This story is about a little Shitzu named "Keoshi" he is approximately 1-3 years of age.
I was at the pound last Friday, checking on what I could take or could alert other rescues, as to what was there waiting, to hopefully get out, when I came upon the little matted black and white dog.
Scared to death, sitting in a corner shaking, sharing a run with other dogs.
I took a look at his paperwork and saw that he was surrendered and was heartworm positive.
My heart sank.. It made me so sad, for with our kennel expansion and all the new special needs dogs here, I just couldn't financially see how I could get treatment for him. Treatment for heartworm can be 4 to 8 hundred dollars.
Many times I have to leave dogs behind, because of the dollars involved for their treatment.
The questions usually are, do I save one special needs or 10 to 15 dogs that can be more easily treated?
It is such a hard thing for me emotionally.
I try to help all, but have to balance the numbers and be realistic about how much we can financially handle.
As I asked more about why this dog was surrendered and not treated, I learned his owner is homeless.
"Keoshi's" face haunted me all weekend.
The thought of how being homeless could happen to anyone.
Many of us are only a few paychecks away from being homeless.
The thought of how hard it must have been for his owner to give him up, to be put to sleep, so he wouldn't suffer the end result of having heartworms made me cry.
I called the vets in the area and found out he was indeed tested for heartworm and could not afford the treatment.
The dog was fixed, so you know the man is responsible for his pet.
Wednesday came and thoughts of the dog were with me as I entered the pound.
He would have been put to sleep this day.
As I went thru, there he was... I couldn't believe it..
I took it as a sign and decided to take him to the vet to see what we could do.
He tried to bite me, several times, scared out of his mind. After I had him for about an hour he was much better.
We did a heartworm test, it is positive, got him groomed, x-rays and blood work. His outlook is good.
I just have to raise the money to treat him. He can't be treated till I get back from Arizona, for he has an infection that we have to clear up first.
Then after treatment, he has to be confined to a crate for 6 weeks, the only activity he will be able to do is to go potty on leash and back to his crate. If his heart rate is elevated due to activity, it can kill him.
I know the owners name and with a little luck I'll be able to find him and tell him, that when he gets back on his feet he can have the dog back. Seems only the right thing to do. It would kill me if this would have happened to me...
This dog misses him terribly..
I often try to walk in others shoes. Life is such a journey.. We often take for granted the daily gifts, the love that surrounds us and the simple pleasures. I hope after reading this post, many will take a look at the day, say a prayer I can reunite this dog with his owner and hug your pets, they are lucky to have you.
Please also have your pets on heartworm preventative.. It is so important..
When I get back from Arizona I will be working on the remainder of the art auction.
With Chris here now, I hopefully will have some time to catch up..
The upcoming posts I want to introduce you to some fabulous rescuers who are my friends.
They are such amazing women, I want to honor them by telling others about their rescues.
Leaving to transport up north tomorrow..
Nitey nite..
I have some things on my etsy store to help you raise money. I have the cutest book for sale (proceeds will be donated to you)on how to build adorable dog houses.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6610294
Debbie
Get well, little Keoshi!
I read your blog all the way through, incredible and so touching! I have just adopted a third dog from the Humane Society here in the Dallas area and I must say they make the most incredible pets. Our latest one is a lab/pit mix(his pic is on my July blog along with his buddies) and we just adore this smart little fella. I am a single mom on a very, very limited budget, but to think of life with out dogs by my side would be so depressing! I wish I could adopt more...maybe after my kids get through college, that can be my calling. My life is like a three ring circus, so one more animal will only add to the entertainment! My daughter volunteers at the shelter every chance she gets and would take home every one if she could. We are making some pieces for the DFW Humane Society Black Collar event and will make some for your auction too! If you have any suggestions as to what brings more, I am all ears! Thank you so much for commiting your life to this cause!!!-Sandra
The story about the poor man who had to give up his dog and the pictures of the little dog missing his old home are heartbreaking.
You are right in that this owner is not unique in being merely a few paychecks from disaster.
I hope they can be reunited soon!
Hugs and prayers.
http://blog.helpingpups.com
Would you like me to feature one of your pups that need rescue?
I think it's wonderful that you plan to try and get Keoshi back to their owners. They must be heartbroken....
Let me know, K?
Johann
I'm a dog lover as well, and I have two of my own. I rescued both dogs - one from a shelter and the other from the streets. They are both around 8 years old now. This has been a really tough year. Molly was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, and a large malignant tumor was found in Cruella's abdomen. Once it was removed, she developed peritonitis and nearly died from it. I've done everything to give them the best possible care. They mean the world to me! Fortunately, they are both doing quite well now!
I really wish I could adopt some of the dogs you care for, but I am spending thousands of dollars for vet visits already. But I would love to help you! I am co-founder of a blog called BlogsWeLuv. Check us out at blogsweluv.com. I plan to review your blog there, and hopefully it will drive a little traffic your way! :)
I'll let you know when my review is done. Would it be okay to post your blog banner at the top of my review?
Have a great day!
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