Many of you have heard stories about Saydee and passed around her story in hopes of someone coming to her rescue.  Well, after many emails from our volunteers telling us that they would help us if we just agreed to save Saydee, we agreed.  MAGSR is going to do whatever it can to try and give this sweet girl a chance at knowing what it's like to be loved, rather than what it's like to be so severely beaten she can't walk on her hind legs.  We are now in need of financial assistance as Saydee's bills are sure to be high.  On top of normal vetting, she'll also be seen by a well-respected specialist in the area in hopes of helping her at least be pain free.

Saydee comes to us from a shelter in PA.  We would like to thank that shelter for helping Saydee find her way to us but most importantly we would like to thank all our supporters out there who offered to help us help Saydee in any way we could.  Without you, we could not do this!  This is her story from the shelter:

Saydee's story is a sad one. She is a 7 year old purebred German Shepherd. She lived her whole life in a kennel outside. She's a very sweet and loving girl. But she at one time, was beaten with a baseball bat, by her owner. Which caused injuries to her spinal cord, so now her back legs do not function. She can get around, but cannot use her back legs. A cart may be good for her. She has drug herself around for years now. So she is used to it. But a special home is needed for this older girl, where someone can show her the love she deserves. She is so very sweet, and will drag herself over to you just to lean on you and give you a kiss. She's a wonderful dog. She deserves the best after the worst life ever.

MAGSR will be having Saydee seen by a vet tomorrow and then she'll be seen by one of the regions best specialists in hopes that we'll be able to help her have a fairly normal life.  She is going to foster care and will for the first time know the joys of living in a home that loves her.  We will be updating you soon.  In the meantime, please pass on Saydee's story as we are in need of any assistance we can get for helping her.

Update August 20, 2006

Update August 28, 2006

In the week plus that Saydee has been living in her convalescent home in the country she has blossomed. The girl who was frightened to go outside even to go potty will now venture slowly out onto the deck to join me, via carpet runners for better traction, and watching me from strategically placed blankets. One of her fans built her a ramp so now she must no longer try navigate the single step off the deck into the yard. She has “graduated” from her stylish bootie to a small band-aid on one leg as the rest of her sores have healed and the bite wounds on her head are looking much better. Her coat which took three baths to rid it of the filth caked into it is now clean, sweet smelling and beginning to shine with her daily brushings. She seems to enjoy her twice daily “get the blood flowing to those back legs” massages. Her tummy is still bit upset but she now eats slower, chewing her food instead of bolting it as she has come to trust that it is hers and that nothing will come up from behind and attack her for it.

I learned that she is terrified of thunderstorms. We had a mild one last night and she trembled so violently that she rattled the objects on the table under which she tried to hide. I coaxed her into her orthopedic bed and lay on it with her, she buried her whole body against me and I fell sleep holding her. When the storm passed she awakened me by stretching her legs against me, giving me sweet wet doggy kisses as if to say…hey what are you doing on the floor, you’re are hogging my bed, go back to yours, I am just fine.

I am going to share something with you that I was too excited at first to believe. Saydee has started to STAND! When something really exciting catches her attention, like my kitty or critters “trespassing” in the back yard, she will stand on the better of her two back legs weeble wobble a bit and use her flail leg to balance herself! At first she would flop down almost immediately but determinedly would get right back up and try again. She has been doing this the past 4-5 days now, the wobbling has lessened and the length of standing time has increased. Initially she would toe under with both back legs and now she stands flat on one all the time and just today attempted a couple steps! She does not appear to be in any pain, but the muscles in both of her rear legs are so atrophied that there is no strength in them so she tires easily. In just the past two days when I take her outside to go potty supported by her support harness, although she is not bearing any weight on them, her back legs move as they would if she were actually walking and not just dangling down as when she first come to stay. Any of you who have experienced the wonderment and unexplainable thrill of watching their child take their first steps will understand exactly how I feel.

