Sarah Lee — It Takes a Village

by Tammy Ross, Foster at 6dogrees Rescue

Sarah's Story

Sarah's story is one of hope, love, and determination.

When Sarah was just a few weeks old, she was found face down in a mud puddle by California Animal Control. They thought she had been stepped on. The Animal Shelter reached out to 6dogrees Rescue and explained the situation, asking if we would be interested in helping. 

Of course, we said "Yes!"

Anyone who has met Sarah falls in love with her. Sarah has a spunky zest for life, a loving personality! Euthanization was NOT an option - as long as there is hope and the dog is not suffering, we do everything in our power to give the animal the life they deserve, unconditionally loved and cared for.
July 7th, 2018
Sarah Lee is a 9-month old, 7-pound Maltese mix. She is a very special girl with a will to live. She was born with a severe deformity to both of her legs. Due to her age and the seriousness of her rare condition, she could not have the surgery until her growth plates were at a certain stage - which is now.
July 8th, 2018
My heart has been stolen. ❤️ Sarah cannot sit, her hips do not “bend” that way. She cannot run, but slowly tries to keep up with the other dogs. She cannot go up or down stairs, but patiently waits for help.

While her “cannots” are many - she can snuggle. She can smile - continually. And best of all, she can experience love - which we are showering her with lots of unconditional love.Sarah’s spirit is bright and inspiring. ❤️
July 9th, 2018
Must share a side by side comparison, as I can hardly believe this is the same pup!

Sarah has a new attitude, and a new hair-do! Beautiful.
July 11th, 2018
Nothing quite like the love of a special needs dog. ❤️

She's Welcomed Home

Sarah Lee is enjoying the warm summer evening going from one lap to another, and short walks in the grass. She's feeling so happy and content right now, she just can't help herself from wagging her tail and smiling. Sarah is starting to get aquanited with her friends and she is loving it. 
July 7th, 2018
Sarah Lee is a 9-month old, 7-pound Maltese mix. She is a very special girl with a will to live. She was born with a severe deformity to both of her legs. Due to her age and the seriousness of her rare condition, she could not have the surgery until her growth plates were at a certain stage - which is now.
July 8th, 2018
My heart has been stolen. ❤️ Sarah cannot sit, her hips do not “bend” that way. She cannot run, but slowly tries to keep up with the other dogs. She cannot go up or down stairs, but patiently waits for help.

While her “cannots” are many - she can snuggle. She can smile - continually. And best of all, she can experience love - which we are showering her with lots of unconditional love.Sarah’s spirit is bright and inspiring. ❤️
July 9th, 2018
Must share a side by side comparison, as I can hardly believe this is the same pup!

Sarah has a new attitude, and a new hair-do! Beautiful.
July 11th, 2018
Nothing quite like the love of a special needs dog. ❤️

She Learns and Grows

Sarah is adjusting to her new home and making friends. I love how the pack adjusts their play to meet Sarah’s abilities. They are gentle and keep the activity close so she can participate. They seem to know that as a 9-month old puppy, Sarah needs this kind of interaction. Dogs never cease to amaze me. ❤️ Sarah is quickly becoming an inspiration to everyone she meets. She's a great addition to Camp Littles!
September 15th, 2018
This is Sarah sitting... with her backend several inches from the floor. This is the “best sit” she can do, as her knee caps are on the insides of her knees which significantly limit her range of motion and have resulted in arthritis. Even though her challenges are great, this doesn’t stop her from loving life.
September 15th, 2018
Sarah Lee and Mango’s bedtime ritual of silently playing before settling down and going to sleep. This game is their perfect little way to wind down before bedtime, and it always ends with both of them feeling calm and sleepy.
September 16th, 2018
Sarah is as snug as a bug in a rug, patiently awaiting her blood draw. She is snuggled into my coat, safe and secure. She looks like she is enjoying the warmth and comfort of being wrapped up in the coat. It is as if she is in her own little world, content and at peace.
September 16th, 2018
She's such a patient girl. In this unknown environment, she's showing so much courage. 

She Made Friends

Run, Sarah, Run!

In just 12 short hours, Sarah Lee will be admitted for surgery on her left leg. It is a complicated procedure and my thoughts will be Dr. Garneau and his gifted team.

