Boy do I have a lot of Updating to do!

In my last post about Al, I wrote about him receiving his HW treatment on my birthday, December 3rd. Well, something even greater happened. On December 3, 2009, Nick officially adopted Al. Of course, now I have to share my birthday with Al's adoption day, and he just might get more gifts then me. I'm not certain how much I like that! ;) Just Kidding - In fact, I am the one that will be spoiling him with "gotcha-day" gifts!

Al is doing really well. He no longer has pnemonia or heartworm, and I am confident he will lead a healthy life from now on. We've been dealing with allergies and trying to find the right food, which is a HUGE struggle! I have so much more to say, but wanted to get this quick update in today. More to come later...

But I don’t want a dog with Issues

I was having Mother’s Day brunch with my in-laws when cousin Joe began talking of his quest to find a new puppy in a local pet store. Being a person that has dedicated tireless amounts of energy into dog rescue, I had to ask Joe if he would consider a rescue dog. His response, “But, I don’t want a dog with issues”. Boy, do I have something to tell you…

Contrary to what many believe, you are actually no more likely to get a dog with “issues” from a rescue then you are from a pet store. In most cases, the puppies sold at pet stores come from puppy mills or large breeding organizations where the health of the puppy is indeterminable, until you have him checked by a veterinarian. Even then, there are often times underlying issues with a puppy mill puppy that do not appear until later. In rescues, dogs often times live with foster families who understand their temperaments, likes and dislikes, and are often fully evaluated by a veterinarian before they are even put up for adoption. You are able to speak with the foster families and understand how the rescue dog acts around dogs, children, cats. If there are any issues with the rescue dog, you will most likely find out before you commit to him.

And if that does not convince you, I have one more little secret. Rescues have puppies, too. - lots of them. They have purebreds, mixed breeds, males and females. So, if you are set on a puppy, why not adopt and save a life?

My Birthday

I'd say it was about March, when I decided that my birthday, this year, was going to be the greatest birthday I'd ever had. I am not sure why, I did not have a reason, just a feeling. In fact, I really believed it, and told everybody that would listen about how this year, on December 3rd, I would celebrate the greatest birthday of my life. I mostly fantasized that this day would be spending the day doing Winterly Christmas things like ice skating, Christmas shopping, and dinner with my family.

Well, I found out last night that Al's next heart worm injections will be December 1st, and 2nd, and he will be returning to us in the middle of the day on December 3rd. It kind of puts a damper on my Winterly things day, especially since he will probably feel miserable again. But what greater gift could I receive then for Al to come back after receiving his (Hopefully) final heart worm treatment. On my birthday, I will get to know that from that day forward, Al will feel better and better each day, and be completely worm free!

Heart Worm

I am watching Al. He wants to rest, but he is uncomfortable. I have no idea what he is going through. All I know is that I wish he did not have to go through it. Watching a dog with heart worm suffer, and then go through the heart worm treatment, and suffer some more, certainly is a reality check. I hope I can share my experience with the people around me so they know how important it is for them to be proactive in preventing heart worm.

The Vet

Today the rescue picked up Al for his appointment at the doctor's office. The doctor will determine if he is healthy enough, now, to begin his Heart Worm treatment. The hardest part, for me right now, is not having any direct contact with the vet. I have my phone in front of me, just staring at it, waiting for a call. I hope his treatment can be started today, and I am praying that his body can handle it.

Al's been busy!

Al is an amazing foster dog. He's certainly stolen our hearts, and I am so anxious and excited for him to find a home of his own. Al has completely mastered "down", and is learning "look", and "come". He learns so quick, and I am so proud of him everyday.

He's doing great!

Al is completely house trained (Yes, I am certain this time), and his food manners are improving incredibly. He has stopped coughing, his breathing has improved, and I almost see a little bit of shine in his coat.

My sister bought him a huge horse ball and he LOVES it. He is so smart, he pushes it around with his nose and has so much fun. I wish we could let him run around and play with it, but I am sure he will be well enough to do so before I even know it. Pictures coming soon!

That is not even the best of it. When we first had him he acted very indifferent to people. Almost as if they were not even there. On our walk today, he actually tugged to go towards people out in their yards. He is starting to see people as good already!! I know there is a long road ahead for Al, but I could not be happier to see how well he is doing.

Next up for Al... "easy" and "down"