Malnourished Great Dane Rescued

Rescuers Rush to Save Malnourished Great Dane

Lastest Updated February 13, 2025

Seeing a gentle dog endure life's challenges alone is truly heartbreaking.

When rescuers from Dogwood Animal Rescue in California discovered Ryder, he was in terrible shape.

His condition left them stunned, knowing he required significant care and treatment to survive.

Without delay, they rushed him to their facility for the assistance he desperately needed.

Ryder's journey highlights the importance of compassion toward animals facing difficult times and reminds us that every creature deserves a chance at happiness.

He Will Pull Through

Ryder arrived at the California shelter in a very weak state, clearly suffering from malnutrition.

Treating him began right away, but everyone understood recovery would take time.

Signs of distress quickly appeared as he started to bleed and vomit his food.

Concerns about serious issues like aspiration pneumonia weighed heavily on his rescuers' minds.

The path to healing promised to be challenging and uncertain for this brave dog.

Despite the hardships, hope lingered among those who cared for him deeply.

Ryder received injections since his body couldn’t handle the medications.

Skin treatments were also part of his care to address the mange issue.

The staff watched closely, hoping for signs of improvement as they waited for the treatment's effects to show.

Over time, noticeable healing took place in Ryder’s body, surprising everyone involved in his care.

Witnessing this progress brought a sense of hope and joy among the team looking after him.

Their dedication clearly made a difference in Ryder's recovery journey.

Ryder Faces A Challenge

Ryder looked much better as his fur healed nicely.

Playing with other dogs at the shelter helped lift his spirits.

Despite this positive change, vet visits uncovered a serious issue.

Megaesophagus affected him, causing his esophagus to be larger than normal and making it hard for him to eat properly.

This condition explained the vomiting and rejection of regular medication he experienced.

Supportive measures existed that could help Ryder lead a fulfilling life despite these challenges.

A Clever Solution

Rocky Kanaka, a dedicated dog rescuer, has experience fostering dogs with similar issues as Ryder.

Good news came when he found an effective way to help his own dog recover.

A specially-designed chair allowed the pup to eat in an upright position, enabling gravity to assist the esophagus in its work and minimizing complications.

The food provided had a smooth texture that made it easier for the dog to swallow.

Ryder’s rescue team recognized this clever solution and quickly decided to implement it for him as well.

This approach offered hope for Ryder’s recovery journey ahead.

Ryder has grown remarkably during his stay at the shelter, earning the admiration of all who know him.

The dedicated rescue team focuses on finding a caring family for this loving dog.

Until then, Ryder enjoys the company of compassionate staff at Dogwood Animal Rescue, who shower him with affection and support.

Their commitment ensures he remains happy and healthy while waiting for a forever home.

Everyone involved feels hopeful about his future with a new family that truly understands him.

Sophie Carter

Sophie Carter

Founder & Canine Care Specialist

Expertise

Canine Behavior and Training, Dog Health and Nutrition, Puppy Development, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Community Outreach for Animal Welfare

Education

University of California, Davis

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
  • Focus: Comprehensive education in animal biology, behavior, and welfare, specializing in companion animals. Gained practical experience in canine health, nutrition, and training techniques.

Bergin College of Canine Studies

  • Program: Advanced Canine Behavior Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in dog behavior, including the latest understanding of social structures in dogs and debates on topics such as dominance. This course encourages critical thinking about canine behavior.

Sophie Carter is the founder and canine care specialist at cutiepuppie.com, a platform dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and their humans. With a degree in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis, and advanced training in canine behavior from Bergin College of Canine Studies, Sophie combines scientific knowledge with real-world experience.

Through cutiepuppie.com, Sophie shares her expertise in dog health, training, and rescue, offering practical tips and heartwarming stories. Her work focuses on strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners while promoting adoption and animal welfare.

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