Tonight was spent enjoying the sunshine and crisp air, running with the pack and listening to the sweet bark of Sarah while she was “galloping” in the green grass. This evening we will snuggle her close and whisper “We love you,” through the night. Fostering is a gift that cannot be measured, and tugs your heartstrings...❤️
September 18th, 2018
Here is a good photo of how Sarah sits. It is a complicated contortion, but she manages. Sarah is a very courageous and determined dog. Despite her physical challenges, she never gives up and always tries her best. She shows the steadfast resilience of the canine spirit.
September 19th, 2018
Sarah Lee is in good hands and melted into the arms of the team at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle.

Love you, Sarah Lee. Today begins your life-changing journey. ❤️

September 19th, 2018
Quick update on the outcome of Sarah’s surgery to say we don’t yet have a update... 🙃

I am the worst at waiting, and so this is an exercise in patience for me. 😬

As soon as I know anything, I will post immediately. Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. ❤️

Getting Surgery!

Sarah is taking this all in stride. She will be in the care of Veterinary Specialist Center until this evening, and she is in good hands! Included in this set are pre-op and post-op photos. She is literally taking her first steps to a better life!
September 20th, 2018
Included in this set are pre-op and post-op photos. We are so proud of her and are so grateful to the Veterinary Specialist Center for their amazing care!
September 20th, 2018
Sarah Lee’s pre-op leg (look at that wonky bow in her leg).
September 20th, 2018
Sarah Lee’s post-op leg. ❤️
September 20th, 2018
Bionic girl!

Back at Home

Home... pottied, gobbled up her fav chicken hearts for dinner, took her meds and settled quickly into her crate (her den for the next 8 weeks). ❤️
July 7th, 2018
Day one post surgery, and sweet Sarah continues to be a perfect patient. She slept soundly all night long and sat quietly in her crate next to my chair all day at work.
July 8th, 2018
Note: She is not a fan of liquid meds... she pitches quite the fit, but we are patient and don’t give up easily. 😉
July 9th, 2018
Sarah Lee says, “I’m fed up being a good girl, get this cast off my leg and cone off my neck!” This strong-willed child doesn’t want to play “the game” any more. Sarah had decided she will only eat when the cone is off (and we know better than to trust her, and stay glued to her until she is done). She thinks she can out smart us and get around her meds (thankfully this isn’t our first rodeo and we know those “tricks”). And while she is not enjoying this one bit, we know how to make her relax and calm her frustrations. Snuggle time! ❤️
July 11th, 2018
Warm fall evening and the grass feels good on her toes... today was a good day. Food gobbled - both breakfast and dinner, meds went down easy, and she took care of “her business” without any help. Sarah is a happy girl!

Beginning to Heal

Early morning cast change with Sarah’s favorite surgeon, Dr. Garneau. She's a bit nervous as she enters the room, but she is well-behaved and does not fuss. 

Two and a half weeks post-surgery, and life is good. ❤️
October 8th, 2018
Sutures out, wound is healing nicely, and her cast back on for “safe-keeping.” Sarah is ready for the week!

October 10th, 2018
Sarah kicking back, sporting her “rain boot,” after a quick slow stroll outside. We take all precautions to make sure the cast stays dry, AND she looks fashionable.
October 14th, 2018
Patiently waiting to see her favorite surgeon for a checkup and cast change.
October 15th, 2018
Sweet pea sporting a pumpkin cast.

RUH ROH! Don’t give me that look of innocence....

Less than two hours after the cast change and our girl is trying to take it off. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thankfully, a new replacement cone is arriving this evening that should limit her access to the cast and be soft to the touch.
October 25th, 2018
Today Sarah started acupuncture therapy for her right leg and osteopathy treatment for her spine with Dr. Maggie at Quilceda Vet.…
October 25th, 2018
…This will help maintain her muscle mass in the right leg that has atrophied due to her limited use with the casted leg doing most of the work. As you can see by the huge smile on her face, Sarah enjoyed the session. ❤️
October 28th, 2018
Sure is froggy out... er, uh, foggy. 🐸
October 30th, 2018
Thank you Sang Koh and Amanda Koh for the cozy beds! The Camp Littles’ pack is loving them!!! ❤️

6-Week Cast Change!

Sarah had her 6-week cast change today, and she is healing wonderfully!

Dr. Garneau said she was able to put weight on her leg, and is pleased with her progress. To ensure that the bones are set, he has extended her cast coverage an additional week. We are targeting Thanksgiving week to have it removed. ❤️
Day 2: Month of Thankfulness
I am thankful for my little foster girl, Sarah Lee. She continues to show us that it is all about perspective and life is about the simple things. 
Day 2: Month of Thankfulness
She finds joy “mouth wrestling” with Mango (6dogrees Alumni), waiting for treats with the pack, snuggling in a warm blanket, and her favorite, sitting on her foster dad’s lap while he works in the evening. ❤️
November 3rd, 2018
Sarah Lee and Baby love hanging out in the living room!
November 3rd, 2018
Typically the living room is off limits to the pack, but hey, it’s Saturday night and rules are made to by broken. 😛

Happy Birthday, Sarah!

