Sophie is a beautiful, loving 15 month old Golden Retriever who needs all and any help we can give her. I am sure she considers herself to be a lucky dog who has a good life with her new family, Jenn and Ben Ayres and her doggie friend Lily. However, she was on the receiving end of some bad medical treatment and suffers because of that.
At eight months Sophie underwent surgery to correct dislocated kneecaps on both legs, and the recommended post surgical treatment required her back legs to be tightly bound to her body. The result of this treatment left Sophie disabled. Every other doctor that has examined Sophie since has agreed that this treatment should have never been done. It is sad to think that anyone suffers from medical neglect/incompetence, but Sophie did. Before surgery she had full use of her back legs. Her condition was completely preventable according to her current veterinarian, Dr. Robert Stein. If nothing is done for Sophie’s current condition, it will result in ruptured discs and other complications.
From Jenn: “Sophie came to us through the Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York. The family who originally had her had reached the limit of what they were able to do financially, with their only other alternative being to euthanize her. The Rescue would only agree to take her on if an acceptable long term placement could be found. That’s when Sophie and her story touched our hearts and we knew she was meant to be a part of our lives.”
Sophie has received some good news. Her new veterinarian believes there is hope for Sophie. Jenn has started collecting donations for Sophie’s physical therapy, wheels and ramp. You can read more about Sophie and watch her videos here, as well as donate. Jenn also asks for prayers and good thoughts for Sophie as she gets her second chance.
From Jenn: “Every single day, our animals give us a second chance to be a better person. All of us who have loved an animal know what this feels like. They see you for who you are, and they love you anyway. In the short time she has been with us, Sophie has filled our hearts with joy, made us smile and laugh in spite of her pain, and showered us with love and kisses. We would really like to be able to give her a second chance to have a normal, healthy, pain-free life.”
Sophie has only been with the Ayres for a month and has new hope. I hope you will help Sophie in any way you can!
About Ayres Photography: Based in Buffalo, NY, Jenn and Ben Ayres specialize in modern photo journalistic wedding, event and portrait photography.
Great post and great pet parents! Love her photos of the poochies! Can’t wait to see Sophie rollin around on her new wheels! 🙂 Sending much love and positive thoughts their way.
So glad to know that there are folks like Jenn and Ben out there making a difference for dogs like Sophie. She looks really sweet and happy in her new home. I hope she is able to get the treatments she needs.