I have always had a huge soft spot and heart for the older ones, the dogs that their humans loved when they were puppies but failed in what should be their golden years. They are the ones that others look past when looking to adopt, scared of only having them a few years before losing them. They are the ones that rescues are afraid to commit to, not knowing what their medical bills may entail.
I can certainly say that I see dogs like this differently. I see an amazing chance to right the wrongs. I see an opportunity to give some of the best quality time we can to dogs that give us so much love and devotion. I see gentle souls that need beds to sleep in and the warmth of the sun to lay in.
Requests come in frequently to help dogs, unfortunately we just don't have enough foster homes and resources to help them all. But some just pull you in...you keep going back to the pictures or videos and find yourself not being able to say no. That's exactly what this photo of Roger did to me when it was sent to me by a local animal control officer and animal shelter (Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter).
As soon as we were able to, we headed to the shelter to pick him up. After learning that he had some blood in his urine at the shelter we took him straight to our vet where the baseline testing he got looked better than expected. We got him started on a high quality diet and antibiotics to help the awful skin infection he had.
We followed up with additional blood testing that showed some concerning health issues. Without knowing much about his history, putting together the puzzle of how much is medical issues and how much was lack of care/neglect was a bit of a challenge.
After a change in antibiotics and medicated bathing every 2-3 weeks for his skin condition, things seem to be headed in the right direction. Roger will be getting his bloodwork rechecked again in the coming week and we are crossing our fingers for an improvement in results.
Over the past couple of weeks having Roger, he really is coming out of his shell! He absolutely adores chew items (bully sticks, stuffed kongs, etc.) and loves short play sessions before he gets bored and would rather hang out on the couch. He sure is a snuggle guy who loves taking couch naps beside his humans. And he really is my shadow, whatever I am he usually is not far behind.
"Bull(y) in a China Shop" also sums him up perfectly! He is working on his house manners, which is a sad thought considering his age. It makes us wonder even more what his history was like. But he is a smart boy who is willing to learn. Currently working on "stay" and "wait", he knows how to "sit."
If we have been blessed with better bloodwork, he will get on the schedule for his neuter and dental work. From there we hope he will be able to start the search for his forever home.
It is such amazing thing to witness...the number of wonderful people, strangers and not, who have donated so far to the care of Roger. I don't think that words will ever be able to express what that means to us. Every penny donated for his expenses so far have gone directly to him specifically. He still has more medical expenses to come to get him to the adoptable point we hope he can make it to.
Whether they be monetary donations or physical items, each and every single one is appreciated. If Roger could thank you all with a kiss, I promise you that he would.
We will continue to take donations for his care and keep updating as things go.
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I met Roger and I was the one who choose his name.