Success Stories

Max2 and Molly6, December, 2000

Max and Molly are 5-month-old chocolate litter mates from Wisconsin that were turned over to a shelter in December 2000, by a backyard breeder just prior to her husband shooting Max because he believed Max could not be adopted due to his medical problems. Max had been adopted by a family, but was returned to the breeder. His sister Molly was given to the adoptive family as a replacement, but they returned her, too, when they discovered similar problems.

Both pups were diagnosed with oculoskeletal dysplasia. This condition is genetic and causes blindness and possible orthopedic problems. Both had been blind from birth and the blindness is not correctable. Blindness, however, was not the reason LABMED was contacted. Both pups needed surgery immediately to correct the deformity that was occurring as their front legs grew.

Oculoskeletal dysplasia can cause dwarfism or a bowed look in the legs (much like a Bassett Hound) and Max was experiencing the bowed leg effect. This was occurring because one of the two bones in his front legs was growing at a faster rate than the other. This was causing the faster growing bone to push outward and compress against the joint, creating a deformity at the joint. Molly's physical leg "deformity" wasn't that apparent, but the orthopedic surgeon indicated that x-rays showed her condition to be more serious than Max's. Without surgery, both puppies would likely be crippled before their first birthday.

After some discussion and concern about Max and Molly's long-term prognosis, LABMED agreed to fund the surgery. Both pups came through their surgery like true champs (Max was up and walking around right away; Molly took a little longer). Thanks to the dedicated care of their foster parents they are recovering nicely.

Max and Molly's surgeon expects no other complications except that arthritis may eventually form in the front leg joints. While Max and Molly may always look a little short and appear bowlegged, their movement will not be hampered.

These adorable pups will be ready for their forever homes soon. Their blindness will not hamper them to any great degree because they have always been blind and know no other way of life. They adapt to new surroundings quickly and even handle stairs easily. Their quality of life is just as good as a sighted dog's. They will be placed through Central Indiana Lab Rescue and Adoption (CILRA). Please visit CILRA's Web site if you believe Max or Molly is the right dog for you.

Update: March, 2001

Both puppies have found there forever homes.

Max's new mom wrote: "By making the decision to help this dog even though his problems seemed severe, you gave him a chance at a wonderful life, and he's enjoying every minute! He is growing into quite a big boy (60 pounds at 7 months) and we really forget he is blind half the time! Without his surgery the doctors said he would be crippled by one year of age, but thanks to LABMED he gets around just fine! He loves to play with his toys, and he even runs through the yard playing with his doggie big sister. Our family has fallen totally in love with him, and the two kids can't wait to get home from school everyday and find him waiting by the door! He has learned to go up and down stairs and absolutely loves to ride in the car! "

And' Molly's rescuer told us: "Molly was adopted on March 1st to a wonderful family who has owned a blind dog in the past. Since Molly is now in a home very close to her foster, we expect that we will be able to keep up with her progress.