It is almost a month since Jake' surgery and he is doing very well. His sutures were just removed and his doctor says he is healing well. He can now open his mouth approx four inches compared to a half inch prior to surgery. He no longer has to stick his nose in his food and water just to eat and drink, and he now pants normally. In the latest photos we posted, you can see Jake chewing on a bone for the first time, just like a regular dog! We are thrilled with Jake's progress, and we're optimistic he will continue to show improvement. Jake will be on pain killers and steroids for the next few months and will need to continue therapy to keep his jaw mobile to promote his healing. Thanks for your support so we can help keep Jake on the path to recovery!

Jake was rescued by Buddy Rescue Foundation about one month ago from a shelter in Lancaster, SC. He just happened to be in the same kennel as Sugar, a female walker hound mix we were rescuing and we didn't want to leave him behind knowing he would be euthanized within hours. All accounts were that he was such a happy one-year-old lab mix despite what looked like obvious head trauma that had healed. We had no idea of the extent of his head trauma and previous injuries until he was transported to PA and we saw him drink and eat. He was obviously challenged and had clearly adapted, but then on a warm day at an adoption event two weeks later, we saw that Jake could not open his jaw enough to pant to cool himself down. We knew we had to take significant measures to pursue a diagnosis that would ensure Jake could lead a normal and healthy life.

We pursued a diagnosis at University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia and received the bad news that indeed Jake's jaw was fused and only corrective surgery to remove the excess fused bone tissue would free up the joint to allow him to have normal function of his jaw. The recommendation for surgery is inevitable and necessary for Jake's well-being, so he will not suffer the ill effects of his condition as he continues to grow. The complicated and delicate surgery was a success and he is now able to eat and drink and pant normally!

We ask that you consider donating to Jake's fundraiser to help support the expensive corrective surgery we had to undertake for Jake. Despite his obvious handicap and the undeniable pain he must have sufferred, he is a playful and engaging puppy who will make a wonderful addition to any family that will ultimately adopt him. This surgery guarantees that he will continue to be happy and healthy for the rest of his life! Thanks so much for your support of Jake's fundraiser!

Jake suffered head trauma early in his life, and could only open his mouth a half inch, making it difficult to drink, eat and pant. Jake needed corrective surgery to repair his jaw to normal. - See more of Jake's story at: http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/jake-needs-surgery-to-repair-traumatic-injury-to-his-jaw/83955



Jake can now chew a rawhide bone for the first time in his life!

Jake and his former kennel mate Sugar!