Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary Inc.

Wiggles was born with no front legs

Photo by Marc Golub Photography Cleveland OH

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Please view the slide show of some of our animals. CLICK IN THIS SPACE.

On March 2, 2013  I lost my younger brother Jimmy.  He was 51 years old and fell asleep never to wake again.  The loss is so great and feelings so deep it has been hard for me to concentrate on my dogs. I have no doubt that Jimmy crossed the bridge with his most beloved dog Founder.  If I did not believe this concept of the Rainbow Bridge I do not think I could go on....  R.I.P. my brother and friends please share with me a few photos.

Lorain Fire Department = Lorain Ohio

Jimmy and his best friend Founder Girl

Okinawa 1986 Navy Corpsman with the U.S.M.C.

WHEELO NEEDS BOTH REAR LEGS REMOVED 5/20/13

Wheelo came from Georgia 2 yrs ago.  She is now 3 yrs. old.  She showed up at the dog pound in GA already crippled.   She has no use of her rear legs.   She is strong and active, up and down stairs with the strength of her front legs. She has chronic open areas on her legs that she drags.  She cant even fit correctly in a wheel chair.   

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SHORT CLIP OF WHEELO ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please consider a donation !  We have so many animals in need and we are working on it one by one!

This is Lucy and she was going to be put to sleep

This is a wonderful and smart girl that needed help ....

Lucy was returned to rescue and after all the surgeries she had ....she needs to go to OSU hospital for a Teflon patch in the roof of her mouth.  SHE CAN NOT EAT RIGHT NOW AND IS QUICKLY BECOMING SKIN AND BONES.   BEGGING LIKE NO OTHER TIME.   WE ALL LOVE THIS GIRL AND WE MUST HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GET HER TO THE OHIO STATE VET CLINIC.    PLEASE DONATE FOR LUCY!

When I left Lucy at the vet it was midnight and I just picked her up from an emergency transport.  I got her from my van and as I handed her off to the technician I removed her collar.  It was a  pink "COACH" collar, real leather.

I said to my self .... Lucy you are such a lady.... I will hold this collar .... and when you are better ,... you are going to wear it home from here.... with all the dignity and grace you deserve...that's all she has in life is a Coach collar and a hope & prayer to survive.

Lucy came from a dog pound in West Virginia where her owner refused to come and claim her.  The volunteers noticed she could not close her mouth and was not eating well.  They took her to a vet and found out she had a wood stick wedged in the soft pallet.  The stick had been there a long time and caused the surrounding tissue to become necrotic. ( die ) The wood stick rotted in her sinus cavity and some of the bone was infected.  The WV vet did what he could with the money available.   He recommended euthanasia if she could not get advanced care right away. We made plans to take this dog on a Friday night at midnight.  Lucy was pulled from the pound but took a turn for the worse by not eating and unable to drink any longer.  The foster drizzled water in her mouth but we needed to move her here to Saint Francis right away.  

PRIOR TO SURGERY LUCY IS LAYING UPSIDE DOWN

YOU CAN SEE THE HOLES FROM THE WOOD STICK IN THE HARD PALLET ALONG WITH INFECTED TISSUE

In the above photo you can see the soft pallet with holes in it.  When I got her to the vet at midnight the van was filled with the smell of rotten flesh.  I could only think of her suffering.   She was so happy and wagged her tail as they took her to a kennel at midnight waiting for her surgery the next day. 

THIS IS POST OP. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF SURGERY

MANY TEETH THAT WERE INFECTED WERE REMOVED. THE HOLES WERE CLOSED AND DEAD TISSUE REMOVED

Lucy had her surgery Tuesday 7-24-12.  She is being kept in a coma like state, heavily sedated for now.  The vet passed a tube into her stomach to feed her today.  She is on antibiotics by I.V.s and we did a culture and sensitivity to make sure we are using the correct drug. She had some dead necrotic bone removed along with 8 teeth that were involved.  She may have a feeding tube inserted tomorrow to give the roof of her mouth time to heal.  PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR LUCY THIS IS HER ONLY SHOT AT A LIFE.  IF THE SURGERY DOES NOT WORK AND THE SKIN GRAFT FAILS... WELL LETS PRAY IT WORKS.

Doc Webb is 6 mo. old Jack Russell Terrier BLIND!

Born with NO eyes ( micro-opthalmia ) we got him from a dog pound where he could have been euthanize

LOOK AT ARTHUR!  BEFORE AND AFTER FEB 22,2013

FEB 2013

TUMORS GONE!

SUMMER 2012

WHEN HE CAME TO US FROM KY

ADOPTED 2013!!!

ARTHUR HAS A NEW HOME NOW !

15 YEAR OLD OWNER SURRENDER! 1-16-13

I have to get Big Boo vaccinated, heart worm checked and have the vet assess his need for an anti-inflammatory such as Rimadyl.  We may not get real aggressive but he has to have his mouth checked for dental disease.   ( so he is not in pain ) I can not charge any thing more at the vet.  PLEASE HELP WITH A DONATION!

SHELA - EPILEPTIC AND DEAF 1-1-13

Shela came from the Lorain County Dog Kennel ( dog pound )  and was pulled by another rescue.  I found her on Facebook posted because the other rescue wanted to find a special needs rescue to taker her.   They found out she was having severe seizures and was listed as blind or partially blind.  I saw people asking about her up in the Maine / New Hampshire area.   When I found out she was at the same boarding kennel I use I went to see her.   We took her into rescue and brought her home.   She had Phenobarbital levels checked at our vet.  Because of her size ( a little on the fat size ) we also had her thyroid checked.   Thyroid was normal but she remains on Phenabarb.   We also found out she is DEAF not blind.   That is why it seemed like she did not have a good orientation to her surroundings.  

Shela needs monitoring of blood work for Phenobarbital levels.  She receives medication 2 times a day.  Her medication is adjusted based on the blood work.

UPDATE: THIS IS THE SURGICAL SCAR LEFT AFTER MASS

REMOVAL. THE MASS WAS SENT AWAY FOR BIOPSEY

PLEASE DONATE!!!!

