Monday, May 20, 2013

steeling ourselves

The barn's been rumbling with the usual clatter of dogs coming and dogs going: Farnam, Sassy, Corndog, Gum, Sammy, Elton, Corky, Diamond ... One minute they're here, dashing around as if this was always their home - the next minute their kennel is empty and ready to be swabbed down in prep for new residents. (Corky is still here, puppy Stew is leaving any day, and Diamond has a hopeful suitor with more dogs on their way in.)

Loredo is a recent visitor who spent two weeks learning about the world through the lens of our daily routine. He came from a cruelty case in Idaho, and he told us two things about himself once he landed. One: He agrees that life is definitely better without a heavy chain or noisy shelter kennels to wear him down. And Two: He let us know that he's pretty darn worn down.

Photos from evaluations at Idaho Humane Society: Idaho survivors

Life has not been good to Loredo, and his body tells the tale. Our job was to let him rest and recover some before moving to foster care. There was pacing, mournful howling, painful limping, diarrhea and more diarrhea - laundry and more laundry. We hid multitudes of pills in his food, cooked rice and scraped can after can of stool firming pumpkin into his dish, tended the gaping hole in his leg (a bad pressure sore), massaged him, bathed him and did our best to let him know that he isn't alone anymore. It was a tough two weeks for all of us, including Loredo. Finally, when his diarrhea slowed and his sleep cycles deepened, we knew it was time to send him to talented (RVT) foster mom Katie Moyer for more TLC.

Is he going to make it? We don't know. We don't say 'yes' to medical cases without steeling ourselves just a little bit. Time will tell, and along with time, a battery of tests to help us solve the mystery of Loredo's various ailments. Thank dog for compassionate foster homes who are willing to put their heart on the block while hoping for the very best.


8 comments:

  1. I really don't know how you all do it. But thank you very much. My best wishes for Loredo and the all the other dogs. (and all the people involved too)

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  2. Ohhh, Loredo. Asking Great Spirit to watch over you.

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  3. Sweet Loredo. What a face. Kisses. I hope your medical issues can be resolved because there's no other reason you can't make it, my friend. This is where it starts the right way. Kisses...

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  4. What a beautiful boy. I couldn't look in those eyes without giving him a chance. I do hope he has a happy ending. Thanks for fighting for him. ~Krista

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  5. Good thoughts for Loredo.He is certainly in the best place with the best care possible. He survived his previous horrors and I hope he has a wonderful life ahead once the medical issues are dealt with. Thanks for all you do.

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  6. Even if this old man is just too tired to remain on this world for much longer, I'm glad to know that he'll spend his last days surrounded by all the comforts love can provide. Thanks for looking after ALL the dogs, regardless of health, age, or origin.

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  7. Thank you SO much for this blog! We still sting from letting Raleigh go and releasing him from all his pain and confusion. We love that you stand by the dogs you say "yes" to and speak the truth. You rock BADRAP and we are proud to know ya!

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  8. Good luck sweetie. Thanks to all of you who go the distance for these dogs. Much love and best wishes.

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