A Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog showed up at our door and would not leave. We live out in the country so it’s not unusual to have other homeowners dogs come for a visit and we don’t mind if they are well behaved She is very sweet tempered and didn’t have any problems with our other cats and dogs. We tried to feed and water her but she wouldn’t eat or drink. It became quite apparent that there was something wrong with this dog.  Our veterinarian confirmed what we had feared-this dog had been shot and her lower jaw was fractured bi-laterally.  Several options ranged from expensive surgery to insert plates to restore her jaw to euthanasia, which is never an option for us unless the animal is already close to death and suffering.

The vet put her on antibiotics for 2 days prior to surgery as the wound was festering. The vet went with wiring the jaw. He had to do a tachometry while he lined up the jaw.

She is now home from the vet and seems to be healing.

Does anyone know about this breed?

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/catahoula.htm


Great dogs.

Sunspot, kudos to you for rescuing this dog! I'll buy you a beer next time we meet!

I have one, she is a GREAT dog, very alert, smart, loves family people and kiddos, first time I've had this breed and I really like the temperament.

Here's mine

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I love Cats.

Just for you Lootie23.

you are a good person

As my wife always says when we have one of these "vet - ready" battlefield pickups show up on our doorstep, "God knows where to send them". (Now if I could just get God to send some vet $ when they turn up).

As stated before, you are a good person, not everybody would see the options the same way you did. This story made us smile and feel good for today.

The world needs more people like you. Believe it or not that dog knows what you did for it, and it will make a great pet. Great job!

I love dogs as well.
Dogs are the most domesticated of all animals and they come in more varieties and sizes than any other animal.
We are lucky to have them as our friends.





Bill

Great looking dog, hope works he works out.

Being from LA, I'm a fan of Catahoulas!

Just google the breed. There is a lot of good info out there. Beyond that, you might want to call a breeder and ask for any breed specific advice.

My only long term experience was with a half Catahoula dog my uncle had. It was years ago so I don't remember if the other half was GSD or Lab. What I do remember was that she was the sweetest tempered dog ever. Loved chasing squirrels with a passion. And damn smart. Like Border Collie smart.

Good for you for taking in the dog and for taking care of her.

eta: does she have a name yet?

Big time +1.

From the last picture it appears that making oneself's 'right at home' is not an issue.

Did not read if you ahve a name yet.

+1





Bill

God bless you for your kindness

+1

 

TS and his family is simply amazing for taking in that injured dog. That being said you're going to love Catahoula's Mine is about 18 months old and I couldn't be more pleased with him.









Yes I have other dogs, but Rocko is my favorite for different reasons.

Here's what I know about the breed from my experience with Rocko. They're working/herding dogs and have an insane drive. Rocko is almost never really calm at least until bed time. Once he's in his bed he gets pretty mellow.

They're very loyal and protective of what's theirs, ie you and your family. I view this as a good thing. Rocko has been a natural guard dog since he was a puppy. I first noticed it when he was about 4 months old. We were sitting out back with him and he heard someone walking down the sidewalk near our apartment. He started growling. Until this point I hadn't heard him growl and it was kind of cute being he was so young. But the crazy thing is... he turned his back to us and backed up until his back was right in front of us.

Something similar happened out back when someone was trying to start a motorcycle. It was only about 50 feet away on the other side of our back fence when all of sudden it back-fired, very loudly... 3 of our dogs ran in a circle then promptly hid under chairs like you would expect a dog to do. Rocko on the other hand jumped into the grass in the direction of the noise and flex every muscle in his body straining to sense where the attack was coming from. I swear it was the most amazing thing I've personally experienced with a dog.

Catahoula's are bred to herd wild pigs and I can see that in him as he isn't scared of anything.

On the other hand, I consider him to be a "dangerous" breed. Like a pit, rott or GSD. and I treat him as such. He's completely dominated at all times so that I know I have control. Now I know there are different variations of Catahoula's so that might not be an issue for you.

Kids, Rocko LOVES kids and babies... gets along great with my two boys and loves giving the little ones kisses.

All I can think of right now. I just know this is my all time favorite breed after learning about them. They're beautiful, strong, intelligent, protective, loyal, and would probably die for their owner.

Thanks for the replies.
She had her 2 week check up and the vet removed the stitches. When she first went to the vet, she weighed 28 pounds and rail thin. I could not guess when she had last been able to eat. She is being fed 3 to 4 times a day and she seems always hungry. She now is up to 36 pounds.

She is very active and loves to run about the property. She will have her next checkup in 6 weeks to see how well the jaw bone is healing.

So far, she is named Choula. Maybe Kudzu in honor of her Louisiana roots.

You have my respect, admiration, and gratitude for taking care of the dog like you did.  The dog will repay your kindkess many times over if you allow her the chance.  

She is thinking it and can't say it, I'm thinking it and can write it..."Thank you very much!"

We were told she was a catahoula mix. Got her from the Humane Society 12/7/2008. She is sweet and very smart.
Got this guy 2/19/2010 were told he was a catahoula mix but I doubt it. He is a funny dog but dumb as a box of rocks.

This.  You are a standup human. I wish more people had your compassion for our pups.

there great dogs. good with the family and will let u know if other people come around. we have had many over the years. we have a puppy we just got 2 weeks ago. i think there one of the best dog breeds. look them up on youtube and you will see them doing all kinds of things. there fun to watch hunt wild boar