Skeeter came from Southern Ohio.  He was rescued as a puppy and then it was determined he was incontinent of urine and stool.  This cute little bug was taken to a vet and x-rays showed he was missing his entire lower spine and tail.   He does have a constipation problem and is on medication probably for the rest of his life.  We took him into rescue when we were contacted by the group that pulled him from a bad situation.   Skeeter went to the vet and is now up to date on all of his vaccinations, neutered and his medication has been adjusted.   Skeeter is 9 pounds and most likely the product of back yard breeders trying to get a "designer dog".  Thus over breeding is what we think caused his medical condition. 

How cute is that underbite????

We need help!  Rufus needs a tail amputation, antibiotics, dental work for the fractured and broken teeth.  No idea what is going to be done with is torn ear.  He needs to be neutered and we had him heart worm checked.  We are a 501(c)3 non profit.  Donations are tax deductible. Donations for Rufus may also be made by credit card to Avon Lake Animal Clinic at 440-933-5297    or U.S. mail to Saint Francis 12516 Cherry Rd Vermilion OH 44089

Father Misenko adopted Bobby Lee

Bobby Lee now has 450 students that know who he is! THIS IS ONE LUCKY DOG!!

Pee Wee a.k.a. Bobby Lee

We were asked to take a dog with a "severely broken leg".  Skittles had been at a pound in central Ohio for 4 days.  I knew the 4th. of July was coming up and did not want her to sit alone in pain during the holiday.   I told the dog warden on the phone "if you can get this dog to my vet today before 1:00PM I will take her".   The dog warden himself put this dog in his car and drove her to Avon Lake Animal Clinic.  Within 4 hr. of talking to the warden this dog was in surgery and received her amputation.  

Sittles bill was $ 1,686.95   This dog will now be able to live a normal life and find a wonderful home someday.  Please help us with her vet bill.   We are a 501(c)3 non profit special needs rescue group. Credit card donations to 440-933-5297

THIS DOG CAME FROM KENTUCKY

THNAK GOD A SHELTER VOLUNTEER FOUND HIM IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY

HERE IS A FACE CHILLING IN THE AIR CONDITIONER

THIS BOY CANT BE MORE THEN 2 YEARS OLD ... WERE GOING TO FIX HIM UP.

Please help with a donation.  I just cant help but wonder what this dog thought or felt ...left in this condition tied to fence in 104 degrees .... poor soul.  we are a 501(c)3 non profit rescue and donations are tax deductible. credit card donations may be called to Avon Lake Animal Clinic 440-933-5297 U.S. mail 12516 Cherry Rd Vermilion OH 44089

The large tumor on Arthur's back was so heavy and hung so low it looked like it was on the bottom.   All tuomors removed now and he feels so much better.

Elsa is Missy's bonded friend for life.

Elsa will sit near Missy and clean her tears away for hours as if she knows it hurts.

Missy always looks like she is crying

Those are real tears because her eye lids are inverted and each blink is painful.

6-21-12  Missy is having her upper and lower lids done so she will not be in pain any longer. Elsa is have life saving surgery for heavy metal toxcitiy, xray shows she has injested some long pieces of metal.  Heart worm treatment is on hold right now.

Roho sitting in the sand while in Florida

You can see her crippled legs

Roro sitting with her legs in bandages.

This is Roho a sweet loving innocent girl.

Here is the shocker.  That man must have left her sit since her accident.  This is a tunneled decubitis ulcer ( bed sore ) between her legs.  This is where the pressure was great for long periods of time that interfered with circulatory blood flow causing tissue death.

This tunneled decubitis ulcer ( pressure sore )

is so large you could place a grapefruit inside. That is the size of the cavity between her legs..

UPDATE: JUNE 17, 2012

THANK YOU ! ROHO (RED) HAS HER WHEEL CHAIR TO GET THE PRESSURE OFF OF HER REAR AREA. SHE IS LEARNING

UPDATE JUNE 17, 2012

ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS "GOOD NURSING CARE" LOOK AT THE WOUND NOW!

Above all we need a prayer for Roho.  I will do everything humanly possible for this girls recovery.  I am begging for you to please help with a donation.  We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible. She can have a good life.....

Sandy was so happy to sit in the air conditioner

This is the tumor on her lower jaw.

Here is how it all happens. I woke up at 1:00AM turned on the iPad and saw this girl looking at me.   I sent an email to a group of friends at that pound in Central Ohio.  She was put on the transport the next morning and I picked her up in Cleveland at 4:00PM.  Sandy went right to the vet from the transport.  I took a couple of photos with the cell phone.  While taking the photos at one point Sandy just seem to collapse in my arms.  The stress of the dog pound and the heat of the day just got to her.  Once in the cool of the air conditioned car she fell right asleep.

Sandy just seem to collapse in my hands

I like to think she felt "safe" and knew she was going to be cared for now.

Sandy sat in the front seat of the car

This is her name take from the pound and on her transport "SANDY" on her collar

WE DID THIS FAST! HERE SHE IS 1 DAY LATER!

SANDY CAME INTO RESCUE YESTERDAY AND SURGERY IS DONE TODAY.

Sandy almost got put to sleep.  This loving Yellow Lab girl deserves a chance in life.  WE feels her tumor is cancer.  We are taking the tumor off 5-25-12 and sending it for biopsy.  If it comes back cancer the vet will then remove the bottom of the jaw between the 2 canine teeth.  please help with a donation. We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.   UPDATE 5-25-12  SANDY CAME INTO RESCUE YESTERDAY 5-24 AND HAD HER TUMOR REMOVED TODAY.   THE VET FEELS IT IS CANCER SO THE SPECIMEN WAS SENT AWAY.  SHE WILL STAY AT THE VET CLINIC WAITING FOR THE RESULTS.  IF  THIS IS CANCER WE WILL HAVE TO BE A LITTLE MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH THE SURGERY AND PART OF HER BOTTOM JAW WILL BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO SAVE HER LIFE. PLEASE HELP.....

