I photographed this alien looking puppy at South LA Shelter to network just like I’ve photographed hundreds of dogs. When I got home I showed the picture on my camera to Lane saying “Look at this weird looking puppy that is at the shelter right now” Lane took one look at the photo of this weird skinny dirty puppy and said, “it’s a Baby Shambles”
Later that week when I was at the shelter again and I saw all the total creeps that were looking at Baby Shambles - I decided to rescue her. I could find that alien puppy a home no problem so I thought.
She went into boarding and soon she was vomiting and having diarrhea all over the place.
The vet came out to tell me, “She has Distemper, it is best if you have her euthanized because even if you spend hundreds of dollars on her and she survives she will never be normal and she’ll have weird twiches and brain damage but most likely she won’t survive.
I told him ok we’ll have to euthanize her.
The decision I made in the next few moments I THANK THE HEAVENS I DID!!
I went outside to think about it. I called another vet that told me I should get another opinion.
I decided not to give up on her I went back into the vet’s office and took Baby Shambles home.
That night Baby Shambles had blood shooting out both ends. She had her first seizure that night.
I did a ton of research on the internet and found a miracle drug that had cured Distemper dogs- this one vet giving this happened to be in Lancaster Ca. What a miracle! I made an appointment the next day and we were off to get the miracle shot.
Baby Shambles received two of the Anti-distemper shots as well as alot of forced feeding and intensive at home care. This vet said the same thing that Baby Shambles may have brain damage and that I should not adopt her out. At the time I thought ‘oh shit I can’t keep this dog”
finally eating on her own.
*Feeling better!!*
over the next few months I saw alot of dogs being returned to the shelter with Distemper- I tried to tell them about “the man in Lancaster” but they all just stared blankly at me.
There was an article about this serum- which is pretty controversial. All I know is that is saved my dog and for very little money. I don’t want to get into all the shelter politics but I know the serum works…and I’ve seen alot of dogs at the shelter die from Distemper
http://www.nokillnow.com/Boks180ShelterFundsDistemper.htm
*First camping trip with the Shams.*
And that is how Baby Shambles became Baby Shambles, moustache man, farter, bed hogger, Pit Bull of my Dreams.
She’s not the sharpest tool in the shed but she ain’t twitching!!
*camping Colorado*
