Rehabber needed ASAP (Fort Worth, Texas)

[Kaliina]

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate the help.
I have a Squirrel I rescued when she was 4 weeks. She had fallen from her tree and her mother wouldn't take her back. Well, fast forward 10 weeks and I noticed she only have 2 front teeth. If you're looking right at her it's her top left and bottom right. She has had her fair deal of health problems, from raging infections to needed her teeth trimmed and nasal problems. I've had her for almost 2 years (September.) I feel I'm not completely qualified to help her and I am only making it worse. I have a vet I take her to, of course. And now, yesterday I noticed a bump had appeared on her lower jaw, towards her neck. She acted normal yesterday. She ate, played, tore her usual victims up (She loves paper towels). However, today she is lethargic and doesn't look happy. I'm taking her to my Vet tomorrow and then I'm relinquishing her to someone who can really, truly take care of her. I'm bawling just writing this, so I can only imagine how it will feel when I give her to someone else.
My question is, is anyone on her from Fort Worth who would be willing to take my beautiful Jazzy in and give her the best shot at life? Someone who won't give up on her because she only has two front teeth and health problems? I'm begging you... Anyone... It's really hard to admit the fact I am not right for her, considering I love animals so very dearly...
I have toys, a big cage, and I will be writing a list of her favorite food and treats.
Thank you,
Kaliina

[Nancy in New York]

You're taking her to your vet tomorrow but you are bringing her home, correct?

[Bravo]

We just had someone else in Houston connect with a good source yesterday:


Good news!

I was able to find a rehabilitatior off of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department list of official rehabilitators. She was able to take him in, and only lived a couple of blocks from me so I got him there quick. She is a professional rehabilitatior and only works on squirrels. She has 15 years experience and all sorts of equipments, cages etc.. and gave him antibiotics. She said he likely has an internal injury but he should be able to recover from all this. Thankfully he's in good hands now. (She even had a fox squirrel on her hands who I got to meet!)

Thank you guys for all your help and words of encouragement. I've never had a pet squirrel but they're sweet creatures and I just wanted to do the right thing. :) Also the other person I spoke with who couldn't help because they were too far away, actually called me back right before I headed to the rehabilitatior and they offered to meet me halfway between towns. (They're a member of this forum I don't know if they want their username mentioned). Anyways they're awesome for doing that because they're also rehabbing a bunch of different animals at the moment.

One final thanks to all of you guys I really do appreciate it!

(from http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?50057-HOUSTON-HELP-NEEDED-My-cat-attacked-a-squirrel )

Is there a chance this list advises for your area as well?

[Nancy in New York]

IF this is your plan this will be almost an impossible situation to find a good home now.
It's baby season, and rehabbers are filled to the brink, with squirrels they have overwintered along with all the new babies arriving.
To rehome a squirrel with health issues is something I can't imagine happening now.
Can you keep her longer as to find just the right home? Is there a time limit on this?
First lets see what the vet suggests for course of action for her new problem, ok?

[Kaliina]

Of course. If I can have one more night with her, I'm going to make the most of it. Cuddles, kisses, what ever love I can give her before I make the hardest choice of my life. :(

[Nancy in New York]

Of course. If I can have one more night with her, I'm going to make the most of it. Cuddles, kisses, what ever love I can give her before I make the hardest choice of my life. :(

Wait, why are you saying one more night? :dono

[Kaliina]

IF this is your plan this will be almost an impossible situation to find a good home now.
It's baby season, and rehabbers are filled to the brink, with squirrels they have overwintered along with all the new babies arriving.
To rehome a squirrel with health issues is something I can't imagine happening now.
Can you keep her longer as to find just the right home? Is there a time limit on this?
First lets see what the vet suggests for course of action for her new problem, ok?

I figured as much. And yes, of course I can keep her till I find her a perfect home. I just don't know where to look. Which is why I finally posted on this site... I'm desperate, really. I feel I am holding her back from having a full, happy life. That sounds weird, I know.

