ZOEY'S BACK in TOWN!

THAT WAS THEN


THIS IS NOW


Zoey seems to have made a complete recovery from Parvo.

Last time I had her she was barley alive. A limp animal.

Tonight she is bouncing off the walls!

Thank God for those who care, medications, and the financial support that saved her life...LITERALLY!

Seeing her run around the house, fully alive and waiting for her adopted family is thrilling.

Addition: Zoey has gone full speed ahead for the past five hours. I am blown away. She is a totally different dog than the one I had a week ago. It's as though she resurrected.

Those who helped with her...THANK YOU!!! You know who you are.

Brownie News


.(read Brownie's story below)

To make a donation to Brownie, do the following;

1 Send a donation via www.PayPal.com to:
julianne1030@peoplepc.com

The Donate button on this blog to the right is for rescue dog efforts, but if you want your contribution to go directly to Brownie use the two options here.


2. Make your check payable to the vet clinic where she’ll have her surgery in 3 weeks

“SCVSG”.
907 ½ Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles , CA 90026

_________________________________________________________________

OUR GOAL: $2,400


DUE DATE: September 25, 2008

FUNDS RAISED: $2,496*

FUNDS STILL NEEDED: $0*


We’re 100% there! Thanks for helping!

GOAL: $2,400 DUE DATE: September 25, 2008

WE MET OUR GOAL!

THANK YOU FOR HELPING!!!

*Updated 9/25/08

Brownie: The Final Word as of 9-29-08
Good Morning,

This email is going out to the 72+ amazingly kind people that donated
to help save Brownie's life, along with some of the other invaluable
people who've stepped up to help this tiny girl. The last six weeks has
blown my mind. I cannot tell you how amazing and truly heart touching it
has been to see such wonderful people rally around this little baby.

But this is not the update email I wanted to write. Forgive me for
taking a few days to send it... I've been trying to find the right
words. I still can't seem to.

Brownie is recovering well after surgery. She is back to being
mischievous and hilarious and full of cuddles. But, sadly, the surgeon
was not able to repair her liver shunt. Once he opened her up, the shunt
could not be found. This means it was, despite the interpretations of
all the test results, an internal shunt. The surgeon tried to locate it
anyway and was unable to do so. Either it is on the other side of the
liver, or it is too small to palpate. But it could not be repaired. So
the surgeon spayed our little girl and sewed her up.

I cannot begin to express the disappointment and grief that washed
over me upon learning this. I was so, so sure that our baby could be
made well.

We did everything we could, and I would do it all over again. The
good news is that Brownie's liver, despite the shunt, is in good shape.
It's not riddled with shunts, in fact, just the opposite. The surgeon
feels that she could live several years without symptoms and when those
do arise, we can treat them medically for as long as possible. They have
found a good balance of medication and special diet that is keeping her
strong and comfortable. She could have years of life left. And we had to
try... she deserved everything that was in our power to do.

Brownie will be a Pugs to Pits baby forever. McCall and her neighbor
(who has fallen madly in love with Brownie over the past weeks) have
agreed to have shared foster custody of her for the rest of her life, no
matter how long it is. Isn't it ironic that this tiny girl is already so
loved that we have two people desperately dedicated to caring for her?
I, along with the rest of the Pugs to Pits team, will always be there to
make sure this baby gets everything she needs for the rest of her life.
We'll keep her comfortable and let her enjoy life to the fullest. She is
one hell of a fighter. I have no doubt she'll shock us all with how long
and how richly she lives. The surgeon saw her on the day of the surgery
and was so impressed at how much she had grown just in the 6 weeks since
he originally evaluated her. She will continue to thrive and fight, I
have no doubt.

I can't thank you enough for partnering with us as we fought for
Brownie. Please know we have not given up... she will live strong and
happy for as long as possible. Thank you for reaching into your hearts
and extending yourself to help this precious puppy. McCall wrote a note
that I wanted to share with all of you. I have no words beyond what she
shares, so please accept her thanks from all of us:


8/29/08 – “On behalf of Bonnie Vigeland- “Pushing for you, knowing you’ll pull through.”

$24 – Julianne – 8/29/08 – “We love you, sweetheart, you’re going to be just fine!”

$24 – McCall – 8/29/08 – “For my little Brownie. We won’t stop fighting for you. I love you!”

$57 – Lesleigh – 8/30/08 – “In memory of Laila and Vesta. Be well, little girl.”

$25 – Bonita – 8/30/08 – “From one rescuer to another; god bless and keep you and Brownie. All my rescue kitties send good thoughts her way, even if she IS a dog. LOL.”

$100 – A Dog Lover – 9/1/08

$30 – Alexandra – 9/2/08 – “Brownie, your two-legged rescue angels were nice enough to let me be a small part of your journey to being the perfectly healthy little dog we all want you to be!”

$100 – Anonymous – 9/2/08

$24 – Deborah – 9/3/08 – “In loving memory of Cookie.”

$24 – Andy, Kelli, Pedro, Lily, Ginger, Pickle, Zoey, and Oreo – 9/3/08 – “Keep fighting dear sweet Brownie! There is lots of love for you!”

$20 – Jacqueline – 9/3/08 – “For Brownie.”

$25 – Anonymous – 9/3/08

$50 – Anonymous – 9/3/08

$24 – Lea – 9/3/08 – “For Brownie. Fight on, little girl!”

$50 – House of Seven Paws – 9/3/08

$50 – AB – 9/4/08 – “Brownie, I would give you a HUGE hug if I could!”

