When:  Saturday, September 19, 2009
Where:  Seneca Park
What:  6th Annual Bark in the Park

This all-day event is a guaranteed fun time for people and dogs alike.  Starting with a Walk in the morning, the entire day is filled with all kinds of entertainment and actiivities.  Keep an eye on our website for more details or click on the green BARK IN THE PARK tab on our Home Page.

Imagine being a tiny little baby seriously injured and in pain, hungry and thirsty, frightened and left all alone in a hot, dirty doghouse. That is how ACS found tiny little Casper - a nine week old Pomeranian mix that barely weighs 4 pounds.  Being abandoned would have been bad enough, but Casper was also suffering from life-threatening injuries - a badly bruised chest, several broken ribs, and a severely broken hind leg.  What makes Casper's condition so precarious, however, is that he has air trapped between his lungs and chest wall which keeps his lungs from expanding and severely inhibits his ability to breathe.  This type of injury can only be caused by blunt force trauma to the chest.  We'll probably never know how Casper was injured, how he ended up in that lonely doghouse, or how long he'd been there but we DO know he wants to survive.  

At this point, we're not sure what Casper's prognosis will be but as long as he wants to live, ACS is going to do everything it can to help him survive what is sure to be a long and difficult battle toward recovery.  So once again, ACS is asking you for help.  Whatever you can afford to contribute toward the cost of Casper's care will be deeply appreciated.  Payment can be made in the form of a check or through PayPal. Monetary donations can also be made in person at the shelter.  Any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.

Casper is currently at a veterinarian specialist receiving the best of care.  He's been in an oxygen tank since the onset of his care, is on pain management, and has an IV as a precaution should his condition suddenly deteriorate but Casper is currently stable and the vets are guardedly optimistic. We will provide updates as we are informed of his status.  In the meantime, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

6/09/09 UPDATE:  
We are happy to report that Casper is showing that resiliency that only babies seem to have and is improving much faster than any of us could have hoped for. He's currently in foster care with a staff member and is getting better every day.  Despite his injuries, he's figured out a way to get around quite well and is getting into trouble like any other puppy.  As for house-training, Casper has been accident-free for a week now and definitely knows to do his "business" on the puppy pads!   He's eating well and loves to play with his foster's mom's 4 dogs and 3 cats. Casper also loves to "talk" and is quite a vocal little pup!
 
Surgery to repair Casper's broken leg will take place in the next week or two. Donations are still desperately needed to help cover the costs of care Casper has already received as well as for care that will be rendered to him in the weeks to come.  To everyone who has already contributed toward Casper's mounting vet bills and for everyone praying for him, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

6/24/09 Update:

Little Casper came through his surgery like a real trooper and, while he's not at all crazy about being restricted to his crate to prevent his undoing the vet's excellent work, he's doing quite well.  Keep watching the website for updates and for when Casper will be eligible for adoption.  To everyone who's contributed toward the cost of Casper's medical bills and to everyone who's kept him in their thoughts and prayers, a huge THANK YOU!