Rescue "Cooper" the St. Bernard

Our Family has Rescued "Cooper" the St. Bernard as an owner surrender. Upon rescueing him he needed immediate medical attention, he has a double ear infection(yeast and bacterial), major skin irritation from fleas, yeast infection around his eyes and major issues with his pasterns(carpal) area of is front feet. He is needing to see a special orthopedic vet and will probably require the use of carpal braces on both his front feet. We are not sure what caused this, it is probably a number of factors, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency, lack of exercise, lack of sunshine, slippery floors and the list could go on. This is more than my family bargained for when rescuing him and I requested help from the National St. Bernard Rescue Foundation and have heard nothing after several attempts. Cooper is on vitamin supplements and antibiotics, and now getting regular outdoor exercise. He has an appointment with an Orthopedic Vet December 3rd.


A little bit about me and my family. I have been involved in Saints since the age of 3, I am now 38. I grew up showing my dogs in 4-H and around the country. I have always had St. Bernard's usually 5, but we now have just 3 show dogs. I was honored to be the Best Jr. Handler in the St. Bernard Club of America from age 10-18, I also was the Best Jr. Handler in Wisconsin for multiple years in 4-H competing with over 400 kids annually. My own dogs have been in TV commercials and print ads, and they still continue this along with being therapy dogs and visiting Day Cares and Nursing Homes, and occasionally helping ring the bells for the Salvation Army. I've been involved in the Gr. Milwaukee SBC and SBCA since I was a toddler. I've served my local club in many capacities and am currently the VP, in the National SBC I was one of the Central governors for 2 years. I attend as many nationals as possible. Throughout the years my family has helped with rescue saints, St. Bernard's where the owners can no longer keep them. My mom currently has 2 that she has kept. As a fancier of the breed, I not only show, but have an occasional litter, and judge. As a member of the community I feel it is important to be a good ambassador of the breed and help when necessary. At one point I was helping place 20+ dogs annually in WI. Since marriage and kids, I rescue on a limited basis. My husband and children are an integral part of helping with rescued St. Bernard's. My 10 year old daughter Mikala helps the most with socialization, walks and training. My 2 1/2 year old Johnny loves to help with feeding and treats, and my littlest Jordyn 1 1/2 helps with petting and love. My husband is the official pooper scooper and up all nighter. My oldest daughter is currently a State Ambassador in the National American Miss Wisconsin Pageant. Her platform is "Look before you Leap, Pets are for Keeps" This holds a special place in her heart as she is an avid animal lover... having rescued 4 cats herself. For her birthday she asks for gifts for the local Animal Shelter, this past year she raised $100 on her birthday and a trunk full of supplies and food for the Portage Co. Humane Society. Enough about us, just thought the information would be helpful, those who are involved in Saints have watched me grow up with them.


Now Cooper our latest Rescue needs more than we are financially able to help with, that is why I created this fundraiser. After calling the Rescue Foundation and asking for help and getting no answer, I took things on my own. Copper is in the most pain in his carpal area(pastern) on both his front feet. I have never seen any dog/animal so down in my entire life, I left Cooper's home before I even got him and cried the whole way home, he is so sweet and deserving of so much more. I am hopeful that with the help of the Animal Loving Community I can raise enough money to help with his Orthopedic expenses. 100% will go directly to Cooper. For a $50 donation you will receive a beautiful hand made silver St. Bernard necklace from Poland. But really any amount will help greatly.