Shasta is a 2 year old, 64 pound Golden Retriever or high mix who came to Atlanta Pet Rescue from a rural animal control facility where she had been picked up as a stray. Shasta is a beautiful dog who had no business being left in the country to fend for herself.
Shasta has gentle personality to match her soft fluffy coat. She appears to have been well cared for. After having her in our care for a day, we realized that Shasta cannot hold her bladder, and her tail is constantly wet from that.
If you can help defray the costs of Shasta's medical expense, please click on the "Sponsor Me" link below.
Update 10/19/09: After three weeks on strong antibiotics, Shasta still has a leak. She will undergo a diagnostic procedure to identify any structural problems in her urinary tract to locate the source of her leaking. A special dye that costs $150 will be injected, and follow up x-rays will trace the path of the dye through Shasta's urinary tract to see where things come out. Dr. Whittle, at Paces Ferry Veterinary Clinic, thinks Shasta will need surgery to correct the problem, and this test will determine if that theory is correct.
Update 10/29/09: Shasta underwent a procedure to diagnose her problem. Dr. Whittle put dye into her urinary system and tracked its flow. The results confirmed Dr. Whittle's suspicion that she has, in effect, a displaced urinary duct (ectopic ureter).
Shasta's options for an attempted fix are risky, potentially life threatening, and have only a 50-50 chance of success. Our decision, therefore, is to let Shasta continue "as is", knowing that she's likely to leave a tiny damp spot when she gets up from sitting or lying down. She can wear a diaper while indoors, and that will solve the soiling problem. Shasta is completely housebroken, so she's not intentionally wetting; her condition is beyond her control. She is still a wonderful, beautiful creature and she can live an otherwise normal, happy life like this.
Shasta needs a new owner that can deal with her disability and not let it get in the way of loving her for all her wonderful qualities. She is a fabulous dog!
Foster Report 11/4/09: Shasta is the perfect ambassador of the Golden Retriever breed. She's quiet, respectful, gentle, and all around easy-going. She absolutely loves meeting new people and is very well behaved while doing so.
At the dog park she makes it a point to walk up to every single person, wag her tail, and let them pet her. She loves children and is sweet and patient with them. She loves to play with other dogs, either at the dog park or at the shelter.
She's very well behaved in the house, is house trained, doesn't bark or whine, and is respectful of the house rules. Obviously Shasta will need extra attention due to her medical condition, but even with this condition I'm convinced that whoever adopts her will be getting an amazing companion.
Shasta is available for adoption
Tuesday through Saturday.
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