$24 – Nancy – 9/4/08

$24 – 9/4/08 - “From Finn with love for little Brownie.”

$50 – Anonymous – 9/4/08

$40 – Kimberly – 9/4/08

$30 – Carla – 9/5/08 - “In gratitude to Brownie’s rescuers.”

$24 – Dona – 9/6/08 – “Brownie you are a fighter and it shows in your sweet and gentle eyes how much you want to get well. I imagine you playing and frolicking about your yard and giving kisses to the children in your family. Oh what a lucky family they will be because you will be a devoted and loyal companion. I am so glad to contribute to your life and well being. Get Well Soon. I hope that when you recover from you liver surgery that you can come over for a play date with my dogs. Oh don’t forget to bring Julianne and Joe. Best Wishes!”

$50 – Anonymous – 9/6/08 - “God packaged a bundle of joy with four legs!”

$30 – Holly – 9/7/08

$24 – David – 9/8/08 - “Go, Brownie, Go!”

$24 – Anonymous – 9/8/08

$350 – Anonymous – 9/8/08

$25 – Christy – 9/8/08 - “This is to show you the world is not a cruel place and you are already loved by so many.”

$25 – Don & Jeanne – 9/10/08 - “God Bless you, Brownie!”

$50 – Ponchomom – 9/10/08 - “I love you, Brownie, feel better soon!!”

$150 – Anonymous – 9/10/08

$24 – Geoff – 9/10/08 - “WE LOVE YA, BROWNIE!”

$24 – Krista – 9/10/08 - “In memory of all the NOC dogs that didn’t make it out alive. Live a long, healthy life in honor of them all, Brownie!”

$30 – Alexandra – 9/11/08 - “Go, Brownie, Go!”

$24 – Anonymous – 9/15/08

$75 – Colette and Eric – 9/17/08

$60 – Anonymous – 9/17/08

$24 – Elonne – 9/17/08

$24 – Holly – 9/17/08

$24 – Zizi – 9/18/08 – “Brownie, get well soon from Zizi, Harriet, Lola and Bubba”

$24 – Robin – 9/18/08 - “Give Brownie a hug and tell her I love her!”

$24 – Bonnie – 9/19/08

$25 – Kaye – 9/19/08 - “Our Yorkie had the same surgery at age 6 and lived to be 13!”

$24 – Edith – 9/19/08

$25 – Irene – 9/21/08

$30 – Deborah – 9/22/08 – “"A father and son are walking on the beach. The son keeps picking up stranded starfish and tossing them back into the ocean!! After awhile the father says, "Son, why do you keep trying to save the starfish? There are thousands of them stranded here at low tide!! Can't you see it doesn't matter??" There was silence for a bit . . . The son picked up another starfish and tossed it back into the safety of the tides, "It mattered to that one!!"”

$24 – Richard – 9/22/08 – “In memory of Hans, Greta and Bucket.”

$50 – John – 9/23/08

$25 – Catherine – 9/23/08

$40 – Anonymous – 9/24/08

$100 – Loree – 9/25/08 - “In memory of my beloved Thor.”

$200 – Elayne Boosler's Tails of Joy – 9/25/08 - “Thank you for all your amazing work to save Brownie and others!”


______________________________________________________________

Can you spare $24?

What if your $24 would save a LIFE?

Most of you are aware of the battle Brownie, a 3 month old Lab/Shep mix puppy, has been fighting. (Read the previous posts about Brownie here: Brownie's Blog) This tiny girl has fought hard for us and hung in there over the last two weeks.

It took several days of testing and lots of vets and hospitalizations to determine that her distemper-like symptoms were actually indicative of a liver shunt. She has a liver cyntigraphy and the interpretation is that her liver shunt should be operable.

Brownie went in today to see the liver shunt surgeon and he said that, while he can make no guarantees, if her liver shunt it external, as we think it is, then he can likely fix it and she’ll go on to lead a fairly normal and healthy life.

He is starting her on Pheno Barbitol for the next three weeks – then it’s surgery time.

We have three weeks to come up with about $2,400. The amount seems mind-boggling. To date, we’ve raised funds to pay for Brownie’s hospitalizations, her cyntigraphy test, and her consultation with the surgeon (all well over $1,000) – so that brings me great encouragement.

We’ve come a long way – and we can make it the rest of the way with your help!!

$2,400 seems insurmountable. But $24 seems doable to me. We just need 100 people to give $24 each. Getting 100 people involved in one cause is certainly a feat – but I think it’s possible.

This original email is going to well over 100 people, and I know many of you will be kind enough to pass it on. So, if we can just find 100 people who are willing to donate this manageable amount – voila! Brownie’s life is saved!

If you can consider partnering with us in this goal and donating, I’d be forever grateful.

You can send a donation via www.PayPal.com to:
julianne1030@peoplepc.com

or you can make your check payable to the vet clinic where she’ll have her surgery in 3 weeks

“SCVSG”.
907 ½ Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles , CA 90026.


This is going to take a HUGE team effort. I’d like to keep a list of donors and post it on our blog for Brownie.

I would deeply appreciate receiving your permission to publicize your first name (or a pseudonym), your donation amount, and any special comment (a message to Brownie or a dedication for your donation) you'd like to submit. This way, we can keep track.


August 26, 2008

What a day yesterday was! It was a day of waiting (for test results!) and a day of building hope. We received $1000 yesterday towards Brownie’s care and the test she went through! That is astonishing for one day!!!

