MIDNIGHT NEEDS NEW HIPS FOR XMAS - UPDATE!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

THIS IS MIDNIGHT.  He needs new hips for XMAS!

Midnight's Christmas Wish has come true!  We have hit the $5000 goal that we needed for Midnight's hip replacement surgery!  As you may know, the surgery is over, and he's doing great.  On behalf of DRC, I just have to thank EVERYONE for your well wishes, prayers, and financial support.  WE DID IT!  I also want to take this opportunity to thank Adina for always being there to help DRC save Doodles and for providing the forum for Doodle lovers all over the world to come together to share the wonderful experiences that come with loving these amazing dogs.  So, thanks Adina, your support along with that of the generous Doodle Kisses community has made this XMAS wish a reality.

 

We at DRC feel so fortunate to have so many wonderful friends and supporters here on Doodle Kisses that we can’t even begin to express our gratitude.

Thanks to all of you we have been able to save countless Doodles from lives of abuse, neglect and even euthanasia. Some have been sick and desperately in need of life-saving surgeries, treatments and extensive vetting in order to regain their health and go on to live full and happy lives in new forever homes with loving families. You have helped us make this possible.

As our family you have always been there to support us, to cry with us, to rejoice with us, to celebrate with us when another life is saved. You have shared in our triumphs and our heartaches and have been “angels” to DRC and Doodles in need everywhere.
Today we come to you again with another tale of neglect and a humble request for your assistance. With that said we would like to introduce you to Midnight.

DRC Coordinator Lynda Strommer pulled Midnight and his sister, Daisy, from an Animal Control facility in Columbia, South Carolina. They were surrendered by their terminally ill owner who was no longer able to care for them. Midnight and Daisy have been together since they were puppies. They are a bonded pair and Daisy is always looking out for her brother.

Here's Midnight with his sister, Daisy.

Daisy is in perfect health but Midnight’s health had been neglected for quite some time. He had a serious skin infection due to flea allergy dermatitis, and it was reported that he was infested with parasites when he was surrendered to the shelter.

Upon coming into the DRC program, it was immediately apparent that Midnight had some major issues with his hips and was suffering with chronic pain. In spite of this he is the sweetest most loving and devoted doodle boy you could ever hope to have as a companion.
A trip to the veterinary specialist revealed that Midnight has no bone “sockets” left in his hips. The vet disclosed that he was probably born with this disorder and his condition has now deteriorated to this extreme degree.

Midnight’s body is misshapen due to lifelong over-compensation. His front end is very broad and muscular while his back is flat. Over the years, he has had to manipulate his poor damaged body in such an unnatural way that it is now deformed.

We can’t even begin to imagine how this stoic boy has managed to live with this pain and remain a wonderful dog in spite of it. Our dogs seem to have the ability to project strength and optimism in the worst of circumstances. We just marvel at this.

DRC volunteer Judy Steelman is fostering Midnight and Daisy and reports the following about Midnight’s first Vet visit:
“My veterinarian examined Midnight and after x-raying him, he told me “he has no hips”. As the Doctor examined him he cried out once, and Daisy walked over and licked the Vet’s arm as if to say “Please don’t hurt my brother”. When he took Midnight away for the x-rays, Daisy tried to go with him, then barked and barked. She would not take her eyes off the door. When he returned the two dogs were yipping and jumping – so happy! The x-rays show the hips are worn away and the cartilage is almost totally calcified, so Midnight literally has bone rubbing on bone. He puts all his weight on his front legs. Both dogs have excellent temperaments and Midnight engages you right away. He likes to lick your face, or if your face isn’t available he’ll lick your hand.”

Now let us share the good news...... There is hope for Midnight, and we can all provide that hope.
Judy took Midnight to see a specialist at NC University who feels he is an excellent candidate for hip replacement. They will replace the left hip (the worst one) first, and wait six to twelve months before determining if there is a need to replace the right hip. The cost is $4700 - $5000 for each hip surgery, but the prognosis is EXCELLENT that Midnight will regain full use of his hips and once again enjoy the quality of life denied to him for so long.
DRC must raise this money before we can proceed.
Midnight needs our help.

If you have any thoughts on fundraising campaigns we would love to hear them. This is the time of year when there are many Doodle Romps – they would make great fundraising events.

If you can donate, please use the “chip-in” link below. These donations will be used solely for Midnight’s surgery. We’ll keep everyone posted on Midnight’s journey to a pain-free, happy and healthy Doodle life. Together we can ensure that his Christmas wish comes true.
Thank you, everyone!

Here's one more picture of Midnight and Daisy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks to Lynda and Judy for saving and committing to helping Midnight and his sister. I know that together, we can ensure a happy and pain-free life for both of them.

[Kim]

I hope you get your Christmas wish Midnight. Your story broke my heart! I can't wait to get home from work and share your story with Allie's facebook friends!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Kim. Spreading Midnight's story will help so much.

[F, Calla & Luca]

i don't have any great ideas but I did what I could just now.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, F!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

These dogs are adorable. I will think of some fundraising ideas and will give what I can.

I have been trying to convince my family for years to pick a charity and make a donation in lieu of doing a bunch of xmas gifts. I never win this one. We don't ever go over-the-top, but still. Geez....it gets outta control. Wish I could just say: "everyone put in $x for the DRC".!!!!!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I have had this same thought for many years and I have even started this for my birthday ..... telling people do not buy me a gift, but to donate to XYZ charity! Maybe you could at least convince those who buy you presents to at least make a donation instead of buy you a present! Start slow.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Good idea - bday is coming up Nov. 15 and DH will just help buy Midnight some new hips! Yahoo!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

What a fantastic idea!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep, Jackdoodle's birthday is next month, and he'll be making a contribution to Midnight's hips, too. What is there to buy for a dog who doesn't like anything other than tennis balls, anyway?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

And we cannot buy any toys for the Lady P - she devours them all...so toy budget is zip. Already asked DH to contribute this week for the bday.

[Leslie and Halas]

I just contributed some. I'll do more when I cash in my doodle bank. Halas says he's pretty good on toys now, so he wants to donate some of his toy money, too.