Marley’s Journey!

*Special thanks to Bow Wow Buddies Foundation for granting funds to GRRIN for Marley’s care!

Marley was found wandering as a stray by animal control officers on October 20, 2022, and taken to the Midlands Humane Society in Council Bluffs. GRRIN was notified and following a week in Midlands care, GRRIN volunteers brought him into the GRRIN family. The intake took place on October 27th, and he was placed in foster care following the initial veterinary visit. The veterinarian estimated his age to be 10 years old.

Midlands Humane Society

Midlands Humane Society

From the foster family:

Marley came into our home on October 27^th and immediately attached himself to mom. He was curious and friendly to dad, our two dogs , and even our two cats. He is a wonderful dog with good manners and is very gentle, and took very little time settling in. We realized almost immediately that all of us were smitten by this sweet boy and he obviously was home. Marley had been placed on multiple medications at the shelter, and we continued those prescribed for an ear infection and hot spots on his skin. At his first visit to our family veterinarian, Dr. Courtney Knott at the American Animal Hospital, he was started on new medications that began a nearly four month journey leading eventually to ear surgery on February 25th. We are so grateful for the generosity of GRRIN and the skill and caring that all of the veterinarians and their staff demonstrated while taking care of our awesome dog.

Marley in his foster home

Marley in his foster home

Marley in his Foster Home napping with his foster sisters

The Procedure:

Dr. Eric Wilson of the Animal Emergency and Specialty Services in Mission, Kansas performed a total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy. This surgery involves the complete removal of the ear canal and tympanic bulla (middle ear), leaving only the ear flap (pinna) remaining. This procedure requires the use of general anesthesia. Marley is deaf in his right ear now because of the removal of these organs, but the surgery was necessary because of the severity and duration of the infection, and also because the infection was resistant to most antibiotics. He is recovering nicely at home with no serious adverse effects.