Publication for Wed, Aug 30,2006

Let's Help ''Ellie''

It was a beautiful morning, the sun peeking out from behind the white fluffy clouds in the sky. A little bit too warm for me, but with thought of Autumn being right around the corner I decided to make the best of one of Summer's last days.

As I sipped my morning coffee, I thought about what today might bring. At VVHS each day brings something new. Expect the unexpected; it's going to happen.

My thoughts drifted back to ''Ellie'' the very pregnant pit mix that was impounded days ago. Her sweet disposition and the love she has for everyone, steals your heart immediately.

Ellie had rested in my office the day prior on a soft dog bed that someone had kindly donated. She'd look up at me; cock her head as if to say, ''Do you have any idea what is going on inside me?''

Her skin was taut and bulging. I watched the puppies kicking as she slept peacefully. My thoughts were ''How could anyone let her get pregnant and then toss her out?'' ''Doesn't anyone care about her?'' ''Where are her parents?'' ''How much longer?'' ''Did they ever hear of spaying and neutering their pets?''

As I drank my last bit of coffee my thoughts focused on what was going to happen today. Hopefully puppies were going to be on the agenda. Before I left, I grabbed a soft cream and blue colored comforter for Ellie. My choice of blankets was easy; it perfect for a ''Queen'' to deliver her babies on.

Arriving at work, I went immediately to Ellie with her new ''lucky blanket.'' I asked Jill, one of my hard working kennel techs to grab a fresh sheet. I told her that Ellie was going to have her babies today. We laughed and joked about how sure I was as we continued the normal daily routine.

Within a five-minutes, Jill told me that Ellie's water had broken. See, that was a ''lucky blanket.'' Even I hadn't expected it to be quite that lucky. I know you are probably thinking that it was just a coincidence, but who knows?

I began my stay with Ellie. She was nervous but doing well. I reassured her, telling her things were going to be fine. About fifteen minutes later came the arrival of not so little, ''Sam.'' This seemed to be Ellie's fist delivery. She knew to lick him continuously, but not that he needed to be out of the sack.

Gloves were next on my agenda; I tore the sack open for Ellie. Her job began and she then knew exactly what to do. (I am so glad I'm not a dog) What a good mom she was. I just kept rubbing her belly and loving her while she worked on Sam.
Another 45 minutes passed with only contractions. No more pups were coming. It was time to see if another pup was lodged in the birth canal, so I checked. There wasn't anyone stuck, so Jill call the vet's office to see if it was time to bring her in. I was trying hard not to be the ''over protective'' mom of Ellie.

If Ellie didn't progress in the next 45 minutes we were to take her in for observation. The watch continued, with no results. She wasn't in distress, but things just weren't moving along.

Everyone at VVHS got ready and prepared Ellie for transport. The SUV was taken to the back, loaded with Ellie on her lucky blanket with Jill riding in the back beside her. I could hear Jill telling Ellie what a good girl she was. Sam was with us too, tucked safely in a little blue blanket.

We took Ellie into the exam room as they prepared for an x-ray. As she sat on the scale, out came little ''Jillian.'' This time Ellie knew exactly what to do and began caring for her newest pup. Did the ride help?

Upon x-ray we found there were still six or seven more pups waiting to be delivered. Ellie was going to spend the day at the vet's office due to the fact that she may have to be induced into labor. This all reminded me of my own daughters giving birth.

As we said our goodbyes to Ellie, I told the staff that I would be back as soon as the shelter closed.

By 4:10 I was at Ellie's side again. By now we had four babies, with many more still to come. Ellie was exhausted. I made her a pillow of clean towels. Her head hit the pillow and she slept as her new babies squealed as they nursed.
This was my chance to see little ''Krissy'' and her brother ''Brandon'' up close. Of course Ellie wouldn't have minded, she let everyone look and touch. The vets were wonderful with her. Along with the necessary medical care, they gave her love and support. What a fantastic hard-working group of people.

''JJ'' arrived about forty-five minutes later. Ellie did her job, but quickly went back to sleep, she had been trying to deliver these pups since 10:30 a.m. and still no real progress.

I was advised that Ellie would be having a C-Section as soon as things calmed down in the office. It was almost 7 p.m. and everyone was working feverishly on the emergencies that were coming in the door. Ellie was in no distress as she waited her turn.

When she wasn't sleeping, Ellie would cock her head and look at things going on around her. She was so cute, so inquisitive. It was pretty exciting, I have to say so myself. It was better than ''Discovery Health'' that I am so hooked on. If age was on my side, I'd want to be a vet.

At 7:20 I departed for home, my family had no idea where I was. The vet assured me that Ellie would be fine and as soon as the surgery was completed she would call me.

The next hour was the longest period of the entire day. The call I was anticipating. came at 8:30 p.m. Ellie and her eight puppies were alive, healthy and she was spayed. The long day was over for all of us.

As I drew my hot bubble bath, all I could think about was what was going to happen to Ellie now? She will be back at VVHS on Monday where she, like many others will stay caged for six more weeks at a minimum to take care of her babies.

My concern for Ellie is very real. These moms do a fantastic job of caring for their pups at VVHS, but there are times when they become aggressive toward outsiders and other animals when their pups leave. This situation can eventually lead to the death of the mom.

Why did I tell you this detailed story? The reason is because we need your help. Not only help with Ellie and her pups, but with many animals.

With love, care, a home environment and continued socializing, these animals stand a much better chance of survival.

Foster families pay nothing. VVHS has requirements for foster homes, but provides everything the animals need. Would you please stop in the shelter at VVHS, located at 1502 W. Mingus Ave. and fill out a foster application?

We have several cats and dogs, which need fostering at this time. Some arrived malnourished, some with offspring, some with special needs. Please help us help these animals.

Help us save Ellie and her pups. Ellie or any other animal needs to die due to the ignorance of their owners. That sentence is blunt, but it is true. These animals did nothing wrong and it's up to us to help them.

This week there is no ''Pet of the Week.'' We are focusing on all of the animals that need special help at this time. Please open your hearts and homes to animals in need.

Please call us at 928 634-7387 if you have any questions. Remember the importance of spaying/neutering your pets.