It was enough to pay for her liver cyntigraphy and to make a good dent in the bill we owe for her vet care. (THANK YOU ALL!!!) It touched my heart so deeply to see people who already do SO much for animals in need to reach deep and find a way to also help little Brownie. I can never thank you all enough for your kindness, compassion, and generosity.

McCall called me yesterday evening when she picked up Brownie from Dr. Broome’s. The results had come in. The liver shunt very well could be internal and inoperable, we all knew that going into this – but we spent the whole day waiting and holding our breath.

As I heard McCall say, “its an external shunt and the vet says she’s an excellent candidate for surgery!” I think my heart burst.

I was so relieved I wanted to pull my car over and get out and do a happy dance in the middle of the street. Don’t worry, I managed to maintain decorum. This tiny puppy is going to live! She is going to be fine!!!

Brownie will likely have to have a managed diet for the rest of her life, but liver shunt babies most often recover and lead very normal, long lives. I am overjoyed that this is her prognosis – the puppy we really weren’t sure had any hope at all!

I spoke with Southern California Veterinary Specialty Group. Dr. Eich is a liver shunt pro. We need to get Brownie into see him and to schedule the surgery as soon as possible. The sooner the shunt starts closing, the better!

The cost for the surgery + consultation with Dr. Eich is normally $2700-$3150. However, they extend a 25% discount to rescues. This is just ballpark, Brownie could exceed this, but our goal, in order to get this life saving surgery for little Brownie is $2300.

I know, it’s a massive amount of money. But what is the cut-off price for a life? This surgery is her only chance – the toxins flowing into her body from the shunt are poisoning her brain and organs. The shunt needs to be closed so her little body can function properly. It’s not cheap – but it is vitally important.

McCall and I will apply for every grant, and chase down every fundraising opportunity we can. Please know that! We have to raise these funds as soon as possible. I know that many of you have already given all that you can – please know how appreciated that is.

But if you can help spread the word, that would be invaluable. Yesterday proved to me that there are some incredibly kind people out there who are willing to give in order to save a precious life. We have a concrete plan now – a way to truly SAVE BROWNIE’S LIFE!



Donations for Brownie’s surgery can be sent in the form of a check made payable to;
SCVSG” (Southern California Veterinary Specialty Group) and mailed to:

907 ½ Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Donations can also be sent via PayPal to; julianne1030@peoplepc.com

McCall told me yesterday that Brownie can see again – all the fluids, medication, and special diet are keeping the toxins at a low enough level that she has her sight back. And she’s acting like a puppy – she wags her tail and loves belly rubs.

This is a far cry from the hunched over, drooling, moaning little puppy we took to the ER! She has every hope of a bright future. We just need to help her secure it.

Thank you all again for your kindness and compassion. We are so, so, so grateful. We are feeling the stretch for sure, with Brownie and now our little Zoey (our SLA baby who came back positive for Parvo yesterday, but is fighting hard).

And my thoughts are never far from our shelter babies who’ve we’ve not yet been able to bail out… But it’s amazing to know that the rescue community is out there and so many people are ready to help and support us. I hope I have many opportunities in the future to return the favor!

August 25, 2008
Thank you all for your kind emails of support, offers of donations, and continued networking. We’ve received donations of $75 and have received promises for about another $200 in donations.

So THANK YOU! For those of you that did not receive the original email plea, it is below for your reference. I am sending this to just about everyone I can think of, desperate times, and all!

It was an eventful and expensive weekend for Brownie. We found it EXTREMELY odd that whenever we’d put her on IV fluids she would improve amazingly, but as soon as she was off of them, she’d decline horribly.

The vets began to suspect toxins and possible liver problems. Sure enough an acid bile test revealed crazy high liver values way over 300. It appears that our tiny girl has a liver shunt and NOT distemper.

Brownie is stable and has been since Saturday night thanks to special food, LOTS of fluids and vitamins, medication, and McCall’s care. She is at Advanced Veterinary Medical Imaging in Tustin today to see Dr. Broome.

She’ll have a liver cyntigraphy there. It will cost $395, but it should definitively tell us whether she has a shunt, and if so, whether or not it is operable. If it is operable, the surgery will be several thousand dollars, but will likely save her life and she’ll likely recover well.

I am relieved to know this sweet baby does not have distemper. A liver shunt, while FAR more expensive to treat, is at least something specific we can address. And I am hopeful that she’ll survive this and grow into a happy, healthy, loving dog.

We have accrued over $1200 in bills for Brownie thus far. The donations we’ve received and the promises of donations brings this to about $925. The vet clinic has graciously allowed us to pay the bill next month or we never could have authorized treatment – we did so trusting that generous and kind people would step in to help.


If you wish to donate, checks can be made payable to;
SCVSG” (Southern California Veterinary Hospital) and should be sent to me at:

907 ½ Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

You can also pay via PayPal: julianne1030@peoplepc.com

Of course we also have to tackle the cost of the cyntigraphy today, $395. While I wrote this email, I had a kind person offer to pay $100 directly to Dr. Broome’s office, so that brings it to $295. We scheduled the test because we knew that her only hope of surviving is to figure out the details of the shunt ASAP.

If she needs surgery, we will tackle that beast when we know for sure. For now, all our hopes and prayers are for this tiny little puppy as she fights so hard to survive. We’ll do whatever she needs us to do. She is fighting hard – how can we give up? We have to fight for her, too.

