r/workingdogs

🆘On the euthanasia list Thursday, 7/2. There will be no extensions per BARC. 🆘

‼️‼️🆘 Although rescue only, this dog can still go from a rescue to the right adopter! If you are interested in adopting this dog, DM OP or BanditY77 so that you can fill out an adoption form immediately! Please help! Available for adoption (in or out of state or Canada), rescue, or local foster‼️‼️🆘

📩 If you are out of state or in Canada and interested in adopting this dog, please send us a message. We can help connect you with the appropriate rescue partner to facilitate the adoption process.

⏰ Neymar must have a RESCUE HOLD no later than 1PM or he will lose his life.🥺

RESCUE ONLY

💜🐶 #A2083561 Neymar
5/31 Stray | Aust Cattle Dog Mix | Male | 2Y | 46.8lbs | HW-

💜 Volunteer Notes:
We did not meet this boy.

🔷Intake:
Medium white and black dog roaming area; currently on property. Not aggressive but jumps on people.

📝 Shelter Notes:

none

🚑 Medical Notes:

Medical (Injured - Puncture Wounds of Lateral Left Hock)

s/o: puncture wounds of medial right hock with regional soft tissue swelling and discharge
healing wounds of lateral left hock
a: wounds
p: carprofen 75mg + 12.5mg SID x 7 days
clavamox 375mg BID x 14 days

06/30/26
intact male
wound on right rear leg

Rescue Only:
🏷 This pet can only be tagged by a RESCUE group but please remember all rescues need FOSTERS in order to tag this pet and save their life. This pet cannot be fostered or adopted through the shelter, so please message the page if you can help!

💌 ALL HOLDS MUST BE IN WRITING - PLEASE DO NOT CALL

If Local and interested in Fostering or Adoption, email all below:

barcfoster@houstontx.gov
barcadoptions@houstontx.gov
BARC.Aid@houstontx.gov

Please use the animal's seven digit ID number when contacting the shelter.

📍 BARC Animal Shelter
3200 Carr St
Houston, TX 77026
www.houstontx.gov

Hi everyone,

​I’m writing this in absolute shock, processing a massive emotional rollercoaster over the last few hours, and looking for insight from anyone who has managed high-drive dogs with spinal conditions.

​My Belgian Malinois, Atlas, turns 1 year old in exactly four days. He is my absolute world, my training companion, and he was supposed to be my model dog for my work. We have been incredibly active since he was a puppy.

​A few days ago, he suddenly developed severe, acute pain. He was crying out, guarding, and having massive trouble moving or loading his hind end. My mind immediately went to the worst-case scenario. For months, I’ve had this intense anxiety about hip dysplasia. When the vets took the first X-rays today, they told me his hips were absolutely perfect. I can't even describe the massive wave of relief I felt. I thought we were completely in the clear.

​But that relief was short-lived. The clinic called me back saying they noticed an anomaly on the edge of the film and needed to take new, specific plates.

​The final report just came in, and it's a huge psychological blow. While his hips are perfect, his spine has structural issues: Spondylosis Deformans at the T13-L1 junction (noted as a chronic degenerative change) and possible Lumbosacralization.

​Looking at the plates, I can see the rough, irregular bone structure forming underneath those mid-back vertebrae. It's essentially his body trying to construct a bone bridge to fuse those two vertebrae together to stop them from moving. The vets explain that because of the suspected lumbosacralization (a congenital abnormality where his lower spine/pelvis transition is structurally rigid), the mechanical impact of high-intensity movements didn't distribute evenly. Instead, it transferred up like a lever, beating up his mid-back. The intense pain and massive muscle guarding we are seeing right now is his body's acute reaction to protect that area.

​I am mourning the future I envisioned for him right now. He isn't even a year old yet. I am adjusting my safety protocols at home because a powerful dog in pain has a lower tolerance threshold, but my main focus is figuring out his long-term future.

​I went from the highest relief to total grief in a matter of hours today.

​Has anyone had a high-drive or working dog diagnosed with spondylosis or transitional vertebrae at such a young age

​How did their condition progress once the bone bridge fully formed and stabilized? What was their prognosis?

How was your experience managing this and how did it affect your daily life and quality of life with your dog?

​I would deeply appreciate any honest experiences or advice from anyone who has lived through something similar. Thank you.

We've been busy on our adventures. She is now knowledgable or 143 commands. From pushing a shopping cart to long boarding. Im so proud of her. She never stops learning.