[Kaliina]

Wait, why are you saying one more night? :dono

One more night until I take her somewhere more skilled with squirrels, not euthanization. My words aren't really coming out properly, I think. Blergh. :klunk

[Bravo]

Here's the Texas Parks and Wildlife site with Rehabbers by county:

http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/rehab/list/

[Nancy in New York]

If you are looking for a permanent home you cannot call a wildlife rehab place. They will NOT look for a home for an NR, they will euthanize. They cannot look to rehome squirrels.
Please don't go the route of thinking a squirrel with health issues that is non releasable will see the light of day if given to a wildlife place. That won't happen.

[Bravo]

Oops, disregard the list. :(

[Kaliina]

Here's the Texas Parks and Wildlife site with Rehabbers by county:

http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/rehab/list/

Oh goodness, thank you! I had no idea this existed. I wouldn't have bothered ya'll if I knew about this site! Tarrant County has quite a few of them. My Vet also works with a rahabber so I will be talking with him, too. He told me she probably wouldn't make it to 5 years old with all that she has wrong with her. I'm trying to spoil her and keep her healthy but her body is so against her...

[Kaliina]

If you are looking for a permanent home you cannot call a wildlife rehab place. They will NOT look for a home for an NR, they will euthanize. They cannot look to rehome squirrels.
Please don't go the route of thinking a squirrel with health issues that is non releasable will see the light of day if given to a wildlife place. That won't happen.

That is so not fair... Thank you for telling me...

[Nancy in New York]

Oops, disregard the list. :(

Bravo a rehabber might, but not a funded sanctuary or wildlife center, they could never be bothered.

[Nancy in New York]

That is so not fair... Thank you for telling me...

How long are you willing to keep him?
Let's see what you vet says before we get overly concerned.

If they took in and kept alive every little critter that was an NR, they would no longer be rehabbing for release.
AND they could only turn over to licensed rehabbers.

[Kaliina]

How long are you willing to keep him?
Let's see what you vet says before we get overly concerned.

If they took in and kept alive every little critter that was an NR, they would no longer be rehabbing for release.
AND they could only turn over to licensed rehabbers.

I will keep her until I can find her a wonderful place to live. I don't want her put down, she doesn't deserve that. I have been told it would be best due to her health issues, but... It's not my call to pass judgement on an innocent life. She has given me so much happiness and I want to return that to her in the form of a proper, skilled, and compassionate person. I want to be selfish and say, "No. You're staying with me." But she doesn't deserve that. I've been fighting with this for so long and my selfishness has won. But I don't find it fair to her. If her health issues can be avoided, I want to give that to her.

[Annabelle's papa]

I will keep her until I can find her a wonderful place to live. I don't want her put down, she doesn't deserve that. I have been told it would be best due to her health issues, but... It's not my call to pass judgement on an innocent life. She has given me so much happiness and I want to return that to her in the form of a proper, skilled, and compassionate person. I want to be selfish and say, "No. You're staying with me." But she doesn't deserve that. I've been fighting with this for so long and my selfishness has won. But I don't find it fair to her. If her health issues can be avoided, I want to give that to her.

:)Hi Ms Kaliina, is there any reason why she can't continue her life with you, she has been with you for quite some time, why do you think someone else would be better for her?

[Kaliina]

:)Hi Ms Kaliina, is there any reason why she can't continue her life with you, she has been with you for quite some time, why do you think someone else would be better for her?

Hello Annabelle's papa. I can't keep from thinking her reoccurring health issues keep coming back because of me. Like maybe I am not helping the situation at all. I keep her calcium up, yes. I've done extensive research when I first found her and kept researching. However, it seems I'm only making it worse, and I'm not sure how. I'm great at spoiling her, loving her, and letting her use me as her own personal scratching post. But health wise, I'm a bit of a failure on that part. With this new bump that formed on her jaw it was kind of an, "Aha" moment, so to speak. I'm in school to become a vet tech, but I'm not seasoned in such delicate little creatures such as squirrels. I hope that makes sense. :(

[Annabelle's papa]