In addition to all of this, I got word this morning that a SLA shelter puppy with mange that we rescued last week is now exhibiting Parvo symptoms. My heart is pretty much in my throat. She’s on her way to the vet’s…

We’ll have her tested immediately and begin treatment – now we have two little lives to fight for. We need your partnership in a way I cannot even express.

Thank you for being willing to help out, whether it’s through donations, networking, or spreading the word. Brownie sends her love and appreciation, and so does Zoey!



August 20, 2008
Last week my rescue partner, McCall, answered a panicked ad on Craigslist. Someone had found a litter of 3 month old puppies wandering, abandoned, at a construction site. They were all skinny and clearly hungry, but one in particular was emaciated. They gave away all of the puppies (oy!) except the tiniest one.

They planned on keeping her, I suppose. Then she started exhibiting some really scary symptoms – drooling, a head tilt, and lethargy. They panicked and posted on CL for help. My rescue partner, who is also going to school to be a vet, was moved to try and help. She contacted them and they brought the puppy to her on Sunday.

She was just going to have her vet examine the puppy and prescribe a treatment plan and then the people were going to pick up the puppy and take it from there. We offered to try and help fundraise if the situation got bad, but they sounded like they’d take responsibility. Sadly, we can no longer reach them, of course…

McCall took the puppy into the vet on Monday and while the symptoms seemed odd, there was not enough to diagnose an illness beyond her severe emaciation and malnutrition. McCall has been nursing and feeding this baby 24/7.

Unfortunately, as we feared, her symptoms worsened. She has gone blind and is exhibiting a lot of things that make our vet think she likely has Distemper. It’s hard to be sure, but whatever it is, we have one sick little baby on our hands.

Because she stopped eating and because she worsened drastically yesterday, she’s been on IV antibiotics throughout the night and is now at a different vet’s to be on an IV all day.

We hope that she will be able to come home with McCall tonight and she can continue to forcefeed and administer medication and fluids SQ. But if the puppy is not stable, she will continue to be hospitalized.

This puppy, whom McCall named Brownie, is not beyond hope. Our vet gave her a 50/50 prognosis. Either the neurological conditions will worsen or she’ll fight through. It’s impossible to know – but we have to give her every chance in the world to fight through this. She’s already been sick at least a week and she’s holding her own.

She needs care, though, serious antibiotics and whatever supportive care we can offer. And apparently, if it is distemper, this battle could go on for as long as a few weeks.

Luckily we have two great vet offices working with us. And McCall is ready to do whatever she can to save this baby. This is not easy, I have been where McCall is and it’s heart wrenching to care for a tiny creature that is battling for her life.

It’s even harder to do it when you have to be constantly worried about paying for the cost of the treatments she needs to save her life.

Normally I only ask for donations for death row dogs that we are desperately trying to get out of the shelter. Goodness knows they need it! We somehow make it work for the day to day needs of our dogs – but we’ve already wracked up a huge bill for this baby, and there is not an end in sight.

We are committed to giving her a chance to fight… but we need help. We are a small rescue and I fund our operations pretty much myself. This is way beyond our means. If you’ll consider donating to Brownie’s care, I would be very grateful.

Just email me and I’d be happy to give you information on how to donate – donations directly to our vets’ offices are just fine! I know that this email is going to many other rescues that are also financially struggling, so even if you cannot donate, we would gratefully accept your thoughts and prayers for this tiny girl.





Zoey Back Sunday???

Zoey is supposed to come back Sunday. I don't have a final word on this, but that was the plan if she is progressing well.

Sally however has had some diarrhea since Zoey left. This is concerning. Sally is about 11 mos old, an older pup, but still a puppy.

I am not sure exactly why she is not feeling up to par.

Is it because I have given her extra attention, petting, bringing her into the TV room?

Is it because she just isn't hardwired for affection, and the sudden attention has stressed her out?

Is it because I changed her food last week using a few high end samples from the pet store and then puppy chow Zoey was eating?

Is it because I was challenging her to not be so fearful, chasing her around the yard some to break out of the patterns she so ardently clings to?

All of the above?

None of the above?

Should Zoey come over if Sally has Parvo?

Rescue dogs have their risks over breeders. There are many unknowns to juggle. Zoey also has a skin condition due to malnutrition before she was rescued. That took a far step backward when the Parvo test came back positive.

Take, After Take, After Take...

.Now that this is a dog rescue blog, it would make sense to comment on all things dogs.

I just saw Eight Below and was very impressed with all the training involved that allowed these Alaskan Malamutes to perform take, after take, after take.

The movie has some good documentary footage on the DVD release that goes into detail on many of the dogs used.

One interesting note is the fact that rescue dogs were actually used in the film.

From Tennessee to Hollywood (click to read the full story)
How two unwanted rescue dogs end up in Disney's movie Eight Below.

Rescued Malamutes Troika & Nikki have come a long way from their humble beginnings. All the way to Hollywood.... and from Hollywood to British Columbia where they filmed the Disney movie Eight Below.

Read how these dogs were taken from a hellhole at a Chattanooga puppymill where 22 Malamutes were rescued at once.

And some of the stars are...






.

Another Zoey Update

Zoey is currently being nursed to health by the rescue director. Here's the latest update on her progress;

Zoey is doing great. She is going to get me evicted, though, since she’s no longer content to lay in her crate and relax – instead she screams her head off until I go and hold her or take her for a walk. Goofy girl.

