Saving Juju

Juju

In October of 2009 I pulled two beagle mix puppies out of Henry County Animal Control. They were litter mates from a local backyard breeder that I named Juju and Ziva. Both were only about twelve weeks old.

Of the more than 300 beagle and bassets that I have fostered for a local licensed rescue through the years it was unusual to even consider taking in two puppies. Typically puppies find their way into the other beagle rescue groups in the Atlanta area who do a remarkable job in placing them in loving homes.

Juju and Ziva however had severe skittish behavior around people. I suspect that was the result of not being properly socialized around people as puppies. Not only were they both afraid of strangers but they were also severely afraid of me as well. When I decided to stop doing rescue in the summer of 2010 as with the rest of the special needs fosters I simply took responsibility.

Ziva


Over the last three years both Juju and Ziva have dome remarkably well. Both are sweet girls nearing the age of four. They are housetrained, follow simple commands and have a friendly beagle disposition. I only problem I have had with both is they are young enough and agile enough to scale the fence that encircles our yard. While they never wander too far from home it is simply too dangerous with all the traffic so during the day they stay in a six by ten kennel unless I am out in the yard to supervise them.

Within the last two months Juju has developed severe diarrhea. I brought her in to Monroe Animal Hospital April 8^th thinking it might be worms but instead she was diagnosed as having "chronic" diarrhea. She was put on antibiotics and a bland diet with instructions to return in three or four weeks if there was no improvement. Juju’s did not respond to treatment as we had hoped but instead she has developed a prolapsed rectum which will require surgery.

The cost of that surgery will be around $600 to $650 which includes her last two exams. The good news is she should make a full recovery in about three weeks. With my own health situation I had asked Henry County Humane if they would assist in finding both Juju and Ziva new homes.

Both girls have developed into sweet beagles who will make excellent family pets. It is my hope that they can find a family looking for a pair of house-trained beagles who would be great around mature children or a family looking for active hounds.

For these girls to realize that dream of being part of a family of their own Juju needs help. I am not in a position to pay for her surgery with my own health issues limiting my ability to work. Anyone who can help with Juju’s surgery costs can contact the Monroe Animal Hospital where donations are being taken for specifically for Juju's surgery.

You can reach the Monroe Animal Hospital at 770-267-3006.