Kessler Defines “Rescue” at Col. Potter!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Kessler, an approximately 9 year old Wheaten Male

Please welcome Kessler to our Col. Potter family!  Now some of you will say, “Hey wait a minute!  We just had Kessler join the CP family a few weeks ago… What's going on?”  Well, that little boy, from a few weeks ago, found his Forever with his Rescue Angel before he ever got transported to CP, and so we wanted to be sure this very special name donated through our Name a Rescue Cairn Program by Amy H., in memory of her dad's beloved boy, was carried on to another CP furkid.

Kessler is a little Wheaten dude, weighing in at just 15 lbs.  He’s from one of our big cities, let’s call it Gotham, where he was found tied to a fence - left defenseless and without resources.  He was sick, cold, and hungry - and in pain.  Eventually he was picked up by Animal Control and brought to a shelter.  And, as has happened before in these situations, the shelter was unsure of what to do with him.  “Rescue only” they said.  No chance for adoption.

When Col. Potter learned of Kessler’s situation, we knew we couldn’t leave him there in the shelter.  And, through the compassion and terrier tenacity of our volunteers, in particular Sheri K. and Mary Ellen L., we were able to pull Kessler from this shelter and get him into the warm folds of the Col. Potter blanket.

When we brought Kessler to the vet, we learned just how much trouble this one little guy was in.  He had a laundry list of medical problems, including the fact that he was still intact.  To begin with, his thinning fur and dry skin were found to be the result of an under active thyroid, a condition that once diagnosed is easy to treat with medication.

His eye had a large growth on the lid, a cyst that pressed against his eyeball giving him constant irritation.  This required surgical removal of the cyst to relieve his discomfort.

On x-ray he was found to have many many bladder stones that had lodged in his urethra, making urination very difficult and painful. The surgery to remove these stones required a dangerous incision, and it took hours to clear them all out.  Keeping Kessler on a special diet will prevent this from happening again.

And what was probably Kessler’s first dental exam ever revealed seven rotted and abscessed teeth that had to be removed during his dental surgery.

It’s difficult to think about the amount of pain this dog must have been in - and for a very long time - for things to have gotten as bad they did.

Kessler is estimated at around nine years old now, and he was originally purchased as a puppy from a pet store.  So we imagine he was loved for a little while - or at least someone was amused by him for a while - but no one ever cared for him or his well-being.

Kessler’s story is one that just brings home the true meaning of Rescue.  His story is one that we all live and breathe in our hearts - one where we all say, “Someone, please help this dog!”   And in a way, we’re lucky, because we’re Col. Potter Cairn Rescue - and we can be that someone who will help this dog.

Maybe you’re not close enough to Kessler to drive his transport or to Foster him, but consider becoming a Guardian Angel for this little guy, or maybe drop a few dollars into the “Kessler Fund.”  The surgeries and treatments that were needed to give this little Cairn his quality of life back were extensive and expensive.  The good news is that he’s healing and will be whole again soon - and that’s because of who we are at Col. Potter and what we do.

Thanks to all of you!

Col. Potter’s Name aRescue Cairn Program

http://mall.cairnrescue.com/forms/frm_namecairn.htm

Col. Potter Guardian Angel Program

http://www.cairnrescue.com/rescue/sponsor.php
 
Please Send Your Donations to:

Kessler Fund 
c/o Danielle Rackstraw
PO Box 1354
Menifee, CA 92585-1354

CP foster Slater and his surgery - won't you be one of his guardian angels?

Written by CP's Director of Foster Homes

Amy has shared some information on Slater, who was brought into Col. Potter and is being fostered by Amy. Slater spent his life outside in the backyard because his owner could not house break him. What she did not know was that it was not his fault. He was not dumb, he was not being stubborn, he could not help it! After many tests, very expensive scans ($400+ for these), it was determined that Slater had a portosystemic shunt, which basically means, the main blood to his liver was being routed around his liver instead of through his liver. Because his liver is not working properly, he has to eat very low protein foods as his liver does not have the capacity to break these down, be on many medications, one of them lactulose to control his ammonia level. When an ammonia level is too high, it produces hepatic encephalopathy and until we were able to figure out his issue and start him on these meds, he was aggressive, almost uncontrollable. Once Amy started on the lactulose and got his ammonia level down, his whole demeanor changed and he became a "new" boy.

Slater needs very expensive surgery to correct this congenital issue he was born with. Ideal time to do this is before a year old. Slater is 4 years old. He is past the ideal time but the surgeon feels he has a very good chance of correcting this and allowing him to live a normal life. Due to the liver not working properly, Slater drinks huge quantities of water and because of this, urinates huge quantities of urine. If he wants to have a good life and get to live as an indoor dog in a home, he needs this surgery.