She is potty trained. I am stunned. But she will hold it until I take her out for a walk. Who knew a 3 month old puppy (with Parvo!?!) could act like that?

Her appetite is fantastic, her energy level is good.

She has scary bloody diarrhea, though. But I imagine that will resolve in the next day or two – then its back to Joe’s she goes – she likes it MUCH better there!!!!

She really, really, really wants to play with my girls [other dogs]. It would be mildly irresponsible to let her, but if she keeps screaming I will have no choice. I am really happy with her progress thus far.

Unfortunately, the other dog that is ill, Brownie, has gone blind and her surgery costs $2300. She is very ill. These decisions are the most difficult for those involved with rescue. They are trying to take out grants to raise support and might get a break from the vet. All part of the other side of dog rescue.

Does Yer Dewg Bite?

.
It occurred to me the other day that I have a sort of Inspector Clouseau/Cato relationship with my dogs.

If you’ve seen The Return of the Pink Panther (if not, see it now) you know that Cato would attack Clouseau when he least expected it. They would go at it intensely for a few minutes, breaking through walls, tumbling over furniture…and then when the phone rang, Cato would answer and give it to Clouseau as though nothing happened.

This is how I am with the dogs. We go at it, play hard, roll around, and then when it’s time to stop I reach my hand out, pet the dog and we are off to our own lives again.

Clouseau: Does yer dewg bite?
Inn Keeper: No
Clouseau: Nice Doggy (bends down to pet a dachshund - it snarls and bites him)
I thought you said yer dewg did not bite!
Inn Keeper: Zat... iz not my dog!


.

Walkin' in LA...

Los Angeles is a bit schizophrenic. Yes, it is suburbia from Castaic to San Diego. But if you look closely, there are pockets of fun. I live about 5 miles from one of the fun pockets.

I usually take the dogs walking here and feel far removed from the city. The trail is located between two housing developments, condos on the right and homes left caught in a deep crevice. Below is a quick pictorial of the walk.


Sally in her place of comfort. She has to ride here.


Across the street is a huge Korean church


Park your car and you enter another world


Keeping things G rated, some vertical action
was taking place on the park bench.
What happened to shame?


A hundred feet ahead is a small creek


Am I in Big Bear?


The first pool ahead


Sally enjoying a cool moment


Trail narrows


Moving out of the wilderness to city life


Coming to the end


Back to the streets

UPDATE on ZOEY

After Zoey was picked up last night from the rescue director...

Well, Zoey is holding her own. I am really, really, really proud of her. She was NOT feeling well last night and since she gets car sick, the ride to my house only made it worse. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep her at home for more than the night if she couldn’t keep anything down.

But I started by letting her lap at baby food a teaspoon at a time and then I’d wait a half an hour and if she didn’t throw up, we’d have some more. It took all night, but at lunch she ate about a half a cup of I/D mixed with baby food. AND she didn’t vomit.

I am so proud of her. She’s keeping down all the meds, especially the Tamiflu, though she doesn’t love any of it. And no hideous diarrhea or anything. She’s hot, but not too restless.

I put her crate on my bed right in front of the chair I slept in and I spent most of the night watching her sleep (and waking her up over and over to get her to eat and drink).

She is one precious puppy. She sleeps all curled up in a tiny ball. Koko gave her one of the brand new toys she had so Zoey cuddled with that all night. Today at lunch, she jumped out of the crate right into my arms, wiggly and waggly. A very good sign. We even went for a short walk and she knows to potty outside.

She wore out after 2 minutes, but still, great progress. She still has the “Parvo Puppy Eyes” and she’s not feeling great, but she is DEFINITELY hanging in there. I pray we caught it early enough that she will never get really bad.

If this is the worst she is, we are LUCKY! She can’t wait to be healthy enough to romp around at Joe’s again, but she’s being a good girl and is resting and concentrating on getting better. We’re on a four hour cycle of foods, meds, fluids, etc. so it’s just a matter of getting her through the next few days.

Black Monday

.
(for those who like a good story…)

I could say it was one of THOSE days! Well, I guess it really was.

I woke up with a sick little Zoey. Emailing the rescue director she said the symptoms I described did not look good, in fact it might be Parvo…whatever THAT was.

A quick Google and I find out Parvo ain’t good at all…it is a deadly disease for puppies.

Off to the vet…

After a few hours the verdict is in, Zoey does indeed have Parvo. The poor little girl had three shots, an IV solution running, and a drive on a very hot day in a car with no air conditioning.

At the vet I was told to see a specific pharmacist for one last medication. I already have about six meds as it stands, all with specific directions to kill this bloody disease.

At the pharmacy, I drop off the prescription and go back to the car to stay with Zoey. I return with dog in arms (the gal working behind the desk said it was OK to bring the dog inside) and wait some more.

My order is up and the woman says, “That will be $68.”

“Whaaaat?”

I thought I was just picking up meds, I don’t have any money. I ran out the door to take the dog to the vet…

“Do you want to speak to the pharmacist?”

I end up having to use their phone to call the vet and figure out what happened. Turns out the vet can’t help. Now I have to tell the pharmacist I can’t pay for the meds, which needs to be refrigerated and has a shelf life of ten days starting NOW.

In the mean time, Zoey is being watched by a helpful patron until she loses the dog due to the fact she uses a cane and isn’t mobile. Zoey ends up walking behind the counter in the back room where a pharmacist wearing a hair net walks out with her.

