Elmsford, NY -- Thomas, the neglected and handicapped 9 month old Great Dane, who was abandoned on the sidewalk of Pets Alive West - The Elmsford Animal Shelter, is desperately in need of surgery and rehabilitation to help him walk.
The man turned, ran to his car, and sped off leaving the timid Thomas behind. The loyal Thomas, who was sitting and waiting patiently for his owners return, eventually accepted the invitation from shelter staff and slowly followed them inside.
Thomas, who is exceptionally intelligent, gentle and loves to give big warm hugs, will make an amazing addition to any family. He is happy, playful and seemingly unaware of his temporary physical limitations. Thomas’s front legs are turned outward at his ankles, because when he was just a puppy, they were both broken and Thomas received absolutely no medical care. Thomas most likely suffered a great deal, having to learn to walk on two broken ankles. As a result, his ankles never healed properly. It is uncomfortable for the puppy Thomas to walk, and this gentle giant has to take a break and lay down sporadically.
The shelter, which is struggling financially to keep its doors open, is committed to getting Thomas the surgery he needs, and is in need of donations immediately to help with the costs of the procedure. The surgeries and aftercare for Thomas will amount to approximately $8,000.00, which is about $8,000.00 more than the Shelter, which relies 100% on private donations has.An Ulnar Osteotomy procedure will easily correct Thomas’s legs, and he is expected to have an excellent recovery, with no lasting physical challenges-provided the surgery can be done immediately. With a procedure of this type, expedient treatment is key to the best recovery, as treatment options and long term prognosis are very closely aligned with age, and amount of growth remaining.
The best way to help Thomas is to make a donation to the shelter immediately. Thomas will need extensive surgery, follow-up veterinary care and rehabilitation.
If you would like to donate to Pets Alive West-The Elmsford Animal Shelter please visit www.petsalivewest.org
The Shelter houses some 275 dogs, from the very young to seniors, both mixed and purebred. As well, the shelter is home to approximately 400 cats and kittens.
Since 1931, the goal of the Shelter has been to find permanent, loving homes for all those dogs, cats, rabbits, and assorted others who pass through our doors. In lieu of that, we provide sanctuary for as long as is necessary for those more difficult to place either due to age, health, or behavioral history. Operating first out of private homes of volunteers, then to a quarter acre of property in tiny cottages, the Elmsford Animal Shelter is now the largest no-kill shelter in the tri-state area, located on 5 acres in a 46,000 sq. ft modern facility. Pets Alive West-The Elmsford Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization operating solely on donations, receiving no funding from city or state.