This surgery is almost $3000 - a stunning blow to Col. Potter. I know we are hitting you all up left and right for donations but this little boy desperately needs guardian angels and donations so that we can provide him this surgery. We do not want to have to tell him "no", sorry, you are not worth it. He is worth it, he is still very young, he deserves to be live in a home. He deserves to be free of the many medications we now have to give him. He deserves this surgery. Will it be risky due to his age, you betcha. Do we owe him this change, you betcha. We can do this if everyone pitches in just a little to make his life better.

Sarut Potter has been adopted! She's keeping both her eyes! Read the update!

Written by Sarut Potter, her foster mom (and her keyboarding assistant) and her new adoptive mom

Note from CP's blogger: We're happy to share the news that Sarut aka Sugar has been adopted! Yesterday's eye exam is wonderful news and she will be keeping both of her eyes! She will continue her road to recovery in her forever home. Thank you to all of you who contributed to this happy ending.

From her adoptive mom

Jan 27, 2011

Sarut had an intensive eye exam last evening. The left eye has alot of permanent scar tissue and there is loss of peripheral vision. She seems to have some central vision although not much. Her vision in the left eye may improve but it's hard to determine. Her right eye still has some of the ulcer in it but another week or so of the antibiotic drops will likely take care of it. Her vision in the right eye is expected to improve. She will need drops for"Dry Eye" for life, although not as intensely as thus far. The doctor is willing to mix a special natural recipe that she feels is healthier and more effective. Sarut will have regular follow-ups. This was an intensive exam ,involving lots of chemicals in the eyes, instruments, lights, walking exams with obstacles, etc., and Sarut was a complete angel throught the whole thing.

The vets and staff were in tears the whole time! Sarut also received an Ohio rabies tag and dog license, a vaccine that had somehow been missed, Chees-Wiz throughout the process, poopy sample, and lots of hugs and kisses. RESULTS: NO REASON TO REMOVE EITHER EYE!!!!!!!!Our sincere thanks to everyone for your prayers!!!!!!! Our cost-$33.75- YES!!!!! The doctors said they can write off a certain amount for special rescue cases and they do not advertise this. Due to what we've invested already and due to Sarut's story and what they read in her records provided by CP, they felt this was a very special case. We went there prepared to pay thousands!!! What a celebration, and we thought everyone at CP should know Sarut's good news!!! Thank-you Col. Potter!!!!

You know what the vet also mentioned? Had Col. Potter not stepped in when they did, and had the foster mommy not been so relentless from day one, Sarut most certainly would have had to have both eyes out. Col. Potter and Kim's dedication and persistence actually saved this girl's eyes!!!!!! A big scratch behind the ear for Col. Potter and Kim!!

Jan 25, 2011

Saurt's new Mom Laura says... "*OMG!!!! This little angel is the sweetest little thing we've ever seen!! She's just joined in as though she's been here for ten years! The other ones sniffed her for a moment then went about their business. She did the same. She really doesn't act as though she has a vision problem at all, even though we know she does. She went way out into the yard, wagging her tail and exploring the snow. She prances around the house with a certain pep in her step. We ADORE her. She's trying to engage the others in play even! She is fun to have around already!!! We are extremely pleased and her little tail wags soooooo hard!! She truly seems thrilled and we definitely are. It's love for sure!!!!!!!!!!*"

Jan 25, 2011

From Sarut's Foster Mom

Little Sarut aka Sugar should be in the air winging her way to a happy and loving furever in Ohio with our new members Laura and Michael P. These are fantastic people and will do everything in their power to make Sugar the happiest furbutt in the world.

Huge thank you to everyone for making this possible. Without each and every one of you this girl never would have lived to see her next birthday. And now you can all feel proud that not only will she see her next birthday but she will be warm and loved.

Here are photos of Sugar on her pretty blankets, thank you blanket aunties. She also just got some bling bling in the mail and had to show that off as well, thank you bling bling auntie!




Jan 25, 2011

From Sarut’s new Mom

I've adopted Sarut; in fact I'm leaving in a short while to pick her up at the airport! We're so excited that we've been up all night. This is our first Cairn and we look forward to everything that we KNOW we're in for. I'm sure Sarut would like to let everyone know how she's doing in her forever home and how the training of her new mom and dad is going. We look forward to learning all we can about more ways to please this little one- if she allows us time! I've become a huge fan of Col. Potter through the adoption process and an anxious to be a part of this group and get to know even more of this wonderful family.


Jan 24, 2011

I'm getting adopted TOMORROW!




