Arnold was the Golden Retriever that inspired the Arnold fund. This sweet guy came to us from a shelter recently.  He's only about a year old.  While at the vet awaiting his neuter, the vet noticed that Arnold couldn't open his mouth more than 1/2"...

Arnold

I have been remiss about updating GRIN about Arnold, the first dog offered for sponsership.  We fostered Arnold and immediately fell in love with the big lug.  He has continued to prosper and can now even fit a tennis ball in his mouth (something we thought he would never be able to do).  Our other GRIN dog, Mattie, has kept Arnold on his toes which helped his recovery and the two of them are the best of friends.  I love to watch them wrestle.  I have a thousand wonderful Arnold stories.  Thank you, thank you, those of you who had a part in helping our Arnold.  He is a joy and a blessing to us.

Thanks, Tom and Deb K.

This sweet guy came to us from a shelter recently.  He's only about a year old.  While at the vet awaiting his neuter, the vet noticed that Arnold couldn't open his mouth more than 1/2", so they were unable to intubate him for surgery.  After a trip to the specialist and lots of diagnostics, it was discovered that his jaw had been broken in some sort of trauma (kicked? hit by a car?) and had healed improperly, thereby making it impossible for him to open his mouth more than just a little.  He is able to eat, but if he would ever have to vomit, it's very likely he would aspirate the fluid, which could cause, among other things, choking or pneumonia.  He was scheduled for surgery to improve the ability to open his mouth, but before we could get it done, he contracted kennel cough.  He's had to stay at the vet all this time, recuperating from the bordetella.  Now his corrective surgery is scheduled for the week of January 12th.  He will have to have a temporary tracheotomy in order to anesthetize him.  Needless to say, the cost of the surgery, coupled with the cost of having to board him while he got over the kennel cough has driven up his medical bills.

Arnold's foster family has fallen in love with him and couldn't bear to see him go, so they adopted him.  Not unusual when you meet a golden!  What a wonderful ending to Arnold's story.  Congratulations to the foster family!

The entire GRIN organization would like to thank all of Arnold's sponsors.  Without you, his surgery, recuperation and a long, healthy and happy life would not be possible.  We cherish your support and know how lucky we are to have such very special supporters.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

January 27, 2004: Arnold had a follow-up appointment today. All his staples were removed and everyone is thrilled with his progress. As you can see from the photos, Arnold can now hold toys in his mouth and play with his foster sister, Mattie.
	UPDATE: January 19, 2004: Arnold is recuperating in his foster home now.  He's enjoying the love that his new foster parents shower upon him and is getting along with his foster sister and brother.  To date, Arnold's vet bills have escalated to over $2,500 with more bills expected to come due to follow-ups and routine care.  Our generous sponsors have sent in $1,355 towards Arnold's care.  We cannot begin to show our appreciation for your generosity.  Thank you!
	Arnold's surgery date:  January 14, 2003. Here's Arnold the day after his surgery.  The operation was a success and Arnold will be able to open his mouth about 2-3 inches, the best the doctors could do.  Arnold tolerated the surgery well and is on the way to recovery.  Through this ordeal, Arnold has been nothing but a very happy young boy, full of life and energy.

G.R.I.N. is a non-profit organization, we rely solely on the generosity of kind and giving people like you!  We're registered with a 501(c)(3) status, so all your donations, including sponsorships, are tax-deductible.