Is this yours?

I am pissed at this moment wondering what happened. I take Zoey and try to keep her cool on the drive home.

When we get home I feed her the special canned food. She hasn’t eaten for almost two days and gobbles up the food, walks to the sliding glass door and vomits it all up.

Only problem is I saw just a small part of her deposit, then wonder why there are so many flies near the door a half hour later.

Ohhhhhhh…

She had a lot more to say to the left of the carpet. YUCK!

I finally lay her down in a cool place and she drifts off to sleep.

I call the pharmacy to fix the med problem. They have my name and number for the meds and I told him I would figure out what happened. These meds will go bad if they are not used.

Checking my email there is another dog in crises with a liver problem and the rescue director and I are not exactly on the same page regarding the pharmacy thing after several exchanges online.

What next?

Sally, my other foster sits all day in the bathroom so I decided to take her for a walk. As we walk down the street I see Mr Wonderful. I secretly wish he says something to me, still peeved over our last engagement.

At the very end of the block the most obnoxious little white dog that terrorizes all who walk by jets out after Sally.

NO WAY…NOT TODAY!

I yell at the dog to get back as she tries to nip at Sally’s back legs. This dog doesn’t just try to bite once, she keeps coming at ya several times. The owner’s have done nothing to gap the hole in the fence and all the neighbor’s are upset.

This is how bad things happen to dogs that run free!

On the way back the dog tries once again to get Sally. When I get home I go to the computer and write a NICE letter to the home owner, march down the street, and put it in their mailbox.

As I get to my house I notice the new tenant renting the small guest house across the street has once again blocked the driveway making it very difficult to pull cars in and out.

Another problem to resolve and another letter to the landlord who I know well. If the tenant spoke English I could try to speak with her, but...

I check on Zoey and she does not look well.

Waiting to hear about what’s going to happen with Zoey, I continue to exchange emails with some of the rescue workers about the pharmacy issue, Zoey’s condition, and who’s gong to pick her up later that evening.

I work on my PayPal account for the blog here and finally get it working. Then I get a donation to cover a lot of the day’s vet bill for Zoey.

Amazing!

Waiting for Zoey to be picked up I get an email from a friend. Her father passed away. She says this is the most painful day of her life. What do you say to that?

Trying to filter out all of the day's events I figure I might as well blog on it. After typing this post I try to publish only to have blogger tell me I can't...there's an HTML error.

Give me a break will ya!

This is exactly the way I post every time. Now the posts are all blue and my settings are zonked out. I can't go to sleep with this not working so I type it over in Edit Html.

I had to end the day with a success.


What a day!


P.S.--I shared this story in greater detail and emotion to a friend. He said, "Why do you hassle with all of this?"

I emailed him the picture of Zoey below a few posts, sick on the couch. nuff said.

.

God is Good

I just received my first donation with my PayPal account. I didn't know if it worked and then got a payment.

Thank you friend...you know who you are...for being a part of saving Zoey Sach's life!

I know you're up there...thanks!

Parvo Concern!!!

Parvo is a serious disease, especially for puppies. I fear Zoey has this. She seems to fit many of the symptoms. This will really be sad if she is infected. I need to take her to the vet ASAP.

Wish us well...


UPDATE on Zoey
Just got back from the vet...bad news, Zoey has Parvo. The only good news it is in its very early stages. Poor little girl...three shots, an IV, tons of medication. Unfortunately I could not get one of the meds (Tamiflu) ...just didn't have the money on me.

Shameless plug...if you ever felt like contributing, now is the time. The total cost for today's vet visit and meds was $240. They feel good she will recover because it is in the very early stages. That's about it. The core problem in all of this is the LA Shelter were she came from. The place should be shut down it is so awful. The entire scene is a huge problem in LA, and I'm sure in every big city.

Zoey resting after her first med treatment


.

Belly Quakes



Little Zoey has thrown up several times since she arrived. The first full day and then twice today. The HARDEST area of discipline as a foster is NOT feeding the dogs table food like chicken or burger.

I over did it with Zoey the first day and she threw up a lot. Then I put the kibosh on table food...but still squeaked out a little hot dog and small piece of chicken at a BBQ last night. It was VERY hot yesterday, over 100 degrees, so maybe that had something to do with it.

California nights really cool down, so I wouldn't think the heat would be an issue when we got home. Maybe it was the car drive? We drove about ten miles each way...I took the streets and she hung her head out the window a little. She looked like she was having fun.

This is the area I need to learn most about--illness symptoms and cures.

She didn't eat anything last night and really no puppy food during the day. This morning she looked so skinny. She walked around outside sluggishly and tried to go potty but drew blanks. She immediately came back in the house and curled up to sleep where she is now.



.

Livin' Together



Sally and Zoey are getting along well. I was a little concerned the first day, which I've learned to not take too seriously as a foster. Sally seemed protective of her space and I heard a cry or two from Zoey...I think.

Sally and Zoey never bark so it's hard to tell who really is yelping at night when it's dark and I'm not observing their behavior.

What I have noticed is Sally seems playful in a more independent way. Zoey is no threat to the ever fearful Sally. Sally is the queen and she can take more chances. I saw her running around with a chew toy outside this morning...something she has never done before.

Zoey is so much more fragile than the other dogs I've had. Sure she's a 3 month old puppy, but she is also very skinny. Her rib cage protrudes when she lies down. She needs to gain weight to balance out. Because of this, I need to be mindful of how I pick her up.