Jan 24, 2011

Time to tell everyone my BIG secret. Wait - how about a guessing game? Everyone take a guess. And no, I am not expecting puppies. Those days are over. ♥ Princess Sarut (I will let everyone know what it is about 9 Pm EST unless my typing fingers fall asleep . Then it will be tomorrow. Ohhhhhhh tomorrow. I can not wait until TOMORROW! Oh and Laura Lovie you can not play. )

January 19th, 2011

Here I am. See I can bark bark bark.

Sarut needs Guardian Angels! Won't you consider becoming one?

Written by Sarut's foster mom


I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart Merry Christmas. Without all of you Sarut probably would not have lived to see this Christmas. Sarut is warm and safe. We have put her on the web site as a guardian angel girl. My Christmas Present to myself will be to become a guardian angel for this precious little one. Here is what I wrote for her...


Sarut needs your help. She has not had an easy start to life. In her 6.5 years on this earth so far she has known nothing but filth, cruelty and abuse. Her tiny 12 pound body endured more than it's share of neglect. Sarut is in danger of losing both her eyes. She is currently on expensive medication to try and save them. Sarut had a dental when she was spayed and besides the 5 missing teeth she had already she had 17 more extracted and is on pain medication for this. As if her emancipated body had not had enough hardship she also has mange and is being treated for that. This little girl is a fighter and wants to live a good life. She can't do that without your help, won't you please consider becoming a guardian angel for Sarut or you can click the chip in link on the top of this page. Thank you for your kind words, prayers and donations for this girl.

Tinker Arrives at her foster home!

Written by Tinker's foster mom

Miss Tinker arrived the other evening. She was shaking enough that we could feel the whole crate quivering. We brought her home and put her in the dog run so she could ***finally*** pee after her 12 hour + trip! We had made a quick detour to pick up a plain hamburger for her....we don't always do it but since we had such a problem getting Gemma to eat we decided to give Missy T some enouragement. It worked! Teeny, tiny bits of hamburger in her meal and she cleaned it all up. Then I used more tiny bits to draw her to me. I slipped this polar fleece coat over her flattened little body and put her back in her crate to rest.

This morning she scratched on her crate door to request some service from the caretakers. She went out and peed and then was put back into the kitchen to wander and check it all out. She wagged her tail when she saw me and allowed me to come in and perform culinary magic with her breakfast. Yummmm, she gobbled her breakfast right up.What a nice little girl she is after the rotten life she has had! She's scared but gutsy about doing things. She's not going to let her past dictate her future.

This picture shows how beautiful she is. She'll be much more beautiful in a few weeks or a month. I'm going to get her up on the website and put her up as a Guardian Angel dog. This is the CP program that allows people to make donations to specific dogs that need additional vetting while they are in foster care. She's going to need some specialized testing to make sure everything is all right because some of her bloodwork numbers were not as the vets would have liked.

She would so love to get to our resident dogs. I'm going to talk to my vet and see what she thinks.

Crete Update and after surgery pictures! Won't you be one of his Guardian Angels?

Contributed by Crete's foster mom






Our boy is convalescing on a big dog bed behind my desk. Sleep with an occasional excursion outside carried by his personal attendant. Yogurt and merrick canned in his bowl for lunch with a little white happy pill. I think he is smiling behind the furr LOL

He is home sleeping in a nice comfy crate. He has about a 6" incision from his hip down his leg. Shaved tail that looks like a lions. Half a body shaved.He will be on rest for about 2 weeks. Slow walks. Then stitches out. He had a small dinner and a pain pill. Glad to have this boy home. It is nice to know that he has a whole bunch of caring aunts and uncles out there.

Please help Col. Potter to continue to provide funds for all of our rescued cairns. This was an expensive surgery and any assistance you can provide towards it in any amount, no matter how small will be deeply appreciated. Please follow this link to become a Guardian Angel for Crete.

CRETE IS OUT OF SURGERY - PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR HIM - THIS IS HIS STORY ...SO FAR

Written by Crete's foster mom

4/28/10: On Thursday April 22, in the wet state of Colorado, our own Col. Potter's Crete came up missing. All of his 4 legged brothers and sisters were still in their crates or beds but, one blind, 11 year old, red wheaten was on the lam. Calls were made to Col. Potter , surrounding shelters, animal control, and neighbors. Foster Mom started walking, calling, banging the bushes, looking under cars, trucks, sheds, even stacks of lumber. At 10 pm the flashlights came out and the dogs came along to check the green belt, and down the side streets calling, calling, calling.

