We try to limit our fundraising to a few times a year but neediest cases appear all the time. Frequently we are the “rescue of last resort” who will help a dog that other groups have passed by. NGPR is a 501 c (3) non-profit and your tax-deductible donation helps save our neediest cases who can also be found for these years 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The dogs needing help never end and we will never stop helping them!
Many of our neediest cases are in temporary homes. Please consider helping a neediest case by fostering or consider adopting one of the dogs below. If you have a question, please contact us.
The Puppies (12/26/20)
A Christmas Prayer
Harley was the first pup we got in mid-December at five weeks old. She came to us as a poor sickly baby, sold way too young and so loaded with parasites and coccidia, it nearly killed her. She started having seizures and was so sick she required blood transfusions. It is absolutely heartbreaking that there are breeders selling sick babies this young. The other puppies in this litter were all sold in eastern Tennessee and we have no idea what happened to them. We can only hope they survive. Ten days later, Christmas Day, Harley is now thriving, gaining weight and “eating like a horse” according to her foster Mom.
A litter of Georgia pups came into rescue shortly after Harley and sadly they all broke with parvo. They were moved to three different emergency vet offices. They also came in loaded with parasites and afflicted with mange. They had four different types of worms and were being eaten alive inside and out. Sadly, one puppy, Winter, the first to break, passed away. The others are all in treatment and two of them, Frosty and Crystal, came home Christmas Day. Not even considering the thousands of dollars in expenses, it is heartbreaking that a simple shot could prevent all of this heartache, misery and suffering. Their foster moms are so worried about them, and so are we.
Naomi (11/20/20)
In Rescue At Last
Naomi is a senior who has been wandering around Eastern Tennessee for months, going from farm to farm after her owner died. She was at death’s door, just 59 lbs. and so emaciated and weak she could barely stand. She is safe now but will need surgery as there are bones sticking out of the end of her broken tail. She was in such dreadful shape, she could not even get basic shots, much less surgery. Naomi is eating and gaining much needed weight. She may be deaf. She messes on herself when she strains to stand up and her legs slide out from under her. Poor girl gets stuck like that until someone comes to help. Naomi has the will to survive; we just hope her body will recover from the neglect she has suffered. The second photo is of her cleaned up after being in rescue a week. She loves being outside and lying in the sun as that is all she has known her entire life.
Bruce (11/11/20)
A Broken Humerus Isn’t Humorous
For those of you who do not know his story, Bruce was shot by his horrible owners in August and ended up wandering around Tennessee horribly injured. They shot him for eating a chicken when the poor guy was starving. His owners run a fighting ring for roosters. After they shot him, they posted on Facebook that he died of heat stroke. They thought they killed him. Some local people in the area were able to capture him and he was brought to a shelter. No charges have been brought against his lousy owners and unfortunately they already went out and got another Pyrenees puppy. Bruce was transported to a medical foster in Ohio while we waited for him to be seen by a specialist at MedVet. He now has an appointment for November 18 and they hope to save his damaged right humerus, the upper bone in a dog’s front leg. We are hoping that, too, and are raising funds to pay for his surgery. If you can help Bruce, please click on the blue donate button above.
Bruce Update 11/19/20: Although Bruce did fine with surgery, his left front leg had to be amputated and not because of the humerus fracture, which could have been fixed. When examined, the surgeon found Bruce had almost no shoulder range of motion. Additional x-rays revealed the bullet had sheared off about 1/3 of his humeral head which could not be fixed. This young boy is recuperating well at his Ohio foster’s but we would love this sweet boy to find his furever home; alas, now as a tripod.
Tusc (11/1/20)
Out of Harm’s Way
We were hoping this would be a bit of a happy, positive post as this sweet girl is safe, and out of the shelter. But it is heartbreaking to see so many used-up, discarded livestock guardians at death’s door. This beautiful senior girl just got sprung from the shelter in Tuscaloosa, AL. She is at least 10 years old, completely emaciated; just skin and bones. She is high heartworm positive and sadly she has lymphoma and an upper respiratory infection and double ear infections. Probably has not seen a vet a day in her life.
Our sincere thanks to the Metro Animal shelter in Tuscaloosa who took wonderful care of her and a huge thanks to her foster mom Deanna, who takes in so many Pyrenees in such awful shape. She will take wonderful care of this precious girl for whatever time she has left. Shame on whoever let her get into this condition. And a huge thank you to all of the good people in rescue who help so many neglected pyrs. Her name is Tusc and she is an absolute sweetheart. Her foster mom says she is resting comfortably and she has a great appetite. We are all thankful she is safe now in rescue.
