Parker had surgery to alleviate a problem that has been ongoing for the 2 years since he came to Ozark Dogs.  He has had 3 entropian surgeries but that did not solve the whole problem.  Finally a specialist was consulted.  Parker made a trip to Memphis to the canine eye specialist.  It was an infected tooth that had infected the sinus cavity which infected and blocked the nasolacrimal duct.  Surgery $1064.00. Now he has to have a nasolacrimal flush every 4 to 5 days (depending how it falls as can't do it on a weekend) This will be "for as long as it takes" to clear up. This could be for 4 months which would be 24 to 28 flushes. EACH flush is an additional $78. He has had 3 flushes already and another scheduled for this Friday. With his surgery, Penny's surgery and a failed emergency surgery which Shelby did not make it, Ozark Dogs Rescue is in major financial trouble and our personal finances are tapped beyond recovery.
PLEASE, if you can help...  We won't let Parker lose his eye but we just can't cover the vet bills and feed all the 'unadoptable Sanctuary Dogs'.
                                                        

 
  Time to change direction

It has been eight years of rescue to re-home.  We've just about seen it all.  Dogs with old bullets in them and dogs rushed to the vet with fresh bullets in them.  Dogs that have been left on a chain or small kennel to starve and die of thirst.  Dogs that were dumped and had to forage for themselves for months.  Dogs whose owners let them get so obese, then didn't want them anymore because of health issues.  Dogs who were hit by cars and left for dead, who, with such a will to live, managed through the pain to survive and learn to trust again.  Field dogs who never knew loving human contact, that took months of patience to come out of hiding.  Dogs who just grew old and were too much trouble.  Puppies neglected by stupid owners and beat when they chewed up the furniture.  Or kicked when they jumped up for that longed for attention.  Dogs that were used as 'bait dogs' for fighting.  Dogs who were beat repeatedly to make them aggressive guard dogs.  The list goes on.   And then the well cared for dogs whose owners had to go into nursing homes or died. 

Due to old age, health and financial reasons, it is time for Ozark Dogs Rescue to change direction.  The new goal is two fold: First, to help people who want to keep their dogs and deserve to keep them, be able to do so.  We are setting up a dog food and supply bank for low income and those in temporary crisis.  Hopefully there will also be funds to help with some vet costs.  Second, to help dog owners who become ill be able to keep/ see their dog, and know it is taken care of.  This will require trusted volunteers to foster or visit and feed that persons dog.  To take the dog to visit the owner in Hospice or a nursing home.  It will be a long term commitment for a volunteer, but many of us will be in that same situation someday.

The new endeavor will be just as expensive as rescuing a dog, getting it healthy and finding it a wonderful forever home.   Assuredly, too, it will be just as rewarding.

Ozark Dogs will remain a sanctuary for the dozen or so dogs who have never moved on and are now up there in years like we are.