by Allix Ollivier
Allix Ollivier is a Development Associate at Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California. VAC shares their animal rescue adventures with us every month. Check out KRL’s interview with VAC to learn more about what they do.
Bo is our beautiful, eight-year-old Labrador/Shepherd mix and one of the cutest new re-additions to our shelter. Bo, originally named Smiley due to his wonderfully contagious smile, was originally adopted out from our shelter six years ago. However, during the time Bo was with his adopted family, some unfortunate incidents occurred. Bo has hip dysplasia, which is when the hip ball and socket don’t develop normally. If hip dysplasia is left untreated the hip joints can deteriorate. Bo’s hip dysplasia was left untreated for years, and as a result Bo developed muscle atrophy, which is the deterioration of muscle, in his hips. While with his adopted family, Bo was also severely underweight.
Bo
Because of his quickly deteriorating health, Bo’s adopted family surrendered him to the Central California SPCA. When the CCSPCA scanned his microchip and saw our information they gave us a call and we rushed over to rescue him back to our shelter. When we got Bo back, our clinic staff was able to assess how severe his medical condition was. Bo’s hips have now deteriorated so badly he might need a hip replacement. For now, Bo has to take pain medication to help ease the pain in his weakened hips.
Bo has also gained some weight back since being at our shelter. Although he needs at least 20 pounds more weight, because of his hips we can’t let him gain more than 10. The extra weight on his body would be too painful.
Despite Bo’s unfortunate medical predicament, he is still one of the happiest dogs in the shelter. You can frequently see him with his tail wagging and his signature grin from ear to ear. We’re working hard to start his recovery process so he can live the happy life he deserves.
Bo is currently not up for adoption, but we hope that he will be in the near future! Until his body can more fully recover, we’ll continue to care for him at the Valley Animal Center. In order to care for canine cuties like Bo, and also our loveable kitties, we appreciate any and all donations. Contributors like you help support our cats and dogs until they find their forever home. As always, the Valley Animal Center is grateful and appreciative of any and all donations.
Keep up with VAC’s animal rescue adventures here at KRL, and learn more about adopting from them, volunteering, and donating to VAC on their website If you advertise with KRL you can designate 10% of your ad fees to go to VAC.
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to a local animal rescue.
Makes you wonder why some people adopt animals. Bo has such a sweet face. I hope he finds a wonderful home when he is ready.