Arthur is a gorgeous 1 year old American Lurcher - a Greyhound mix (high percent of Grey in the mix) - who has come into the care of the American Lurcher Rescue Project in Ohio; at some point in young Arthur's life on an Amish farm, he was stomped or kicked by a horse and his badly broken leg was never treated.  The bones in his front left leg healed badly (no surprise) down toward the foot and, our consulting vets (two of them) say his elbow is also badly dislocated.  The leg has been very painful for our sweet boy for quite some time and he does not really bear weight on it.  Both consults recommended amputation as Arthur's way forward to a happy and pain free life.

ALRP has this surgery scheduled for September 12 at The Ohio State University vet college / hospital and we are thrilled to provide him with this level of care, especially as OSU has depth of experience and understanding of greyhound care and the challenges of major surgery, anesthesia and post op care for the breed.  And Arthur's luck was really looking up when a vet at OSU first said she thought she could provide a short term medical foster for him after his planned stay in hospital (we think they will keep him at OSU for at least 4 nights post amp).  Unfortunately for this gorgeous boy who still has a happy helicopter tail whenever you interact with him despite his pain, that arrangement fell through.  

ALRP has been unable to find another foster to take Arthur on for either a short term while he is still on meds and will need to be near OSU for any required follow ups (suture removal at least - possibly no more than that).  We are hoping fervently the Tripawd nation might have a member in the Columbus, OH area who will not be intimidated by the post amp period and might consider opening their home and providing this sweetheart care during his initial recovery period.  Longer term foster care or foster to adopt are also options, of course, but the main thing we are hoping for help with is a comfortable place for him to recover.  

If we can't find this sort of support, we will likely have to have him stay longer in medical boarding at OSU and this will add to our little all volunteer rescue's already exceptional expense.  Don't get  me wrong, this boy is worth it.  But he has never yet known the comfort of a home (he is currently boarded at Celina Pet Center - a very fine, professionally run boarding facility) and so we would love it if he .

Some details about Arthur: 

• He is just about 1 year old
• He was bred for Field Trial Racing and had an owner who elected to keep him at the farm he was bred at till he was ready for training
• The owner was never told of the incident and no medical care was provided
• He appears to be very cat workable
• Has been fine with other dogs
• Has not lived in a home, but is very clean in his kennel and waits for turn outs (but would not say "house broken" yet)
• Is now current on vaccinations and has been wormed
• Had his surgery delayed due to the start of pneumonia, but recovered very well
• Is super sweet
• Is just plain gorgeous

Evidence of how gorgeous this boy is:

That's the glamour shot, but this picture shows his poor, damaged leg - both the badly fused break down toward his foot and the swollen elbow:

But, as I said, he is just so loving and grateful for attention and affection despite it all:

You can read more about Arthur in our Facebook group, Ohio Lurcher Project - Save the Underdogs of Underground Racing (ALP) or learn more about our rescue, Lurchers and Field Trial Racing at our website, American Lurcher Rescue Project.  You can also private message me through Tripawds (I am a board member and Vice President of ALP) to ask for more info or offer any sort of assistance for this lovely lad.  

One last link - to a video posted of dear Arthur and his helicopter tail.

Thanks much, Tripawd nation...