Thanks to our Mutt Guardians, Beluga, our big, gentle giant of a sweet boy, was saved off the streets of Stockton and is now in his new forever-happy home. Can you believe that someone abandoned such a lovely boy and left him to fend for himself? Thank goodness a good Samaritan found him and turned him in to the Stockton shelter. After a month, Muttville got a call, as Beluga was out of time at the shelter. How could we say no to such a gorgeous hunk of a lab?
Beluga came to Muttville overweight with a very large growth on his head and an ear infection. We treated him immediately for the ear infection and gave him all his shots and our customary full physical. Through it all, he wagged his tail and gave us all kisses, so thankful to be in a safe and happy place.
Our biggest challenge was to diagnose and treat Beluga’s large mass on top of his head. This tumor was discovered to be what is called a nerve sheath sarcoma. These types of tumors do not typically spread to other parts of the body but do typically re-grow if they are not completely removed. Beluga underwent two successful surgeries to remove this mass: one to remove it, and the second to go back and get bigger margins to make sure the tumor does not grow back.
As you can imagine, the cost for all of Beluga’s treatment was significant. In fact it was over five times higher than the typical $1,000 cost for incoming Muttville dogs. However, because of contributions from our Mutt Guardians, Beluga received the surgeries he desperately needed.
Beluga recovered well from both surgeries and loved to be cuddled and doted on through his convalescence. This boy—whose new family named him Louie—is so happy to be alive and treated like the king that he is in his new forever happy home.
What is a Mutt Guardian? It is a person like yourself who saves the life of a senior dog by making a monthly sustaining donation to Muttville. Recurring monthly donations allow us to save the life of a senior dog like Louie who otherwise would be slated for euthanasia. Did you know that on average, we spend more than a $1,000 per dog getting them ready for their new home? Join us and make a big difference in the life of a senior dog. It is easy to do and we need you. Go to Muttville.org/Give#Guardian and pledge your allegiance to us. Thanks in advance for your donation and spreading the word.
Sherri Franklin is the executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue that gives older pooches new beginnings. Muttville’s headquarters are 255 Alabama St. in San Francisco. To learn more, visit Muttville.org.
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Main article photo by: courtesy of Muttville