Hello Annabelle's papa. I can't keep from thinking her reoccurring health issues keep coming back because of me. Like maybe I am not helping the situation at all. I keep her calcium up, yes. I've done extensive research when I first found her and kept researching. However, it seems I'm only making it worse, and I'm not sure how. I'm great at spoiling her, loving her, and letting her use me as her own personal scratching post. But health wise, I'm a bit of a failure on that part. With this new bump that formed on her jaw it was kind of an, "Aha" moment, so to speak. I'm in school to become a vet tech, but I'm not seasoned in such delicate little creatures such as squirrels. I hope that makes sense. :(

:) I think you have been doing a wonderful job considering her age and temperament, most Squirrels become such a handful by the age of one they can actually be a danger to their owners.:sadness This is one of the reasons why release is always recommended, however it's obvious that your Lil' One is non releasable and you're the only Family she knows.:great

:)Can you post a photo and maybe a brief outline of what her diet consists of, considering you have a great vet and living space for her, I can't see anyone who could be better for her than you.:thumbsup

[Kaliina]

256099

This is Jazzy. I'll write all the foods in a list.
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Snap Peas, Kale, Salad mixes, Cucumber, Lettuce, Cilantro, Mango, Strawberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Apple, Treebark, Kaytee ratblocks, Sweet potatoes, etc. I do not feed her mushrooms, peanuts or spinach as I've read those can be dangerous.

Twice a week I'll give her a strawberry wafer cookie for a treat. I do give her a pecan a day when they are in season, too. :)

[Annabelle's papa]

256099

This is Jazzy. I'll write all the foods in a list.
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Snap Peas, Kale, Salad mixes, Cucumber, Lettuce, Cilantro, Mango, Strawberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Apple, Treebark, Kaytee ratblocks, Sweet potatoes, etc. I do not feed her mushrooms, peanuts or spinach as I've read those can be dangerous.

Twice a week I'll give her a strawberry wafer cookie for a treat. I do give her a pecan a day when they are in season, too. :)

:)Wow, that diet is nearly 'Perfect', and limiting nuts and seeds as you have been doing is the best part.:thumbsup

:)Oh, and by the way, :klunk She Is Beautiful! :Love_Icon:serene


:)Please start a thread just for her in the breed specific area of the forum, and include all of the photos you wish to post.:great

:)And if there was anything to suggest pertaining to her diet, www.henryshealthypets.com this site carries a very good selection of blocks formulated specifically for Squirrels.:thumbsup

[chybear]

I live in Cleburne but I use a Vet in Granbury, About 20-30 mins away from you. She is such a wonderful vet and doesn't look down on you for not holding a permit. She does everything in her power to help you help the baby.

All Creatures Animal Clinic
Dr. Marczak (Best Qualified for Squirrels and other small animals)
Address: 5700 E Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76049
Phone: (817) 326-6262

[stepnstone]

My opinion, unless there is another reason your looking to "rehome" her it's almost cruel to do that. You are what she knows, what she has known for what is most likely close to half her life. We have many members here, lots of resorces. We may be able to help you with whatever problems your faced with. Maybe your just upset and being too hard on yourself. She has special needs, you didn't cause that but obviously you have been able to look past them and give her the love and compassion she needed. Why change the one thing that has brought her this far...

[pjjere]

Hi Kalina, I am assuming either you or your vet is trimming her teeth regularly. You obviously love Jazzy and she loves you. It sounds like you were meant to be together and you have done an awesome job raising a squirrel with a malocclusion. Why is it you feel inadequate? What are the recurring health issues that a more knowledgeable rehabber would be better equipped to handle? Please be completely candid with us and perhaps we can help. Something does not add up here. From what I have read it sounds like you are perfect for each other. We are praying for you and Jazzy!

[Kaliina]

Hello everyone. I wanted to give an update on Jazzy. I definitely owe that to ya'll considering I was in such a frantic state and ya'll came to the rescue faster than grease lightning.
Allow me to first thank ya'll. I had NO idea I would get so many responses, and so quickly. It's not hard to tell I was in a very bad state of mind (I went back and reread what I posted.) Ya'll gave me comfort, honesty and such amazing advice. It made me cry all over again.