Friday morning more alerts were sent out, Fed Ex, UPS, US Post Office, more time spent talking to neighbors, people walking by, area Vets, boarding facilities, and area groomers. All have posters, and posters are hung on every street within 5 miles. Another trip to the shelter aisles, looking into the sad eyes of the dogs who didn't have a loved one to search for them.We get a call from the shelter - a Cairn has been picked up, but not our Crete . Saturday, Sunday, Monday more of the same.

Finally on Monday out of the blue about 3:15 in the afternoon, a golden boy shows up in the front yard. He is scared, and has black dried spots on him. At first we thought he had been bitten, and the spots were dried blood. His leg is hurt and he won't put any weight on it. Into a crate and off to the vet we go. On exam he hasn't lost an ounce of weight, there are no puncture wounds, and it's not mud or blood in his coat just FLEAS. So he got an immediate application of Frontline.

No injuries to speak of except the leg.So off to the emergency vet for an x-ray. It's clear the little guy is hurting and he has bruising on the inside of his leg all the way over to his groin area. He has deep purple bruising, the real "owwie" kind, but being a Cairn he doesn't whimper or whine. After a shot of pain reliever, he relaxes enough to give foster mom a kiss and heads off to x-ray. The vet comes in with the films, and says his pelvis is fractured in one place and maybe two. So we call an orthopedic surgeon, and the first estimate is $3000. Okay, we get a second estimate of $2000 to $3000. Crete stays overnight with the emergency vet, where a blood test is given. He has low potassium, gets an IV and pain meds. We check in with two other orthopedic surgeons and the best plan is still going to cost $1500.

So we called the regular vet to let them know what was going on and luck had the traveling orthopedic surgeon is in to do surgery on another rescue girl. He offers to take a look at the films. Dr. Ed says he can fix Crete 's pelvis. He loves Cairns and he knows he's got another rescue pup on his hands, so his is estimate $1100 to $1500.

I just got off the phone with the vet. He did great. His little pelvis was shattered so he is sporting some new hardware and had to have a bone graft. He is awake and trying to stand on it already and waiting for his snack.

So our little recovering Cairn boy says "I need more prayers and some donations 'cause the Col. says they will fix me up. If you could help out with a buck or two , then my bill won't hurt any of my cousins chances for a new life - like Col. Potter is giving me".

You can help to fund Crete's recovery by clicking here to participate in Col. Potter's Guardian Angel program on his behalf.

CARTHAGE UPDATE

This will be my final update on Carthage ... as she's moving to her foster home today.

This little girl has had an incredible journey so far and now has more roads to travel. Carthage has an amazing spirit and attitude, not to mention her will to live. If she didn't, she wouldn't have survived to this point.

I have to tell you a couple of cute stories about our Carthage. Immediately following surgery, the vet tech was rubbing and stroking Carthage to get her to come out from the anesthesia. the first sign of "life" was Carthage's little tail thumping. That night, Carthage had an IV hooked up to keep hydrated. She promptly chewed the IV, not once, not twice, but three times. The IV was removed after the third time. And finally, she left her incision alone for two days following surgery, but as of yesterday afternoon, she has started to wear her "halo" to keep her from licking her incision.






Carthage still has a long road ahead of her to not only heal from this major surgery, but to undergo heartworm treatment and then hope the tumor doesn't grow back or at least not for many years to come. Please remember Carthage is a Guardian Angel dog and you can help by donating to cover her medical expenses. CP would not be able to help Cairns like Carthage without your support.

Finally, I've attached a picture of Carthage's belly and chest following surgery. Quite a nice piece of surgery pulling 4 incisions all into one seam by our wonderful vet. The entire vet staff has asked for frequent updates on Carthage as they've all fallen love with this special girl. Foster mom Lynn in KS will have quite a fan club following her foster girl's progress!!

Please vote once a day for Col. Potter in the Animal Rescue Site's "Shelter Challenge"! Search for Col. Potter in Medina, OH. Feel free to cross-post and please pass this on to your friends and neighbors!

Vote in the Shelter Challenge by clicking the following link: VOTE HERE

Need more detailed instructions? Click the following link: SHOW ME HOW

Update on Cotton

Written by Cotton's foster Mom


Hi, all. I haven't posted anything recently regarding Cotton, so I thought I'd just give everyone a heads up on how she's doing. Cotton is amazing! You would never know she went through all that surgery and endured that huge seroma on her tummy for weeks. There is no stopping her now! I don't think she's all that thrilled with the snow, but she plows her way through it. My kids hop through it, but Cotton PLOWS it.

