Zoya came into rescue on November 8th, 2002 happy as lark, limping on just 3 legs. She immediately stole our hearts with her sweet personality and beautiful markings. She was removed from her previous home by animal control because the smart neighbors complained about her condition (thank you!). She was limping for several weeks & was extremely skinny. Once we got word of her in the animal control facility we were on our way!

Monday Nov 11th, 2002 she went to the vet for x-rays and we found out her hip was broken. Cage rest was recommended by 2 vets so we agreed and the 4-6 week cage rest began. Ever tried to crate a puppy for almost 24 hours a day?? It is NOT easy!!

Zoya received massage every day by her foster grandma (a trained massage therapist & equine physical therapist) and seemed to be improving. She was given the go ahead to be allowed out of the crate & start moving around & boy can she move! Then a slight set back occurred, we are not sure if the bone shifted or if it just didn't heal right so we went back to the vet January 9th, 2003 for another opinion.

She had x-rays and an exam and the recommendation was amputation.. We couldn't believe what we were hearing & decided to see a specialist. Well the specialist felt she would do good with a total hip replacement. We agreed and on Tuesday January 14th, 2003 she went to the hospital. Early Wednesday morning the surgery began and all of us chewed off all of our nails until 3pm that day when the call finally came in that the Dr. thought it went really well! WHEW! Now the recovery process and months of physical therapy are ready to begin! She will do well, we are very confident in her name Zoya - HEROINE!

January 18th, 2003 - Zoya is home finally! She is feeling a bit better but still in pain from the surgery, her new hip went in well but the muscles had shortened so it is real tight in there, she will get very mild knee movement 3 times a day for 4 weeks. She must be on a short leash only & we have a sling to help her walk. Her re-check is in 4 weeks.

UPDATE 2/15/03 - Zoya went for the re-check & the hip looks real good, the Dr. is very happy with how it is healing, but not happy with her very limited use of the leg. She was fitted with a splint to make her toes stay forward instead of curling under. She was prescribed with physical therapy and scheduled to return in April for another evaluation.

UPDATE 3/2/03 - Zoya visited Chris her awesome Physical Therapist and she did EXCELLENT! Zoya took 20 steps in a row without knuckling over!!!! She even surprised Chris. So her visit was great and we were able to learn a few more stretches to strengthen her abdutor muscles, this will prevent her leg (when not splinted) from crossing over behind the other one. With this great news we will continue the stretches and walks on a short leash and hopefully have more improvement like this to report next time!

UPDATE 6/7/03 Well we have be afraid to type this since April 11th in fear if "jinxing" it... But ZOYA IS FREE!!!!!! April 11th Dr. K gave her the "all good" for 1 whole yr! He said everything is healing nicely, that she does have permanent nerve damage and has lost the muscle in the lower part of her leg, so she will occassionally flip her foot over when walking. It is VERY occassional, she walks and even runs GREAT! Zoya has no idea anything ever happened to her and for the most part neither do other people that don't know her story. She is so wonderful and full of life and love, she is grateful and we are grateful for her! She has also been released from physical therapy and continues some massage and strengthening exercises at home. Her new birthday is April 11th, she turned 1 this year, we are hoping for many more great news birthdays, as she will return to the vet for x-rays every year at that time.
Here is a recent picture of her running, yes running! THANK YOU to everyone!!!