Boca (10/4/20)
Sad Ending
Boca was rescued from a bad situation in Louisiana. She was living life on a runner cable, only getting fed once a week or so. She collapsed at the fosters and was rushed to LSU’s Emergency Vet Clinic. When she was hospitalized, the doctors diagnosed a number of medical issues, including heartworm, that required treatment. Poor girl was extremely weak from a combo of malnourishment and multiple infections and she was put on 24-hour care, including oxygen to help her breathe. Boca was able to hang there for a couple of days but unfortunately, she couldn’t be saved. The cost of her vet care was $4,200. We thank everyone who sent in donations, which raised enough to offset half the cost of her veterinary care.
Alice (9/30/20)
We Fought the Good Fight
Alice didn’t last very long in our care. This poor baby came in September 15th, emaciated, dehydrated and completely eaten up with parasites inside and out but we wanted to give her a fighting chance. She also had ehrlichia and received plasma transfusions. While we all prayed for the best outcome, it wasn’t to be. Horrible that anyone could let her get into this condition. It is sickening that people get these dogs and let them be eaten alive inside and out with parasites.
Anybody else heartbroken and tired of seeing Pyrenees showing up in shelters at death’s door every single day? There are so many that we can barely find room for them all. We are dedicated to helping these dogs, no matter how old they are or what condition they arrive in. We are tremendously grateful to everyone who helps us care as best we can for them, no matter how many days they have left.
Tippy (9/20/20)
A Mom in Need
Tippy is a beautiful nursing mom who ended up in need of critical emergency care to drain and treat an infected mammary gland. She required emergency surgery and her vet bill exceded $8,000. Tippy was rushed to the vet with a high fever, mastitis and septicemia with open wounds and ruptured necrotic tissue. She is was put on IV antibiotics and pain meds. They flushed the wounds but emergency surgery became necessary to remove the infected gland. Her ten beautiful babies, not even three weeks old are now on replacement milk being care for by the dedicated foster mom. Tippy will no longer be able to nurse once she is released. It is heartbreaking to see the number of backyard breeders out there who have no ability to care for these poor dogs and how many end up in need of rescue now. Please say a big prayer for this beautiful mom and her babies. She needs all the help she can get… and please chip in a bit if you can to help them all. We are all praying for a good recovery for this beautiful mama dog.
Gabriel (9/14/20)
A Busted Jaw and More
Gabe is a year old Pyr boy whose owner let him roam in Mississippi. He was found and brought to Tunica Humane. “Gabriel is gravely injured. It appears he was struck by a car. It also looks like he has a bullet hole in the top of his head. His jaw is broken. His hind paw is crushed with most of the flesh missing. Part of his tail has been ripped off. He collapses when he tries to walk…. And still, I heard his tail thumping on the floor of the van as I rushed him to get help. He even stood up once and put his head on my shoulder for support.”
Gab is recovering after multiple surgeries with his amazing foster mom, Katie McGill. He’s the sweetest boy who’s feeling better and doing so well. His foster foster mom says: “He’s such a good boy and is recovering well. He has to go to the vet every other day for bandage changes on his foot because he still had exposed bone from his mangled paw. His facial swelling is much less now and he’s eating well despite his jaw being wired closed. He’s very sweet and gets along well with other dogs and cats. He’s perfect with the other dogs and cats. He had a bandage change today and she said the tissue is granulating in well and the bone is almost all covered, so she was happy. His tail looks fine. He’s eating great and a happy guy”. Gab needs a home!
Grayson (8/22/20)
Another Wanderer
Young male found wandering in Western Tennessee and temporarily put in a crate in someone’s yard until he could be brought to a vet. He had a wire wrapped around his leg and has a horrible infection and some dead tissue. He was at the vets all weekend. This has turned into a cruelty case. Hopefully the owner will surrender this boy and another dog he owns. Grayson ended up needing his back left leg amputated.
Grayson Update 9-15: He’s doing great at his foster home in Memphis. He’s missing a leg, but not the pyr stubbornness or the “I can still do that” attitude. He needs a home!
