Hayley
Updated 9/30

I was found roaming the rural roads of Holmes County and taken to the Holmes County Animal Shelter. The wonderful people at the shelter were shocked and appalled at my condition. So much so that they immediately called the Holmes County Humane Society.

I was released after my legal stray time was up to the Holmes County Humane Society and taken to a local Vets office for evaluation.  Lucky for me the Humane Society had already called Harlequin Haven and my transport was being arranged. It was a long ride to the rescue but I knew all these wonderful people were doing more for me then my breeder/owner had ever done.

I am emaciated weighing 55 pounds and on top of that my left front leg is deformed. I do not remember what happened to my leg or if I was born this way but for as long as I can remember my leg looked like this. The rescue said that they will be taking me to an orthopedic surgeon soon to see what he recommends, but at this time they want me to focus on resting and gaining weight! I am being fed every few hours throughout the day so that I do not get too much food at any 1 meal and make myself sick. I love the attention I am getting as well. I still am very afraid of humans but I can tell they love me and soon I will trust them. All of this is so new to me, I had never seen the inside of a house nor had I had the kind and gentle touch I now receive. Life is good now!!!

Update May 21: Tomorrow I go see the Orthopedic Surgeon. I am scared but happy, soon decisions about my leg will be made.

Updated May 24: I went to see the Orthopedic Surgeon and the news was exactly what the rescue expected. My leg was due to a birth deformity and can not be repaired. The deformity is called Ectrodactyly or Lobster Claw and is a genetic defect. In my case the radius and the ulna did not attach and are separated from the elbow down giving my leg a flattened appearance. In most cases it does not happen this high on the leg. As I formed in my moms womb and the bones did not attach to each other my paw grew in part on each of the bones. I will have it amputated as soon as I have gained enough weight. The Orthopedic Surgeon gave an estimate of $1200 to do the surgery. When I have gained my weight and am healthy enough I will have x-rays to check my hips and then my surgery will be scheduled.

Updated June 1: I got weighed this morning I now weigh 71.6 pounds another 20 pounds and I should be ready for surgery!!

Update June 23: My appointment to have my leg amputated has been made. I am scheduled for June 30th. I still have not raised enough money to pay for my surgery and I only have a little over a week to raise it. I don't even have half yet, I know that money is tight for everyone but if you can spare just a few dollars I would greatly appreciate it.

Update June 30: My surgery has been postponed till July 14th. After much thought Grandma and the surgeon decided that I should wait to have my leg amputated. The surgeon is leaving on vacation tomorrow and they decided just in case there was a complication it was best that he still be in town. Grandma said she just wanted to be sure nothing went wrong and I had the best of everything!

Update July  8: Thanks to all that donated for my surgery!!! I can not thank you all enough for helping me!!

Update July 13: Oops I made a mistake. My surgery is not tomorrow but next Monday July 21.

Update July 23: Grandma said my surgery went as well as could be expected!!!  She thought I should rest but I told her I wanted to go play. 

Update July 25: I continue to recover from my surgery and am doing great! I can now run like the wind!!!  I would like to again thank everyone that donated to the rescue to make my surgery possible and the the Bedell family for the duckie. I have never had a toy of my very own before!!

Update August 10: My stitches have been removed and my appointment to be spayed has been set for Tuesday.  So it won't be long and I will be ready for adoption! I also want to thank the Bedell family for remembering my birthday!! I just love the new toys!!!

Update August 18: I am NOW ready for adoption!!! I just hope I find a very special home because everyone tells me I am very special!!

Update September 30: I just thought I would give you all a quick update. I am doing great minus the fact I have not found my forever home but Grandma says that is because I have issues trusting people especially strangers. Several people have came to look at me but they do not understand that I am not ready to trust all people and my special family will have to work with me to get me to trust! I also love to play catch, that is where people get to chase me to catch me and so far no one can catch me unless I want to be caught!! You people that think because I only have 3 legs that you can catch me are sooooo wrong!!

Please can you spare a few dollars to help the Rescue continue to help me and other Danes like me it would be greatly  appreciated. Without the rescue who knows where we would have ended up!!
Thanks, Hayley

Date of Birth: 8/2007       
Description: female, brindle, natural ears, left front leg amputated
HHGDR Suggests: Obedience Class
Good With: Dogs, Adults, Children, Cats