For the third time recently we have taken in a beautiful Great Pyrenees in dire straits. Animal Hospital at Vista Lakes has been working with us to get him back in good condition.  He had x-rays done and thankfully his hips are okay... owever his right rear knee is not.   He is on at least a month of strict rest and leash-only outside as well as the meds to help with arthritis and joint pain.   We can only imagine what he went through before his kind rescuer took him in.  This is his story as told by his rescuer:

Would you consider sponsoring Clifford the Big White Dog?   Any sponsorship of his expenses would be so appreciated and helpful as we bring this beautiful boy back to good health.  Please let us know by calling 407-302-4497 or you can fill out a Sponsorship Application on the website.

Foster Update:   Clifford was "shaved down" last week and is enjoying his cool hair cut.   Everybody loved him at the groomer;  but they did have to be creative since Clifford has trouble standing for any period of time.   He howls at ambulances/sirens which is so funny because he puts his head back and howls like he is a wolf or something.    First he listens to the sirens intently and then starts howling.   He is so full of personality and would be a wonderful companion for somebody who is home most of the time and who doesn't mind that Clifford is limited in the amount of walking he can do.   Clifford is a big baby!  He is a real sweetie and really does not cause any problems.  Our 10 pound dog adores him and is by him all the time and he is very careful of her.  He spends most of his time lying down as his knee still hurts him but does do some investigating of the yard a couple of times a day.  He has discovered that being rubbed and petted is wonderful and will give us a nudge with that big head if we stop.  He *loves* to be combed but is afraid of the comb if he sees it.  We also gave him a bath and he stood still and really seemed to like it.  I think he liked it because he was hot! We kept the spray on very low since he tends to not like "sprays".  Now that we have had some hot days, it is quite obvious that he is not a dog that will be able to be outside much in the warmer months as he gets hot very easily even with his coat being pretty short right now.  His appetite has gotten much better (he does need to eat and drink with his bowls raised up), his skin is better and he even has some pep in his step once in awhile.  He still limps but much less than when he first arrived.   He definitely likes to have his people around and either be with them or know where they are.   He does not get in to anything if we leave but I don't think he would be happy being left alone all day. My parents stayed with us for a few days and Clifford loved sitting on the deck with my Dad and being petted while my Dad read.  He would nudge him if he stopped to remind him to keep petting him!

Foster Update:   The warm weather has Clifford wanting to be inside almost all of the time. He is very good about telling us when he has to go out - he has quite a bark if we don't notice him at the door!  He definitely has his tummy timed to meals as well, maybe even a little earlier!  He just loves being petted and loves being brushed.   He does not like having his paws handled nor does he like his face or mouth cleaned although we are making progress with him with face cleaning.   We do think he would like to be in a home with other dogs but would recommend calmer dogs since he can get nervous about being stepped on (understandable with his sore leg) and is not one for a lot of commotion.  I cannot stress enough what a great dog he is! 

Foster Update:  I can't say enough good things about "Cliffie" as we sometimes call him!  He is good with all people, from kids to great grandparents (can't give out my parents' age you know).  Haven't had him around real little kids but he is so careful with AJ, who is 10 pounds, that I am sure he would be fine.  My parents just adore him and have stayed here about 10 days during the time we've had him.  My Dad keeps wondering why Clifford hasn't been adopted since he is such a great dog.  We are wondering too!  He would never make a good walking partner but he is a good companion, good natured, full of personality and loves to be petted.  Wouldn't you like to give him his forever home??!!

The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. They are often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, it is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood, and if they are not being used as working flock guards be sure to socialize them well with people, place and noises. It has an independent nature, and may try to dominate a less secure or meek owner, and/or an owner who treats the dog as if he is a human , becoming stubborn or terrieral . Owners need to be firm but calm, confident and consistent with the dog. Setting rules the dog must follow and sticking to them. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. The Great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats. These dogs do not reach maturity until they are about 2 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away.  The Great Pyrenees tend to bark a lot and some tend to drool and slobber.