Puppy Lost (8/20/20)
Run Free Little One
This pup was found by the road in Northeastern Tennessee. She is breathing heavily and seems to have injured legs and possibly internal injuries. Sadly the person who found her is not sure she will make it. We are willing to do anything to help this poor little girl. No collar no tags no chip. She was brought to an emergency clinic after hours to what see what is wrong. This poor puppy hed a terrible chest injury. Her lungs had filled with fluid and blood. They did X-rays and blood work to find out the extent of the damages. They had to do a chest tap to remove the fluid that built up there. Unfortunately while they were doing the chest tap, she passed away, another victim of thoughtless people who let their dogs run free.
Duke (8/8/20)
On the Run, Not Stopping for Anything!
Duke is one of 13 Pyrs surrendered to NGPR from a hoarding situation in West Virginia last week. He was with his new foster in a DC suburb only a couple of days when he jumped the six foot fence. He was gone for four days and faithfully tracked by volunteers in the area. They set up a large trap which he successfully evaded when he sniffed the urine towel, accidentally bumped the trap and tripped the laser, shutting the door with him outside. Last night he was hit by two cars. One knocked him down and then a second car hit him. Duke continued running and was found this morning in a small outbuilding. Two Animal Control Officers were alerted to his presence and finally captured him. He was brought to the vet and amazingly there are no external injuries. They are doing bloodwork and x-rays to check for internal injuries. He has a bruised liver and a small hole in his lung that they need to watch.
Duke Update: His foster Mom Kristin says “Had his recheck recently and his lung has completely healed. The doctor said he looks great!!! He also has a really great app in on him so fingers crossed his happy ending is right around the corner. This boy deserves it!!!!!
Mira (7/27/20)
Mira Needs a Miracle
This sweet older girl is Mira, who came in from a shelter in Tennessee. We think she is about five, although she is skin and bones, weighing in at just 48 pounds, when she should be twice that. Mira was in very poor shape and needed emergency surgery for mammary tumors so severe they could have ruptured. She is being cared for now for the first time in a very long time. We are thankful she is safe in rescue and in such good hands. It is horrifying how so many Pyrenees are neglected and suffer so terribly. Despite all Mira has been through, she could not be any sweeter. Please help us help this sweet girl—we are all praying for a good recovery for her. The shape she arrived in is just pitiful—but we are all so hopeful for her.
Mira Update (8/8/20): Mira did well through her surgery; her tumor was huge and weighed well over a pound. Unfortunately her pathology report was not good although we are still hopeful she will have some time with us to be petted and spoiled.
Ramsey (7/8/20)
A Near Death Experience
We have another horrific case of neglect, Ramsey (formerly called Grainger) from Grainger County, Tennessee. This poor old guy very nearly died. He is completely emaciated; weighs just 50 pounds and had the most awful infection from untreated puncture wounds covered in maggots. Thankfully a dedicated group of rescuers were able to catch him and get him safe. He was seen by an amazing vet, Erin French Dols, who treated his wounds and cared for him temporarily. There was also a very kind teenage girl in the area who had been feeding him, trying to help.
We know he had an owner somewhere as he came from a shelter and was microchipped. But then we weren’t too surprised when the owner was contacted but never responded when he needed help. No dog should have to suffer like this and be left to starve in this condition. There are, however, so many good people to thank for his rescue: Celeste Estes who drove out at night to find him and tended to his wounds until he could get to the vet; Carol Esslinger Forth who answered a late night phone call and drove him to safety; Teresa Lamarche who coordinated the effort to help ths sweet old boy. We are proud to be part of National Great Pyrenees Rescue, which goes above and beyond to help so many of these dogs in need but we are so tired of seeing this happen over and over again.
Ramsey Update (9/26) Ramsey, whose coat has regrown to it’s full fluffy glory, was transported to Ohio at the end of September. He was adopted by an prior NGPR adopter/foster who is giving him a furever home with two other NGPR rescues.
Jade (6/24/20)
Our Little Jewel Needs a Retool!
Jade was part of a litter who found their way to rescue after being abandoned on a farm in Tennessee. Her four litter mates, Ash, Scarlet, Violet and Silver have been adopted. We noticed Jade had a problem with her gait, so NGPR did not offer her for adoption. In March she was moved to Ohio for further evaluation. Jade has been seen by Dr. Barnhart at Medvet. She is now about 7 months old and still skeletally immature. She has been diagnosed with bilateral grade IV medial luxating patellas. A patella reduction has been recommended to ensure her growth plates do not contort to accomodate her deformity. We are hoping this is all Jade will need so her knees stay in place. She is on the smaller side, 40 lbs. or so, so this may be a real possibility. Jade would be rechecked after a month or so, and at a year the more definitive correction could still be done if needed.