She made a trip to the "spa" yesterday to have a bath and get a trim. And guess what? I can see her eyes now and they're quite lovely! I think it was a little tramatic for her, because she was pretty subdued last night. She cuddled with me for quite a while (Cotton LOVES to be held). But she's back to her normal self this morning, teasing my furkids and playing with the toys. She got really mad at me the other night because I put all the toys back in the toy box which sits right outside her x-pen in the living room. Then I went to bed. Well, she wanted those toys OUT of the toy box, so she did something she's never does when she's in the x-pen...she barked. And she barked. And she barked. I finally had to move the box out of her sight in order to get some sleep. The next morning, I put the box back and she removed all the toys from the box and was very happy about it, too!

So thanks again to everyone who prayed for Cotton and participated in the Guardian Angel program on her behalf.

WILL YOU BE ONE OF COTTON'S GUARDIAN ANGELS?

Written by Cotton's foster Mom

Good morning, everyone. I'm asking for your prayers today for my foster Cotton, one of the Fabrics To Keep You Warm kids. Cotton has some MAJOR medical issues going on right now. When rescued, Cotton underwent extensive surgery to repair two inguinal hernias as well as being spayed. According to her initial vetting report, Cotton's uterus was attached to scar tissue throughout her abdomen. It appears the surgery to repair the hernias has failed, and Cotton is now facing additional surgery to see if the damage can be repaired. She has a huge hernia (or sack) hanging from the right side of her belly and it appears her bladder is inside the hernia (sack). There is also an area above that which appears hard and swollen. It is not clear whether it is fatty tissue or some internal organ trying to pop through. Only surgery will tell and that surgery is scheduled for this morning.

This little wheaten girl with dark ears deserves to live and find a forever home to love and protect her. She's amazing. She's sweet, gentle, playful and although she's small in stature, she's big in heart. You would never know by looking at her and watching her trot in the backyard with her tail held high that she is probably experiencing tremendous discomfort and/or pain.

Cotton is looking for Guardian Angels. If you can help, she would appreciate it. Please help her overcome her medical issues and put her on the road to recovery. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please click here to become one of her guardian angels. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

MAGIC SAYS THANK YOU!!

Written by Magic's Foster Mom

Mr Magic is forever grateful to all of his admirers that have donated so generously to his recovery. If ever a boy felt loved, this one does. He is recovering quite nicely, as a matter of fact. He is one of the happiest little dogs I have ever seen. He LOVES his TOYS (especially the skunk he recently received in the mail.

Whenever I survey the room for toy pick up after all the kids have gone to bed, I can tell exactly where Magic has been that evening. There will be a pile of 6 or 7 toys, then a bare spot, then another pile of toys, then another bare spot, etc. He goes outside with the other kids to do his business and then he RUNS back inside to play with his TOYS again. From the back sliding door he has to run through the livingroom and kitchen, make practically a U-turn, and then run through the breakfast room, down a couple of steps and into the familyroom. He had to learn to navigate that U-turn with only one back leg. The first couple of times, he was so excited, his backleg came right out from under him as he went around the curve! Of course that didn't stop him. He had TOYS to get to, so he just kept on going. He got his leg underneath him again eventually and now he takes that corner like a pro, with barely a slip.

He's starting to make friends with my pack, too. Cider was play-bowing to him in the backyard the other morning and Stewart and Katie were playing with him, too. Even Chopin will allow him to stand by her without fussing. In the backyard, he runs along with the others as they chase up and down the yard. Besides TOYS, Magic likes sitting on your feet under the kitchen table, getting bellyrubs and snuggles, making breakfast with Mary or Rachel, lots of one on one time with his hoomans, bringing you toys to play with him, Stella and Chewy's, and duck jerky..

As long as we can keep him in TOYS, he's good!

Thanks to all of you who are his guardian angels and you will be happy to know that all of his expenses were covered. The volunteer who has kept these pages updated is seriously ill and her replacement is in the process of acknowledging and updating the page with the donation information.

IMPORTANT-HOW FIREWORKS CAN AFFECT YOUR LIFE!!!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

We have all heard the dangers to dogs around the 4th of July. We've all heard the horror stories. We have seen it in our own resident dogs and many of our fosters. While we as humans love to watch the beautiful fireworks, the loud booms and whistles from them are something totally frightening to a dog. They start to panic and go crazy; running, pulling, jumping -- anything to get away from the noise. How many dogs are lost, injured or killed each year due to 4th of July festivities is unknown, but I would hazard to guess the number of casualties is sizable.

It is 10:00 PM on July 4, a young, frightened dog is hit by a car, but it is a hit and run, the car continues on. The dog, injured, manages to pick himself up and steps right out in front of another car. It could have been disaster for this boy, but this time, the driver sees him in time and stops. The dog stares up into the headlights of the car as if to say "Please Help Me". He has just met his Rescue Angel!

