Update December 16, 2008 - Annie came to see Santa at PetSmart this weekend. All of our volunteers were thrilled to see her with hair and looking like the golden retriever she is. We are still paying on her vet bills, Annie has cost our group approximately $2,000. Donations were able to cover part of it, but not all. If you are looking for a way to get a tax deductible donation before the end of the year please consider donating for Annie.

Update September 22, 2008 - Annie is now in her foster home. She is doing well considering her condition. It is amazing to the vet and all of our volunteers how much love this little girl has, especially considering her health. Her tail has not stopped wagging since her rescue. Everyone expects Annie to make a complete recovery and be a beautiful, happy dog. She is a six to nine month old golden retriever mix

Annie was found at the WBRZ news station. She was in horrible shape very close to death. When found she was covered in ants and nothing more than a skeleton covered in skin. One of the people who found Annie called a vet in Baton Rouge for help, he referred her to us. He said if anyone would help her, APAWS would. By the time contact was made with APAWS someone had contacted animal control and Annie had been picked up. One of our volunteers called animal control to let them know she was on her way to get the dog. She was warned that Annie was in horrible condition and they were going to euthanize her upon arrival. Unfortunately our animal control facility does not have the funding, space or staff to provide veterinary care for animals in this condition. The Baton Rouge area relies on rescue groups with dedicated volunteers and private donations to save the unwanted and neglected. We were very fortunate animal control released her to us in hopes we could help her.

Annie is currently at Old Hammond Animal Hospital. Her initial diagnosis shows demodectic mange with secondary staphylococcus and yeast infections. Due to the severity of the infection a very aggressive treatment must be followed and she may not survive. We are dedicated to giving this sweet girl every chance at leading a healthy, happy life. Our small group is in dire need of assistance at this time. Hurricane Gustav put many of our volunteers in financial trouble as they replace lost food, animal meds and fences. Our volunteers are focusing on getting their families (human and animal) back to normal they are unable to contribute to this little girl's care.

This guy was not only abandoned, he suffers a number of health problems. He is heartworm positive. He is also incredibly thin with a matted coat. He has a severe yeast infection in his ears. The yeast from his ears has leaked into his eyes causing an eye infection. We were able to get him into the vet's office Saturday for his initial visit. He went to his foster mom with a bag full of medication. After the hurricane we will be able to work with the veterinarian to get him healthy and ready for adoption.

Hurricane Gustav

July 26, 2008 Update - He has put on about five pounds. He can actually stand up without falling over, he's even trying to run a little. He still has some skin issues and open wounds, but it looks like this little guy will make it! He is in a long term foster home now receiving the love and attention he has been without for so long.

A group of girls biking from Atlanta to Houston rode by what they thought was a dead dog. He opened his eyes when he heard them and they knew they needed to get him help. Their family in Atlanta was able to get in contact with APAWS. The girls brought the beagle to APAWS right before noon on Saturday, July 19, 2008. When they opened up the back of the SUV they thought he surely died in transport. He barely had the strength to open one eye and look at the APAWS volunteer. He was rushed in to the vet's office for emergency treatment. He is severly dehydrated and starving to death. On top of this he has old wounds from what appears to be a street grater. He also has a fresh wound on his back and sarcoptic mange. He is undergoing IV fluids at this time to fight the immediate need of dehydration. Once he is hydrated we will try to get him to eat and treat his various injuries. This little guy is very lucky the girls found him when they did. We hope we will be able to pull him through this trauma and find him a forever home.