Saint Has His Ear to the Ground for a New Home

Picasso Veterinary Fund in Action! (August 2008)

Saint got a second chance when he was adopted from NYC's Animal Care & Control (AC&C) Brooklyn Care Center. But two weeks later, the sweet four-year-old Poodle's good fortune disappeared when his adopters returned him to the Care Center because of an ear infection and neurological problems. Saint needed help to get back into the race, so AC&C staff contacted the Mayor's Alliance to see if the Picasso Veterinary Fund would pay for the medical treatment he needed to once again be ready for adoption.

The Mayor's Alliance arranged for Saint to be examined by NYC Veterinary Specialists, a Picasso partner veterinary practice, where he was diagnosed as suffering from a ruptured ear drum in one ear and a severe meningoencephalitis infection in the other. After diagnostic tests, including a spinal tap, they determined that Saint's neurological signs — spinning in a circle in one direction, laying only on one side, barking at no stimulus, and an inability to stand up for more than a few seconds — were the result of the malady in his ears. After being treated with antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs, the infection and some of the neurological problems have disappeared. He still occasionally spins in circles and barks with no apparent cause, but those behaviors are expected to eventually subside. Saint will need to remain on his medications for a few months, but eventually will make a full recovery.

Now Saint is awaiting another "saint" who will welcome him into a loving home. He's a very sweet, friendly young guy — somewhat shy and reserved — but after five minutes with you, he's happy to curl up in your lap. His hearing isn't what it used to be as a result of the ruptured eardrum, but that only means your singing won't bother him when he's trying to sleep! If you or someone you know is thinking of adopting a loving little dog, Saint is the ideal choice. Just contact us at picasso@AnimalAllianceNYC.org or view Saint's Petfinder listing to find out more.

The Picasso Veterinary Fund gave Saint another chance for a good life, as it has done for hundreds of dogs and cats at AC&C shelters who needed a little help to get back on their feet before being adopted. Because the fund is supported solely by private donations, you can be an important part of its success in helping dogs like Saint by making a tax-deductible donation. It's easy — click here to donate. By doing so, you'll show Saint and his buddies that you care about them, and help them to end up in the loving homes they deserve.