The dog is taken to an emergency veterinarian hospital where he is examined, stabilized and made comfortable. He has injured his right knee and will require surgery. Now comes the tough part, the waiting to see if his owner comes looking for him, but no one comes despite intensive efforts on the part of his Rescue Angel to find his owners. The Rescue Angel cannot afford the surgery for him, if he doesn't have the surgery he will be put to sleep as unadoptable.

The Rescue Angel contacts local rescues to see if anyone can help and the information makes its way to Col. Potter. A few days ago, Fireworks officially became a CP kid! He is estimated to be 2 years of age or less. He is a cute, friendly little guy who was obviously someone's baby from the looks of him and his personality. Fireworks has had surgery to repair his knee. He had torn ligaments in his knee that were repaired and a torn miniscus that had to have part of it removed and the remainder repaired. He is doing well with some swelling of the knee which is to be expected and he's carrying that leg right now, but that will change as he goes through therapy and the leg starts to feel better.

Fireworks would appreciate your support of him as a Guardian Angel and I know after looking at his picture, you will find it hard to resist this adorable little boy. My thanks to his Rescue Angel, Susan K. who has just been approved as a new foster home and who will be fostering Fireworks. Please click on the above link if you would like more information on becoming a guardian angel for Fireworks.

NEW "TAILS" AND PICTURES OF MAGIC!

Written by Magic's Foster Mom




Last week, we introduced Mr. Magic to the hellions at my house. We always introduce in the backyard, one at a time. He greeted each kid with a happy smile and a wagging butt. He's an awfully friendly little guy and tends to rush up in the kids faces, so I wanted to take this one slowly.

Maggie is usually first to meet the new kids. She gave Magic a couple of sharp words when he got too close and he was a good boy and backed off. Then came Stewart. That was a non-issue. Stewart's SO laid back and much bigger than Magic. They all thought his butt was a little weird, but they were accepting. Katie thought he had potential. After all, he looked playful and he's 'her size'! Cider carefully inspected and thoroughly sniffed his butt. Cider is our resident mill mama. Magic, just like every other kid we've had through here, recognized her 'right' to make a full inspection and stood quietly and waited until she was done.

Then he decided he wanted to explore the yard. He jumped off the deck onto the walkway, but instead of walking down the walkway and getting down on the grass the easy way, he turned and jumped straight off from the highest part of the walk! (I call it 'Walking the plank.") He was so happy when he reached the grass, touching it for the first time in at least 5 weeks. He rolled and smiled and wiggled for joy!

Finally it was time for him to meet Chopin. She and new kids don't always get along. She and Magic circled each other carefully. Then Chopin found Magic's butt. She took one look at it, sniffed furiously, and then looked up at me and said, "Mom! You said I had a birth defect, but WOW! have you SEEN this boy's BUTT? I'm normal compared to him!"

Now he goes out with the kids every time they do. And since he can go out, he's keeping his pen clean. Sometimes, when he goes out, he hurries out, 'walks the plank,' and stops for a loooong time to 'relieve himself.' Then he runs up to explore the raspberries, over to the gate to play in the lilies where Maggie's made a 'wallow' for her dust baths, poops, and then runs happily back to me when I call. As the other kids go by, he runs after them to join in their fun. He's using his back foot quite well now. His front feet run straight, but his back end tends to curve around when he runs, so he ends up running kind of sideways, like a crab. Then he'll throw himself down in the cool grass with a big smile on his face.

Last week I talked to the vet that performed Magic's surgery. He told me something very interesting. He said that along with Magic's right rear leg being crushed, which resulted in its amputation, his left rear leg had suffered a great deal of nerve damage as well. We learned with Casatta that when nerves heal, they have to heal back up to the spinal chord and then back down again and they only heal 1 millimeter a day. It's a slow process. Most dogs that lose a leg need to learn how to balance on one leg, but Magic had to regain sensation in his leg again, learn to walk on it again, AND learn to balance with only one leg in back. That's why he wasn't using his leg much at first. He could feel it. As he has regained sensation, he's using it more and more every day. He's not very fast, but he sure enjoys running and playing!

Thank you for continuing to participate in his recovery and follow his amazing story. If you would like to become one of his guardian angels, you can follow this link. Please be aware that the donations and names are in the process of being updated and caught up as the dedicated volunteer who has done this is very ill and her replacement is working hard to complete the task.

UPDATE ON MAGIC! SEE HIM WALKING!

Written by Magic's Foster Mom



Here's another update on Magic. He's started using his back leg some and he's got the cutest little dance when we come into his room. I took a couple of movies and some pictures of Magic on his 'magic' blanket from Auntie Carol.

