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Hi, I'm Rustina, Tina for short.  I was dumped at the Vance County Animal Shelter about a month ago. This shelter is in Henderson North Carolina. I made friends with another Springer there. We were there for a while. Thank goodness we were rescued by ESRA.

Well my story starts with the fact that the shelter said I was a boy. They called me Rusty because of my bleached out liver color. I guess they neglected to check. Actually they didn't check anything. I came to the shelter with a severely crushed hip and femur of my rear right leg in addition to Heartworms. The injury was an old one and it healed on its own in a very bad position. The leg is every cumbersome and I am not able to get around too well. My ESS friend from the shelter helped me get around and she protected me. The hip and leg have made life difficult but I am a happy girl. It can be painful and aches alot. Thank goodness I am a small slim girl or it would be worse.

It has been established that the best plan of action is to amputate the leg from the hip down. Boy are those x-rays cool...well you know what I mean. If you are into crushed hips and femurs that are completely broken in half and
displaced. I am ready for the amputaion and looking forward to being able to run and play.

In addition to all the leg and hip stuff I have these horrible Heartworms. My gosh what were the people thinking that had me before...Thanks goodness they took me to the shelter to be rescued by ESRA. Once I recover from the
amputation I will need a lengthy Heartworm treatment and then can you believe I have to have another surgery? I can't...I will then be spayed and be ready for my forever home. Wow, I am exhausted just telling you about all this.

Please continue to watch for my updates on my treatments and recovery. All of these medical treatments are expensive. My foster mom told me not to worry about them. She said the great supporters of ESRA would help out and everything will be fine. Thank you for helping me find a new life and a great home.

Update 04 MAY 08: Hi Everyone, I just wanted you to know my surgery went very well. Wow what a difference a few days make. I had gotten used to having that bad leg around and now that it is gone what a relief. The surgery was a bit longer then expected due to the amount of damage and all the bone fragment. There was a lot a cleaning up in there to be done. I look forward to going back to the vet for a check up. I was a bit out of it when I left. I want to thank Dr. John, Dr. Cindy and Dr. Jennifer for taking such great care of me. I can't forget Brent he was my surgical vet tech. Boy is he a smart guy and kinda cute too :) Everyone was great to me and of course since I still have Heartworm treatment and a spay in store I will be seeing them alot.

My foster mom and brothers are taking great care of me. I have my very own apartment as mom calls it. It is nice to have a comfy place to rest and someone giving me lots of attention. I have even gone to work with mom. That is fun because everyone comes to see the pretty Springer Spaniel named Tina.

I will keep you up to date on my progress and thank you all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers for a complete recovery.

Love and hugs to you all Tina.

Contact: E. Lulich aelulich@juno.com

Click Here To Sponsor Tina

TINA'S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE:
Lee and Loretta Davis	In memory of Sparky and Freckles.
Cary Branthwaite	In memory of Jack and Gus.
Bob Knell	In memory of Samantha, Joshua, Rose, Brady, and Abigail.
Kathleen Lulich
Carol Sanderson	In memory of Steve Bachmeyer, we miss you, dear friend.
Heidi Thomas-Dunn	In honor of our rescued Springer, Buster.
Catherine Jones	In memory of Ashley.
Betty Green	In memory of T-bone.
Janice R. Pearce	In memory of our beloved Belle.
Karl and Linda Lintz	We are so proud of you Tina!  Love, your doggie friends Benny, Laney, Molly, and Lucas.
Theresa Schaufer	In memory of Brandy, Elsie, Rachel, and Gus.
Ray and Monica Smith	In memory of Steve Bachmeyer, dedicated ESRA volunteer.
Laura, Matt, and Elvis Starnes	Springers don't need 4 legs!  Hop to a quick recovery Tina!
Cathryne Slaughter	Good Luck, Tina!  You don't need 4 legs!  Springer kisses from Maggie in Alabama.