Saydee is simply amazed at the outpouring of caring and kindness for her and sends her thanks to all who have written, called, sent donations and presents in her behalf. She still has a long and possibly expensive haul ahead of her but your thoughts and prayers have given her the will to try to walk again so please keep them coming. She will be seeing a neurologist this Thursday so stay tuned for updates.

Update August 30, 2006

Two new pictures were posted on the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue website.

Update August 31, 2006

I got an email from Saydee on the 29th, but didn't get around to including it until today.

Thank you so much for the encouraging words and for the donation to help me walk again. I am standing more and more and although my back legs are weak and my back end weeble wobbles and sways when I see my foster mom or that darn kitty I am determined to get to them and am now taking a few faltering steps on my own.

I have a long road ahead of me but the look on my face when I am standing on all fours (not to mention the view from here that I had forgotten) brings tears to the eyes of my foster mom...she just knows while I might not ever be 100% we are sure going to try to get back up there and try to live a normal life on all fours.

Going to visit a neurologist (what ever that might be) this Thursday but as long as there are treats there I am game plus I love to ride in the car. Watch the MAGSR website to learn along with me what a neurologist is and how it can help me.

My sincere thanks for your donation and caring, until recently I had no idea that there were so many compassionate people in this world.

Update September 1, 2006

My whole life I thought people only caused you pain and misery but over the past month I have learned that those people are in the minority and that the world outside of the one in which I was chained is kind and caring. As many thoughtful people continue to ask about me, I wanted to update you myself.

Yesterday was my appointment with the neurologist. As the exam floor was slippery and hard, they brought me a big fluffy quilt just for me to lie on and for better traction when I stood. My vet tech kept giving me treats during the exam so although I was originally a bit apprehensive I soon began to relax. The doctor was pleased that I was now standing, beginning to regaining some muscle tone and taking a few steps steps but felt that I probably have spinal problems which would require an MRI to better diagnosis then most likely surgery to correct. As I have BB's lodged near my spine this might complicate an MRI. My next appointment (on Wednesday) is with a surgeon who is highly respected and has helped many other MAGSR dogs.

I understand that should I need this surgery, my bills could exceed $6,000. While many very generous folks have already sent donations for which I am and will always be most grateful, the sad look on my foster mom's face tells me that unfortunately more is still needed. All this makes me so blue as I am a very independent lady (what...did I hear that cat say hard-headed....oh just wait until I can walk kitty) and don't wish to be a burden to anyone. I am trying so very hard to get better and work on strengthening my muscle tone everyday but some things you just can't do on your own and am so grateful for the help of others. Check back with you next week.......Your friend Saydee.

Update September 5, 2006

Hello My Friends,

My name is Saydee, "Miss Saydee" to those furry creatures out there that my foster mom calls kitties!  I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself.  I know that you have all read my stories on the MAGSR commitments page.  I'm not going to dwell on those stories here though.  Let's just admit that I've had a pretty bad life up to this point in my life and move on.

The thing is though, I don't feel sorry for me and I hope that you do not either.  You see - I think I'm a pretty lucky young (Youth is in the eyes of the beholder right! :)  lady!  That's right I said LUCKY!  Let me explain.

You see, the way I see it, I was lucky to have had a shelter staff that cared enough for me to help me find MAGSR when so many other dogs never make it out.  Then, I was lucky enough to have a rescue that came to my aid in my latest hour of need despite my serious medical issues.  I was lucky to get a foster home right away as not all dogs in rescue get that.  I was lucky to find a fantastic foster mom who loves me at least as much as she's ever loved her own dogs over the years, and I'm quiet sure more than she loves the pesky cats we live with!  Who could love a cat anyway - all they do is tease you all day long - not very nice if you ask me!  But I digress...where was I again?

Oh yah...I'm lucky because of all the love and support I am getting from so VERY many sponsors from all around the world really.  The names below are some of my best friends in the whole world!  With everyone's help I'm told I will be cared for to the best of veterinarian medicine's ability.  I'm also told that I have a family waiting to adopt me very soon - how can I not be seen as lucky!!

