Sunday, January 30, 2011

Progress

I think putting Amy Winehouse through rehab would be cheaper than rehabilitating this dog... unlike Amy, if rehab doesn't work he will get put down, I said no, no, no.    In an attempt to tip the odds in our favour I have upped the ante with his nutrition.  Vets Choice dog food is out, and Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy food is in (nogal), with 7.5ml of Efazol once daily. 


Although there is no noticeable change in his physical condition he is definitely happier.  He has noticed the toys in the garden, unsurprisingly his favourite being a stinky cow hoof which he tosses up and rolls around with.  He got hold of a cardboard box today and seemed to have loads of fun ripping it to shreds (pity he can't pick up the pieces off the lawn).  He also has a tennis ball but went into some sort of canine shell shock when I threw it (probably flash back to being pelted with stones), if I kick it across the lawn he will sometimes chase it, paw at it and occasionally pick it up.  


There is no sign of any improvement in the mange but apparently I need to wait a while for the ProMeris to kick in.  My housemate is friends with a vet so I am going to try and arrange a skin scrape and general checkup, see if there are any injections or anything else we can do etc.  It will be great when he starts to get a new coat of healthy fur, partly because he will no longer look like a zombie and partly because I will be able to give him a bath.  The name 'Smelly' remains for now...

6 comments:

  1. Good luck - I think it will be very inspirational to other animal lovers (and hopefully potential foster parents) to follow this story. Here's hoping for a very happy ending!

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  2. WOW - in just a few days you can already see the transformation from timid, unhappy dog in the first pictures, to happy smiley dog in the update. Well done and you'll be amazed at the results. from one foster to another.

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  3. Remember "all good things are worth waiting for" and with all you are putting in his story is bound to be a success!!! Thank you on behalf of all dogs (and cats) that find themselves in a situation where someone like you literally save their lives by simply giving them all they need to recover and be the best they can be! X

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  4. Before you know it you will be looking back and saying WOW! I had a sarcoptic mange foster puppy named Autumn who arrived with no hair and a broken spirit and left for her new family a changed dog, inside and out. You are doing an AMAZING thing for this little boy (although you could work on the name) :-) and he will be eternally grateful to you. Keep up the good work and I can't wait for the next update (hopefully showcasing his new name) xxx

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  5. Brilliant idea to blog about your "Extreme Makeover: Dog Edition"!!!

    My AT foster pup ended up with a broken leg a mere 5 days into her stay with us.(My Boxer decided to go flying and used her as a landing pad)
    The first few days were HECTIC but we survived and you will too.
    I look at Annie now, sprinting after her Boxer BFF, with a teensy bit of pride that our "pet project" has become a beautiful, affectionate and downright hilarious happy LabX with her uber-cool Ridgeback mowhawk.

    Best of luck to you and "Smelly"!

    P.S. He looks like something out of Lord of the Rings. Why not name him after one of the characters? Just a suggestion :-)

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  6. Hey Richard, my sister Sharon (ex colleague of yours) sent me your blog link - just want to say that I think you are doing an amaaaaazing thing! Well done & I wish you all the best. Will be following the story!

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