PAWS Magazine

Issue 72, Spring 2009

Buddy's Story

Keeping a Close Eye
A full-grown German Shorthaired Pointer should weigh close to 60 pounds, but the day Buddy entered PAWS' doors, he barely tipped the scale at 35. His guardian knew something was wrong, and turned to PAWS for help—almost too late. After X-rays and exploratory surgery, PAWS' veterinarians discovered plastic, part of a belt and other material in Buddy's digestive tract, blocking the absorption of food.

The medical team carefully cleared the debris, and fortunately found that Buddy's internal system was relatively undamaged. To monitor his progress and give him a quiet place to recuperate, Buddy went home with foster care volunteer Corrie Hines.

Even with three square meals a day to get Buddy back to a healthy weight, Corrie caught him chewing up and attempting to swallow his bedding and toys—a dangerous, yet common habit for some dogs. She knew that a new adoptive home would have to watch him closely or he'd be right back where he started.

A month after his surgery, Corrie brought Buddy back to PAWS for a check-up. Genny Smith and her daughter were also at the shelter looking at adoptable dogs when they spotted Buddy. Genny, who had grown up with a pointer, was excited to see him and asked Corrie about his history.

As fate would have it, PAWS' veterinarian determined Buddy was progressing so beautifully he could go up for adoption right away. PAWS staff found Genny and her daughter, who were still browsing the kennels, to arrange for a visit with Buddy. They knew that the only thing better than a foster home, was a permanent one where his people could monitor him through the remainder of his recovery and beyond. As a stay-at-home mom, Genny fit the bill perfectly—she felt the same about him. Corrie agreed it was a perfect match and a perfect way to end her foster care of Buddy.

You Can Help Animals, too!
To join PAWS' foster care team, contact the Foster Care Coordinator at 425.787.2500 x822.

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