Monty

HAS NOW GONE TO HIS FOREVER HOME

A big Thank You from IRR to all of Monty’s kind sponsors and supporters, also Dr Billy McCartney who operated on Monty and Gary Cregan (IRR’s Vet in Ireland) for doing daily acupuncture.

MONTY’S HISTORY

Grant was born on 21st August 2011 with a deformed paw facing the wrong way which would not straighten. Despite his disability Grant is a little fighter and made his way through his siblings to make sure he got fed. On day 2 Grant was taken to the vet, who said that for his sake he should probably be put to sleep. But since he was so strong and determined, he was taken home. His mother didn’t reject him, caring for him just like all the others in her litter. Grant seemed to manage really well with just three legs by playing and running around using his ‘elbow’ instead of his foot. To avoid Grant losing his life, the breeder surrendered him into the care of IRR.

OCT 2011: FOSTERER’S INITIAL REPORT

To avoid Grant losing his life, the breeder surrendered Grant into the care of IRR and he is currently being fostered by Sandie in Ireland.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH!

Sandie says: This little chap really does have the luck of the Irish on his side! Being the stubborn person she is, Sandie would not accept that Grant’s leg needed amputating, therefore she made an appointment with an eminent orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Billy McCartney. Sandie dreaded the appointment which would decide his fate but, in fact, it was cut and dried: if Grant still had a joint then his leg could be saved, if not then it couldn’t, as simple as that. Grant had an x-ray and, YES, he still has a joint. So consequently he has now had his surgery and is back home with Sandie recuperating.

FURTHER UPDATE ON GRANT’S OPERATION

Although Grant’s damaged leg has been left shorter than the other, there’s a strong possibility that it could eventually grow to match. If not, he can have further surgery later to extend it. He now needs total rest and is only allowed to be in an area of one metre square for the next few weeks.

Grant may always walk with a limp and be prone to arthritis, or may even need another operation when he is fully grown, but at least we’ve given him every chance possible of living a normal life.

Gary (IRR’s Vet) will be doing intensive acupuncture each and every day for three weeks when Grant’s cast comes off.

ANOTHER UPDATE ON MONTY (was Grant)

Grant has now been renamed Young Monty – a name he hears very often! He has recently been checked by the vet and now his leg is now only 2cm shorter than the other.

1st NOV 2011: UPDATE ON MONTY

Young Monty has had his cast off this morning and Dr Billy McCartney was extremely pleased with the result. His leg looks very thin and sore as do all limbs when they’ve had a cast on for so long, particularly at such a rapid growth stage, but with the help of intensive acupuncture from Gary Cregan (IRR’s vet) as well as daily hydrotherapy with plenty of good nutrition and lots of fresh air, we are confident it won’t be too long before we see a huge difference. We have been truly amazed by this little chap’s strength of character, alongside his determination to pull through. We have always believed he has the luck of the Irish on his side, but this luck just keeps getting better and better as his local orthopaedic vet near his new home just happens to be the one and only Noel Fitzpatrick: http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/

9th NOV 2011 – UPDATE ON MONTY

Monty, playing with fourteen and a half year old Anouska.

19 NOV 2011: MONTY HAS NOW GONE TO HIS FOREVER HOME

Sandie says: I would like to say farewell to Monty wishing him the best of luck in his super new home. Despite being born with a deformity, he fought against all the odds right from the start, proving he was such a little fighter with tremendous strength of character. When his cast came off and his leg looked so skinny and dead, I did wonder whether or not we’d done the right thing: maybe it should have been amputated, but every day he uses it more and more and it’s filled out significantly. Maybe it’ll never be 100%, but he’s totally unaware of this and can fly around the garden with the big dogs without any effort whatsoever. He’s quite a little character and has charmed everyone who has met him – especially my eight dogs, not least of all 14.5 year old Anouska whom he adores and loves to play with, biting her ears and tail – she is so patient with him and just lays there and takes it.

Monty, you are taking a little piece of my heart with you, my brave little man, and I hope to see you again very soon.

We at IRR look forward to reading all about your new life with regular updates and photos from your wonderful new family.

DEC 2011 – UPDATE FROM MONTY’S FOREVER HOME

Unfortunately, Monty had to have his leg amputated as the bones had fused together and his paw wasn’t growing. He had to stay in hospital over Christmas to the devastation of his family, especially the children, who were so looking forward to their first Christmas with Monty. This amputation is no handicap for Monty who can still run around at great speed and is a big hit with everyone who meets him.

UPDATE FROM MONTY’S FOREVER HOME – MARCH 2012

Monty spent half term on the farm and had a great time. He especially loved the pigs and he was the most popular dog there.

Monty’s legs are growing stronger every day, and he managed the walk to nursery school today where all the children were really excited to see him.

UPDATE FROM MONTY’S FOREVER HOME – APRIL 2012

Monty is such a good boy! He is very clever, very handsome and adored! Everyone immediately loves him. He is a wonderful addition to our family.

Update from Monty’s forever home 30th September 2012

As Monty celebrates his first birthday, this is what his adopter has to say about him:

“He is doing great and he is a celebrity – everyone loves him! He is also amazing at football, a very talented young pup.

Well adored”.

Happy 1st birthday from all your friends at IRR, Monty.