LOOK AT THE DOG IN THE BACK GROUND!5-12-12

Bobby is the black and white collie in the back gr

THE BLACK CHOW IN THIS PHOTO WAS ADOPTED 5-28-12

This is Bobby.  He was in the background photo of a dog we were taking from Kentucky.  I saw him in the kennel and just knew we were not going to let him die either.  He was due to get euthanized the next morning at 8 AM.  Bobby came along with the black Chow we were pulling also due to die the next day.  They came home to Vermilion and went to our vet in Avon Lake.   Bobby was heart worm neg. 1 yr. old and neutered.  He had a good bath and after 5 days we took him to the boarding facility until a spot opened up at Saint Francis.  Very sad news Bobby came down with a strong strain of parvo and is fighting for his life right now. He is on several antibiotics all given I.V. we are having a hard time keeping his temp. down and he is in isolation with blood work done about 3 times a day.  This sweet and innocent dog just a baby was given a second chance to have a life and escape the gas chamber.  He is such a love now fighting for his life.  We need prayers folks and donations because its just not fair to let him die this way.  Donations can be made by going to our web site www.saintfrancisanimalsanctuary.org or mail. 12516 Cherry Rd. Vermilion OH 44089 or by calling in a credit card to the Avon Lake Animal
Clinic 440-933-5297.  We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.                              email mparke11@aol.com or call 440-967-3610

Bobbby passed away

alone in the middle of the night . at the vet clinic he went home..... RIP

I have told the vet to do everything under the sun to save this dog.  Please help with a donation.  SADLY - ALONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT HE WENT HOME..... R.I.P. BOBBY YOUR TORMENT ON THIS EARTH IS OVER...

Angel has been with us for years

she is a Bull Dog Pit mix from came from Missouri

Out of the clear blue last week Angel our Pit / Bull dog mix from Missouri developed a sore on her one good front leg.  The sore became so bad in a matter of a few days I could not believe it.  The worst news came true.  This sore is cancer and we can not remove the leg.  She uses that leg as a primary weight bearing leg for her body.  The tumor was removed yesterday 4-27-12/ The vet clinic said Angel is doing fine.... we could use donations to help cover her medical care at the vet.  Please consider a donation. 

She was in severe pain.

You can see the hole the infection left as it came through her face.

Dove in ICU / isolation with IVs going. 2/20/12

 UPDATE 2/21/12  This dog now named "Dove" has been at the vet since she went in for her mouth infection.  She had dental work and the infection cleared up very well.  We actually had 2 homes for her one in Chicago and one in Canada.  That does not happen too ofter when you have a place for a dog to go before they are even out of the hospital.  We had her spayed while in the clinic for her face surgery.   The vet found a tumor on her spleen.  He feels it is cancer and removed the spleen.  She was getting better from the spay and spleen surgery when she picked up some kind of respiratory infection (not kennel cough ) Her WBC  ( white blood cell ) count was very high and she stopped eating.  They had to keep her on IVs and feed her chicken to get her meds in.   Now severe cage aggression is noted.  She will charge the front of the cage if you even come in sight of her.   Her adoption is on hold at this time.... and the poor girl is coming home to Saint Francis.  We are going to try to work with her and see if we can stop the agression.   Her vet bill is well over $3,000.00, one thing led to another. 

This dog had surgery Monday 2-6-12  we need help with donations to cover her medical bills.  Please consider a donation !  Thank You

2 BROTHERS RE-UNITED!1-28-12

Frankie is on the left and Vinnie is on the right.

Just look at these two brothers reunited again after months. They spent their entire life together

The Animal Control Officer found Vinnie's brother in KY and contacted us.   Please look at the photo of Vinnie when we first got him.  He and his brother Frankie were kept in a small pen outside in KY.  They were not neutered and never received any vet care of any kind.   We got Vinnie back in October but his brother Frankie took off into the woods and they could not catch him.  Vinnie was strong HEART WORM POSITIVE. We had him treated for heart worms then a month later he was neutered.  Sad news is.... Frankie was tested and is STRONG HEART WORM POSITIVE.  Now he needs to be treated also.  Just look at these two brothers that are so happy and playful I had a hard time getting them together for a photo!   Please help us get Frankie treated.

Please consider a donation to help Frankie get his heart worm treatment. Vinnie ( his brother ) has already been treated for heart worms.

VINNIE FROM KENTUCKY!10/20/11

Original photo from sent from Kentucky

Vinnie was left to starve and his kennel mate ( brother ) is on the run in KY. WE will take him too when and if the catch him. Vinnie is at our vet right now. His teeth are gone to the gum line from being in a kennel trying to get out. He has a tumor on his side and severe dermatitis from fleas with open sores and missing hair. This happy go lucky pup was so thankful for a dish of food when he came his tail never stopped.

Please help with a donation! We are experiencing very urgent medical cases now.  Please help these special needs dogs.

2 DOGS RAN OVER WITH HAY MOWER1-9-12

Deacon lost his left leg in the mower accident.

Hero missing front leg torn away in an accident

6-17-12 DEACON WITH HIS NEW MOM !

DEACON THE 3 LEGGED DOG HAS FOUND A HOME. THANK YOU!

Please consider a donation for Hero and Deacon.  They have had a hard life in the short time they have been alive.  We are a 501(c)3 non profit group and donations are tax deductible.

Chihuahua rescue Ohio 11-18-11

Sonny spent his first week with us at the vet.

He is on antibiotics and had several medicated baths. He has hair loss and itching all over.

Sonny has hair loss with open draining areas.

He had no chance of adoption while in a dog pound in Ohio. We took him home!

UPDATE :   THIS POOR DOG HAD AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO HIS ANTIBIOTICS.   HE WAS RETURNED TO THE VET FOR DAYS WHERE HE RECEIVED MEDICATED BATHS TO HELP THE SKIN CONDITION AND AFTER THE MEDS FOR HIS REACTION HE WAS PLACED ON NEW ANTIBIOTICS.  HE IS BACK HOME NOW.

Sonny had no chance of getting out alive.  He has open areas that are draining and hair loss.  He is always scratching.  He spent several days at the vet and received  skin scraping, blood work, medicated baths, antibiotics. Lets give him a chance at a normal life someday.  Donations needed to pay for his medical care. Thank you.

