Working Dogs
To start with a quote from the movie, 'Sea Biscuit': "Why throw a whole life away, just because it's a little roughed up?" This story is about a dog that volunteers his time, helping to track lost people. Randy started training at 8 weeks old in October, last year. He started right away doing small little searches in the woods. As Randy grew, he found joy in the game of "Search and Rescue". Parents, Scott and Wendy Smith were very excited about having Randy show so much talent. They knew he had a promising career ahead of him. Randy trained with the Sarasota Search and Rescue Team. Every weekend he would go to the Carlton Reserve or the Myakka State Forrest and train. Mom and dad found it difficult to keep up with spirited Randy as he moved quickly through the thick palmettos. Then at 6 months old, Randy started to show some weakness in his back legs. He was taken to The Animal Clinic for an exam. After x-rays were taken, Randy was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is the malformation and degeneration of the hip joints. Scott and Wendy were of course saddened, but planned on keeping Randy as a pet. Randy of course never lost his spirit. He could hardly be contained. Wanting to keep him strong, mom and dad started Randy on rehabilitation exercise. They walked Randy daily around the block and used the pool daily. Randy never skipped a beat. Soon he was walking 1.5 miles a day and then swimming for 3 hours. Randy received glucosamine and chondroitin as daily supplements for his joints. He is also on an innovative pain and inflammatory medication, which has proven to be affective in many cases of arthritis and joint problems. Randy will need to be monitored to assess the progression of his disease with exams and radiographs. If the disease does progress, surgery can be performed. In the mean time, Randy is getting stronger and faster. He started light training again with short searches. The Smith's then discussed, with Dr. Fiore, the possibility of limited job duty, such as cadaver work, which is a controlled environment and would not tax him. The Smith's also consulted with the Team Doctor and Head Personnel. The team decided to give Randy a chance. Randy is doing Searches and Human Remains Training. He is eager to work and shows no discomfort. Randy has acquired Pet Therapy Certification, Obedience Certification, and is a canine good citizen. Thanks for all your hard work Randy.
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