Now, on to Jazzy!
My Veterinarian saw her immediately and allowed me to assist. I'm a Vet Tech student so he asks me if I'd like to help on minor procedures or watch on surgeries.
She does have an abscess, and a nasty one at that. However, it didn't deter her from getting loose in the clinic and having us chase her down. So he put her under, shaved her face and cut it open. The amount of puss that came out horrified me. And, low an behold...a piece of pecan shell. He advised me that because of her malocclusion I should de- shell all her nuts and halt the treebark as well.
I'm having to keep the wound open (Her body really wants to heal, lol) and inject ointment inside it daily. He also gave her a really, REALLY big penicillin shot and she should be fine. Let me just say, having to open the wound to allow it to drain KILLS me. Her cries are pitiful.
I've been feeding her baby food through a syringe like when she was a baby. She still clings to me and hides inside my bra after her feeding, too.

After a lot of praying, talking with ya'll, talking to him, and talking to rehabbers in my area... I've made my decision. And I swore it to her when I fed her an hour ago.

I am her mother. She is my daughter. She will get hurt, and I will be there. I will no longer even think for a second of giving her to someone else in hopes of a better life. I may not be a perfect mother, but she IS perfect. She is my snaggle tooth. She is my whole world in a tiny, fluffy, and broken little package.


Thank you all for knocking me back to my senses. I appreciated all the kind words, and even the harsh honesty that was said, too.

-Kaliina and Jazzy.:grouphug

[Annabelle's papa]

Hello everyone. I wanted to give an update on Jazzy. I definitely owe that to ya'll considering I was in such a frantic state and ya'll came to the rescue faster than grease lightning.
Allow me to first thank ya'll. I had NO idea I would get so many responses, and so quickly. It's not hard to tell I was in a very bad state of mind (I went back and reread what I posted.) Ya'll gave me comfort, honesty and such amazing advice. It made me cry all over again.

Now, on to Jazzy!
My Veterinarian saw her immediately and allowed me to assist. I'm a Vet Tech student so he asks me if I'd like to help on minor procedures or watch on surgeries.
She does have an abscess, and a nasty one at that. However, it didn't deter her from getting loose in the clinic and having us chase her down. So he put her under, shaved her face and cut it open. The amount of puss that came out horrified me. And, low an behold...a piece of pecan shell. He advised me that because of her malocclusion I should de- shell all her nuts and halt the treebark as well.
I'm having to keep the wound open (Her body really wants to heal, lol) and inject ointment inside it daily. He also gave her a really, REALLY big penicillin shot and she should be fine. Let me just say, having to open the wound to allow it to drain KILLS me. Her cries are pitiful.
I've been feeding her baby food through a syringe like when she was a baby. She still clings to me and hides inside my bra after her feeding, too.

After a lot of praying, talking with ya'll, talking to him, and talking to rehabbers in my area... I've made my decision. And I swore it to her when I fed her an hour ago.

I am her mother. She is my daughter. She will get hurt, and I will be there. I will no longer even think for a second of giving her to someone else in hopes of a better life. I may not be a perfect mother, but she IS perfect. She is my snaggle tooth. She is my whole world in a tiny, fluffy, and broken little package.


Thank you all for knocking me back to my senses. I appreciated all the kind words, and even the harsh honesty that was said, too.

-Kaliina and Jazzy.:grouphug

:) God Bless Your Wonderful Heart Ms. Kaliina, Thank You Very Much for choosing to foster Jazzy, as you said there will be up's and down's, however you certainly won't regret a single second.:Love_Icon

[Annabelle's papa]

:)Please add more photos to Jazzy's thread when she feel's better, I don't have any statistics but I think most inflammations are just benign abscesses, did you receive a course of antibiotics to follow up with.:thumbsup

[Kaliina]

:)Please add more photos to Jazzy's thread when she feel's better, I don't have any statistics but I think most inflammations are just benign abscesses, did you receive a course of antibiotics to follow up with.:thumbsup

He gave me Dermalone Ointment and I have amoxicillin on hand. The amoxy was from a tooth shattering early in March, though. I'm not sure if it's still good.

