Yeah, I gotta agree. I think it is GREAT what you are doing for her, but if you are struggling to pay for a $60 checkup, then what happens when there's a $500 or $1000 bill?

Thanks for pointing this out, but yes, I thought of all of this. I know if I decide that I can't afford the care she needs, I can look into placing her with a rescue. I just didn't want Marty to turn Sophie over to the Humane Society. I would rather keep her or foster her until I know she can find a good home. Maybe it is too much for me to take on, I don't know? that is why I started this thread in the first place. but now I have her and I want to at least try to do what I can to provide for her and give her a good life. Marty gave me the adoption paperwork from the rescue she got her from 2 years ago so at least i have a record of all of her shots, etc. And I know it seems silly for me to not be able to even afford a $60 check -up, I won't always be so low on money though, I know it is only temporary. Its because I am just starting out as a hairstylist- change in careers.

on another note- I took her and Tobey to the dog park yesterday. I wanted to see how she would do not being on a leash. She looked like she had the best time! she was just prancing through the grass and almost looked like she was smiling:) I was also impressed that she did really well walking on the leash and going up and down stairs. Plus I saw for myself that Marty did manage to teach her the command "stay" because usually Sophie kinda runs away from people but when I said "stay sophie" to put on her leash to leave the park, sure enough, she stopped and let me attach her leash!

I must have missed that Marty originally adopted her from a rescue group. Most have clauses in their contract that require you to contact them before rehoming any dog you've adopted from them. Was that done?

I think your doing great with your new furball, even if your just fostering. Just to point out my lil' girl always shakes, when she's excited, eating, meeting new people etc. Exercise will do her some good, trust me in a couple of days you will see her dancing and following you around. I do recommend you boil some rice and chicken so she can eat something. Mine hates dry food and will only eat enough to stop her hunger. Yeah I got a picky one. Good Luck!! i do hope everything works out.

I will have to ask Marty about that... I am not sure. I should look at the paperwork for that. Out of curiosity, why do they want to be contacted? Just to make sure the dog is going to a good home?

After talking to Marty today, I am thinking she eats at night. She has been going potty regularly, but I think I might still try some other foods like chicken and rice to see if I can fatten her up a bit:p

I think I will have to find her a new home...
 

So all this talk about cost has got me thinking and I had not looked at her teeth yet. Marty had told me that they were stained but okay otherwise. Well, I just looked at them and no... they are not okay. Tarter is badly built-up, nothing like the little bit on Tobey's teeth. I am sick to my stomach and so sad now because that means a HUGE vet bill that I can't afford. So I feel like this is going to force me to find her a new home:cry: I feel so upset. I don't even know where to go from here. Post something in the re-home section of YT??

You need to contact the rescue Marty adopted her from. I'm sure it is in their contract that they will take her back if the adoption doesn't work out and find her a new home. The reason they do this is to avoid exactly this situation, having her passed from home to home. They will place her in a foster home and work with her housebreaking and other issues and get her the vet care she needs. They will also do a very extensive screening of potential adopters, much better than you can do.

I too must have missed that she was from a rescue and that Marty was giving her away :confused: ALL reputable rescue and even many shelters have a clause that states if you are not able to keep the pet they need to be contacted. I'm sure whatever rescue that Marty adopted her from would be appalled at the lack of care she gave this dog while in her care and very angry that she has now passed her on to you. :(

So I have emailed the contact at Flawdogs- the rescue where Marty adopted Sophie from. I explained the whole situation to them, so hopefully they will be willing to help. I would be willing to foster her until they can find a good home or even adopt her permanently, I just can afford to basically pick up the financial slack from Sophie not receiving regular medical care over the past two years.

Good for you! :thumbup:

Keep us posted, okay?

I will!! I feel more invested in this little girl now more than ever! Even if I am not her forever home, she deserves medical care! Looking at Flawdogs website, they seem like a great rescue- mostly taking in small breeds from puppymills- "Dedicated to the rescue, rehab, and rehoming of little breeder "leftovers". Sounds like a place where I might want to volunteer to help out!

Ketters, just wanted to say again, I think your doing the right thing. Your heart is in the right place. And...you have started the steps in finding her a forever home. We know you care. It's good that your putting her needs first. Your a great person for taking her in when she needed you.
Please keep us informed as we worry about you & this little gal. Hoping to hear a happy ending.

Pictures of Sophie!!!
 

I have attached pictures of Sophie. The first one is Tobey and sophie. The second is Sophie standing so you can see the side view of her body. She looks a little hunched over all the time. But such a sweet face!:p