Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Ain't Love Grand
When another shelter asks us for help we try to do our best to accomodate. I got a call from one of our local county shelters asking if I was interested in a pair of chihuahuas that they could not place due to medical issues. The young female had some kind of large lump on her abdomen and the older (over 8 years old) male had the beginnings of possible heart failure.Well, I was pretty sure the old guy was not going to be an adoption candidate, but when they told me that the female had been with him her whole life I said why not...send them both. My logic was to let them keep each other company while we evaluated their medical issues. I didn't want to have to separate them and have the old guy be alone for the last days of his life.
The next day, in walked Jackie and Bobbi! The cutest set of chi-chi's ever. Friendly and social they would lick the faces of anyone they met. True to the breed they will set off barking when bigger dogs come by saying "I could take them all on!" They were like an old married couple...sleeping together, playing with each other, and occassionally bickering.
It was determined by our veterinarian Dr. A. that Bobbi, the old male, really did have a heart murmur and some fluid around his heart. He also had a terrible set of teeth and was long overdue a dental cleaning. Figuring that his blood panel (all older animals receive a blood panel and full vet exam here at the shelter) would show other issues, and that we would not be able to place him the vet put him on some heart medicine to help his heart work easier so that he could keep Jackie company until she was ready for adoption. Jackie needed a surgery to repair the hernia she had (that is what the lump was).
Surprises never cease...Bobbi's blood panel came back and looked pretty good. He was in good spirits and active. He sure didn't act like a dog with heart failure. Dr. A. prescribed another heart medication and we scheduled him for a dental cleaning with extractions. If he survived being under anesthesia he would have a shot at adoption!
Both Bobbi and Jackie came through with flying colors. They are now happily barking at anyone "brave" enough to come by their kennel in adoptions. They are searching for someone who can appreciate the love they have for one another and the love and entertainment they are both going to provide some special family.