So you see, I'm so much  better off then so many dogs out there who live in loveless homes without shelter/water/food/or companionship.  I may not have been lucky all my life but I've certainly ended up lucky!  Like the Dog Whisperer says, "Dogs live in the now" and right now is pretty great as far as I can tell!

Well, I'm going to sign off for now but please check back regularly to see how I am doing.  I promise to keep everyone informed on how my luck is getting even stronger!  I will be posting updates to this page regularly.  Just remember, through it all, we can get through the tough times together.  Wish me "luck"!!

Update September 6, 2006

Big day today, wanted to go back to sleep as i usually do after I go out for my early morning potty but no.....had to get up and stay up for some unknown reason. Mom was rushing around getting her breakfast but hey....no dog food in my bowl. I hung around and gave her my most pitiful "I'm starving.. will work for food" look but nothing so knew something was up. All mom kept saying was "I am sorry Saydee not this morning"....what's up with that?

 

Next thing I knew we were out the door and in the car and while I really like car rides I just wanted my breakfast. Thought that maybe we were going out for breakfast...but after passing several McDonald's gave up on that theory. Next stop mom's office... maybe breakfast at the office?

 

After checking out every corner of mom's office (still no food) was just settling down for a nap on a quilt that looked suspiciously like one I have at home, the first of a stream of "fans" stopped by. They had all heard my sad "origins" story so no one dwelled on my past but boy mom sure does work with many dog friendly people and each one knows just the right spots to rub. Relaxing and enjoying all the attention I finally learned what was up, in fact, with each new group of folks who came to visit "'cause others down the hall told them how very sweet I am"   today's schedule was repeated over and over again. Seems a little later in the day mom and I had an appointment with the doctor that has help many MASGR dogs. Mom told everyone "only the best for my girl", I smiled and thought perhaps these nice people, who smelled as if THEY got to go to McDonald's this morning, might have stashed some goodies in their pockets. Mom told me that the reason I couldn't eat was in case the doctor needed to do tests that might make me sick if I had anything in my tummy. Told her I as willing to chance it for a piece of bacon but she wasn't buying that.

 

Then came my appointment. We went into an examining room and I met my doctor, he checked me over really well and reviewed my x-rays. He said that although I was starting to stand and was walking some this small improvement is probably due to the good food (yeah speaking of food), love, attention and stimulation (yes kitty this means you) I was now getting but that I probably wouldn't continue to improve too much more. We talked more, my doctor, assistant doctor and mom taking turns petting me while we all sat on the exam floor like little kindergarten kids. The only way to tell definitively if the problem is with my spine is with an MRI. The complication for me with an MRI is that one of those BB pellet's that that &#$%^&** shot me with is lodged close to my spine and an MRI couldn't be done while it is still there. My doctor also checked the lump on my tummy which mom spotted a while ago and told me this lump was a mammary tumor and recommended the tumor come out now and if we wanted to go forward with the MRI so should the BB.

 

I am sending this to all of you from my "suite" at the hospital. I am spending the night and will have my surgery tomorrow and should be able to go home on Friday. I sure do miss my mom but in the next "suite" to mine is my new best friend the very handsome Duke, an MASGR alum. He is having problems with his back legs also and as we have just learned that we share the same doctor, Duke and I will probably spend most of tonight exchanging stories, sharing our fears and helping each other through our time away from our very much missed homes and moms but you know, I just know that our mom's are having exactly the same conversation about us.

 

Will check in with everyone in a day or two. Please keep Duke and me in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days.

 

Your friend Saydee

Update September 7, 2006

Hello...yawn...Saydee here. Had my surgery this afternoon and now have three sets of stitches. My doctor removed the BB's that were near my spine, the mammary tumor and also spayed me. I understand they are sending the tumor out for a pathology report with results available until next week. My doctor said I was a good girl, did just fine during surgery and am recovering nicely. Hopefully I can go home tomorrow but it depends how I do tonight. I sure do miss my mom and she me. Yawn, yawn, yawn....going back to sleep now, those little pain pills sure make you sleepy ........ Saydee

Update September 8, 2006

Ouch...oh oh oh...I am home but these incisions hurt and the way I must get around doesn't help. They had to shave off a lot of my fur for my surgery so I am really embarrassed 'cause most of my side and tummy are naked..sure glad it is still warm outside or I would need a sweater. My bed sure feels nice, the meds are helping to ease the pain and those those nasty BB's near my spine are gone which is great. I am still a little weak from my surgery so I will say bye for now....I feel another ...yawn....nap coming on.