Sonny in Intensive Care with IVs / O2

UPDATE ON CHIHUAHUA DOG : 3-7-12

Sonny was real sick.  He was having a hard time breathing.  We took him to the vet where he was put in I.C.U. on I.V.s and antibiotics.   A chest - X ray showed pneumonia bi lateral.  HE COULD NOT BREATH so he was placed on oxygen and a warm saline mist vaporizer. The staff had to clap on his chest several times a day to loosen up his congestion. Blood work was done and a culture and sensitivity showed he had several kinds of bacteria.   Sonny almost died.   When I got the bill .... I almost died.  His bill for this episode was over $2,000.00!   PLEASE HELP!

MOM AND BABIES ARE ALL ADOPTED.

THEY ALL WENT TO WONDERFUL HOMES.

Black male with white pads on all of his feet

His eyes opened up today for the first time 11-22-11

Female white pup with black pads on her feet

eyes opened today 11-22-11

PLEASE email  mparke11@aol.com if you are interested in adoption of the mom or pups. The adoption application is on this web site.

The shoe box mom and pups were adopted.

They all went to wonderful homes and mom was spayed. This black pup went to New York ! Look at him.

Arnold was a 6 pound Chihuahua from central Ohio where he was rescued from a dog pound.  He had a large - ugly tumor on his side and that is the main reason we took him.  He went right to the vet where he had a few days before his scheduled surgery.  Last Friday he was scheduled to have the tumor removed and at 5:00AM  he started to have violent major seizures.  The vet treated him with injections of Valium and started him on Phenabarb after witnessing the awful seizures.  He did not have surgery.  This past weekend his respiratory status took a turn for the worse.  He was given state of the art medical care with 24 hr. surveillance.  He had blood work and X Rays  to see if the tumor could be safely removed. 

If all you knew was the above story about Arnold you may ask yourself .... as sick as he was WHY did you keep him alive?  Here is the rest of the story:   The day I took Arnold to the vet which was 5 days prior to his death, he bit me.  He had came from central Ohio with NO vaccination history of Rabies.  Day 3 after the bite when Arnold started to have violent seizures we started to worry.  Neurological signs / symptoms of Rabies include seizure activity. 

Clinical signs (primary most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Abnormal behavior, aggression, disorientation, seizures, ascending paralysis, vocalization changes (caused by paralysis of the larynx).

Clinical signs (secondary most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Fever, hypersalivation, death in 7-10 days from the onset of clinical signs

Sadly Arnold passed away before 10 days of quarantine.  The vet had to remove his little head and send it to the Department of Health in Columbus Ohio.   This had to be done to determine if he had rabies.  This was a very tense 36 hrs. of waiting.  Arnold did not have Rabies and his little body will rest at Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary, When a dog dies..... an angel dog barks in heaven. Run free and fly with your wings Arnold.  You will never know pain again.  Until we meet at the bridge.....  I know your  is in a better place. Arnold's medical bill is well over $1,000.00   after our rescue discount we owe $975.00   for his care.  Please consider a donation.

Miss Muffit getting a life saving blood transfusion from a Pit Bull "Flower"

Miss Muffet is what some folks call a "hunch back" if she were human.  She is 5 y.o. and almost died this week.  A Pit Bull from another rescue gave her a unit of blood.  Her glucose was so low the machine would not read it.  ( most likely in the teens ).  The vet feels it is an auto immune response in her body and we are treating her with several Rx. drugs and Rx. food right now. Her bill was over $1,500.00 and that includes the re-visit with additional blood work and Rx. meds ( $225.99 )  She is holding her own now and this may never happen again.  

We are in need of donations for Muffit. Please help!   We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

CHANCE IS A JOY TO HAVE HERE

THIS IS THE MOST LOVEABLE DOG IN THE WORLD

CHANCE IS A YOUNG PIT MIX

HE WAS BORN WITH DISFIGURED FRONT LEGS

Oh my God do you love this boy or what???

He waits for me to feed the other dogs and watches every move! I got the photo with the cell phone.

ELVIS HAD THE TRAP ON HIS REAR LEG FOR 2 WEEKS

HE CHEWED THE LEG AT THE LEVEL OF THE TRAP. POOR DOG!

ELVIS IS A YOUNG ADULT WITH A STRONGWILL TO LIVE.

HE SEEMS TO BE A BASSITT / BEAGLE MIX WITH EXTRA LONG EARS!

Elvis was so scared when he was in the woods alone

The vet techs at the clinic said he was starting to trust them and said he was just scared. poor dog

UPDATE 8-20-11:

Surgery was 8/19/11 things went well for Elvis.

Elvis was up walking around just 6 hr. after surgery. He had his chewed off leg amputated.

Elvis needs a surgical amputation to get him ready for a new home and new life!  Estimate given is between $1,400.00  and  $1,600.00  Please help us save Elvis while we try to ease the agonizing and painful memory of his ordeal.  THANK YOU! CREDIT CARD DONATIONS MAY BE CALLED IN TO 440-933-5297  THANK YOU.

Breeze at age 1 year old.

Breeze baby photo!

Breeze is a 1 yr old Lab girl that was born without front arms.  She gets along fine like this however she is now having a problem with her longer paw.  When she lands down on her chest she has caused a repetitive trauma called a "seroma".  This is a fluid filled sack on that paw.   We contacted Leimkuehler' Orthotic & Prosthetic Center Inc.  Amherst Ohio.   William Leimkuehler developed a hard rubber stump holder ( for lack of another word) which fits on her one stump.

PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO SAINT FRANCIS ANIMAL SANCTUARY FOR BREEZE AND ALL THE SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS THAT WE CARE FOR. THANK YOU.  DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

DUKE BLIND / CUT OFF TAIL8/8/11

Duke is a 5 y.o. pure Yellow Lab boy.  He is blind and someone has cut off his tail.  WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD CUT (DOCK ) A YELLOW LAB'S TAIL?  CRAZY!!   He is such a good boy...  we took him to the vet and got his dew claws removed during a neuter.  He has dental work to clean and remove a few bad teeth.   Heart worm negative and RABIES, DHLPP, BORDATELLA ( KENNEL COUGH) VACCINATIONS. He is now micro chipped.   This boy came from Kentucky where he was put in a dog pound as a stray.  This dog was a house dog I have no doubt ... he is clean and fresh white...  not a barker and loves to walk on a leash... and that fat lab rear end wags and wags when he hears you say his name... Duke!  Duke is up for adoption right now.... come and take a look.  440-967-3610 

CHIHUAHUA LEFT IN THE WOODS 7*21*11

THIS IS THE GREEN NUMBS HE HAS FOR TEETH

THEY ARE INFECTED AND WILL BE REMOV ED BY THE VET TOMORROW 7*22*11

This dog is an unaltered male that has had NO vet care that we can see.   His vet bill will be over $700.00.  All his teeth are being pulled as  we are not able to save any.  He is on antibiotics and will be neutered at the time of his dental. Please help with a donation.  We did not plan on taking him but he was headed to the pound if we did not. He is at the vet tonight 7-21-11 for necessary medical care.  He was most likely kept in a cage thus he has urine scalds on the both rear legs.  Lets give him a chance at a good life.

CHOPPER IS ADOPTED.... THANK YOU!

Soft ball size tumor on front leg

same side as rear leg amputation. NOT GOOD.

SAD******SAD*******SAD********

Nanna's missing her rear leg

Nanna is so happy to be free from her cage.

She rolls in the grass and loves to just lay around.

Nanna is at the vet right now.  She is having the tumor removed as she is starting to "chew" the area.  We are trying to save this leg as she only has 3 to begin with.  She is such a happy girl and we want to give her a chance in life to just lay around and not have any more litters of babies to worry about.  She deserves to be happy for once in her life.  Her life that have been unkind and cruel to her so far!

PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO HELP NANNA.  WE JUST WANT TO MAKE HER LIFE A LITTLE COMFORTABLE AFTER THE AWFUL THINGS SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN IN LIFE. SHE IS SUCH A HAPPY GIRL.

JACKSON 5 POUND CHIHUAHUA

Who would shoot a 5 pound dog with a BB gun?  It takes a BIG MAN to do that ! Please consider a donation Heart worm treatment already done.

LITTLE SUSIE BIG PROBLEMS7-6-11

This photo is after her second surgery on the ear.

Her ear may not ever look normal but at least she will be pain free.

Susie was so happy to be out of the dog pound

she enjoyed sleeping on her bed with a sheet to comfort her wounds

It was the sweet look on Susie's face that made us pull her.  She is a wonderful and smart dog.  She has a awful case of mange with bacterial skin infections and an ear infection. She has had drains and surgery on the ear.  Her vet bill is over $1,000.00  she remains at the vet tonight after almost 3 weeks in the clinic.  Please consider a donation to help Saint Francis pay for her medical care.

TAZ BEFORE AND AFTER 6/23/11

ADOPTED!

THIS IS WILLIE AT THE DOG POUND (VERY SAD)

HE JUST LOOKS LIKE HE HAS GIVEN UP ON ALL HOPE!

Willy 5 y.o. white long hair German Shepherd Dog

Willy a 5 y.o. white GSD with long hair.   Beautiful !    It took 4 hr. of grooming by 2 people to get this boy looking like a star!  Willy had a heart worm check and we discovered he was heart worm positive.  Poor Willy came from a hording situation in central Ohio now this.... but that is not where the bad news stops.  We took an X ray of Willy's  crippled front left leg to make sure it was not a fracture or tumor.   The radiologist said it was a birth defect.  We fround out from the X ray that Willy had been shot by a bee bee gun.  WHO WOULD SHOOT A CRIPPLED DOG???  Willy had his heart worm treatment and is still at the vet.   He is a large dog at almost 85 pounds.   The heart worm treatment will be hundreds of dollars along with the xray and blood work Willy's medical bills are over $1,000.00 

We did everything we could to get Willy from a hording situation and a dog pound to a wonderful family someday.  Please consider a donation for his medical bills.

This little dog named Andy is only about 1 to 1 1/2  yr. old.  He came from Newport TN where he was picked up as a stray by animal control.  How anyone could own him and not take him to the vet as they watched this horrid tumor mass grow on his ear?   He is safe now and going to the vet tomorrow. ( 4-4-11 )  He will not have surgery until the end of the week and we are asking for donations to cover his medical bill.  We have no idea what his heart worm status is and he is an unaltered male.  I doubt anyone took this baby to the vet in his life.  All that is about to change now.   Watch for updates and say a prayer for Andy.  Most likely he will have his ear removed along with the tumor. 

This large tumor will be removed this week.

We think he will also have his ear removed along with the tumor.

ANDY HAD SURGERY 4-8-11

HE CAME THROUGH LIKE A TROOPER! PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO HELP WITH MEDICAL EXPENSES

Please consider a donation for Andy.  We need to collect $750.00 to $800.00  for his ear removal.

PLEASE HELP MATILDA!

