Hello!
So who is Tiger and what is up with that pesky leg? Read on my friends:
History:
Tiger lives at a school for deaf children on a beach in Southern
Thailand. About 18 months ago he was hit by a motorcycle and his hind
end is now paralyzed. Despite it all he is still a happy boy! I first
came across Tiger chained to a tree behind the school about a year
ago. He had no shelter, rice for food, open sore filled with flies all
along both back legs... A that point I began caring for him daily. He
was treated for infections in his legs, blood parasites, vaccinated,
sterilized, etc. Now each day I bring him quality food, Vitamin B,
walk him and swim with him in the ocean (which Tiger loves) as was
recommended by the vet as a form of physical therapy.
Over time a fundraiser like this one built a dog run for Tiger
with a house for shelter to keep him safe from rain and other dogs,
also allowing him to life free from being tethered to tree. Another
local expat soon ran waterlines for baths, cleaning and more in
Tiger's run. He also helps with daily expenses and took over some of
the morning care so I could take a day or two off each week. He has
been invaluable!
Current Need:
For the past several months Tiger has had an open wound on his
leg. Despite daily cleaning, wrapping and a great deal of care it has
not healed. Now an abscess has formed and the quality of the muscle
tissue is rapidly decreasing. Over the past 4 days Tiger has also lost
his appetite.
During the past months Tiger has seen our local vet several
times. Unfortunately in out sleepy Thai town, the vet has limited
supplies. He cleans the wound and gives Tiger and anti-biotic
injection, then sends us out the door. Our vet is great and means
well, however, the decline of the wound, the daily expense of the vet
wrap, vet visits, topical ointments and other medical supplies, along
with 3+ months wearing a cone of shame... Well, let's just say it is
well time to try something different.
As a bonus, the other expat who started helping me about 6
months back has had to return to the UK to tend to an ailing parent.
Thus all of Tiger' care is back on me and I am feeling the weight of
it all, losing the joy I once had from helping him as I watch his
health decline.
Funds from this event will be used for transport of Tiger to a
large veterinary teaching hospital in Hua Hun, 2.5 hours away. This is
where I take my personal dogs when they need specialized care. The
money will also go to any medical treatments they suggest to finally
put this issue to rest - be it an amputation, stitches, laser
treatment or a bigger antibiotic injection (ha ha).
Why So Much $$?
$500 is a large amount for vet care of a strange and goofy beach
dog. I know that. I simply don't want to drive Tiger so far only to
have them suggest treatments and then say, "Okay, I will go have
yet another fundraiser and drive him back again if it works." I
am tired and I need this to end. No doubt Tiger feels the same.
Naturally any money leftover will go to his follow up care and
meds, ongoing care (vitamins, food, vaccinations...) and those of
other beach dogs I come across. If you know me, you know I give them
my all. If you don't know me, decide for yourself to donate or not.
It's all good. Either way, thanks for reading this far.
More Info:
You can learn a bit more about Tiger and my work with beach dogs here:
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-nola-lee-kelsey-is-making-a-difference-for-dogs-in-thailand