I've not had a puppy before and to be frank am paralyzed be her cuteness. God is amazing to create something like this. She has those big innocent eyes that look upward as she sits and looks on, wondering what life is about...watching, smelling, hearing.


.

Bliss & Blisters of Dog Walkin'

I figured it was better to blog here than confront...cause my nature is to confront and attack.

95% of the people I meet dog walkin' are great. I've met so many wonderful neighbors over the past six months I've been fostering dogs.

YET...like life in general, there's always stiff necks who have something stuck deep inside. I ran into one of those neighbors this morning.

I've been living in my house for ten years and not once has this neighbor ever offered a simple "Hi." He has the most meticulous lawn, drives a nice BMW 5 series, house is probably the most attractive on the block and he's a grumpy old man.

Ever assess someone's personality just on their body language? This "guy" did not disappoint. I always knew he was one of these tight fisted guys who are control freaks with no joy in their lives.

As I type I want to knock on his door so bad and get into it with him. This is a problem I have to work on. It's my pride.

I thought I'd take Zoey on her first walk in the neighborhood. She started out good and then puttered out. I couldn't get her past three houses.

As I was walking back, she stopped on Mr Lovely's lawn. There are no sidewalks on my block, so it's the hot pavement or walking the lawn--that small section that comes to meet the street.

Just so happens as we are standing on the lawn, he checks his mail....and without hesitation mumbles;

This isn't a dog park you know!

About a month ago I had my first run-in with a neighbor several blocks away and instead of walking away, I sarcastically shot a few verbal jabs. This escalated things to unhealthy heights.

Walking away today was one of the hardest things I've done since. I so want to confront this guy and get in his face and blow him away verbally.

I would actually enjoy this very much. I keep hearing his voice in my head...This isn't a dog park you know, this isn't a dog park you know...

Geez...Zoey is a little puppy. How hard can your heart be to not be moved by this little girl?

OK...I need to remind myself it is not weakness to walk away. When I feel disrespected, I bark back loudly. This is the pride part.

Maybe it's an image thing as well. I mean, I was twice the guy's size. He was a skinny old dude. What was he thinking? Why did he feel so free to blurt out what he did? Wasn't he a little afraid of me? This is the pride issue. Maybe it's a man thing.

Time to let it go. I learned this from a neighbor yesterday who shared a story about a local dog that attacked her dog. I asked what she did about it, and she said she had to let it go. If she can let that incident go, I can let this go as well, despite my desire to beeline to his door, knock loudly and say,

Did you say something to me a few minutes ago? My hearing ain't too good. Why don't you repeat it!

Here's what went through my mind when he said it...

I hear if you increase your medication it helps in situations like this!

Let me guess, you're the cool neighbor on the block!

Ohhhhh...be NICE!


You humans are so uptight!



.

Meet Zoey

.
I took Crazy Ivan on our last walk together today. I met a wonderful couple that has been living in the neighborhood for over forty years. Again, one of the blessings of dog walkin'

I will miss Ivan...loved that crazy dog!!!

I come home tonight at around 9:45pm and I see three young ladies running out of my driveway. Interesting.

I pull into my driveway and two of the gals come back. They just dropped off Zoey in my house. I asked them to introduce the little puppy to me, and like most dog fosters, they were very nice with a big heart.

Out of the crate comes this little bundle of joy named Zoey. She is now sniffing her way around the house. Her tail is wagging and she smells both Ivan and Sally.

She appears to be secure as she just walked outside in the back yard by herself. Like Ivan the first night, it's head down to the ground and the sniffer is working full time.

Zoey is a 3 month old Dane mix comes from the South LA Shelter.

She will receive her booster vaccine on Monday and be spayed on Thursday. She has a mild skin condition which the vets have not been able to diagnose, but they figure it’s Demodex which is a non-contagious form of mange that came about because she was malnourished. She just needs a medicated bath every few days and that’s all.

Hey…I love giving baths! I use my old hamster bin I bought at Wal-Mart…you know that HUGE 14 gallon clear plastic oversized laundry basket! My old hamster Amp, R.I.P., loved all the room, and now it’s a perfect bath tub.

The sad part of the story is Ivan might have a new home. I hate to see him go! This is the catch to fostering, dogs like Mocha and now Crazy Ivan. UGH!



.

A New Home???


Mr Ivan Might Get A New Home

As always,
Sad & Happy


More to come...

Cha Ching

A word about donations/contributions.

I've been part of going to church for a long time...off and mostly on. There is a terrible rap in today's culture about the "collection plate." If you ever watch an episode of The Simpsons, they rail the Church and religion for seeking money.

Understood.

Now let me square up with those of you who have sent checks or are willing to help out monthly. I will give you exact itemized break downs of where the money goes.

For example, Crazy Ivan needed medication for fleas and allergies causing him to scratch all the time. Because a vet charges at least $45 before a word is spoken and medication usually runs about $50, it's a $100 before I put my car in drive.

There is food which is bought in large quantities at about $30 a bag. A bag lasts about a month for two dogs.

Gas money runs high and this is a legitimate expense for the adoption fairs, picking up dogs, checking for Red Listed dogs at the shelters (Red Listed is a fancy way of saying they are going to kill the dog) like Sally, Mocha, and Ivan...ALL Red Listed dogs on their way to the Big End!

Sally is a special case and a long-term foster, but both Mocha and Ivan are AMAZING dogs. Within a week, both dogs settled down because of consistent walks, food, water, and lots of rub downs! They were given boundaries and love. The results were very quick with both dogs.