All of his stitches are out and he's finished with all of his medications. Now he needs time for his body to heal. I can see improvements in his behavior already. I can tell he's not hurting as much. He's also started to put on weight and his backbone and ribs aren't sticking out as much. There are a couple of close-ups of his incisions at the end of his pictures.

Here's the link to his new pictures.

Here's the link to a movie to show you how he's walking.

And here's a link to a movie showing his happy dance.

This boy is a toy HOUND! He absolutely loves them. He's also a cuddle bug. When I pick him up he pushes his head up under my ear and wraps his body tightly around my neck. He just wants to be as close as possible.

He's so interactive, too. We bring him out at night, after the rest of the kids have gone to bed. We spread out some toys and sit on the floor with him. He checks out all of his toys and then picks one to bring to one of us. Then he flops on his back for belly rubs with his little white paws in the air. Then up to find another toy to bring over, chew on a bit and then share with one of us.

This boy's a sweetheart and always smiling! Enjoy the pictures and movies!

Please click here for the link to Magic's Guardian Angel page. The Col. Potter volunteer that keeps track of the donations for our Guardian Angel page has been very ill. We will update the page with the donations that have been made as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support of Magic in his recovery.

UPDATE ON MAGIC!

Written by Magic's Foster Mom

Magic is doing great. He's starting to feel better. I can tell, because he's getting stir crazy. He wants to follow me out of his expen and complains long and loud about not getting to come out and play with the other kids. :-)

Monday we got his stitches out from his amputation and his neuter. The incision for the amputation is about 5 inches long, so there were lots of stitches. He was a good boy for the vet, laying on his back, wagging his tail and getting tummy scritches from the vet tech. Friday we will go back to get his stitches removed where they inserted the plate to support his pelvis.

The first thing the vet said to me after looking at the xrays was, "I understand why they amputated his leg." All three of the bones in his leg were broken. His pelvis on that side was crushed, too. The plate is on the opposite side of his pelvis, to support the remaining leg. He hadn't used that rear leg much when we went to the vet. She says the whole pelvis is still healing and it probably hurts to use it, so to give it time. Just today I noticed he's putting it down more and 'pushing off' with it when he walks.

It's incredible how he manages. He can stand on his two front feet and hold his back straight, parallel with the ground, just using the muscles in his back. When he's working to get something out of his food bowl, he can raise his rear end in the air so his body is at a 45 degree angle!

He's still very happy, especially if you pick him up and cuddle him. I gave him a blue fabric octopus with a squeaker in it. He holds it by one of the tentacles and carries it to his bed. When I come in his room, he grabs his octopus and brings it over to me to play. I toss it in his bed and his climbs in, picks it up, and brings it back to me. He loves his octopus!

He's also figured out how to fish his clavamox out of the cheese ball. It's the biggest pill he has and we're splitting it now. It makes it harder to find and he'll swallow the cheese balls right down if they're that size.

Please click here to go to Magic’s Guardian Angel page if you would like to make a donation. Thank you for your continued interest and support for his recovery!

MAGIC IS IN HIS FOSTER HOME!

Written by Magic's Foster Mom

Magic Likes his new "digs"

He is a sweet, cheerful boy who likes to give kisses. He eats well and piddles on his pads. He tries to get up and move around, especially when you come in his room to visit him. I left his door open most of the day because my kids were napping. When I looked in on him, Magic would be in his bed or looking out the window. He would come to me with his tail wagging, asking for lovings. He's still favoring his rear leg and hardly puts any weight on it. When I pick him up, he likes to have his bottom cradled in my hands. I think it provides him some support, because he relaxes as soon as I do it and presses his shoulders and head into my neck.

Thanks for all of your help, everyone! Keep those prayers and donations coming. He certainly is a cutie pie and he's doing his very best to get better soon!

Please click here to visit his Guardian Angel page. Thank you for your continued interest in Magic and his recovery!

MAGIC IS OUT OF SURGERY AND HE IS DOING VERY WELL!!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

Magic is out of surgery and he did just GREAT!

The surgeon didn't find anything more than what the xrays had shown or what he had expected. Magic's pelvis has now had a plate pinned to it to support and brace the pelvis where it had been fractured in the four places. He will be monitored very closely tonight to keep him off that leg and allow his body to once again catch up to even further trauma caused by the surgery. Tomorrow will be a day of rest and healing for Magic.

Then the rehabilitation and therapy will begin, slowly at first, with just allowing Magic to stand on his repaired pelvis and leg for the first week and then gradually increasing after that. It's been two weeks since the accident, he literally hasn't used any of his legs for that length of time. Even the front legs that weren't injured will also need to slowly regain their strength and stamina from muscles that have atrophied.

