When Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue received a call about a dog in urgent need at a high-risk shelter, they sprang into action. Upon arriving, they found a Weimaraner struggling to stand due to a massive tumor hanging from his underbelly.
The dog was named Gilbert Grape, after the large, grape-like tumor he carried. It was a mystery how he had survived so long without medical care.
Keri Pink, a volunteer with Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue (TPWR), shared Gilbert’s rescue story with DogHeirs. She recounted how the stray was saved and is now on his journey towards healing.
On a typically sweltering day in Arizona, with temperatures exceeding 95 degrees, local animal control officers found Gilbert wandering alone.
He was taken to a high-kill shelter and placed on a concrete floor in the isolation section, reserved for dogs deemed aggressive or sick.
Typically, stray animals are held for 72 hours, giving owners a chance to claim them. However, an exception is allowed for nationally recognized rescues with pre-approval to take in animals under medical exigencies.
Thanks to dedicated shelter volunteers, TPWR was informed about Gilbert and quickly intervened to help. The rescue team transported him to a specialty veterinary clinic where he was stabilized with blood transfusions and prepared for surgery to remove the tumor.
The anticipated cost of these life-saving efforts was about $7,000. Although rescuing Gilbert was an obvious decision for the volunteers, the rescue heavily relies on public support, unlike private pet owners who independently finance their pets’ medical needs.
While Gilbert’s exact age and health history were uncertain, his blood work, aside from signs of infection due to the tumor, was largely normal, placing his age at around seven.
“There was a spark in his eyes,” Keri noted, “which convinced us to give him a chance.” A fundraising campaign was quickly set up and shared with TPWR’s supporters on Facebook, leading to an influx of donations.
After the surgery, Gilbert recovered rapidly and was discharged just two days later. Astonishingly, the 12-pound tumor was benign, diagnosed as a lipoma, leaving him cancer-free.
Gilbert’s health checkups post-surgery went well, but he suffers from muscular weakness and imbalances due to carrying the tumor for an extended period.
Despite some difficulties walking, his joyful demeanor began shining through, delighting his foster family.
His story touched many hearts and resulted in several adoption applications. Though not ready for adoption just then, his future looked promising.
One year after his rescue, Gilbert found a permanent home with a loving family. Despite dealing with hip dysplasia, he thrived, especially enjoying water therapy in the family’s swimming pool.
Rescued in 2013, Gilbert’s story is a testament to the continued dedication of Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue in saving dogs with special needs. Those interested in their ongoing efforts or adopting can learn more on their website and Facebook page.
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