Three weeks ago, we released a special issue of the Petitude newsletter dedicated to a local dog named Elly. She is a small Shih Tzu rescued from the pound by Dog Rescue Newcastle and she needed immediate surgery to repair the kneecaps on both of her back legs. The goal was to help Dog Rescue Newcastle raise $1000 for Elly’s operation.
Three days after launching the newsletter, we received an email from Dog Rescue Newcastle saying that they had already received a total of $1,257 from 45 kind-hearted individuals from all over Australia and as far away as Belgium and Brazil who had sent donations ranging from $2 to $100 each to help for Elly’s veterinary care. And on the 16th of this month, the 4ELLY coupon code we created also generated total sales of $332.19 (courtesy of eight generous Petitude customers) and 15% of which was also sent for Elly’s operation. Dog Rescue Newcastle will use the additional funds to pay for Elly’s desexing, vaccination, and post-operative vet visits.
Elly’s bandage was removed on the 4th of this month then later that day Elly remove all her stitches! Today, Terri sent us another update about Elly:
Elly is going well. I was just speaking to her foster carer Geraldine who was telling me the latest news. Elly still runs away and cowers when Geraldine approaches, but if Elly is in her bed she lifts her leg and lets Geraldine rub her tummy. She loves her food and eats anything. Geraldine has learned that Elly is very well housetrained — now that Geraldine understands her signals. Elly comes up to Geraldine when she needs to be let out and will always prefer to go outside to do her business whenever possible.
Elly has had another vet check and the vet says that the knee which was repaired is good and she should start using it. Elly walks on it, but when she runs she picks it up. The vet didn’t examine her other knee at the last visit so she’ll need to go back and have it checked, and schedule surgery if she still thinks it’s necessary. Geraldine says she uses the other leg just fine and doesn’t seem to be in any pain and she is off pain medication.
We at Petitude would like to thank everyone for helping Elly. Thank you very much! 
August 27th, 2010 - 3:56 pm
Wonderful news! Elly is now ready to be adopted into a permanent home! She has been examined by our vet and she says that her surgery was successful. She is still lifting that leg when she runs but it may be partially out of habit. She should start using it normally eventually.
Our vet has determined that the other rear knee doesn’t need surgery at this time, and probably wont’ ever need it. She is walking and running on it normally. However, if she should need any further treatment for her back knees in the future we will pay for it to be done at our vet in Warners Bay. Therefore, Elly’s permanent home will need to be in within driving distance of our vet (ie: Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast) just in case she needs to come back to our vet. We will pay for any additional treatment out of the donations she has received.
So that’s great news! Elly won’t have to go through another operation and can start looking towards the future in a home of her own where she can settle in and not have to move again.
We are looking for a very special individual or couple who can be patient and spend time with her while she slowly comes to understand that no one is going to hurt her. She is such a sweet and pretty little girl; it will be very rewarding to watch her blossom into a loving, loyal and happy dog.
Contact details for Elly are on our homepage http://www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au and Elly will soon be included on our list of available dogs http://www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au/dogs2.html
I will keep in touch and let you know when she is adopted. Fingers crossed that some one will fall in love with her as much as we all have.