But, the WORST IS NOW BEHIND MAGIC! He has certainly lived up to his name and continues to amaze all that he touches.

Please remember that Magic continues to need your support of him as a Guardian Angel. Without this CP program, we would not have been able to say YES to Magic. There would have been no one to help Magic get the medical and surgical care he needed and his story today would be far different ... You can become a Guardian Angel for Magic by clicking here .


Just in case you forgot what that sweet little face looks like, I've attached a picture taken last week following Magic's amputation surgery by the Angel who picked up Magic from the road where he laid broken and hurt. She took this picture when when she visited him at the vet's office.

Update on our Injured Cairn Boy!

Written by CP VP of Intakes

We have some good news ... and some not so good news today on our injured boy.

First the good news, his ALT dropped more than 700 points since Thursday. YIPPEE! He is starting to eat solid food and he seems much more alert and aware. All very good signs!

The bad news is that now his Albumin is a little low. Not nearly as bad as his ALT result was on Thursday, but still low enough that the surgeon isn't comfortable performing surgery just yet. Also, I haven't heard from the local rescue group today to release him to CP yet. I've called and left a message for her, so I'm hoping that she's just busy with rescuing other dogs or some holiday weekend plans.

So, the bottom line is to KEEP THE PRAYERS, POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND ENERGY COMING FOR THIS LITTLE GUY!!! He's fighting and I know he can feel our love and support, but let's not let the inner tube that is supporting him start leaking or run out of inflation. Just as soon as I know he is an official CP kid, I will let everyone know ...

Update on our Special Cairn Boy

Written by CP VP of Intakes

The good news is that he's still alive and resting comfortably with ample pain killers ... This in itself is a positive sign and I know that all of your prayers and positive thoughts and energy have helped him to this point. Unfortunately, we need to keep up the effort and not let down as he is most definitely not out of the woods yet ...

Today I had the opportunity to consult with the surgeon who will be doing the surgery on this little boy. I really like this vet who was very patient with me answering all of my questions and giving me honest answers of what he thought was best for this dog. He took quite a bit of time out of his busy day to speak with me several times during the course of today and I feel very confident in his abilities and in his diagnosis and prognosis for this Cairn. The surgeon believes, from the type and extent of injuries, that he was struck by the front wheel of the car in his front shoulder (where the leg meets the pelvis), fracturing the pelvis on the left side of his body in four places. From the impact, he was spun around and the car's rear wheel then ran over his right rear leg and shattered it.

They ran a blood panel on him today to check all functions and levels in preparation for surgery and that's where we have hit another snag. His ALT levels, those that measure liver function, were off the chart high. The surgeon is hopeful that this test level is the result of the trauma to his body and bruising to his liver coupled with the antibiotics and pain killers they have him on trying to stabilize him and keep him alive. However, this level has to start dropping before surgery will even be considered. He won't be retested until Saturday and will just be kept comfortable and monitored.

Col. Potter will not be able to officially bring this boy into our program until Saturday when the legal stray hold is up on him. No one has come looking for him yet and even if someone does, it is very doubtful that they would be willing or able to afford the surgery that is contemplated for him and would have to make the decision to surrender him to rescue. We are proceeding with every intention of him becoming a CP kid as of this Saturday, but we can't make anything official or do anything more for him until that time.

Right now the thing he needs most is your continued prayers and all the positive thoughts and energy you can muster for him to stay strong, get the ALT results to drop by Saturday and most importantly, keep fighting to stay alive!

Following is a photo of him that the local rescue group took. This photo of him was taken shortly after he was picked up from the accident scene by the rescue group on the way to the vet. My thanks to Maureen for helping me with some time management by sharing this photo for me . Also, my thanks to the many people who have personally contacted me wanting to donate to his care. As soon as he is officially a CP kid, we will get a Guardian Angel Program set-up for him and I will provide full details on how you can help donate to his medical expenses.

Let's hope he can show his true Cairn colors and attitude and continue to fight for his life ... with your help ...

Valentine Update

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

Little Valentine went to the vet this morning to be checked and to determine if she has CMO. I was so hoping I was wrong and this sweet, little Valentine would not have to go through the pain and discomfort of this affliction when all she should be doing is enjoying being a puppy.

Unfortunately, the x-rays confirmed my fears ... Valentine does have CMO. The vet was not familiar with CMO and is doing some research on the best course to take to medicate her and keep her as comfortable as possible while she battles the condition until she can overcome it.

PLEASE consider sponsoring Valentine as a Guardian Angel donor and keep Valentine and her foster mom, Deborah C. close in your hearts while they go through a tough time together.