She is doing well though. Cuddly yet feisty, which is just like my babygirl. She wants to play outside her cage but I am making her take it easy while I keep the wound drained. I hate having to push the puss out. It's not fun for either of us. :klunk

She's also eating on her own right now. She NEVER eats on her own after a tooth trim. He said as long as I make sure it's free of puss, inject a bit of ointment and keep the exterior clean we are good to go! I will bring her back Monday for a follow up though!

[Annabelle's papa]

He gave me Dermalone Ointment and I have amoxicillin on hand. The amoxy was from a tooth shattering early in March, though. I'm not sure if it's still good.

She is doing well though. Cuddly yet feisty, which is just like my babygirl. She wants to play outside her cage but I am making her take it easy while I keep the wound drained. I hate having to push the puss out. It's not fun for either of us. :klunk

She's also eating on her own right now. She NEVER eats on her own after a tooth trim. He said as long as I make sure it's free of puss, inject a bit of ointment and keep the exterior clean we are good to go! I will bring her back Monday for a follow up though!

:) Everything just sounds wonderful, and as long as you will be doing the trimming you can feed her soft food forever, such as Caviar and White Truffles, I'm sure Jazzy is worth only the best.:)

[Kaliina]

:) Everything just sounds wonderful, and as long as you will be doing the trimming you can feed her soft food forever, such as Caviar and White Truffles, I'm sure Jazzy is worth only the best.:)

I'm very relieved, yes. All of ya'll helped me so very much. I don't know how I would have gotten through the night otherwise. :hug

I can trim her bottom tooth just fine, but her top tooth is always taken care of by my Vet. It curls upward at 1 week and I wouldn't dare try it on my own. It's amazing how she adapted to only one functional tooth though. She scoops her food with the bottom one then pushes it to her molars where she then chews everything. She offered me a pea today and I nearly died. After everything she's been through this week she is still like, "Here, mommy! Eat peas with me!"

I'm going to upload some videos later on my thread I started. I have one where she puts a pecan in my mouth. Well, more like shoves, but it's still hilarious. :serene

[Annabelle's papa]

I'm very relieved, yes. All of ya'll helped me so very much. I don't know how I would have gotten through the night otherwise. :hug

I can trim her bottom tooth just fine, but her top tooth is always taken care of by my Vet. It curls upward at 1 week and I wouldn't dare try it on my own. It's amazing how she adapted to only one functional tooth though. She scoops her food with the bottom one then pushes it to her molars where she then chews everything. She offered me a pea today and I nearly died. After everything she's been through this week she is still like, "Here, mommy! Eat peas with me!"

I'm going to upload some videos later on my thread I started. I have one where she puts a pecan in my mouth. Well, more like shoves, but it's still hilarious. :serene

:)Everything sounds wonderful, and you are very fortunate to live in a state that has less restrictions on Squirrel ownership, there are only a few most others are very restrictive and many Folk's have to go out of state to find a vet that will treat their Squirrel.:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

This is wonderful news, Kaliina. I'm moving this thread out of Emergency and into Non Life-threatening for now; you might want to start your own thread for Jazzy that just celebrates her for the happy little girl she is, with lots of pix, of course. :poke:grin2

[Bravo]

Another great read, and so good to see how this has turned out, K. Jazzy has found her forever home! Looking forward to more pics and video when you have a chance :great

[Annabelle's papa]

This is wonderful news, Kaliina. I'm moving this thread out of Emergency and into Non Life-threatening for now; you might want to start your own thread for Jazzy that just celebrates her for the happy little girl she is, with lots of pix, of course. :poke:grin2


Another great read, and so good to see how this has turned out, K. Jazzy has found her forever home! Looking forward to more pics and video when you have a chance :great

:) Good Afternoon Guy's, Jazzy's Mom and Dad have already started a brand new thread here;:Love_Icon http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?50067-Jazzy-the-shredder-lt-3&highlight=

[Bravo]

Thanks AP :grin3

[Annabelle's papa]

:) Ya'll Are Always More Than Welcome, Did You See How Happy Ms. Kaliina Was After Coming From The Vet.:serene

[Kaliina]

Hello again everyone! Sorry for the delay in updates! School got a bit hectic and I've been keeping a close eye on my baby!

