Bernie
February 29, 2024
Meet Bernie
How It Started
This 1.5-year-old Pyrenees has faced unimaginable challenges, arriving at Upstate Vet with gunshot wounds to his shoulder, head, chest, and leg, after being found stuck in a bear trap. The extent of his injuries includes a fractured right leg, which may need surgical repair or even amputation, as advised by the veterinarians at GCAC. But that's not all… Bernie is also heartworm positive, adding to his list of battles ahead.
Bernie will be confined to strict crate rest for the time being. His injuries have rendered him unable to walk, but he’s already made strides by hopping around lightly at our house. And yes, Bernie is still intact, meaning neutering is another critical step in his journey to recovery.
The road to Bernie's recovery will be long and costly. However, we believe he deserves every chance at a second life, free from pain and full of love. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Dog Squad’s lifesaving work relies entirely on the generosity of our community. We receive no governmental support, so every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
Medical Issues
-
Gunshot Wounds
Bernie was shot multiple times.
-
Fractured Forelimb
One of the bullets shot through his humerus, leaving his front limb immobile.
-
Heartworm Positive
Because getting stuck in a bear trap, gunshot wounds, and a fractured leg weren’t enough.
Update 3/13/24
Full Body CT Scan
Under sedation, Squad Foster Bernie underwent a comprehensive full-body CT scan on Saturday 3/2, which, thankfully, revealed no additional soft tissue injuries.
Surgery on 3/5
The surgical intervention was less invasive than anticipated. Bernie’s skilled surgeon opted for the implantation of two metal plates over external fixation—a decision we cautiously celebrate. However, our joy is tempered with patience; Bernie’s bones must now accept these foreign aides as part of their healing process. According to the surgeon, the roots of Bernie’s injury trace back 3-4 weeks, a revelation that brings with it a heightened risk of infection. Despite the surgeon’s expertise, not all fragments could be cleared, leaving Bernie vulnerable to complications that could necessitate amputation as a result.
Post-Op Recovery
Bernie’s surgery turned out to be less invasive than we initially feared. His surgery was a success, involving the placement of two metal plates and a rod to aid in his healing, rather than opting for an external fixation or amputation.
Bernie’s bones now face the challenge of integrating these foreign objects into their healing process. The surgeon informed us that Bernie’s injury dates back 3-4 weeks, which unfortunately increases his risk of infection. Despite the surgeon’s best efforts, some fragments remain, posing a risk of bacterial complications that could ultimately lead to amputation.
The next 12 weeks are critical. This period is crucial for Bernie's bone to heal after what was a major operation. To mark your calendars, Bernie’s 12-week checkup is scheduled for Memorial Day. In the meantime, his sutures will be removed in two weeks, and he will be donning the cone of shame to prevent any disturbance to his healing wounds.
Bernie’s post-op care includes icing the top and bottom of his incision 3x a day for the next 4 days, followed by warm compressions. Additionally, we will be initiating at-home physical therapy exercises to support his recovery. These include weight shifting, passive range of motion exercises, and massage. We are also enhancing his medication regimen with supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin and fish oil to support his healing.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support Bernie has received. Thanks to your generous donations, his initial course of treatment, totaling $9,255.76, was made possible, giving Bernie a fighting chance at a full recovery. We promise to keep you updated on his progress and thank every single one of you for your kindness and support.
Update March 17, 2024
Update on Squad Foster Bernie – Our Superman on the Mend!
It’s been 12 days since our brave boy Bernie underwent major surgery, and he’s been a trooper through it all! Tomorrow is a big day for Bernie as he’ll be visiting @fetch_greenville to get his staples removed. We can already tell he’s excited about ditching the cone of shame for good!
Bernie is showing us every day that he’s anything but an ordinary Great Pyrenees. Despite the breed’s well-known stubbornness, Bernie stands out with his unique clinginess and constant need for affection. He’s not a fan of alone time and finds his greatest joy in lounging with his humans and fellow Squad pups. Bernie is truly a giant couch potato, craving nothing more than to be surrounded by love and acceptance.
A special shoutout to @thebernerboysofsc for the fantastic Superman collar donation! It couldn’t be more fitting for our very own Superman, symbolizing the strength and courage Bernie has shown. @sassywoof
Keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow’s update following Bernie’s vet appointment. We’re all rooting for him and can’t wait to share how he’s getting on post-cone life. Your support means the world to Bernie and to us at Dog Squad!
Update March 18, 2024
This morning, we had a significant milestone for Bernie at Fetch Specialty & Emergency Veterinary Centers - Greenville, SC. Bernie said goodbye to his staples and, more importantly, to the dreaded cone of shame!
While we're celebrating these steps forward, our journey has hit a slight bump. Despite his incision healing beautifully, Bernie's not using his leg as much as the vet expected. Understanding his discomfort, the vet prescribed new medications to help Bernie feel more at ease. They also stressed the importance of professional physical therapy. So, we're on the lookout for a skilled canine rehabilitation specialist to help Bernie get back on all fours with confidence. In the meantime, we're keeping up with weight-shifting exercises at home and planning for a follow-up with x-rays in 10 weeks.
To our wonderful community who’s been rooting for Bernie every step of the way, we can't thank you enough for your support. For those looking to help Bernie in his recovery, please visit his Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1N75JBT5UE5PC?ref_=wl_share
We promise to keep you updated on Bernie's recovery journey. Your support means the world to us and to Bernie.
Calling Upstate SC Residents: We're exploring options for the best local canine rehabilitation. We've heard about ARCC and Pawsabilities Physical Therapy. If you have recommendations or experiences with local specialists, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s find Bernie the best help we can!
Update March 20, 2024
Special Delivery for Bernie!
Today, Bernie was showered with love once again, as a flurry of packages arrived just for him, leaving even our Amazon delivery person in awe! The generosity and kindness shown by each and every one of you who took a moment to pick something special from Bernie’s Wishlist have truly touched our hearts.
We are beyond grateful for your support and want to express our deepest thanks to this amazing community. Your thoughtful gifts are not just items; they are tokens of love that will accompany Bernie as he embarks on his journey to his forever home. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being a part of Bernie’s story.