Deason (6/21/20)
Ready for Round II
Deason came into to us from a Kentucky shelter in September 2019. He had instability in both rear legs and it was felt that perhaps he had some kind of unsuccessful surgery previously. NGPR paid for a left knee TPLO surgery costing $4k in December 2019 for what was diagnosed as a CCL tear. He was diagnosed with bilateral tears, so a return visit for the other leg this year was not a surprise. We are happy to say that Deason’s left knee is doing very well now, so it’s time to address the CCL tear on the right. He was seen June 8 by Dr. Matthew Barnhart at Medvet in Ohio. Dr. B. feels Deason really needs this done. He is more mobile now that his left side is good but still limping. Recommended surgery for right TPLO is another $4k. He will also need blood work repeated. His new fosters are willing and able to get him through this surgery. This is a lot of money, almost $8K for both knees, but Deason has a good prognosis and is a very sweet boy.
Laurel (4/30/20)
Too Sick to Fight
Poor Laurel was an older girl in poor condition who was taken in from an animal control facility in Tennessee. She was very shy and we could tell she wasn’t feeling well. Laurel was badly emancipated and tested positive for heartworm and ehrlichia. She came in with a terrible cough and then unfortunately she started to have seizures. She was rushed to Nashville Veterinary Specialists where they kept her for a few days and ran a multitude of tests. All of the diagnostics were very poor. Even with meds and great care Laurel was not able to recover. We are all heartbroken that this sweet senior did not make it.
Rascal (4/20/20)
A Very Sick Baby
Rascal is a young boy who had vaccinations and then the following day, he refused to eat and developed diarrhea. We started him on fluids and medication at home, but by the next day he had serious congestion and nasal discharge and was taken to the vet. Rascal was running a high temperature and was treated for the canine flu, however he did not get better. He was taken to the emergency vet where he was hospitalized for a few days. After several diagnostic tests it was determined that best the vets could tell, he had viral gastroenteritis, that went systemic. Rascal is doing much better but is receiving antibiotics to make a complete recovery. This poor pup’s hospital stay cost $3500.
Rascal Update: Rascal recovered and was adopted in May by a couple in New Jersey looking for a purebred pup. The husband is a humane control officer.
Ariella Again (4/11/20)
More Help
Ariella has had such a sad start in life but we are determined that she will have a happy ending. She was a neediest case in 2019 but her situation just keeps getting worse. This poor girl sat in at Georgia shelter for weeks before we even found out about her. They said she had a hurt jaw and was missing some teeth. Turns out someone shot her in the face and she was missing part of her jaw. Sadly that was almost the least of her worries. She was loaded with parasites and also had a lipoma, a tumor wrapped around her leg. She was moved in a foster in New York and has been doing so well in foster care. Her facial wounds were taken care of and she just had surgery for the tumor. Sadly they had to remove her entire leg and she now needs radiation therapy to ensure the lipoma is neutralized. Her vet bills have added up to $8,000 so far. It is absolutely heartbreaking how many Livestock Guardian Dogs come into rescue in such poor condition. So many of them end up shot and at death’s door. You couldn’t find a sweeter Pyrenees anywhere on the planet. This lovely girl is such a fighter and she is trying so hard.
Ariella Update: Ariella has become quite mobile on her three legs. She has had many applications but it looks like her foster Mom in New York will be keeping her.
Baby Sherman (4/15/20)
Poor Puppy
Baby Sherman needs our help. Just 10 weeks old and had a seizure. He was hospitalized at Blue Pearl in Lousiville undergoing diagnostic tests to determine what is wrong. It is likely acute rental failure or Addison’s disease or both. Sherman came into rescue when his very young mom was pregnant and delivered 3 pups. One stillborn, one passed away and Sherman had to be bottle fed as mom did not have enough milk. He has been thriving in foster care but he recently took a turn for the worse and we are all so worried about him. He is the sweetest little boy and he deserves every chance. Please say a prayer he can be treated and have a good recovery and a chance.
Update: We are sad to say that Baby Sherman passed due to renal failure. Thank you to everyone for your love, support and help with donations.
Sunshine (3/31/20)
Momma Dog Left to Die
Sunshine (formerly Poo Poo) never had a place of her own. She was used as a guard dog for a property in the Tennessee mountains. One neighbor felt bad for Sunshine and let her feed alongside her own dogs since the owners didn’t live at the property full time.
