Friday is Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day. It was established in 2014 by Davis Rogers, founder of MBJungle Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to bring awareness and to educate people about pet birth defects and pet mental health challenges.
Christopher Head, founder of All 4 Paws Orthotics and Prosthetics, has worked with several animals with birth defects in New Mexico.
“I entered the orthotic and prosthetics field almost 20 years ago, with five years now working with animals and making devices for them. I have worn a device my whole life, and that’s what got me into the field,” said Head. “I had a dog that needed some support. I spent two years training at OrthoPets and have been doing this in New Mexico for almost three years now, continuing to grow the business.”
Head introduced me to Leo a couple of weeks ago. Leo is a 1½- to 2-year-old mastiff who was born with birth defects.
Leo is at Argos, A Shelter Dog Rescue. Argos, a nonprofit, works with all of New Mexico’s shelters to take in dogs that are at risk of euthanasia due to overcrowding.
“Argos has an excellent relationship with Bernalillo County [Animal Care and Resource Center] and we were contacted and asked to help with Leo,” said Kim Domina, president of Argos. “We of course accepted Leo into the rescue with open arms.”
Head followed Leo’s plight on social media and immediately contacted Argos to offer his services to help Leo.
“Leo has a severe birth defect and they [Argos], were looking to amputate but wondered if there might be some brace or prosthetic that could help. Because of his birth defect, a prosthetic is a bit difficult, but for the limb he hops on, I made him a brace to cushion the impact on his limb,” said Head. “We are still pursuing further options for him.”
Argos relies 100% on donations and does not receive state or federal funding.
“We are an all-volunteer, foster-based all-breed rescue. We also specialize in taking senior and hospice dogs into our Loved at Last hospice program,” said Domina. “We take in medical and severe medical dogs along with healthy dogs. We rescue, foster, provide medical care, rehabilitate, provide all the creature comforts for, and supply the love and comfort for these pups until we find appropriate forever homes for our rescued dogs.”
Argos has provided Leo with all his medical care, rehabilitation and comfort. Leo is neutered, had his eye surgically repaired, had bloodwork done and is heartworm tested and microchipped. Argos provided X-rays, vaccines, food, grip matts, bedding, toys and most of all, a ton of love.
Collaborating closely with veterinarian staff, Head was able to make a prosthetic for Leo.
“Huge thank you to Chris and our vet partners who always go above and beyond for the Argos Rescue dogs,” Domina said.
Argos also has two other dogs seeking homes. Tango is a male moyen poodle puppy who is 10 weeks old. Tango was born with strangles and demodex and arrived at Argos from a breeder who could not sell him due to health issues. Argos has provided all medical care, and Tango is now happy and healthy.
Scruffles is a 5-year-old female French bulldog who arrived at Argos with a congenital defect, known to happen in her breed. Her back legs and bowel function are limited. Argos has provided X-rays, medical exams, vet checkups, foster, comfort, food, supplies, and of course, plenty of love and care.
Tracks
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: Levi is a charming 4-year-old pooch looking for an owner who prioritizes couch cuddles and daily walks. Levi has fur as soft as silk and brown eyes.
Three-year-old dog Lux was shy when she arrived, but with time and love, she has made incredible strides. Lux needs an owner who understands it’s OK to take things slow.
Española Humane: Cherry was found in a burned area after the Ruidoso fires. She escaped the flames and also protected her two puppies.
Cherry was enrolled in the Paws in the Pen program for eight weeks of 24/7 training at the Penitentiary of New Mexico.
Cherry is a 2-year-old beauty with a bright smile. She wants nothing more than to give and receive love.
Cherry is one of the most trainable dogs in the prison program, and she is a favorite. Cherry will soon graduate, and she is ready to find her perfect home where she can loaf, love, play, roll in the grass and be absolutely adored.
Eira came from a nightmarish ordeal. She is one of 19 cats found inside a sweltering RV.
Thanks to some comfort and care, they are safe, sound and full of life. Each cat has a quirky personality. Eira and her fellow survivors are available for adoption. They are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines and microchipped.
Felines & Friends: Lady Firefly, Captain Spaulding, Otis and Run Rabbit were rescued as orphaned strays.
These kittens were raised together in a foster home with children and other pets. Lady Firefly is a calico kitty. Quick and agile, Lady Firefly loves nothing more than sprinting around to show off her impressive jumping and climbing skills.
Four-month-old cats Clematis and Honeysuckle were just 2 days old when rescued. These foster-raised kittens are good-natured and well-socialized. Brother Clematis is very outgoing and social.
Sister Honeysuckle enjoys petting and purrs like a lawn mower.
They keep each other entertained, play with great intensity and often sleep together. This pair would love to find a home together.
Meet these kittens and more from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Teca Tu.
The Horse Shelter: Wrangler is a 23-year-old sorrel gelding who is looking for a home as a nonriding horse. Wrangler is a sweet soul.
He gets along with mares and geldings and tends to be at the bottom of the pecking order in his herd.
Anyone interested in adopting Wrangler or any other horse may go to thehorseshelter.org or call 505-577-4041.
