bladder cancer, a polyp was found that will need periodical monitoring. Dominic’s brother Nutella had similar medical recommendations. Using Baypath’s new Ophthalmoscope, it was determined he too had signs of early cataracts in both eyes.
Inseparable brothers, Dominic and Nutella were placed in foster care together with Victoria Beyer, who eagerly accepted this petite pair into her home. After recently losing her resident pet, Victoria and her family weren’t ready to adopt another dog, but knew they had an abundance of love and care to give in a fostering capacity. Dominic and Nutella were the Beyers’ first Baypath fosters – but definitely not their last! Over the past several months, Victoria and her family have fostered several deserving senior dogs.
Victoria shares that after enjoying daily walks together, she was overjoyed to find these tiny gentlemen playing together, something that neither she nor the shelter staff had previously seen! Although both Dominic and Nutella had medical needs during fostering, Victoria explains that “Baypath made it so easy for us, we just brought the dogs where they needed to be.”
Dominic and Nutella in Foster Care
Frail female Breezy completed this furry foursome. With a host of health issues including hypothyroidism, chronic ear infections and cataracts, this little lady also required an abdominal ultrasound, strict prescription diet and B12 supplements. Breezy was taken in by a wonderful foster, whose resident dog loved to curl up to her and cuddle on the couch! Clearly living the good life, Breezy’s foster mom kept her well-dressed in stylish sweaters and coats – even spoiling her in a fashionable dog carrier!
Breezy in Foster Care
After some time in foster, Cody caught the eye of a family with another dog named Toto. It didn’t take long for his new family to discover that their new addition was not overly fond of being left alone. His dedicated adopter decided to keep him by her side as much as possible – thanks to the help of an adorable dog tote bag! She explains that sometimes people do a double take to see if it’s a real dog! Despite being a senior, Cody’s adopter happily reports that their vet says, “Cody is very healthy and he has a lot of years left in him. I feel blessed to have him and it feels like our two were meant to be together.”
Cody in His Home
Dominic and Nutella are also living their best lives – traveling to Maine to swim in lakes, relax on couches and sunbathe under the warm sun! The dynamic duo’s forever family recently added 13-years-young pup, Darla – and the three pups are described as “three peas in a pod.” Dominic and Nutella’s vision and cataracts are regularly monitored by an eye specialist. Their new family exclaims that they “are over the moon with these two pups and absolutely love them!”
An incredible network of caring people working together created bright futures for these tiny but mighty Yorkies. From Animal Control Officers, shelter staff and foster families to veterinary partners, Lily & Orchid Extraordinary Medical Fund donors and the Banfield Foundation’s generosity, there truly is no limit to Baypath’s ‘pawsitive’ impact!
