UPDATE 20100203: From Barlees‘ post on Petfinder:
from Barlees:
I’ve been out to assess him but he is stressed and overwhelmed in the shelter – assessment was discontinued when he urinated about 15 minutes in and it was almost pure blood. We are trying to a vet appointment and urinalysis and CBC for this dog as the shelter is not comfortable placing this breed and planned to euthanize Jan 29 – they have agreed to hold off til Feb 3 and that’s as long as we have to find a way to get him veterinary attention and a place for him to go. Ideally we’d like to reassess in a quieter environment (outside the shelter) after his medical issue is diagnosed and addressed. It is not abnormal for Mastiff types not to present well in the shelter and he is at this time wary and guarded but does seem to have very good control and communicated when he was uncomfortable so we knew to give him more space. We hope to have him vetted asap as pain will affect a dog’s behavior, especially in a stressful environment, and there aren’t many conditions that would cause bloody urine that would not involve pain.
I too have seen this dog and can verify all the above, good and bad, but nothing out of the expected. As a promising update he didn’t seem to be displaying as much discomfort or blood urinating, and I wonder if whatever infection/trauma he had is clearing up on it’s own. The rescue (Barlees) could still use help finding a dog-aware person for homing, and help with vet bills as he will still need to be checked.
Also, if anyone reading this recognizes him and knows some back-story, please tell me anonymously via bb@boerboels.ca and I’ll promise to keep it quiet, but I just want to get some feel for why he was let go.
UPDATE 20100201: Dog is scheduled to be pulled by rescue. Thx to http://www.barlees.org !!
from Barlees:
IF YOU CAN HELP US TRANSPORT MAVERICK TO/FROM THE VET OR WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR HIM BY DONATING TO HIS VET CARE WHILE WE WORK ON GETTING HIM SEEN, PLEASE CONTACT US ASAP.
UPDATE 20100128: Dog is scheduled for Euth. Feb. 3. Requires experienced owner.
I got this message from a breeder a week ago:
Hello to all
This is a young fawn male Boerboel around 2 years and older . He is a large healthy boy that is intact and has no microchip.
No one knows were he came from ….
…
As an update, the breeder couldn’t take him thus he still needs help. He needs to be tested for a urinary tract infection (??), and he’s obviously not feeling great physically or mentally (what Boerboel does in a shelter environment?) and the volunteer driver is scared to drive a big dog like him to the vet for a checkup. So what we need urgently is:
1) An experienced person up there (north of Toronto) to drive him to a vet. The rescue will pay for the initial visit, we just need a driver (and a quick eval along the way would be good.)
2) The rescue could use any help with bills. Contact info for them, below.
3) Anyone with experience who can foster or adopt, of course.
On petfinder:
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15617577
The rescue contact:
Barlee’s Angels Rescue Network – http://www.barlees.org
We’re on Facebook! http://www.tinyurl.com/BarleesOnFacebook
Join our Forum! http://barlees.org/forum
Note that if you cannot take him, no worries, that happens, but please tell anyone who you know who may be good with sensitive dogs, as he’s got a few long term rescue people reaching really far to help him.
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A short update: I fostered this guy for a couple weekends and he was a GREAT DOG. He got here really weak emotionally and physically, and after some 10-15lbs of beef (I gave him something like 5-6 meals a day of high protein and high fat food (Eukenuba 20/30) mixed with eggs and beef) he started to relax and show his true, fun colours. his infection has cleared up, and he’s in really good health, though still skinny. Some notes:
- He loved playing with my dogs, and I don’t have particularly easy dogs to play with.
- He was VERY house trained, never made a mess even when all the diet changes threw his gut for a loop (that’ll settle in a week or so)
- He snuggled on the couch with me whenever I sat down, and really did a good “keep close but out of the way” routine.
- Loved tug of war, fetch, etc. Good with kids, met strangers well, good protection instincts but nothing over the top…
Just a really, really nice dog. I told Barlees that my kids even prefer him to some of my other dogs, which is sort of sad, but good to know that he will make some family REALLY happy. No idea why he has no home, as he was obviously loved, but I know he will be a wonderful dog for some very lucky family.
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I am very interested in adopting Maverick if he is still available. I filled out an online adoption application about a week ago and have had no response yet. Has he found a home? please let me know so I can start looking into other dogs.
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Could you please tell me if the Boerboel is available for adoption and the details involved ?.
We live in the country on 25 acres and our children are grown, so I feel we could offer a good home.
Barry
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Ive been looking for a boerboel recently and wouldn’t mind taking a look at him if he’s emotionally stable. please e-mail or call 905-401-3554 if your interested in showing him.
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I believe Barlees (www.barlees.org) is just very busy and will get back ASAP. I am not affiliated with that rescue organization, but they seem to be very, very professional and dedicated to the dogs they take in. Good luck!
R
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I cannot, actually — you’ll need to talk to barlees.org to talk about his status and all, as he is under their (fine) care.
Thanks for your interest,
r
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Please contact the rescue (all contact info is at http://www.barlees.org) as they are the people who have stepped up to take him under their wing.
Thanks!
Ron
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