Tres was hobbling on 3 legs down the side of the highway thru Jacksboro in May, 2003, following a homeless man, when she apparently got tired & went up to a couple sitting in their yard. She made herself at home as if to say she didn't want to go any further. The man made no attempt to retrieve her; instead he just kept walking & disappeared down the highway. The next day the people called us & Tres came to the Sanctuary.

Tres was missing about a third of one rear leg - possibly from a birth defect. Our vet recommended an amputation of the remainder of the leg at the hip because Tres was trying to walk on the short leg & it was impeding her balance.

Surgery was completed & Tres has recovered nicely. She was up & walking soon after surgery & now has much better balance without the old stump.  Tres is about 2 yrs. old & has a super sweet disposition. She is ready for a good home with people who will cherish her for the sweet girl that she is.
 

This editorial was featured during July - August, 2004.  It brought many comments & inquiries about Tres, but not until the wonderful person who is now her new "Mom" came along was there a serious prospect for a new home.  They say that all good things are worth waiting for .. and it seems that Tres' long wait has paid off.   She is quickly adjusting to the life of love & comfort that she so well deserves.  Our best wishes go out to Tres, her Mom & her other canine & feline family members .. May God bless you all.

*****
Seeking Perfection
in an
Imperfect World

For months now, we’ve had Tres on our website and even featured her as Pet of the Week.  She gets  anywhere from 275 to 300 hits every week from our Petfinder website.  What this means is that everyone looks but nobody wants to offer her a home.

This sweet animal needs a home worse than any dog here and may I also offer, she deserves it.  You see, Tres only has three legs but I can’t believe this is the reason no one will offer her a home.  It isn’t catching, people, she is simply minus a leg.  She gets around just fine.  She probably shouldn’t be expected to run up and down stairs or go jogging with you but she loves long walks and can even chase a ball if she had someone to throw it for her.

She will stay by your side without a leash and if you could see how she looks up at you with nothing but love in her eyes, I know there’s no way anyone could resist her.  In short, she’s a loving animal and NEEDS to be in her own home, not at a sanctuary.  If, in fact, the reason people don’t want her is because she “isn’t perfect” then folks, there’s not much hope for us.

But then you know what?  For a while now, I’m afraid I have had my doubts about whether or not most of our population is even worthy of having a precious animal.  If we’re that hung up on “perfect” then don't even waste our time by filling out an application for this magnificent animal.  You probably wouldn’t be worthy of her anyhow.

Do I sound angry?  Damn right I am.  I’m sick and tired of people who don’t care about anything but themselves and look at a picture of a three legged dog and say “Tsk, tsk, what a shame.  That poor dog.  I hope someone adopts her”.

That’s what I’m tired of. 

UPDATE 01/03/2006 .... Tres' Mom, Linda, sent us a note to remind us that it has been 18 wonderful months since Tres went to live with her.  She says:
She is a very special girl.  She is in love with Rusty, the Australian Shepherd.  She gives as good as she gets, they race around, that's right, race around the backyard, which she has dug up in Lab fashion, but only in one spot. He bites her neck and she bites his, they nibble and cuddle.  It is really too cute for words.

Her coat is now a lustrous white and soft as cotton.  When she looks at you, most of the time she has her puppy face on and you melt. But she  is as stubborn as get out.  Honestly, unless she wants to come in, or go out or whatever, it don't happen. And I have spoiled her. I give her all the leeway she wants.  I can't scold her, she just looks at me like "is you nattering at little old me, sweet me?

The only real concern we have is she is very, very frightened of rainstorms.  She must have been out in quite a few.  I try not to reinforce the reaction, but it is pretty hard not to cuddle her when she is shaking to pieces.

Linda has promised to send new pictures soon & we will add them to the page of New Pictures when they come in.

UPDATE 09/12/2004 .... Well, she is settled in, and eating, she lovesssss bread, that is how I get the pills into her. I am giving her Solid Gold dry and joint care capsules.  She will be starting on Evening Primrose oil soon.  I do not want to put too much weight on to fast.  Also, I don't want to put on more then enough to cover her spine.

She is not very cat friendly, but the cat stays out of her way and I will supervise at all times,  I have ordered a cat tree that is 8 feet tall, so the cat will be fine.  She is also not happy with the little dogs, but they are staying out of her way.  We will manage, everyone is going to sign non-aggression pacts and I will enforce them.

I love her smiley face, and her orthopedic bed has been ordered.  Right now she is on regular dog bed and I will begin to massage aloe into her elbows.  I hope I can give her an easier life for the rest of her life.  She is dreaming and running in her dreams.

Take care and will update you in a few weeks!!!

Update 1-06-2005:  Everyone loves Tres, people just marvel at her and I get to take her home with me!!  But, Carole, she is a willful Sprite!!  She goes out and sits down and turns around to me and decides to stay, but how can I be mad at her, I just get the leash and coax her in and give her a biscuit.
 

Update 1-18-2005:  Well, the stitches are out and she is doing fine.  Barking at the squirrels but mostly a very quiet lady.  Everyone loves her and she knows it.  She is spoiled, I don't care, I finished the roll  of film and when it is returned I will send you pictures.  She has three beautiful collars, she is a fairy princess!