Simba UPDATED 2.3.10

When walking through the kennels at Animal Care Services, this handsome fellow caught the eye of one of the SNIPSA volunteers. There he was with his happy go lucky labrador attitude greeting you at the front of his run. He had a large lump on one of his rear legs and we suspected it was simply an old fracture that had healed with mother nature. SNIPSA couldn't leave this lab behind and whisked him away to our rescue group. Xrays revealed he had a serious lesion on his hindleg and it wasn't the good news we had hoped for. The lesion appeared to be aggressive and most likely a bone tumor. A biopsy was taken and indeed it did come back as cancer. The crummy part is that osteosarcoma isn't typically treatable in a dog. By the time it is diagnosed, it is usually hiding out somewhere else in the body. The decision was made to amputate Simba's leg for palliative reasons. Bone cancer can be quite painful and Simba wasn't using his leg. We needed to make him more comfortable. Since surgery, Simba has adjusted well. He still maintains the typical labrador spirit and wants to be your shadow. He has a great appetite and has adjusted beautifully to three legs. Simba will not be placed for adoption due to his terminal disease and will live comfortably with his foster mom. She is a saint and has opted to provide him with the quality of life he deserves. We are hoping he is around for several more months and will continue to provide him with optimal care while he is here. Should you be interested in contributing to the cost of his surgery or care, please consider making a donation in Simba's honor. He is truly an amazing dog and a great example of resiliency.

Simba is a 4 year old Labrador Retriever who weighs 70 pounds. Simba was rescued from San Antonio Animal Care Services. When he was rescued he had a rear leg injury that appeared to be an old fracture. SNIPSA has had it x-rayed, and is waiting for the results. Simba also tested positive for heart worms which SNIPSA will treat. Heartworms do not effect the long term health of a dog when treated. Now for the good stuff! Simba loves to go for car rides with his foster mom and sat right next to her fresh baked loaf of bread while she jumped out to get the mail and he didn't even touch it! He gets along great with other dogs but typical of the lab breed absolutely adores his time with his humans. He learns quickly and respects boundaries and rules very well, all he really wants to do is please you. He already knows how to sit and loves to retrieve (although very limited with his injury at this time). He is learning how to use the doggie door in his foster home and working on crate training as well. He does sleep right next to his foster mom's bed at night and does not come up without an invitation. Simba is being treated for his injury, is on heartworm prevention and being treated, fully vaccinated, microchipped and neutered.

For adoption information, please send an e-mail to Becky at SnipsaBecky@gmail.com. If you are interested in adopting Simba, please complete an Application.