Matilda and Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary would like to Thank You!   March 26, 2011  Matilda came from the Lorain County Dog Pound.   She had been there awhile and the dog warden contacted me to take her because she was such a nice dog. No one wanted to adopt her.  Her first day here we discovered she could not open her mouth.  With no history and starting at ground zero we started doing research and testing.  We sedated her to do x-rays and the vet did a physical exam.  Her jaws were closed and we could not pry them open.  X-rays were sent to an orthopedic   specialist.  No acute trauma was found but recommended an MRI.   Blood work and biopsies were sent to Dr. Sheldon in California to rule out Masticatory Muscle Myositis, (Eosinophilic Myositis the results were negative.  I was feeding her 8 Cesar tubs of Duck and a can of Rx. ID dog food mixed up together per day.  Matilda was losing weight  if she had any chance to lead a normal life we had to get her to Ohio State University.  I posted a request for donations to my web site and the news paper contacted me about doing a story on her.   The next thing I know Fox 8 in Cleveland called to do a story on her.   With all the media coverage the original owners of Matilda  saw the story and contacted me.  The dog belonged to their mother who passed away in 2008.  Matilda lived with her dog mother a Black Lab and step children in Elyria.  When the children were asked to move they let Matilda go loose last Fall.  That is how I got her from the dog pound.  Matilda’s name was “ Piggy” and I was told she was born in Ft. Lauderdale Florida in June 1998. ( Yes almost 13 years ago ).  I was also told when she was 5 days old a table fell on her head the subsequent injuries resulted in both jaws being fractured. She was taken to a vet at 5 days old and the owner was told she would only live a day or two at the most. Her owner fed her with an eye dropper and she made it.  Her jaws fused closed over the developmental years and eventually fused shut for the rest of her life.  Matilda has compensated with her tong moving food in her mouth that is pushed between her lips.  We spent 5 hours at the Ohio State Vet Clinic.  They actually filmed the exam for further teaching of veterinary students. More tests were done and blood work, urine analysis, x-rays etc. were all reviewed again and again.  Dr. Dyce said Matilda’s face muscles have atrophied away to nothing.  She would never be able to eat even if the jaws were corrected. The only procedure that could be done is removing her bottom jaw so she could use her tong to eat.  He did not recommend this and I would not put her through this.  He said if she was young we would have had more options.  They also told me her missing eye is most likely  a result of the same injury that fused her jaws.  Dr. Dyce told me to put her on DRY dog food with small kibbles.  Matilda is now eating very well Iams dog food small kibble.  That is how she survived all these years.    Matilda will live with us the rest of her life and her needs will be taken care of and she will want for nothing!  God Bless

Matilda missing rt. eye with much muscle atrophy

No idea at this point if trauma cause her missing eye and locked closed jaws

I received a phone call from the dog warden at Lorain County Dog Pound.  He asked me to take this Shar Pei mix with one eye because she had been there for awhile and was a nice dog.  He did not want to put her down.   The vet for the pound also offered a free spay and heart worm check.   I took her and found out she was already spayed when they checked her abdominal area.    Heart worm negative OK ready for adoption!   While walking her on her first day here I fell in love with this girl.  Wonderful on a leash, not a barker and the kind of dog you just want to be around.   Her second day here someone came to adopt a dog and I showed them over 10 dogs.  They fell in love with Matilda this one eyed beauty.   The people filled out the micro chip information form.  I told them I just had her heart worm checked the day before and I would give her a Heartguard heart worm chew pill and she would be set for the next month.  Matilda could not chew the pill.  She could not hold it in her mouth and it fell to the ground.   Matilda tried to eat it by pushing it into the ground with her mouth.  We all said "what is going on here she can not open her mouth"?

Matilda asleep at the vet for exam and X-Ray

I did not go through with the adoption and took Matilda to the vet the next day.  They sedated her so the vet could examine her mouth.  While she was asleep we both tried to manually open her mouth.   The jaw are locked in the closed position and would not open even 1/2 an inch.  X-Rays were taken while she was asleep.   The X-Rays showed nothing exceptional they were sent to a specialist for an opinion.  We need to take her to Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio. She will need a CT scan or MRI.   We will need at least $1,250.00   as the MRI is close to a $1,000.00  by itself. If this dog has an emesis ( vomits ) she will die and it is just that simple.  She can not open her mouth at all. 

We think Matilda's locked jaws and missing eye are from trauma.  Some where in her life she may have experienced horror beyond belief.  Right now she CAN NOT OPEN HER MOUTH, BARK, PANT, OR EAT AND DRINK LIKE A DOG.  IF MATILDA VOMITS SHE WILL DIE.  PLEASE HELP US GET MATILDA TO OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOR HELP.  PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION.

ANNA aka:  ANNA BANANA ! 3-12-11

ANNA is a Boston Terrier mix that came from Tennessee.  We have no idea what happened to her because the lady that owned her said she was already paralyzed when she took her a few years ago.  The owner was moving and could not keep her any longer.   Anna was taken to a shelter in TN where we found her.   Anna has no use of her rear legs.  She has to have her bladder expressed a few times a day in order to urinate.  Because of her paralysis she has no feeling to urinate.  This little sweet heart came with a wheel chair but it did not fit the way it should and caused pressure on her back.  It had no harness just a strap around her girth.   We took several wheel chair parts we had here at Saint Francis and put them together.  We try to only use wheel chairs from Doggon  Wheels!   www.doggon.com   We love Anna and she is ruling the kitchen with a iron paw! 

WHAT A WONDERFUL DOG !

GRUNT IS LOOKING FOR A RETIREMENT HOME!

WE NEED HELP ON THIS ONE!

LISA WAS SAVED WITHIN HOURS OF THE FLOOD

SHE WAS SICK AND WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SWIM TO SAVE HER LIFE.

Strange coincident or what?   You be the judge.   I received an email on Saturday Feb. 26 th. regarding an old black dog at Morrow County Dog Pound in Mt. Gillied OH.   She had been hit by a car and had a rear leg swelling that seem to have gotten better on some medication they gave her.  Fact:  an old black dog at a rural dog pound has little to no chance of making it out alive.  Sunday 27th. we went to the dog pound located in the middle of the Morrow County fair grounds.   This is very rural Ohio.   We took Lisa who was as they said in the email, old and black.   The faces of those being left behind haunts a rescue person.  You see them crying and you hear them wanting to go with you.   So you take the one you came for and go on your way.  

The next morning Monday Feb. 28,  I woke as I usually do looking at my cell phone for the correct time.  I opened my email for a quick look and the first email had " Morrow County"  in the subject area.   Hours after I was there to save Lisa the old black dog, they had a flood.  The fair grounds completely flooded and thus the dog pound.   The small dogs in cages were drowned.  They could not even try to swim while locked in their cages.   The big dogs could swim for their lives. 

Lisa would never have make it out alive.  She was very sick.   Lisa had a ruptured uterus ( pyometra )  and was already septic.  The infection was so bad she had stopped eating and drinking.   Her temperature was sky high and her blood work a mess. Lisa could never have kept herself afloat much less swim for hours. 

