Ursula's Unstoppable Journey: A Second Chance at Love and Belonging

Ursula

In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, ten-year-old Ursula was discovered running loose, her life forever altered by a tragic encounter with a car. Taken to the local humane society as a stray, she waited for her owner, but they never showed. Several weeks passed before California GSP Rescue caught wind of her plight. In July, the rescue organization received a heartfelt plea from the shelter, accompanied by a photo and description of a 10-year-old Labrador mix desperately needing medical attention. With so many German Shorthaired Pointers needing homes, the challenges of a GSP Rescue finding a home for a Labrador retriever mix were monumental; the rescue team couldn't shake a lingering thought. Desiring to help, California GSP Rescue inquired about two distinctive characteristics of a German Shorthaired Pointer - a single coat and a docked tail. The reply from the humane society that followed would prove to be the key to uncovering Ursula's correct breed identity and initiating a remarkable journey and new beginnings.

California GSP Rescue read the reply from the humane society. Her single coat and docked tail confirmed Ursula's distinct GSP traits. Ursula was not just a Labrador mix but a potential purebred German Shorthaired Pointer or, at the very least, a GSP Mix. This revelation ensured she received much-needed medical attention and started the next phase of rescuing Ursula - finding transportation for her.

Ursula's heartwarming tale touched the hearts of many, kindling a wave of compassion that rippled through the animal rescue community thanks in large part to Kelly, the compassionate Rescue Coordinator at the Humane Society. Recognizing Ursula's unique plight, she reached out to several rescues, Ericka from One Dane At A Time being one of them, knowing one of the rescues would be the only chance for Ursula, as no one had yet come to claim her. Ericka, in turn, wasted no time in forwarding the message to California GSP Rescue, sparking a chain of events that would change Ursula's life forever. Ericka's search for assistance transporting led her to Mary. Known for her tireless efforts transporting dogs from overcrowded animal shelters to rescues, Mary agreed to take Ursula, along with a Rottie pup and a few other furry friends, on a journey that would bring them closer to their second chances at California GSP Rescue and a handful of other rescues.

The timing couldn't have been more crucial as Ursula's appointment with Dr. Kang approached swiftly. With a car filled with GSP’s needing medical attention and a young Rottweiler pup destined for another rescue, volunteer Greg set off on a mission to see Ursula received the medical attention she needed. Upon arriving at the veterinarian's office, Dr. Kang carefully reviewed her medical records, took X-rays, and deliberated on the best course of action for her injured leg. Though the recommendation from the Humane Society suggested amputation, Dr. Kang decided to take a cautious approach, removing the splint and opting to observe her progress over the next few weeks. The ultimate decision would hinge on whether she could adapt and regain partial use of her leg or if amputation would be the best option to avoid further complications and risks. Additionally, the surgery to spay Ursula and remove the mammary growths proved more complex and time-consuming than anticipated. However, the reassuring news came after the surgery: the growths were benign, and Ursula was recovering well.

Despite her age and past hardships, Ursula's indomitable spirit shone brightly, capturing the hearts of everyone at California GSP Rescue. Dr. Kang's observations revealed a poignant truth—Ursula had endured numerous litters and bore callouses from years of being kenneled on concrete surfaces without bedding. The revelation of her heartbreaking history only fueled the determination of the Volunteers to provide her with the care and love she deserved. California GSP Rescue knew that the expense of surgery for a dog of Ursula's age was unquestionably worth it, for their ultimate goal was to ensure her remaining years would be nothing short of the best and most cherished of her life.

As Ursula continues her journey toward recovery and the search for her forever home, we invite you to join us in making a difference in her life. Your generous donations will support Ursula's and several other dogs' medical expenses, ensuring they receive the care they need and deserve. While Ursula is not yet available for adoption, submitting an application will pave the way for a loving home filled with the love and attention she so eagerly awaits. However, even if you cannot adopt, you can still play a crucial role in Ursula's story by sharing it with others. The power of a shared story is immeasurable, and by spreading the word about Ursula, you can significantly increase her chances of finding that perfect forever home where she will be cherished and adored for the rest of her days. Together, we can make a difference in Ursula's life, showing her that compassion knows no bounds and that the unwavering love of strangers can change a dog's life forever.