Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue immediately took action upon hearing that a Weimaraner was in danger of being put down at a high-kill shelter. Upon arrival, they were shocked to see the dog, known as Gilbert Grape, struggling to stand due to a massive tumor on his underbelly. It remains unknown how this poor dog managed to survive for so long without receiving proper medical attention.
Keri Pink, who is a volunteer with Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue (TPWR), recently shared the heartwarming story of Gilbert Grape’s rescue and recovery with DogHeirs. Gilbert was a male Weimaraner who had gone missing and ended up being picked up by animal control officers as a stray. Unfortunately, when he was found, he was incredibly sick, carrying an enormous tumor that prevented him from standing or moving. To make matters worse, it was a typical sweltering Arizona summer day, with temperatures soaring above 95 degrees. The officers took him to the county’s high-kill shelter, where animals are often put down due to illness or aggression. There, they placed him on the cold concrete floor of the isolation area, awaiting his fate.
The county has a program that lets authorized national rescues take in animals with medical clearance, while strays are kept for 72 hours without screening to give owners a chance to claim them. The Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue was informed by two shelter volunteers about a dog they named Gilbert Grape. He had a large, grape-shaped tumor hanging from his chest. The rescue immediately intervened and took Gilbert Grape to a 24-hour veterinary facility. After assessing the situation, the facility’s surgeon determined that Gilbert Grape needed blood transfusions and intravenous catheter stabilization to undergo a life-saving operation to remove the tumor.
The anticipated cost for medical procedures including diagnosis, stabilization, and surgery was around $7,000 to save the dog’s life. The rescue volunteers and medical staff did not hesitate to make the decision to save the dog despite the cost. However, rescues have to be cautious about the extent of treatments given to the animals as compared to private pet owners who have more control over their pets’ treatment due to financial constraints. It is unclear about Gilbert’s exact age and health status, but his blood test results were mostly normal except for a high white blood cell count due to the diseased tumor. His lifespan was expected to be around seven years. The rescue team noticed Flanagan’s potential and wanted to save him, but they knew they needed public support to do so.
Following a straightforward surgery, Gilbert made a speedy recovery in the intensive care unit and was released from the hospital two days later. Since then, he has been doing well. The pathology report of Gilbert’s 12-pound tumor showed that it was a benign lipoma just one week after his operation. According to the report, Gilbert has been free of cancer for quite some time.
During his follow-up examination, the surgical staples that were holding his chest together were removed and he was given a clean bill of health. According to veterinarians, Gilbert experienced muscle loss and physiological strain due to carrying the tumor for over a year. As a result, he has become ataxic in his back legs and has very little muscle mass overall, leading to an awkward gait. However, Gilbert’s charming and humorous personality is shining through to his foster father, despite his precarious physical condition. A physical therapy program consisting of water therapy, massages, and manipulations is in the works to help him regain his strength and mobility.
Gilbert’s story touched the hearts of many, and it’s highly probable that his tale led to numerous adoption applications being accepted. Even though he wasn’t quite ready for adoption at the time, Gilbert’s future looked promising. Fast forward a year later, Gilbert found his forever home with a loving and nurturing family where he thrived. Despite being diagnosed with hip dysplasia, Gilbert enjoys regular water therapy in the family’s pool. To top it off, Gilbert gets along incredibly well with his new family.
According to reports, Gilbert was rescued back in 2013. Since then, Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue has been working tirelessly to save other dogs in dire need of help, including those with special needs, illnesses, and other challenges. Make sure to check out their website and Facebook page to learn more about their efforts and see the adorable pups that are available for adoption.
