Wrangler Australian Shepherd & Spaniel Mix Redondo Beach, CA

Wrangler is approximately 1 year old spaniel/Aussie shepard (?) mix, he was rescued from Apple Valley Shelter in April 2013. Wrangler came to us very sick with what we thought it to be pneumonia as a result of shelter environment which is very common but easily treatable. Although he got better, his pneumonia recurred within a month. We noticed he coughed a lot with eating and drinking, although he acted like a normal puppy with good energy we decided to explore the cause of his cough. He went to our specialty critical care vet hospital to be worked up, turns our Wrangler had a condition called Cricopharyngeal Accalasia and Mega Esophagus (a genetic disorder causing a malformation of his trachea, pharynx, and esophagus). We decided to get Wrangler the surgery recommended by our surgeon, but it was rare surgery. He did well post op in later 2013, but still would cough after even tiny feedings. It was discovered that the surgery failed :( we have taken him up to UC Davis Veterinary School to consult with a specialist in Cricopharyngeal Accalasia. After multiple studies over 1 week we were there, the specialist told us there is no other surgical intervention he is a candidate for. Presently, "Wrangy" has a G-Tube for feedings 4 times a day or a feeding tube directly into his abdomen. This makes him special needs and will have this for the rest of his life because he cannot eat normally without aspirating. We love Wrangler, he is by all accounts a normal great energy, and a lovable dog who loves life, everything, and everyone around him. We will never give up on this sweet boy, and are now looking for a permanent placement home, or a permanent foster situation where someone can help us take care of him. We provide all supplies, food, and vet care as we will be there for him for the rest of his life. He loves kids and would be awesome in a home with a special needs child as well. He is a good reading partner too, as he just snuggles in your lap. He plays well with other dogs, and is potty trained. Please share this plea with anyone you think could assist us in the physical care and continued growth and development stimulation of Wrangler. A person who works from home, vet tech, or any medically trained person would be ideal, even two different secure homes with rotation fostering would assist us. Wrangler has been with the same foster for his entire post rescue life, she is a certified dog trainer and Wrangler knows his basic commands and obedience (he sits patiently and quietly during his feeding). It is now time for Wrangler to find his furrever home so our foster can help other dogs we rescue. Thank you so very much for reading and sharing him!

Sincerely,

Gone to the Dogs Rescue Inc. Team