These dogs were living with about five other dogs in the shelter, usually hungry (read about Mocha when I got her) and given no exercise or affection...and for many they are in there six months, a year, and even more.

Hey, I'd be cranky too!

Bottom line is the $ goes towards the mission to save the dogs from the kill shelters, rehabilitate them with their foster parents, and then make them available for adoption to great homes. That's the cycle.

The comment I get a lot is;
If the dog is in a shelter there
must be something wrong with it!


There is something wrong...it's irresponsible people who abuse, mistreat and abandon the dogs on the streets of Los Angeles. That's the problem!

The volunteers all work full time jobs and give their time to this mission. I've never met so many people who are so generous with their time and energy.

Southern California has a reputation of being fake, shallow, and plastic...well, it can be, but there are GREAT people with big hearts here and everywhere if you know where to look. Dog rescue is just one such place.

Off my soapbox...


.

Serendipity

  • Serendipity: the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.
Since becoming involved with dog rescue something wonderful has happened. I've been introduce to my neighbors. Only tonight on a walk did I meet a woman who lives down the street, passionate about boxers. We spoke for 15 minutes and her daughter comes out. Then the boyfriend drives up who has two pitbuls. It was like we were at a camp fire.

Dogs have a way of cutting through the walls between strangers, allowing the joy of conversation restored. If I was just walking alone, there might have been a courteous "hi" and then move on. I find myself waving at someone watering their lawn with the dogs and almost always initiating the proverbial, "hi" as I walk by with the dog(s).

It was a little humbling to know such wonderful people live down the street and if it wasn't for Ivan we would have never met.

Itchy Dog




Ivan has really had a bout of the itches since I've gotten him. It's progressed and when I take his collar off he really goes at it. last night I gave him Promeris to combat the fleas.

His stitches come out soon and hopefully any other cause for the itching be it allergies will be addressed. He really hasn't had a day without some type of condition. I can't wait for him to just be a dog.

He's also really started to be the watchdog. For the first several days he seemed unaware of outside noises. Not anymore. This morning he woke me up like Sparky would by jumping out of bed and barking as he races towards the front door.

Sparky's bark was like a high pitched siren. At least Ivan's bark is more like a lower pitched ruff. I've put up a blanket to cover the front door, eliminating distractions like the cat next door that likes to walk in the driveway or the neighbor's starting their car.

With Sparky, the barking from a dead sleep was a real problem. I would jump out of a sleep with heart racing...and then I'd be UP. I hated this! All part of having dogs. Like a chess game, I have to find another strategy to make things work.

Adoption Fair Saturday

This Saturday at noon there was an adoption fair at the Whole Food Store in West Hollywood.

Gotta say, there couldn't be a better place for an adoption fair.

Whole Foods is the real deal. They let us set up in front of the store with another group, St. Martins Rescue. This is the ultimate dog lovin' community. The patrons were so supportive and encouraging. Everyone was friendly. Thank you Whole Foods Market!

There was the usual celebrity sightings...I won't name drop...all were very nice and supportive.

It was a good day. There was a couple that was interested in Ivan and if he had to go, I hope it is with this couple. When you work with dogs, you get a feel of who would be a right match for the animal.

Moon Glow




We get it almost every night
and when that moon gets big and bright
it's supernatural delight
everybody was dancin' in the moonlight

Last night So Cal had rare thunderstorm weather conditions meaning there was lighting in the sky...yet with NO rain. Welcome to So Cal...ya KINDA just get rain. I know it was probably raining somewhere near that never quite made it further inland.

This morning Sally & Crazy Ivan went dancin' in the backyard, doing that dance Sally does. She jumps at Ivan then immediately bounces away, sometimes up to four feet away like she's got flubber pads on.

It gives my heart delight to finally see her tail rise above the ground. It is the ONLY time her tail rises, communicating a light-heartedness and enjoyment. She finally looks like a little dog that's happy.

As soon as the dance is over, she pops back to serious Sally, hesitant to walk into the house to her bed area. She will approach the sliding glass door and when she feels safe dart into the house as though she's being chased.

The only problem is the kitchen floor has almost no grip and Sally peels out into the wall each time trying to make the 90 degree turn.

"Hey Sally...you do this every day...twice a day...relax girl!"


.

Fort Ivan

Put up a semi-temporary fence to keep Crazy Ivan in and any future dogs. Ivan is the only canine that has ever tried to escape. Actually, it's more like lumbering down the driveway.

I found a fence in my front yard buried behind ivy...had to be there 20 years. I cut the ivy way and it fit perfectly to the chicken wire fence I already put up. Sometimes life works!



These hot days are tough on CI. He was in a puppy mood and ran like a race dog all over the yard and pooped out. His breathing is hard and it takes a long time to calm down to normal breaths.

I put a cool t-shirt over him, bring his body temperature down. I can't walk him during the day anymore until it cools.

You think I WANT to wear this!


Might look lame...but it's COOL!


I am proud of my new lawn. The backyard looked like this for many years before the dog fostering venture--

About two months later, it looks like this--
I did the lawn thing for the dogs and just finished laying down more seed and topping to make a perfect rectangle. My pops supplied the topping from his yard's compost pile. I knew all those banana peels would come in handy one day! Actually, the dirt below all the crap was primo for a lawn topping which hopefully will keep the annoying pigeons from munching the seed.




.