WHITEVILLE, NC.......Rusty is a three-year-old pure breed German Shepherd that was brought to the Columbus County Shelter by a Breeder in the area.   Rusty came in with terrible hip displacement which appeared to be from an old injury that was never treated.    The Breeder said he was born this way which is almost impossible to happen based on looking at the x-rays.   It appears Rusty was hit by a car some time ago and was left untreated.   His left rear leg is so atrophied that he now has bone rubbing on bone.  He is very thin for a German Shepherd, and his bloodwork shows he is very dehydrated and has an infection which we believe is coming from his skin issues.   To say this sweet pup has had a hard Life is an understatement.  He was in terrible pain from his hip issues and did not have any way to make the pain stop.   This so-called Breeder should not be in business.   

Rusty was taken to our wonderful Dr. Michelle Nanfelt at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Matthews, NC where she will do an FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy) on him.  We are guessing Rusty is around three based on his teeth and the fact his growth plates are closed.    He is way too big a dog not to have been given medical care for his injury.      Rusty would have been put to sleep if we had not stepped up for him since his injuries were so severe and no one had any interest in him based on his medical condition.   He is a wonderful dog that did not deserve to be in this situation.   The injury has caused him to be very protective of his hip.   The first day, he did not want anyone to touch him but has since settled down and is trusting the Staff to look after him.  He is going to be a new dog after his Surgical Repair.   He will finally be able to stand up and show off his beautiful majestic body in true German Shepherd form.

Please, help us give Rusty the Medical Care he has needed for quite some time.   Rusty is going to need Rehab and lots of controlled walks before he regains the muscle mass he lost.   We feel like he will have a full recovery and be a wonderful dog for the right Family.    He is sweet and loving and will get even better once he is out of pain.