Gingerbread | Health Conditions Make for a Difficult Placement

Abandoned at a bus stop on a cold day just days before Christmas, little Wire Fox Terrier Gingerbread was a pitiful sight. Her frail little body was covered in mats and infested with fleas. Her teeth had been neglected and she was having difficulty walking. 

Risking her job, a compassionate bus driver took her on board. A caring passenger took her home for baths and warm blankets and found LoveLeo Rescue to take her in. LoveLeo took Gingerbread to the vet where she was treated for skin issues and given antibiotics for an infection. When we heard of Gingerbread, we contacted LoveLeo, letting them know that Wires are our specialty. LoveLeo, a very busy rescue that takes in street dogs in the LA area that are in dire need, were grateful for the help and Gingerbread was transferred to ATRA.

We immediately recognized and later confirmed by DNA that Gingerbread suffered from a genetic condition. Tell-tale signs are an underbite and subluxed patellas, both of which Gingerbread has. Since the condition is rare and unique to Wires, few veterinarians are familiar with it. It causes skeletal dysplasia and explains why Gingerbread was having so much difficulty walking. We had our vet take full body X rays which revealed that in addition to her knees, Gingerbread’s back was affected.

Despite her health issues and delicate body, Gingerbread proved to be a tough, resilient and feisty Wire. She loves walks and her stuffed hedgehogs, gives sweet kisses and can be gentle and playful with other dogs. She has lots of Facebook fans. Her personality and cuteness charms everyone who meets her. 

Because of her neglect and genetic condition, Gingerbread has received extensive veterinary care. During her dental treatment, a foreign body was found lodged in one of her nasal cavities and had to be removed. She has been treated for numerous urinary tract infections. To help improve her walking, we take Gingerbread for weekly underwater treadmill exercise and integrative joint therapy. She also does some physical therapy exercises at home.

Because of her health and need for ongoing therapy, Gingerbread will be a permanent foster. She may join the and she will join the special alumni of ATRA dogs who live out their lives in our loving care. Nevertheless, she has ongoing, expensive medical bills. ATRA is fundraising specifically for Gingerbread. Click here to contribute now.