I received a phone call from a vet in Mobile, AL. She told us one of her clients had brought in their eight-month-old Clumber for euthanasia.
The Clumber, named Sammy, was born with a congenital liver shunt and had experienced great difficulty. The main blood flow from his intestines seeped into the abdominal cavity instead of going to the liver, depriving him of critical nutrients, hormones, and oxygen needed for normal growth.
The owners, unfortunately, could not afford the expensive surgery and aftercare Sammy needed to repair his liver shunt. His vet who thought Sammy was a lovely guy, was reluctant to go ahead with the euthanasia. Was it possible R&P could help him?
We looked into what this would entail with multiple transports, months of fostering, and a precise medication program to help him recover. We decided it was worth it to save this young Clumber’s life.
Sammy arrived in Ohio after three transports to his foster home who was also our Midwest R&P Co-Chair. She was a highly experienced nurse, a huge plus for all the care he would need. She was shocked at his condition: he was skin and bones and had no muscle tone or coordination. He would fall over after a few steps. Eating made him nauseous as he had constant diarrhea after a meal. He would try and join in with her other dogs but was simply too ill to play. He had lost his puppyhood and was withering away.
Sammy had his surgery at Michigan St. University which restored blood flow from the intestines into the liver, filtered out toxins, and metabolized all the nutrients, and enzymes he needed. His body would gradually recover and heal over several months with a specific diet and medications.
Sammy was a smaller sized Clumber due to never being able to eat properly. As he healed, his appetite increased and now, he couldn’t eat enough. Slowly, he began to walk and even run without any problem. His foster Mom gave frequent updates on all his improvements and physical progress. She had Sammy for three months in 2019. We were so grateful as her expert care was essential to his recovery.
A longtime and very experienced CSCA member had wanted Sammy from the start. She was also a nurse and had two Clumbers for Sammy to play with in her yard. He arrived in October and immediately settled in. He was sweet and affectionate with everyone.
Sammy was feeling so good he recaptured the puppyhood he never had. He pulled down several sets of mini blinds, jumped all over them and ate some pillowcases off the bed. His owner laughed and thought he was very creative! He was very curious and loved exploring the yard with his pals. He now needed daily walks to curb his ever-growing energy!
Life was great for four years. Unfortunately, his owner began to show signs of dementia. She lived alone and the next few months showed she could no longer take care of herself or the dogs. We had to plan new placements for her three Clumbers.
We had a wonderful home waiting for their first Clumber that offered just what Sammy needed. They drove to pick him up in July, 2024. Again, he adjusted easily and loved their spacious yard, daily walks and lots of TLC!
Sammy loved his walks at the park and everyone he met there. One day, as he was running back to the car, the unthinkable happened. He stumbled and tripped in mud and fell on a hard gravel wharf by the river. He shattered his leg in multiple places.
He was stabilized at their vet but needed an orthopedic surgeon who flew in on weekends for surgeries. It would be delicate and difficult due to the fractured length of bone. Multiple pins, screws, plates, and wires were inserted to reinforce the bone and enable range of movement. The surgeon said the damage was so severe, it almost resulted in amputation.
Sammy’s recovery and rehabilitation was lengthy and required long term physical therapy and exercise at home. The owners had a pool so he had lots of water therapy to strengthen his leg. They were meticulous in his care and gradual slow walks in the yard built up his strength. The surgeon was very pleased with his progress in follow-ups and consults.
It took several months for Sammy to walk normally and resume all his regular activity. He enjoyed all the visitors he had during his recovery and is happily back to his old self. His lovely temperament endears him to all!
Sammy had enormous help overcoming his adversities and is now returning the favor by helping others. He is now a certified St. John Ambulance Therapy dog! He provides comfort to new university students feeling isolated, people at addiction recovery centers, and workplace wellness days for Provincial nurses and the Coast Guard. With his sociable, calm, sweet nature he is a natural for this important therapy.
R&P is happy to assist adopted Clumbers that have or develop major health issues. We believe every one of them deserves a chance for full, satisfying life. As Sammy’s story of resilience testifies, Clumbers, regardless of circumstances, can adapt, bond, and become beloved family members. Rescue & Placement’s mission has always been the careful and thorough guidance of every placement to ensure the very best outcome for all Clumbers like Sammy.