Happy birthday, Sarah Lee! You are our baby girl and we love you so much! She are is year old today and we are so happy to have her in our lives! She is such a sweet dog and she celebrated by enjoying an Osteopathy appointment with Dr. Maggie (Sarah adores Dr. Maggie).

Leaving the Cast Behind

Treat time! Treat time!

Sarah Lee definitely goes a bit crazy at treat time...!
November 18th, 2018
Two more sleeps and Sarah has a date with Dr. Garneau to have her surgery site xrayed. This will determine if her cast can can be removed and we can move forward and schedule the surgery for her right leg! Paws crossed that everything has healed nicely. ❤️
November 19th, 2018
Sunbathing beauties!
November 20th, 2018
Patiently waiting for her date with her favorite surgeon, Dr. Garneau.
November 20th, 2018
Look! Look!!! No cast!!

...Waiting for Dr. Garneau to come in and provide us with instructions. ❤️

First Water Therapy!!!

What an incredibly fun and therapeutic first water therapy session for Sarah Lee. She loved the water and swam for a solid 30 minutes, and fell fast asleep as soon as I put her in her car seat. ❤️

Thank you Leigh Anne at Splash Dog for fitting us in so last minute.



Happy Holidays!!

Sarah had a wonderful holiday with plenty of lap time and undivided attention (the rest of the pack was sequestered to the bedroom to ensure no escapees with all of the thanksgiving company). ❤️
November 25th, 2018
Sarah enjoyed the sites and sounds of Cap Hill this morning (she tagged along with me to see Bradley’s adoption), and then wrapped up the visit enjoying the last few minutes of the Seahawks game at Ross’ condo. ...Now we are on our way to hydro therapy at Splash Dog!
November 25th, 2018
Santa came to see Sarah at hydro therapy today!

Santa will also be at our annual holiday fundraiser next Saturday afternoon at Evergreen Autoworks & Decibel Brewery! Be sure to come and bring your dog for Santa photos!

Our little mermaid loves the water!

Sarah enjoyed her second swim therapy session today, and is all set for session three tomorrow evening.
November 25th, 2018
Our girl sarah having fun in her swim therapy!
November 26th, 2018
Began the day with Osteopathy with Dr. Maggie. Sarah is a trooper and very loved by her care givers. ❤️
November 26th, 2018
Wrapped up with evening with Getchen and swim therapy. Sarah is a trooper and very loved by her care givers. ❤️
December 2nd, 2018
While I was in Florida, Papa Wayne held down the fort at Camp Littles - including making sure that Sarah continued her swim therapy. As you can see, she continues to make wonderful progress. ❤️

Papa Wayne Helps Too!

While I was in Florida, Papa Wayne held down the fort at Camp Littles - including making sure that Sarah continued her swim therapy. As you can see, she continues to make wonderful progress. ❤️
November 18th, 2018
Two more sleeps and Sarah has a date with Dr. Garneau to have her surgery site xrayed. This will determine if her cast can can be removed and we can move forward and schedule the surgery for her right leg! Paws crossed that everything has healed nicely. ❤️
November 19th, 2018
Sunbathing beauties!
November 20th, 2018
Patiently waiting for her date with her favorite surgeon, Dr. Garneau.
November 20th, 2018
Look! Look!!! No cast!!

...Waiting for Dr. Garneau to come in and provide us with instructions. ❤️

Sarah Lee's Christmas!

Little sweet pea let Santa know she’s been a good girl all year and she cannot wait until Christmas.❤️

There is so much PUPPIN more to Sarah's Life! 

She is a testament to the power of love and dedication from a dog rescue. Follow the rest of her inspiring story on Ms. Tammy Ross's Facebook album.
Follow Sarah's Full Story

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6dogrees Rescue is a small, passionate, Seattle-based 501c3 non-profit charitable organization that focuses on saving the lives of urgent dogs in their last hours. 

100% of all fees collected are spent on the dogs. We “Save it forward”; each time a dog is adopted, we are allowed to save another. Adoption fees are non-negotiable and are in place to enable thorough care for the dogs.

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