Theo’s Update
February 2012
It never ceases to amaze us the generous people who come to the rescue of these wonderful furry creatures in need. That people rally to provide for, protect and ensure that wonderful creatures like Theo find love, support, medical care and kindness, even at the winter of their lives, proves to us that there is always hope and we are not alone. You give us the ability to continue our mission. Thank you all for giving Theo the second chance he deserves – pain-free and loved.
First and foremost, our thanks to Tammy and Lila who have taken Theo into their home and will provide him with love and care for the rest of his life. His adoption shows, age is but a number. It didn’t matter that Theo came with some baggage, specifically a pocket full of medical issues and looming expenses, and a lot of age on his tired bones. They only saw a lovely, cheerful boy with a light in his eyes needing a little extra time. They have gotten to see the light grow stronger along with his body, and he is very much a part of their family. Theo is a very lucky boy. He and his “brother” Zeus are the perfect pair. Neither goes anywhere without the other and Theo often waits patiently for Zeus to catch up with him on their walks and their frolics in the dog park. When he first came, it was the other way around. Theo is quite the charmer and gallops happily through the parks, greeting everyone he meets. He is happy to be here.
Just as importantly, thank you to all of you who rallied to his support. Through your donations you have ensured ALL his medical needs will be taken care of and that his remaining time will be without pain. Without the support of so many, Theo would not have the chance he has now. He is well on his way to receiving everything he needs and his remaining days will be happy and bright thanks to all of you.
There was a slight hiccup when a heart murmur was detected when he went in for his dental surgery, and the decision was made to delay the surgery to make sure he (his heart) can undergo the dental surgery for his broken teeth extractions. He is scheduled for a cardio work-up and that will allow us to determine when he can have his dental surgery. X-rays give us great hope he will be able to tolerate the anesthesia, but we will make sure with the cardio work-up.
In the meantime he gets his arthritis medication and is feeling like a young buck. We know this spring will be his best ever! His life is ahead of him, cared for, loved and perhaps less a few teeth, but we are sure it is a price he is certainly willing to pay!
Thank you all. You made it happen for Theo. He is here and well because you cared.
A special thank you to Ruth Ann. Theo’s friends are everywhere. Your generosity and sincerity in making a difference for this little guy is so very much appreciated. You made a tremendous difference and we thank you.
Folk will know how large your soul is; by the way you treat a dog!
Charles F. Doran
Theo's Story
Meet Theo, a 12 year old heeler cross that was to be euthanized at a shelter. Theo was dumped by his owners, perhaps because he was getting old and needed some major medical care. He lived on bare concrete for three weeks. Before we saved him, he had nothing warm to stand or lie on and was passed by and overlooked every day, probably due to his age and bad condition. His four canines are broken along with some of his smaller front teeth. We think he might have been kicked in the face. All of the broken teeth will need to be removed. Some of his roots are exposed so we can only imagine how hard it is to eat normal kibble. Along with the extractions he will get his teeth cleaned, and we hope there are no surprises under those bad teeth when they come out. For now we soften his kibble with warm water and add canned food to make it easier for him to eat.
When we got Theo from the shelter he could barely walk and his two front legs kept collapsing. He was anxious, fearful and startled by everything. He has arthritis in his lower back and in his hind legs, with his right hind leg being the worst. He’s lumpy and he’s bumpy and we will need to aspirate a few of the lumps to make sure they are not cancerous. We need to run some blood work to make sure there is nothing lurking. He is hard of hearing but his eye sight is still good! But, regardless of all his ailments, we know he is a worthy save. He has been out for only two weeks and already the light is back in his eyes, and he is quite the character at his foster’s home.
With your help, we can make sure Theo gets what he needs now to live his remaining years in good health with the ability to bite into a treat without pain. We can make sure his arthritis doesn’t hold him back and that he receives lots of great supplements, along with anti-inflammatory medication, to keep him agile and relatively pain-free. And most importantly, we can make sure he has a warm bed and lots of love and attention. We can . . . with your help.
We have discovered that Theo is perfect on leash and is quite the social boy at the local park. Where Theo once had no hope, he now has plenty! His eyes are brighter and his walk is surer. He often waits for Zeus, the big boy at his foster home, to catch up to him on walks, and he rambles along happily beside his foster mom. He has mastered the doggie door and will never again be lying on cold concrete. He has found he adores his doggy bed and will circle, circle and circle, until he lays down with a huge contented sigh. We think he has already shed years and is probably receiving more care and love than he ever has in his life.