Why did I go to a dog pound 3 counties below mine when I have never been there ever!  Lisa is alive and still at the vet clinic.  She had emergency surgery and IV antibiotics.   Lisa is going to be OK.   I just can not imagine the pain she was in.   I cried for the faces I saw in the pound just about 12 hr. before that were silenced for what ever reason too soon.  

Lisa was covered in burrs from being on her own.

She is not as old as they thought she was just very sick and looked old.

Lisa has been at the vet clinic recovering from her emergency surgery for a week now.   She is better and coming home soon.   Lisa's vet bill is $1,250.00  please help by making a tax deductible donation.

Rosco is up for adoption at this time.

He gets along with all other dogs and is easy going.

Rosco's eyes are surgically closed

He is learning to walk and smell to get around after his sudden blindness

THESE TWO BABIES WERE MARKED "BLIND"

WE THINK THEY EACH CAN SEE OUT OF ONE EYE AND THEY SEEM TO BE BLIND IN ONLY ONE EYE.

These 2 babies are about 12 weeks old.  They were tested for everything under the sun.  They had liquid diarrhea !   They came from Tennessee where they were taken to a dog pound because they were unadaptable.   How crazy..... these babies are lovable and precious!  Please email to find out more. mparke11@aol.com  The adoption fee is $200.00  THEY WILL BE SPAYED / NEUTERED, MICRO CHIPPED,  VACCINATED ( DHPP, BORDETELLA , RABIES )  WORMED.  The tiny girl has dew claws that will be removed at the time of the spay. 

The 2 babies you see in the photos above almost died due to diarrhea.  They were dehydrated and could not keep anything down.  They were taken to the vet where they spent days trying to figure out why.  We tested for everything and it all came back negative.  Once placed on antibiotics and re-hydrated they are now 100%.  The vet bill was over $500.00  Please consider a donation to help Saint Francis care for little ones like this.

Q-Tip is a 8 pound Chihuahua

He is on medication now for seizure activity.

Q-Tip is an owner surrender from Lorain OH.  We were told he has seizures and they did not have the funds to take him to the vet.  Q-Tip was not neutered and had no vaccinations.  He was never on heart worm prevention.   We took him to the vet where he was neutered, vaccinated, micro chipped and heart worm checked.  We did not see any sign of seizure activity.  We wanted to take a wait and see approach as to the intensity, duration and frequency of the seizures if he did have any.   This past Sunday night 2-6-11  Q-Tip fell off of my computer chair in the most violent seizure I have ever seen.  His head arched backward all the way almost touching his back.  His mouth was in a growling motion and he salivated. All 4 of his legs were running as fast as he could and his body was trembling and thumping on the floor.  This happened several times Sunday night and Monday morning he was started on Phenobarbital and Valium. I have not seen any more seizure activity and it has been a few days now.  We will follow up with blood work and monitor the levels of medication.  Poor little Q-Tip!

Daisy is a rescue from Florida

Her story is on this page a couple of paragraphs down.

I gave Daisy the insulin dose of 30 IU and fed her as normal.  When she vomited and I saw we lost her entire food for the feeding I noticed partially digested cantaloupe rhine.   She became weak and I did a blood sugar which was 27.  THAT IS NOT GOOD FOLKS!   Off to the vet she went for tests.  We found out from x rays and blood work Daisy was headed to surgery.   The vet had to stabilize her blood sugar and then after a few hours into surgery she went. The vet recovered 2 pieces of rhine that were lodged in the small intestine.  Daisy could not eat for a few days after surgery because her bowel surgery.  Her blood sugar  was being done several times a day and a glucose I.V. was used for low blood sugar levels.  Her insulin was adjusted up and down for days.  Food was slowly introduced and insulin / sugar monitored.   Daisy is doing fine right now and still at the vet.  

Daisy's surgery was a shocking $1,998.00 to save her life.  (This was after our rescue discount)  EMERGENCY ADMIT, LAB WORK, BARIUM SWALLOW X RAYS, GLUCOSE TESTING, I.Vs , INSULIN AND RX. FOOD.  EMERGENCY SURGERY.   PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO HELP US.  GUS ( STORY BELOW ) WHO ATE A JINGLE BELL AND DAISY HAVE COST US ALMOST $4,000.00  AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO PAY FOR WINTER HEATING FUEL.  PLEASE HELP....

Jagger is a large German Shepherd Dog

He will listen to any commands given to him.

jagger's tumor is connected above the right eye.

The tumor is very vascular with a good blood supply. The tumor feels hot.

Jagger's back is missing a large area of hair.

Most likely flea problems. This dog has been totally neglected.

Jagger's owner told the pound he was 13 years old.  I think when people take dogs to be killed in the most awful way they make up stories to make them-self feel better.   Obviously not taken to a vet in a while with a tumor like that on his face.  We will find out if he is heart worm positive also.  This dog is not 13 y.o. I know German Shepherds and he looks to be a purebred.  His teeth are extremely clean and white almost tarter free.  His eyes are clear and I do not see signs of cataracts.  His hips seem to be fine as he can run and walk with no sign of problems. 

Please consider a donation to help with the medical cost of getting this neglected dog medical care.  Donations are tax deductible we are a 501(c)3 non profit group.  Credit card donations may also be called in to Avon Lake Animal Clinic 440-933-5297  c/o Jagger.  Thank you.

GUS ATE A JUNGLE BELL! 

Gus has no eyes and his teeth have been filed off

Gus is a rescue from New York, NY.  He was going to be a "BAIT DOG".  He has NO EYES AND SOMEONE HAS FILED HIS TEETH OFF TO THE GUM LINE.  So when he was thrown in to the Pit Bulls he would not be able  defend him self.   His story is listed on this web page toward the bottom.  Gus lost several pounds in the past few months.  He vomited and would not eat yesterday ( Jan. 3, 2011 )  We took him right to the vet.   Blood work, x rays and assessment were done.  When the vet called and said he ate a JINGLE BELL I thought he was kidding.   HE WAS NOT! 

HERE IT IS !!!!

IT STILL HAS THE HARLEY DAVIDSON RIBBON ATTACHED !!!!

