Adopt a American Staffordshire Terrier

Do you like swimming? Do you have a pool? If so, have we got the perfect swimming partner for you! Meet Starfish. Starfish is the oldest known dog to have swimmer's syndrome and survive to be a year old. Swimmer's Syndrome is a birth defect that is usually treated and recovered from as an infant pup. (see http://www.thedogplace.org/REPRODUCTION/Swimmer-Pup-Syndrome_Lanting-1310.asp) In Starfish's case it does not appear she was treated. Instead at around 6 months old she was found in a box in a park. It was quickly discovered that she was suffering from advanced swimmer's syndrome. Starfish immediately had all 4 legs placed in casts and bound together to attempt to resolve the issue quickly. Starfish showed a desire to eat her way out of any restraints she was placed in so alternate treatment methods were created. Multiple special items have been made for her to help her be able to be off of the ground and attempt to have a somewhat normal life while also having her legs bound together. At this point, Starfish is able to hold herself up on her back legs and is able to move herself around with her back legs as the main support and then her front legs, while bound together, act as a "tripod" effect for her. Starfish has a very devoted and dedicated neurotherapist who will continue to see her locally until she is recovered. She has also had consults at veterinarian practices who have suggested acupuncture and laser therapy along with the binding of her front legs. Through all of this Starfish's personality and spirit has remained happy and loving. She is an absolute doll to snuggle with and if you love the way a train sounds, then you will laugh at her snorty snorts that occur throughout the day! Starfish currently is living in a foster home that has introduced her to many things. She has lived with dogs, cats, infants, toddlers, rabbits, chinchillas, and pot belly pigs. Starfish does very well in her foster home with meeting new animals, but her foster family also is a very experienced family and knows how to manage her. Outside of the foster home her level of tolerance is much lower and she has shown some reactivity. She is currently working with the behavior team to help work through her fear based issues with meeting new animals outside of her home. If you have another animal or animals it will be suggested that several meetings occur with the behavior team and Starfish and your animal(s). If you are an only dog home, you are a couch potato that likes to swim in your backyard pool, and you are looking for a one of a kind lifelong friend, then Starfish is your girl! Even if you have no pool, she would love to meet you still! Please contact us if you would like to hear more about our one of a kind amazing miracle girl!