In April of 2019 a 14 yr.old male Shi Tzu came into QAS after the owner became homeless. Buttons could only walk a few feet before his back legs gave out and often he was unable to get up. Sadly, this meant he was sometimes left to sit in his own excrement until someone came to his rescue.
He had never been neutered, needed dental care and looked like a train wreck! That being said, Buttons was alert and happy and didn’t seem ready to “give up”.
We had him examined by our friends at Canton Veterinary Hospital and did labwork to determine any underlying conditions. The next day, Dr. Kristin Scott DVM told me “the only thing wrong with this dog is he’s old!”
We had Buttons spend a week at Canton while QAS was being cleaned; giving the Veterinary Technicians time to fall in love with the little guy!
When he returned to us, he was sporting “wheels” which Canton Veterinary donated to us. It became obvious that regardless of what Buttons looked like, he was far from done living his life! His owner came to visit and cried when he saw Buttons with the wheels. He understood that he was unable to care for him at this level and agreed to sign him over to QAS.
Meanwhile, the staff at Canton was missing the little guy! Dr. Scott explained that the Vet Techs had come up with an “adoption plan” for Buttons; one they hoped QAS would agree to. Buttons would be adopted by Canton Veterinary Hospital. He would live there and be cared for by the staff. The techs agreed to take turns bringing him out for adventures hoping to extend his quality of life to a new level!
While unconventional in nature, their plan seemed perfect for Buttons! We waived the adoption fee as they would assume all responsibility for his medical and daily care.
Buttons has his own kennel in the treatment area for overnight sleeping or temporary restriction to keep him safe. He has 3 different beds around the area; his favorite is probably his tepee, a Christmas gift from one of the technicians.
On the occasion that he has an “accident”, he is scooped up by one of the techs, bathed, dried with a hair dryer and put back in action. I think he may be the nosiest dog I have ever known! The mental and physical stimulation he receives from everyone combined is just what he needed. Since moving to Canton, Buttons has been on hikes, to a brewery, to a home for a “doggy birthday party”, home for Thanksgiving: this list goes on and on! These vet techs have totally honored their commitment to extending Buttons quality of life, and he has become friends with their personal pets.
Should you stop by Canton Veterinary Hospital, you are likely to see Buttons zooming around the reception area greeting everyone!
