My story begins in Riverside, CA…

I was picked up as a stray dog and taken to San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus on April 24th, 2018. As an intact, emaciated, limping  German Shepherd–things were’t looking good for me.

I was kenneled for the mandatory ten day hold. I hoped I wouldn’t be a statistic. The food was a step up from the streets, but I learned I was on the euthanasia list.

At the 11th hour Shepherd’s Paw Rescue scooped me up. I received all my vaccinations and was implanted with a super-cool ID so if I was ever lost again, someone would claim me. It felt good to belong.

Journey to Seattle

After catching up on some sleep and gaining weight I hitched a ride to Seattle, WA where Rescuing Animals In Need offered to foster me until I could find a home. I travel like a champ. We made a pit stop in Kent, WA where I volunteered in a neuter program and met my foster Mom Brynn.

Hello Bellingham

When Brynn needed to go back to boarding school, messages were sent that I was ready for a forever home–that’s when Erin noticed me. How could you not love my Yoda Head?

Brynn and her Mom drove me to Bellingham to inspect my forever home with Erin & Shanna. They named me “Hugo” because it’s German and it means “Of bright mind and spirit.” I like it. I even come when I’m called now.

My new home has a tuxedo cat named Toshi who was rescued too. He likes to boss me around but mostly he begs and naps.

Voluminous Poop

I didn’t want to say anything–but I was like “Hey, have you noticed? I poop cow patties multiple times a day–is there something you can do?” Auntie Karen, who’s also a superstar vet, recommended I be checked for EPI. It’s a condition where the pancreas doesn’t make enough enzymes to digest food. Guess who has EPI and is B12 deficient? Yup, me. It’s all good though–I eat special powder on my food, Mom Erin is giving me B12 shots and I don’t have to be embarrassed about going #2 anymore.

The Hills of Bellingham

My new Moms noticed I didn’t travel the stairs confidently and my back swayed when I walked. They took me to see Dr. Kim who gave me some zen pills so she could take pictures of my back, pelvis and knees. After reviewing the pictures we learned I had Severe Bi-Lateral Hip Dysplasia. Dr. Kim recommended we see a surgeon in Canada to discuss my options. Dr. Karen took a look at my slides and said it was the worst dysplasia she had ever seen. Needless to say, everyone agreed that I should start taking anti-inflamitory drugs. I don’t mind the drugs–they taste like liver and I’m able to run around a little now!

Here’s a side by side view of normal hips and my hips:

When my surgeries are complete I'll have awesome new robo-hips like these, which will allow me to live a long and healthy, and PAIN-FREE life with my family. My moms tell me that they'll even let me go out on the trails with my horse siblings once I heal up -- I LOVE being out on the trails!

Oh Canada!

Customs and Border Patrol didn’t seem to mind my multiple border crossings and I like that I’ve visited three states and two countries in two months.

Dr. Geoff took a look at my films, examined me and said if I were his dog he’d replace both of my hips. Yes, total hip replacement is a thing for dogs. Unfortunately, it’s really expensive. About $8,000 per hip. My Moms want the best able-bodied life for me, so they’re brainstorming creative ways to raise money. Dr. Geoff is really busy can’t schedule me in until December or January at the earliest, so we have a few months to tug on your heartstrings. They started this blog so everyone can follow my journey.