Sunshine’s owners never took her to the vet or had her spayed, so she ended up pregnant and delivered pups, and subsequently developed mastitis and could not nurse the pups. Because she was not contained on the owners’ property, she roamed on nearby properties and one of the neighbors shot her because they didn’t want her on their property. Sunshine crawled under a house and was left to die.
The only thing that saved her was the neighbor that was feeding her took care of her pups and she called NGPR for help with the pups. We asked where the momma dog was and all she said was that she had been shot and retreated under the house. With her help, we got Sunshine to University of Tennessee Medical Center where we learned she had pneumothorax due to the gunshot wound and was having trouble breathing. She is now recovering with a loving foster couple.
Sunshine Update: Sunshine was adopted and is living the good life with a family in Massachusetts who have an 8-year old child to keep her busy.
Oakleigh, Winter and Ice/Ohio (1/26/20)
A Mother Too Soon
We were notified of an owner surrender situation in Michigan on 1/21 but the little family did not come into rescue until the following weekend. The Mom, Oakleigh, her two pups, Ice and Winter, and the Dad, Gunnar, were transported to the Springfield OH kennel on Saturday 1/25. Unfortunately, Winter, the little girl did not make it and Ice, the boy, ended up in IC for a few days at MedVet.
They were suffering from “failure to thrive” caused in part by the very young age of the mother, less than a year, who probably had pups in her very first heat. They were not nursing and required bottle feeding. The litter should have been much larger, as Pyrs have litters usually numbering ten or more, so we suspect other puppies died as well.
Ice and his Mamma are now with our experienced puppy foster, Denise. He weighed in at 1.9 lbs. recently (inset) and opened his eyes so we know he is thriving in his new home. Volunteers Melissa and Ray transported Oakleigh and Ice to Denise and a tender moment with Melissa (left) shows how much care young puppies require.
Update 5/28: We are sad to say the pups did not survive. Oakleigh was adopted and Gunnar is in a foster home that looks like it could be permanent.
Maggie/Tennessee (1/23/20)
Trap Tragedy
Poor Maggie was only 12 weeks old when we learned that her right paw was caught in an illegal animal trap. Teresa, our Ops Manager in Tennessee, was contacted by a vet in the Knoxville area when Maggie’s owner brought her in with a mutilated paw that had festered for days. The owner could not afford to treat her and the vet recommended euthanasia.
Teresa ran to pick Maggie up that same day and brought Maggie to the Univ. of Tennessee’s emergency clinic. We hoped to save her precious paw but learned that it had been crushed and the growth of necrotic tissue necessitated the removal of Maggie’s entire leg.
Although reluctant to take such drastic action for a young pup, we followed their recommended protocol and amputated Maggie’s leg. Maggie has been recuperating with Knoxville area foster, Deborah, since her operation. She is a young dog, doing great making the adjustment from four paws to three and will be ready for her furever home soon.
Maggie Update, 6/3: NGPR received a $1,000 grant from Born Free’s Victim’s Trapping Fund towards Maggie’s expenses. She had many applications was adopted in May by couple in Georgia; the wife is an ICU nurse. Maggie has a 3-year old shepherd mix brother who keeps her active.
Snoopy/Kentucky (1/6/20)
First HBC of the Year
Snoopy was our first disaster of the new year. The preliminary diagnosis for dogs like Snoopy is HBC (Hit By Car). This guy is under a year old and was hit by a car and severely injured. He has a broken back and his hips will need FHO surgery once his back heals a little bit. Despite all that, he is somehow able to walk and he is incredibly sweet.
Katie, his foster Mom, writes “He was seen as a stray along highway 110 in Tennessee and had a collar but nobody claimed him. A week later he was found hit by a car by the side of the road. Somehow he’s alive and able to walk a little. He was brought in to a local vet who was optimistic about his prognosis. We’ve had him contained and calm in our kennel and we are hoping to get some opinions from specialists on the orthopedic and neurologic aspects of this injury. We are hoping he will recover. We realistically know that he might not. We can’t let him loose in the house with three rambunctious kids. He’s had snacks and treats, pets and lots of rest. He’s very sweet.”
Snoopy Update, 2/6/20: Snoopy had some TLC, rest and FHO surgery in January. He’s doing remarkably well although he’s not very happy with his cone or donut! Snoopy will be ready for adoption soon; please contact us if you’re interested.