She is doing wonderful! Yesterday there was no more puss and today her bump is very minimal! I'm still injecting ointment every day and Monday she is going in for a follow up. My vet was very shocked when I told him how quickly she is healing! He said tomorrow I can stop injecting ointment and only apply it topically. She is starting to eat more easily (I admit I'm still syringe feeding her baby food with calcium once a day. I can't help it. :bliss)

She wanted me to tell ya'll thank you SO much for all the support and comforting her frantic mother. And I want to thank ya'll again as well. The prayers, support, and all of ya'll in general was what helped me through this.


With all my love,
Kaliina

PS- I think I'm going to LOVE it here. :glomp

[HRT4SQRLS]

PS- I think I'm going to LOVE it here. :glomp

We already LOVE having you here. :grin2 I'm so happy that things are working out for you and Jazzy.

When you came on the board in a panic, my first thoughts were that NO ONE could take better care of Jazzy that you could because you love her and that makes all the difference in the world. :grouphug

[Kaliina]

We already LOVE having you here. :grin2 I'm so happy that things are working out for you and Jazzy.

When you came on the board in a panic, my first thoughts were that NO ONE could take better care of Jazzy that you could because you love her and that makes all the difference in the world. :grouphug

I'm starting to see that myself. I knew I loved her from the moment I picked her up off the street, but I never knew just how upsetting it would be to see her get hurt again and again. I've taken all necessary precautions though to make sure this doesn't happen again! All nuts will be completely deshelled, no more tree bark and no more branches to chew on! Even Loki my cattle dog mix is watching her closely now. He loves her (I can't say she loves him LOL) but he stays close to her cage and sneaks a kiss in every chance he gets!

[Kaliina]

Someone did ask what all was wrong with her, and I am going to address that now. ((I completely forgot with everything going on))

When she fell she ended up breaking her jaw, and her nasal passages got all messed up. My vet thinks that's why she has sever malocclusion and teeth that never grew out.
Her bottom tooth grows decently, and she uses that to scoop food into her mouth and shoves it into her cheeks to chew. However, her top tooth curls badly. it doesn't grow down at all and so it has to be clipped to a itty bitty nub every 2 weeks. She is prone to infections in her mouth as well. :klunk
We also think she has some neurological issues, however we can't be positive. It doesn't alter her every day activities but there are times where she will go into a trance and just sit there. She doesn't drool, her eyes don't get glassy and she comes out of it withing a minute or so like it never happened.

Overall, she is happy, feisty and has some serious sass. She climbs extremely well and has a death grip when she doesn't want to be removed from my face. :great

Even though my vet gave her a shorter than usual lifespan... I can't help but have hope. This is why I constantly make sure she gets all her nutrients. She gets vitamin drops in her water, tums, plenty of fruits and veggies and yes, the occasional sweet. She loves strawberry wafers. :)

[Annabelle's papa]

256099

This is Jazzy. I'll write all the foods in a list.
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Snap Peas, Kale, Salad mixes, Cucumber, Lettuce, Cilantro, Mango, Strawberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Apple, Treebark, Kaytee ratblocks, Sweet potatoes, etc. I do not feed her mushrooms, peanuts or spinach as I've read those can be dangerous.

Twice a week I'll give her a strawberry wafer cookie for a treat. I do give her a pecan a day when they are in season, too. :)

:)Good Saturday Morning Ms. Kaliina and Jazzy, I hope Ya'll are doing well today, after looking back over this thread I saw where you are offering Jazzy Kaytee rat blocks. You can really insure Her nutritional needs with some Henry's Healthy blocks from www.henryshealthypets.com , just one of these blocks a day will give Jazzy a more complete diet considering she is limited to only the foods you prepare for Her. :great

:)The Henry's blocks aren't quite as hard or dry as other commercial blocks, and even if you had to break them apart for Jazzy, she shouldn't have any trouble chewing and swallowing them. After she has been eating them a while you won't have to worry as much about Her getting additional calcium with tums, and these blocks contain all of the other vitamins she needs.:thumbsup