 

Love, Saydee

Update September 13, 2006

The results of the biopsy on Saydee's mammary tumor came back today... unfortunately it was malignant - Level One mammary tumor.

At the time the lump was removed as much surrounding tissue as possible was also removed, her chest was x-rayed and she was spayed. Results of her chest x-ray showed her chest to be clear and no evidence of other masses were found. There is no further treatment recommended at this time however she will be checked every 3 months with these findings in mind.

Saydee is in good spirits and looking forward to her MRI next week which we hope will reveal the cause of her inability to use her back legs correctly.

Update September 18, 2006

With the result of my biopsy not so good and the weather being rainy and damp, I have been rather blue, staying inside, resting and just taking it easy but today was beautiful; was feeling much better, spirits started to lift and wanted to go outside and enjoy the day with friends.

As some of you know I have been practicing my wobbly ungraceful walking inside on the carpet and am now able to walk down the hallway unaided but until today, other than venturing out onto the blankets just outside the back door, I had been content to just lie in the sun. As I lay on the deck watching the others having what looked like so much fun in the backyard I decided that today was the day...I would put the blues aside and use all that inside walking practice to use out here. I ventured off the deck and visited the rest of our yard under my own power...no support sling under my tummy just mom hoovering beside me watching me closer than the old hawk who lives in the trees out back watches the chipmunks who scamper across the grass, just in case I tried to overdo.

Got myself to the step off the deck, just knew I wasn't that good yet, so webble wobbled over to the ramp and down I went....and boy there are no word to explain how it felt to walk (however uncoordinated) by myself in my yard without support. I spent a few minutes just standing there and smelling the delicious smell of independence and a few more minutes exploring the yard (with hawk-mom as my shadow) then my "shadow" helped be back up onto the deck where I contently rested after my big adventure.

Mom had her camera out trying to get a few updated pictures of me but she never expect this....she hit the jackpot, capturing this monumental moment in my life on her digital and thought you might like to share our joy.

      

Update September 22, 2006

A new picture.



Update September 26, 2006

The results of Saydee's MRI are in and they show no blockage or impingement. this means the damage done to her spine was done a while ago and while it left her spinal column permanently damaged, it did not leave bone fragments, bulging discs or other factors that could be corrected with surgery.

Now that we have been assured that neither is she in pain, nor is there anything that could cause her further injury she will be starting a formal exercise therapy program to strengthen and remind her leg muscles of their job. Our resident kitty has been doing his part in her "informal" therapy. He takes great joy in taunting her by prancing just out of her reach and was her motivation to stand and take those first faltering and then subsequent steps. He will be sad to be replaced as he really enjoys his self-appointed position. Her fur-foster bother and sister continue to encourage her by making chasing sticks and exploring the outer regions of our yard just too fascinating to pass up. While Saydee will never be 100% again, for her sake we will work to help her re-learn and regain just as much muscle control an tone as is possible. But for me....I ADORE her just the way she is. If you are lucky enough to meet Miss Saydee you too will be inspired by her incredible determination, sweetness and spirit which totally overshadows her physical challenges.

We had unusually warm weather for MD yesterday so Miss Saydee got a full spa treatment..a bath, nail clipping, blow dry, brushing and a massage. Afterwards she lay out in the sun on "her" deck, a contented look on her face and just watched her foster brother and sister play chase. When a friend commented "You are so beautiful Saydee" she seemed to nod in agreement.

