Site last updated: 5/24/10

North Star German Shepherd Dog Rescue, Inc.

Tibeau’s Story

On April 13th we received a plea to help this precious 5 mos old GSD puppy who had fallen from a car and severely fractured his back leg. The guardians of him had opted to euthanize him. The veterinary staff told us that he is an incredible puppy with the most wonderful temperament, in spite of his pain. We had to make an instantaneous decision to take on the cost of his surgery and save his life, or he would be euthanized. With faith that the dog-loving public would come through and help us by making donations to cover the cost of his surgery, $1,500, we agreed to take responsibility for Tibeau. Please, everyone, the life of these injured GSDs is in your hands. If we are able to receive enough donations to cover Tibeau's medical costs, then the next time we are asked to help a super GSD puppy such as Tibeau, we will not hesitate. But if we cannot raise the funding needed, then the next time we are asked to come to the rescue, we would have to decline, for we would still be under the pressure of paying off the costs from Tibeau. Every single dollar counts. Don't be embarrassed to give just a little. It all adds up in the end. Thank you for caring, from Tibeau and the volunteers of North Star GSD Rescue.   You can make a donation to Tibeau’s Fund by clicking on the button below or you can send a donation to NSGSDR, PO Box 291, Winchendon, MA 01475.  Please indicate Tibeau’s Fund on the donation.

Tibeau’s Journal

4/14/05 – Today Tibeau’s comminuted midshaft fracture of the femur was surgically repaired using the interlocking nail technique. The interlocking nail is meant to be a permanent fixture and will not need to be removed. The post-op x-rays (see below) showed good reduction of the fracture, good nail placement and that the fracture site appears to be stable.   All of this wonderful orthopedic work was done by Dr. Cloutier of the Veazie Veterinary Clinic Veazie ME (www.veazievet.com).   Now thanks to Dr Volk, Dr Cloutier and NSGSDR Tibeau will have another chance at a long, happy, active life.

April 16th: - Tibeau made the 275 mile journey today from Bangor ME to North Star headquarters in Winchendon MA. Dr Volk’s wife Ann was kind enough to bring Tibeau as far south as Freeport, ME.  From there we took over with the rest of the transport. He was such a sweet mellow puppy and was wonderful company for the ride. He is currently three legged but it does not slow him down one bit.  Tibeau appears to feel great and does not let this major surgery slow him down.  He will be on strict cage rest with only 5 minute breaks outside to eliminate.  Weeks 3 & 4 he will be allowed 10 minute slow leash walks and weeks 5 & 6 he will be allowed slow 15 minute walks.

April 17th: What an incredible GSD puppy Tibeau is! In spite of his terrible injury and pain, he is just the sweetest guy! He meets everyone and all of our dogs with tail wags and a happy face.

April 21st:  Somehow this 5 mos old puppy is managing to be good and stay entertained being crate-rested all day! He has plenty of chew toys and the excitement of a household of other GSDs. We hope that can be enough for the 6 weeks he must be rested. Tibeau has been using the leg just a little with each step when he is out on potty breaks. It looks great! Most of the swelling is gone. Tibeau feels he is ready to roll and tries to pull us around the yard to sniff everything. Yesterday, he grabbed a stuffed toy and started to shake it and jump! Oh no! But that tells you just how great he feels! We're very happy to see that! Tibeau has finally lost his suspicion of the wooden elephant in the living room. Everyday, every time going by, he would stop to bark at it, or just watch to see if it was coming for him. Well, maybe not completely! Though he was allowed to "confront" it, I think I still see him glance its way sometimes when he passes by!

