Special needs dog would love a home

By Josh Faiola
Posted 7/20/17

JOSH FAIOLA -- Dog enthusiasts will have a hard time not falling in love with Truman and his story, as he has overcome so much since he was found. Now, Truman the pit bull terrier, labrador mix is looking for a forever home.

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Special needs dog would love a home

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Dog enthusiasts will have a hard time not falling in love with Truman and his story, as he has overcome so much since he was found. Now, Truman the pitbull terrier, labrador mix is looking for a forever home.

Truman was originally taken into Providence Animal Control in early 2016. He was ill and walking was difficult for him. After evaluation from the emergency veterinarian, he was diagnosed with leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause fever, shivering, dehydration, stiffness in muscles and depression. According to the vice president of Handsome Dan’s Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs, Trisha Torres, this was most likely caused from Truman drinking out of a contaminated water puddle when he was a stray.

While under the care of Handsome Dan’s, Truman was diagnosed with megaesophagus and Myasthenia Gravis. Both of these conditions effect a dog’s muscles and make it difficult swallowing. Truman has been in foster care since March 2016 and was unavailable for adoption for the first few months because his medical condition was unstable.

“It took a while to figure out the correct medications and routine, but happily now Truman is healthy and is in excellent condition,” Torres said.

With only a few inexpensive daily medications, Truman has been ready for adoption for over a year and is just waiting for the right person or family to take him in. Potential adopters should know that Truman’s condition means his esophagus does not work properly if he eats like a regular dog. The muscles do not properly push his food down to his stomach.

Truman has to sit in a special chair called a Bailey chair, which allows him to sit straight up. By eating his meals sitting up, it will help properly guide the food to be processed correctly. Truman loves sitting in his chair because he knows that’s where his food is, so it is not difficult to maintain the habit.

Truman is believed to be between 3 and 4 years old and loves people. He often goes to work with his foster people and soaks up all the attention he can get when at the office or out on walks.

“He is a pretty low energy dog, and although he likes to go on walks and adventures, he is just as content to hang out on his comfy bed and snooze the day away," Torres said. "He is a great dog who deserves a chance at a long and happy life after all he has endured to get to this point."

To learn more about the rescue work of Handsome Dan’s, visit www.handsomedansrescue.org. To learn more about Truman, contact Trisha Torres at Ttorres@Aspectsinc.com

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