Hercules' Story

It is a rare time indeed when a sad story is presented on our site. Hercule's story is, so far, sad, but we are hoping and praying he will get well. He is on the critical list at the Sylvan Lake Vet Clinic, on i.v. fluids, in a warmed kennel.

The coordinator received a call from a concerned person in one of the communities we serve, saying a sick puppy had appeared "out of nowhere", and could we come to look at it.
As we were going there today, I assured her we would indeed come and offer what assistance we could.

While feeding the other dogs, and cutting a leash off one of the grown dog's neck, the kids brought a pathetic little pup to join in the feeding. We watched for a short few minutes, then scooped him up to have a better look. He was very cold - hypo-thermic cold, was covered in mange, was so thin he barely had strength to stand, and we knew he had to come with us to the Sylvan Lake Vet Clinic. We quickly asked permission to take the puppy, unloaded the last of the food we had taken to the family for their dogs, and quickly left.

We wrapped Hercules (he needs a strong name) in a soft blanket, syringed some water into him, and fed him soft puppy food on the way to meet Dr. Mattson. He gratefully slept and murmured all the way there.
Dr. Mattson thoroughly examined him to find he was hypo-thermic - his temperature was two to three degrees below normal -, he is suffering from extreme malnutrition and de-hydration, he has mange, and may have some joint problems. The decision was made to let "Hercules" have a second chance at life, so Dr. Mattson gently started the i.v., and gave him some Revolution for his mange, and was going to add some extra glucose to his i.v. tonight. A warm kennel (heated with wrapped hot water bottles) was prepared for the little one, and he was gently placed in it, wrapped in snuggly blankets.
We kissed his little nose, and said a prayer. Tomorrow he will be re-assessed.

The one thing the images are not able to show is just how thin and weak this little fighter is. He wobbles when he walks because of his weak, sick condition.

Update14 Nov 06: When Hercules was brought to the SYlvan Lake Vet Clinic, Dr. Mattson noticed some swelling on his elbow but could not treat it because of Herc's general condition.
THis morning a wound opened on his elbow spontaneously, pouring forth blood and terrible smelling infection. He was once more rushed to see Dr. Mattson who shaved his elbow to find two teeth marks (perhaps from a fox bite?), then cleaned the wounds, and prescribed some antibiotics with insturctions to keep the wounds open and draining.

So...you would think that's enough for one little puppy to survive... but no, his foster mom reported that a second "explosion" of infected matter had occured through his paw, between two toes. His foster mom was phoning Dr. Mattson immediately.
We guess that a good warm bath last night, and being cuddled and kept warm throughout the night, allowed the infection to work its' way out. In six and a half years of rescuing puppies, we have not ever seen the likes of this!

Update17 Nov 06: The latest report on Hercules is that he is getting stronger with each passing day. The antibiotics have kicked in and his infections are healing up nicely.
Hercules slept through the night last night for the first time, which is wonderful for his foster family as he has been waking up several times nightly with the 'runs'. (makes for one tired Foster Mom).
Hercules has been taken off soft food and is adjusting to hard food. He was given a 'teether' to help wear down his baby teeth.
The staff at Sylvan Lake Vet Clinic guess Hercules to be between 8-12 weeks of age.

We would ask anyone who can, if they would like to sponsor Hercules's care, or be a donor to his cause to please contact AARC. Thank You!
Please call Melanie at 887-2925 (403), or Sally at 403-343-2676, or Stu at 403-227-2762


(Foster "Uncle" Garrett helping to make sure Hercules gets his antibotics.)

Update 07Dec 06 Hercules has been given a clean bill of health as of Monday, Dec 3rd, and is ready for a forever home!
Not only was that good news, but a package arrived for AARCS via FedEx this week from Sonya in Calgary. She responded to our plea for help with Hercule's vet bill, by sending us a generous cheque along with two beautiful paw print thick dog blankets, dog biscuits, and collars.
We thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts as we are very grateful for your donation Sonya.
Update 12Dec 06 Hercules has been adopted! His new family is picking him up on Friday.We will get an updated photo soon of this little fighter before he heads to his new home. Many applauses to his foster family for nursing this little guy back to health.

Below left:Hercules(renamed Nepaul)sleeping with his best friend Hudson
Below middle: That cute adorable face all healthy and happy..his nose looks way better than in the first image we took.(see top of this page for first image)
Below right: (Hercules) Nepaul with a shiny, healthy looking coat and much better looking [health wise] than when he was first rescued. All the best to you Hercules(Nepaul) You beat the odds kid!!!