Below are updates on a few of our rescued furkiddos.

Ryan

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This is Ryan. He was hit by a car, resulting in a serious femur break. He was in so much pain that he wouldn’t move from the position as you see him in the left photo. We picked him up and took him to our vet. He had surgery on the broken leg (center photo), followed by a series of rehabilitation sessions. Thereafter, the vet took a second set of X-rays. A secondary issue was found as a direct result of the femur break. He now has a luxated patella, which will require another surgery. (Video below)

Once he has his second surgery, he should be good to go. He has been sterilized and received his vaccinations. Ryan is a real cutie-pie. Look at that precious face! As for his temperament, he’s energetic, good-natured and obedient. He gets along with other dogs and people.

Lester

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I don’t know much about Lester’s history, except that a man named Roberto saw an emaciated stray dog who was so weak, he could barely walk. (Left) He rescued him and took him to his home. Yes, Lester was in horrible shape. Roberto put out notification asking for help, because he couldn’t afford the vet care and his landlord doesn’t allow pets in the house, anyway. We saw his plea and agreed to take him. Monica, our foster, picked him up from Roberto’s house and took him immediately to the vet. (Center)

Lester has been fully medicated, vetted and sterilized. He’s healthy and safe. (Right photo is Lester getting some sun) Lester is a good boy – albeit a bit on the shy side. Although he is somewhat of a “loner,” he gets along with other dogs of all shapes and sizes, as well as with people, young and old.

Thomas

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As most of you know, Thomas is the homeless dog with the badly broken front leg. Thomas was seen by our vet. He is about 10 years old—although dogs living on the streets are often older than their actual age. He has ehrlichia, anaplasma and is anemic. For that reason, surgery will have to wait. The vet said it doesn’t matter because his broken leg is a very old injury and cannot be saved. He doesn’t even feel pain when the vet manipulates the broken leg. The leg will have to be amputated, which sucks because it will be more difficult for him to adjust. The vet also believes he has testicular cancer.

For the time being, this precious old-timer is safe and receiving medication and nutrition. A tidbit of good news is that he’s not missing all of his bottom teeth. He’s missing some of his bottom teeth and it’s on only one side—the side where his tongue sticks out (shown in photos I sent in a previous email).

It appears that Thomas was never an “inside dog.” He was afraid to enter the foster’s house. Karla is his foster’s name. Karla had to put a leash on him to lead him inside. (See video, below) He finally settled in. According to Karla, she was amazed when she saw that when Thomas had to go to the restroom, he hobbled outside on his own, went to the restroom, and hobbled back inside. She said that Thomas is a very good boy. He’s gentle and sweet.

Coco 2.0

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Coco is “Coco 2.0” because there is a previous Coco that my foster ended up keeping. He, too, had life-threatening injuries after being attacked by a bigger dog. Thankfully, he pulled through—albeit his jaw is a bit askew. What matters if that he’s living a wonderful life. He’s very much loved and cared for.

As for Coco 2.0, most of you know he suffered grievous injuries to both of his back legs and pelvis after being run over by a car—the details of which were provided in a previous email.

Coco 2.0 had one of his leg amputated. Nothing can be done about his pelvis, as his injuries are over 2 months old. Something unexpected happened, though. Strange, actually. Recall that both of his back legs were broken. There’s no doubt about that. However, Coco 2.0 can use the other broken leg only when he walks slowly. However, he will become bi-pedal when he runs or walks fast. Yes, it’s true!

In the video below, you can hear Coco 2.0 make the sweetest noise. He always makes those endearing “squeals” when he gets excited, such as in the morning when his foster mama wakes him up for breakfast.

The vet—whose specialty is orthopedic surgery—said Coco 2.0 needs surgery on the other back leg. There is no question about that. Here’s the quandary, though. He said he can put a rod in the back leg after rearranging the bones and whatnot, but his leg will be stiff. In addition, he said to consider the likelihood that the leg could become problematic or painful as he ages—at which time he may require an amputation. The other alternative is to remove the leg now so as to avoid future problems. Coco 2.0 has been navigating this world on his two front legs for months. In my gut, putting a rod in a leg that has already healed in a weird position is just asking for more trouble. When the time comes, I will consult with him at more length, as well as get a second opinion.

Blanquita

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Sooooo, here we have Blanquita. When found, she was a stray and obviously emaciated. (Upper photos) She’s a larger terrior and is so chill and sweet. She loves to play with balls and her foster siblings. She’s a super good girl, always looking at her foster mama for “permission” before she does anything in a foreign environment.

Anyway, an initial blood panel showed that she had ehrlichia, anaplasma and was severely anemic. After her prescription regimen was completed, she went in for another blood panel. Although her anemia improved somewhat, the other numbers were bad. Last Friday, the vet did an ultrasound and found a ball-like growth. She visited the vet today for a full blood chemistry. For sure, Blanquita will need surgery to remove whatever it is in her abdomen area. As for what else is going on, we’ll have to wait for the results. Prayers and positive thoughts are welcome.

In Memoriam: Michael Dog-lous

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We have other rescue critters, but I will end this with sweet, approximately 2-month-old puppy here. His name is Michael Dog-lous.

Michael was found with his brother at the end of February. Unfortunately, his brother had already died. Michael was diagnosed with Parvovirus and had to be hospitalized. It appeared as if he recovered, but about a week after having received the first in the series of puppy vaccinations, he developed a cough. Another vet visit was in order. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. (Right photo) He looks like he doesn’t feel well, doesn’t he?

Even though he is just a couple of months old in the middle photo, he was already polite. He was never taught to sit so prim and proper while waiting for his foster mama to fill his bowl.

I hadn’t published this when I got an emergency call from my foster. Michael is going downhill quickly. We rushed him to the vet for emergency care. The vet is treating him now. Positive thoughts and prayers are welcome that he fully and quickly recovers.

Never mind. I’m sorry to report that Michael Dog-lous didn’t make it. He died today—11:50 a.m. RIP, Michael Dog-lous. This sucks! This really sucks! 😢