Prancer

At 13.5 years old, Prancer had been an owner surrendered to a local shelter by his lifetime owners when they had to move. Understandably, he was depressed at the shelter and because of his age and medical issues, he was not going to be adopted out. Knowing his fate, a kind staff member at the shelter felt badly for Prancer and reached out to Old Dog Haven for help.

Prancer made his way to his forever foster home and so began his journey to care, comfort and joy!
Not every dog who comes into our care is immediately joyful. Prancer was shut down the first few days in his Old Dog HavePn home. Often a dog is exhausted from the shelter experience but Prancer didn’t seem to want to engage with anyone and more worrisome, he did not want to eat. His forever foster worked hard to get Prancer to eat. Because he refused all dog food, she cooked food for him and even her friends brought food cooked for him! He was hand-fed multiple times a day. Slowly but surely Prancer started to come out of his shell. He began to eat more though he still didn’t have much of an appetite.

Each dog we bring into our care receives a full exam with lab work, urinalysis, and x-rays (if warranted)-the whole meal deal! Prancer’s lab work provided no reason for his poor appetite. Once the vet looked in his mouth, it was understandable why he didn’t want to eat! Prancer’s dental disease was horrible. No doubt the reason why Prancer was already underweight when he entered the shelter was that he had struggled to eat for a while. Thankfully with a few weeks of multiple daily feedings, Prancer put a little weight on and his vet felt it was safe to move forward with his dental surgery.

During his dental surgery, multiple teeth were pulled from Prancer’s mouth. We were told some teeth moved sideways in his mouth! No wonder he had a hard time eating! His teeth had rotted so much that he’d lost some teeth that caused oronasal fistulas-literal holes in the roof of his mouth. Those were cleaned out and sutured up during his dental.

That life-changing dental was possible thanks to the generosity of all who donate to Old Dog Haven! It did not take long after that dental for Prancer’s attitude toward eating to change. His forever foster says he LOVES to eat now! He eats appropriate dog food for him and enjoys treats with his packmates. A daily joint supplement and pain medication has made Prancer move much better. His Old Dog Haven fosters gave him the new name of Prancer because he prances when he walks and runs, throwing his head back when he’s especially excited or happy.

Prancer enjoys going for walks and snuggling in his heated bed by the fireplace. He is a much happier, much healthier dog now. We are so grateful that Prancer was given a chance to live a life in comfort with care in a home he will never lose.

Your support helped make this possible for Prancer!

Update:  After much too short a time (although it always is), little Prancer’s health failed him and we had to say goodbye.  He was truly a special little fellow and we take comfort in knowing that he spent his last chapter with so much love and care – and you could tell he enjoyed every minute of it!  This litte guy will be greatly missed but we are so thankful we got to know him.