Update February 17, 2007

What is with all this ice and snow? I didn't like it when I had to live tied outside and I certainly don't like it now that my back legs don't work. Last night while the frigid winds howled and sleet pelted our house for hours, I huddled sadly in my warm bed. My foster mom could see the concern on my face and imagined that I must be reliving spending many nights outside in weather like this. She lay down next to me on my bed, hugged me and told me that never again would I have to suffer that way. Now all she has to do now is make this darn ice melt. She always helps me when I go outside with a supporting sling under my tummy and normally there is no problem but I just can't manage on this ice stuff.... my front legs go right out from under me and I get so frightened.

Darn bad weather also caused us to cancel a trip to the neurologist and now have to reschedule. Just don't know what's wrong with the back end of me. Before my bloat surgery I was able to stand, granted not too well but I could bear weight and was attempting to walk but now my back legs acts like they doesn't even know the front end of me...they refuse to bear weight or even attempt to move so gotta get me checked out.

I have to share something with you....after 6 months of trying ....I finally did it....I CAUGHT the kittie. Yes after 6 long months of the darn kittie teasing me, always sitting just one step higher on the stairway than he knew I could reach, days spent taunting me, yowling and parading back and forth just out of my reach with a smirk on his face, he grew complacent and tried to sneak past me when I was sleeping. Well this girl might have a tough time on the ice but on a carpeted floor look out; I can move like lightening even if I only have the use of two legs. My victory was short lived thought, as only kitties can and even though I barely touched him...actually I was so shocked to have finally gotten within munching range I wasn't really sure what to do with him) he started screaming bloody murder (and other foul kittie things) at the top of his little kittie lungs which brought EVERYONE in the house running. My "victim" milked this for all it was worth. Silly cat, I didn't hurt one hair on his body, but his screaming could have woken the dead. Mom gathered him in her arms and soothed his injured pride...but all I could do was bark......got you kittie..got ya, got ya, got ya...yeah yeah yeah and dance the Snoopy happy dance. She will never admit it if you ask but even Mom, who loves that darn cat and who would be royally upset if anything bad had happened, had a tiny smile on her face.

Update April 18, 2007

I went to visit Dr. G today and got the news that we were anticipating but dreading, he believes I have Degenerative Myelopathy. DM is an autoimmune disease attacking the nervous system, leading to progressive neural tissue damage which is similar to Multiple Sclerosis in humans. He did a complete exam and compared a set of fresh xray's with ones taken in September and is going to study the MRI films that were sent to him by the Imaging center but all clinical signs point to DM. My foster mom was hoping that perhaps something that could be reversed happened during my last surgery but the doctor didn't think so although undergoing 3 procedures so close together could have contributed to its progress. He thinks that DM has been there all along but has just been masked by my other problems and that because of its advanced stage medication will not help.

My foster mom and I had a long talk on our ride home this afternoon. I told her not to worry as I am not in pain as there is none associated with DM. She told me that she loves me very much and I feel the same about her. She is the who one makes me feel safe, who holds me during thunderstorms when I am so frightened but who also tells me to cool it when I am being too bossy. She has already Saydee-ified the house with runners etc and all the beds scattered all over the house are mine...just ask whomever makes the mistake of thinking they can sleep in them. Embarrassingly I have started to have accidents and with DM I know they will become more of a problem as time goes on so I now have a extensive wardrobe of pretty protective pants to wear. I have my own wagon, custom built ramp and this spring hopefully some new Saydee-friendly landscaping to make it easier for me to go for assisted walks .....so......she asked the BIG question...Saydee she said, would you consider doing us the honor of coming to live with crazy Abby, Judd, that cat and be a part of our family permanently? Would I...would I...oh my goodness you gotta be kidding....YES, YES YES!

I wanted you to be the first to know my news and to thank everyone who has supported me with donations, visits, kind wishes and emails. As you have been part of my life, some even before I came to MASGR, I know you will understand the very best part in all of this.... I can now officially call Pat what I have called her in my heart since the first night she hugged me and promised that no one would ever hurt me again......something that, until now, I have never had....my very own......mom.