RESCUE TAILS / Ramen – the GSD (not the noodle)

By Tammy Fox, ExecutiveDirector, Florida Keys SPCA

More often than not, when an animal comes into the shelter they need a little bit of extra attention, both medically and emotionally. Before any of our pets are adopted into loving homes we always ensure that they are healthy and happy. This means every pet receives proper veterinary attention and plenty of affection from our staff and volunteers. Like many others, Ramen needed a lot of TLC when he first arrived at our Marathon Campus.

A purebred seven-year-old German Shepherd (GSD) Ramen was bald, stinky, scratchy and itchy. His hips sloped low and his gait was off, indicative of a common hip degeneration found in purebred Shepherds. He shook his head trying to scratch and rub his smelly itchy ears. Ramen was a mess. His owners had tried, he had seen many vets, but they never stuck for long to the plan they were provided, and time after time his symptoms would return. He would start to lose his hair and the itching would get worse. Eventually they decided they could no longer care for Ramen and his allergies. As a no time-limit shelter, here at the FKSPCA we give animals in need of a lot of extra care like Ramen a second chance at a happy, healthy new life.

Ramen pulled at staff and volunteers heartstrings. It’s miserable being so itchy all the time! With a dull coat, bald spots and a distinctive smell we all knew that underneath it all was the happy healthy dog we knew Ramen could be. After seeing a local veterinarian, Ramen was put on three pages of medications! Daily baths, daily skin sprays, special diet, ear flushes, ear cleaning, oral medications, the whole works! The baths, good food and special massages felt good. He leaned into the ear cleanings, grateful for a good ear rub. He thrived on the attention and in just a few short weeks started playing and even running! With a lot of medical care, and a lot of love Ramen’s beautiful black and tan coat started growing back and his eyes were shining bright. He felt great, and his whole attitude and demeanor reflected how good he felt, both inside and out.

Now it’s time to find Ramen a home. A special home with a special family that will never let his skin go bad. Someone who will promise him an itch-free life and help him continue to heal physically and emotionally. Even at seven years old, this special boy has plenty of life and love to give to the right family. If you’re interested in adopting Ramen please contact our Marathon Campus at 305-743-4800. Even if you don’t have room in your heart and home for a dog like Ramen right now, you can help him, and other dogs that need a little “extra” by donating to our Oscar’s Fund. Set up specifically to help pets in need of extra medical care before they can be adopted, Oscar’s Fund is one of the many ways you can donate to save lives, and help our adoptable pets find homes. For more information on adopting, donating or for information on our Oscar’s Fund contact me at [email protected].

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