In response to a distressing report of a Weimaraner facing euthanasia at a high-kill shelter, Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue (TPWR) took immediate action. Their arrival revealed a heartbreaking sight: a dog named Gilbert Grape, who could barely stand due to a massive tumor on his underbelly.
Despite the odds, Gilbert Grape had somehow managed to survive for an unknown duration without receiving any medical attention. Keri Pink, a media relations volunteer with TPWR, shared his story with DogHeirs, detailing his rescue and ongoing journey towards recovery.
Keri recounted, "On a scorching summer day in Arizona, with temperatures soaring above 95 degrees, animal control officers found a stray male Weimaraner. Transported to the local high-kill shelter, he arrived burdened by an immense and diseased tumor that rendered him immobile. Placed on the shelter's isolation floor, where dogs await their unfortunate fate due to illness or aggression, his condition was dire."
“The shelter’s protocol for strays is to store the animal without screening for 72 hours to enable an owner to claim it, but the county has a program that permits pre-approved, nationally recognized rescues to accept animals in under medical clearance.”
“Two committed shelter volunteers informed Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue, and we jumped in to aid.”
“After the gigantic grape-shaped tumor that hung from his chest, we dubbed him Gilbert Grape. Gilbert Grape was transported to a 24-hour speciality veterinary facility, where it was decided that he would need blood transfusions and intravenous catheter stabilization in order for their surgeon to try a life-saving operation to remove the tumor.”
The anticipated expenses for diagnosis, stabilization, and surgical procedures were approximately $7,000. The decision to save the dog's life was an obvious choice for both rescue volunteers and veterinary professionals. However, there exists a delicate balance in rescue situations, distinguishing the responsibilities of private pet owners in providing life-saving treatment for their animals from the considerations and limits regarding the care that a dog entering rescue can and should receive. While private pet owners have the freedom to make decisions for their pets, rescue organizations rely on public support to fulfill their mission.
Gilbert’s health history and precise age were unclear, however his blood testing was largely normal (save for a high white blood cell count from the infected tumor); his estimated age was about seven.
“We saw a spark in Gilbert’s eyes and wanted to give him a shot, but we realized we’d need public backing.”
“As a consequence, we sought the counsel of a variety of veterinarians and surgeons in order to make the greatest option for the dog’s future.” We created a campaign and communicated the issue to our Facebook supporters, and funds began to stream in.”
Gilbert had a straightforward surgery and a speedy recovery in the ICU.” He was released from the hospital two days later and has bloomed since then.
A week after Gilbert’s surgery, the pathology report on his 12-pound tumor came, declaring that the growth was nothing more than a benign lipoma. Gilbert has been cancer-free for a long time.
At his re-check checkup, the staples in his chest from surgery were removed, and he got a clean bill of health. Gilbert, on the other hand, endured muscle loss and physiological strain as a consequence of compensatory while carrying the tumor for a year or more, according to veterinarians.
He has very little muscular mass across his body and is ataxic in his rear legs. He walks clumsily because his center of gravity is wrong.
Gilbert will shortly begin a physical therapy regimen that will involve manipulations, massages, and water treatment.” While he is still physically fragile, his charming, funny nature bursts through more and more to his foster father with each passing day.
“Gilbert’s tale reached a significant number of people, and some adoption applications were most likely approved as a consequence.” While he isn’t quite ready for adoption yet, he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Gilbert had been adopted and was thriving in a “very loving and dedicated family” a year after his rescue. Despite his hip dysplasia diagnosis, his family has a pool where he can swim for regular water treatment, and he has “get along brilliantly” with his new family.
According to the records, Gilbert was rescued in 2013. Since then, Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue has consistently demonstrated their remarkable dedication in rescuing dogs with special requirements, those who are terminally ill, and others like Gilbert who are in desperate need of assistance. To gather more information and explore the canines available for adoption, please visit their website and Facebook page.