THE VET COULD TELL IS WAS A JINGLE BELL

FROM THIS XRAY TAKEN AFTER AN EMERGENCY ADMISSION 1/3/11

Emergency admission, x rays, blood work and surgery came to $1,500.00.  Gus is still on I.V. antibiotics because his intestines were taken apart to remove the bell he runs the risk of peritonitis.  This is a heck of a way to start out 2011  PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION!  501(c)3 non profit.  UPDATE:   FEB. 1st. 2011    GUS HAD TO RETURN TO THE VET AND REPEAT BARIUM SWALLOW  X RAYS.  WE HAD TO R/O A INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE AT THE SURGERY SITE.  HE IS HOME NOW AND DOING WELL BUT HIS NEXT BILL WAS $546.50  PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION.

He has been here 10 1/2 yrs.

The Chew is bottom row right side.

The Chew passed away a few days ago.... and I will miss him so much.  He had a bloody nose and it would not stop so I took him to the vet.  The chest x ray showed he had cancer.  The lung cancer was not the primary site.  We did not know where the primary cancer was.  Chew weighed close to 100 pounds  and did not look sick. I brought him home to spend his last few days.   Chew was like the Wal Mart Greeter to anyone that came to Saint Francis.  With in days of his birth we discovered her had Mega Esophagus and vomited every time he ate or nursed.  I held him up right to eat vertical for months and he just stayed.   Chew died approximately 6 feet from the spot where he was born.....  and I loved him every day from birth to death. 

Daisy is blind due to untreated diabetes

This sore had to be sugically removed.

This is Daisy's right front elbow sore.

Buddy has approximately 29 tumors on his body

Temporal muscle atrophy - entire face

Some tumors are very large and located all over.

Buddy is incontinent of urine ( all the time !)

We are using a Depends adult diaper opened up and used like a belly band.

DAISY AND BUDDY are 2 very high maintenance dogs.  One blind the other deaf their needs are over whelming.  PLEASE HELP WITH A DONATION I JUST CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

ADOPTED!  FEB. 2011

LOLITA WAS TAKEN RIGHT TO THE VET IN TN

THEY REMOVED OVER 100TICKS FROM HER LITTLE BODY

Lolita was running in a shopping center for over a month.  The ACO ( dog warden ) called me once they caught her.  She had what looked like a giant tumor on her abdominal area.  She was covered with over 100 ticks which the vet removed. The X ray taken in Tennessee revealed to the vet this was a true disaster in progress.  This baseball size growth turned out to be a hernia.  The X ray showed her intestines, colon and entire female reproductive track was bulging through the abdominal wall.  The doctor said most likely an animal bite tore the abdominal cavity open and the internal organs were hanging out!

THIS IS A LARGE HERNIA

MOST LIKELY FROM AN ANIMAL BITE THAT TORE THE ABDOMINAL WALL

It was very hard to find a rescue to take this little girl's case on.  We took her within 5 seconds of being asked.  Now we need donations to help us with this little dogs surgery and recovery.  Lolita is only 4 years old please help her.  We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

4 PINS AND 2 METAL EXTERNAL BARS PER LEG

EACH LEG HAS THE SAME PINS, SCREWS AND PLATES

THIS IS THE LITTLE GUY WITH NO NAME

HE IS NEAR SHOCK WHEN RESCUED LOOK AT THE EYES.

I received a phone call to help with a little dog that had been hit by a car and the lady said her brother had no money.  The dog belonged to her mother who had recently died.  The caller told me her brother couldn't even take care of him self let alone a dog.  The dog had been hit by a car on Saturday morning 9-18-10.  I went to the home in Vermilion ( Lorain County ) and found the guy on the front poach trying to brush the fleas out of the little white dog.  He tried to get the dog to walk so I could see how he limped.  The dogs back legs were swollen and bent in ways they should not be.  The dog looked like he was in severe pain as you can see by the eyes.  He screamed aloud in pain as he tried to move.  He had no way to scratch the fleas that covered his little body.  He is white and you could see fleas every where on the poor thing. 

THE SURGERIES WERE DONE ON SPERATE DAYS

EACH SURGERY TOOK ABOUT 2 HOURS TO PLACE THE PINS.

THESE ARE THE PINS, PLATES AND SCREWS

IN BOTH LEGS THAT WILL REMAIN IN PLACE FOR THE NEXT 3 MONTHS.

The owner had no intention of taking this dog to a vet for treatment or to be put to sleep.   The dog went into rescue Monday night so he sat all weekend with 2 BROKEN LEGS ON THE VERGE OF SHOCK DUE TO PAIN.  This situation was reported to the Lorain County Dog Warden who contacted the Humane Officer for Lorain County.   The dog does not even have a name so he was admitted to the hospital under " HBC"  ( HIT BY CAR ).   He is safe and we need a name for him.  If you have any ideas for this little trooper email mparke11@aol.com. 

POST OP RECOVERY STILL INTUBATED!

HE GOT UP ONE DAY AFTER THE LAST SURGERY AND WALKED AS BEST HE COULD TO DO HIS BUSINESS.

Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary is a special needs rescue and we take the animals that most will not do to complexity of care of financial burden.   We are in such need of donations especially for this little guy with 2 broken legs that his owner didn't even take to the vet. Please help!   We are a 501(c)3 non profit and donations are tax deductible.

SEE THE QUARTER SIZE BALD SPOT ON THE HEAD.

THE PUPS ARE ALL BETWEEN 2.2 AND 2.8 POUNDS

6 BABIES FOUND BY THE RAILROAD TRACKS

IN THE WEST SIDE OF LORAIN.

These 6 babies are all that is left from an abandoned litter of Pit Puppies.  They were left to die alone with no mother shortly after they were born.  A lady that lives by the railroad tracks in Lorain Ohio  told me 2 were found dead and one she gave away ( God help that one ).  The pups have ring worm, bacterial skin infections and intestinal parasites.  She said she did the best she could and fed them herself but she knew they needed more help then she could give.

THE PUPS WERE TAKEN TO THE VET RIGHT AWAY

SKIN SCRAPINGS WERE DONE ON VARIOUS LEASIONS ON THE PUPS.