Steve has had very long and stressful days. Saturday he wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t eat. He had diarrhea and started peeing blood. He was rushed to Veazie for emergency vet care with a temperature of 103.9 degrees. He had x-rays taken and an ultrasound.
For those of you who haven’t followed Steve’s story, he was surrendered to The Ark a few months ago. He had no fur and a pretty bad skin infection. He had ear infections in both ears and a very bad eye from an old injury that was never tended to. He is now blind in that eye.
Steve, who is 8 years old, was not neutered. After months of medicated baths, antibiotics and meds for his ear, he grew healthy fur back and started to thrive. Last weekend was a major setback.
Steve — a little shih tzu mix — was surrendered to the Ark because the owner could not afford to get him the vet care he needed. (Courtesy of Lorraine Monfils)
The ultrasound showed Steve had a lot of fluid around his prostate which a neuter may help. He was put on probiotics and antibiotics. The x-rays were heartbreaking to see. At some point in his life Steve was shot three times with a BB gun. The pellets were very clear on the x-rays. How painful that must have been. My heart broke for this sweet little 14-pound boy. There was never any mention of this when he was surrendered. We would never have known if he hadn’t gotten sick.
Steve is scheduled for surgery Thursday morning to be neutered, have his eye removed and his teeth cleaned. This will only happen if his fever breaks and the antibiotics do their job. The neuter is key to helping his prostate.
If Steve had been neutered he probably wouldn’t be going through this. Something so simple but yet educating people about the importance of spay and neuter has become so difficult. Many people are in denial until something like this happens.
Steve has not had an easy life with all of these medical issues. We are committed to do everything in our power to make sure that changes for the better. He has a new home waiting for him no matter what the outcome may be. Someone who will love him and be there for him. Someone who can financially take care of him.
Despite all of the unfortunate circumstances Steve has had in his life he is the sweetest, happiest and gentle little boy you will ever meet. His tail wags are the best.
I have missed those tail wags the last two days. On the way home I sang “You are my sunshine” to him and I got half a tail wag and that brought tears of joy. No animal should ever have to go through any of this and no animal should ever be used for target practice.
Animals like Steve have no voice so until things change you will continue to hear our voices loud and clear. Steve is resting comfortably tonight and we will continue to keep you updated.
We have been given an estimate for his surgery which is $2,300. If you would like to donate toward Steve’s vet care, donations can be dropped off at the Hollywood Pet Salon or mailed to 70 Main St. Houlton Maine 04730.
Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located on 101 Old Woodstock Road. To contact Lorraine Monfils call 207-532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