April 29th: We can hardly believe we have made it through TWO whole weeks! The time has flown by! Tibeau is now able to go out on 10 minute walks several times a day. It's amazing how long ten minutes are when you are counting them! He has been using that leg beautifully. Sometimes there is barely a limp! We're extremely happy with his progress. Tibeau is happy with his progress! He is getting so much more time out to explore. Today I introduced him to the goat and the chickens. He didn't know whether to run, duck, freeze, or bark! So he stood up all the hair on this back, wagged his tail and puppy-bowed! That experience was definitely dream material for later! The more time we get to spend with him the more we get to see his true personality. What a super sweet temperament he has. Tibeau is cuddly and playful. His expression is irresistible. We are thankful everyday that we have the opportunity to give this cutie a chance. TWO weeks down, four to go! We are ready for it!

May 7th: This past week went by so fast...here we are working on our fourth already! Time flies when you are having fun! We've seen tremendous progress in Tibeau's use of the leg. His ten minute sessions of exercise are now spent with Tibeau tossing a ball for himself, or shaking a stuffed toy and trotting about.  ( on leash ) As you can imagine, he has good stable use of that leg or he would be falling down! We've discovered some cute foot chasing games he must have played before that we will have fun with later. It's a bit too early to start up with games like that....although, Tibeau thinks he is ready to stand on only his  back two legs. A few times now he has jumped up to give us a hug! This is very  endearing, but makes us feel a little frantic as you can imagine! Finally, all this Wellness Puppy food is catching up to the calories used in healing. Tibeau no longer looks too skinny. Last night we had a break-through. While out to move  about, Tibeau sat down. He had an itch. So he lifted the leg that was broken and used that foot to scratch at his side! WOW!

Happy Mother's Day to all moms tomorrow!

May 13th: Yesterday was one month since Tibeau's surgery. We are thankful that  there have been no complications. Thank you Dr. Cloutier. Tibeau is starting to  develop nice muscle lines on his thigh now. As we move into 15 minutes of  activity per outing we'll soon see his thigh start to match the other in size. I  was amazed a few days ago when after making his business, Tibeau scruffed, with both back legs, separately! How is that for great control, balance and strength!?  Once the hair grows in to match the rest of his coat, I do not think anyone could ever guess that this puppy sustained an injury. Tibeau will not be  available for adoption for another few weeks, but we are accepting applications  on him now.

May 22: We have less than one week until Tibeau's appointment for  radiographs to take a peek at the stage of healing of his femur. We expect the report to be excellent for this happy-go-lucky playful puppy. He is a love. Whoever takes him out for his exercise gets a kiss. Then Tibeau must find  everyone else first before he goes out so they can have a kiss too. Then when we come back in he has to do it all over again. Everyone is important to Tibeau. We cannot pass by his crate without hearing a thump-thump of his tail cuz he is always happy to see everyone. Now that he is almost healed we have been starting  to work on obedience. Tibeau already knows how to sit for cookies and to hook up  his leash. We are impressed at the quickness of this guy! Listen to this: He came to us with NO leash training whatsoever and a broken leg! Yea, that made  the going tough to try and leash walk him gently! Finally, last week, it was time. After more than 4 weeks of him tugging us all over the house and yard,  last Wednesday, I spent 3 minutes teaching the concept of "no pull" and he got it! That is an amazing 6 month old GSD "No pull" is new to him so he needs to be reminded, but we are very impressed with his intelligence....oh, and  sweetness. Did I mention that?

May 25:  Due to  the combination of a  scheduling crises with our veterinarian and the sudden serious illness of one of our own GSD, Tibeau's follow-up x-rays had to be rescheduled. We apologize for  any tardiness to come of the updates while we nurse our own baby back to health, along with Tibeau.

June 10th: Thank you to all who wished our own GSD the best. He is recovering nicely. Tibeau had his follow-up x-rays done yesterday. The bone healing is right on track! During the past 2 weeks Tibeau has had some special time out playing gentle games with a couple of our GSDs. He absolutely loves other dogs! Tibeau has been with us 2 months now. I am still amazed at how well behaved this puppy has been and continues to be with all the restrictions. Now for the best news: Tibeau is ready to be adopted! It will be one lucky family that gets to adopt this sweetie!

June 30th: TIBEAU HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!

Tibeau (bottom) and his new GSD Sister Brandy (top) after morning playtime.