'Tyson' continues recovery after snout surgery
By Julienne Bay, Ottawa Sun
First posted: Friday, December 11, 2015 07:02 PM EST | Updated: Friday, December 11, 2015 11:12 PM EST
All is well for the Nicaraguan dog whose snout was almost chopped in half, says the vet who flew him into Ottawa for surgery.
Tyson, a beagle mix who lived with a damaged snout for almost a year in Nicaragua, was jovial Friday as Dr. Graham Thatcher walked him near his house in Old Ottawa South.
Graham, an Ottawa-based veterinary dentist, and his wife spent about two months negotiating with airlines to transport Tyson from Managua.
He was finally flown into Ottawa and had his seven-hour surgery on Dec. 1 after numerous tests.
"I don't want to get too attached, but that will be pretty impossible," Thatcher said, who'll be keeping Tyson until at least the spring as his recovery continues.
Thatcher said it's unsure where Tyson will go after he heals.
The original plan was to fly him back to Nicaragua, but the organization which had been taking care of Tyson has lost touch with his owner, Thatcher said.
Tyson was first brought to Thatcher's attention via social media. He's currently living with Thatcher, where an older dog "shows him the ropes." Thatcher's two cats have also become friends with Tyson, he said.
Tyson still has stitches on his snout but they will be removed soon.
The stitches will become less visible after the fur grows in, Thatcher said.
He plans to take Tyson to obedience classes some time in the near future. Everything - including walking on a leash -- is new to Tyson, who lived on farmland in Nicaragua.
"The first night in the house, he (the cat) slept with him," Thatcher said.
"He's definitely bonded with us."
Twitter: @juliennebay
'Tyson' continues recovery after snout surgery | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun
By Julienne Bay, Ottawa Sun
First posted: Friday, December 11, 2015 07:02 PM EST | Updated: Friday, December 11, 2015 11:12 PM EST
All is well for the Nicaraguan dog whose snout was almost chopped in half, says the vet who flew him into Ottawa for surgery.
Tyson, a beagle mix who lived with a damaged snout for almost a year in Nicaragua, was jovial Friday as Dr. Graham Thatcher walked him near his house in Old Ottawa South.
Graham, an Ottawa-based veterinary dentist, and his wife spent about two months negotiating with airlines to transport Tyson from Managua.
He was finally flown into Ottawa and had his seven-hour surgery on Dec. 1 after numerous tests.
"I don't want to get too attached, but that will be pretty impossible," Thatcher said, who'll be keeping Tyson until at least the spring as his recovery continues.
Thatcher said it's unsure where Tyson will go after he heals.
The original plan was to fly him back to Nicaragua, but the organization which had been taking care of Tyson has lost touch with his owner, Thatcher said.
Tyson was first brought to Thatcher's attention via social media. He's currently living with Thatcher, where an older dog "shows him the ropes." Thatcher's two cats have also become friends with Tyson, he said.
Tyson still has stitches on his snout but they will be removed soon.
The stitches will become less visible after the fur grows in, Thatcher said.
He plans to take Tyson to obedience classes some time in the near future. Everything - including walking on a leash -- is new to Tyson, who lived on farmland in Nicaragua.
"The first night in the house, he (the cat) slept with him," Thatcher said.
"He's definitely bonded with us."
Twitter: @juliennebay
'Tyson' continues recovery after snout surgery | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun