Happy Thanksgiving (11/28/08)

I had a nice Thanksgiving although I did not get any Turkey or Pumkin Pie (I tried my pitiful look, but they are on to me). My Foster Grandmother came to visit and she really liked me. She took me on a couple of walks while she was visiting. She said that I was a great little walking companion. I had more blood work Thanksgiving week and my platelet count has dropped, so I have to stay on high doses of the Predinsone and go back again for a recheck in 2 weeks. I know I am sounding like a broken record, but that's the fact Jack! I am praying for a Christmas miracle that I can beat this and start my Heartworm treatment soon, so I can find my forever home. I have a lot of affection and devotion to give, and I am ready for my new life. However, this Thanksgiving I am focusing on what I am fortunate to have. I am thankful that I have a roof over my head, a warm place to sleep, lots of biscuits, and for kind people who donated money toward my medical expenses. Oh, and did I mention lots of biscuits? I am also thankful for my Doctor's patience in helping me tackle my medical problems. Finally, thank you for caring for me and for God's creatures.

Better News (11/15/08)

My Foster Mommy took me to the Doc AGAIN yesterday for more blood work. I got better news on this round that my platelet count has increased. It is still low, but I get to cut back on my Prednisone which I am glad about. The only thing I can think about when I am on Prednisone is food, biscuits and of course water! I think my Foster Mother is confused about the water part...I want lots of water but not water to swim in, water to drink. She dunked me in the laundry room sink and covered me in bubbles--that was way more water than I was wanting.

Rub-a-dub-dub, Tucker in the Tub

Good News and Not So Good News 11/3/08

Sorry that it has been awhile since I have updated my blog. I have not had much to share lately that is good news, except that the little alien, Barney got adopted. Wow, that was fast. He was only in foster care for 2 weeks--that has to be a record. My Foster Mother tells me he went to a great home in High Point and now has an older brother who is also a Puggle. Here is a picture his new parents emailed us of Raleigh and Barney. Barney is even mimicking Raleigh while he is sleeping. I guess Raleigh doesn't mind having a "copy-cat" brother! I hear they play and run around like wild indians all the time.

The bad news is I had more blood work and my platelet count has dropped dangerously low. So now I am mega doses of Prednisone. Boy does that stuff make me hungry and thirsty! I hope this helps.

Barney--A New Foster Brother 10/20/08

My Foster Mother showed up Saturday with the funniest looking thing I have EVER seen. I thought it was an alien at first until I sniffed it and realize that it was a puppy--maybe a pug/beagle mix--I think his lineage is very questionable (perhaps THERE IS AN ALIEN in his family tree). His family lost their home so he had no where to live and was on his way to the animal shelter when he was rescued by ARFP--I told him that I ended up in an animal shelter it was very scary, so I am glad he did not have the same bad experience I did.

As far as little brothers go, I guess he is okay except everything I do, HE DOES--I find that a little bit annoying. I cannot even go the bathroom in peace without him standing right next to me. I think he has been so close to me a few times that I have peed on him--oops, hatin' it for him! If I explore around the yard, he has to. When I decide I want to come inside, he does too--agrhhhhhh. Are all little brothers copy-cats? Well, I guess he just needs a role model and what better one than me? I will try not to teach him any bad habits--he, he he. Perhaps he will get adopted before he learns too many wild and crazy things from copying me!

Another Trip to the Vet 10/14-15/08

I am becoming a regular at Summerfield Vet Hospital. I think they are going to give me my own parking space soon--that will mean that I just need a car. I hope my foster parents will get me a car. I think that I am smart enough to learn how to drive one. Susan at the reception desk at the Vet's office said every time she sees me my tail is wagging--"isn't that what dogs are supposed to do?" Here I am waiting to go back to have more blood tests and then up on exam table for my almost weekly bloodletting.

The results came back on my bloodwork and it was not too encouraging. I still cannot start treatment to get rid of those nasty heartworms--bummer. I have to stay on my medicine (which I take like a good boy becasue my Foster Mommy wraps the pills in something yummy) and then go back to the Doc in two more weeks to see if my platelet count and my liver are any better. Please keep me in your prayers. I am going to beat this!

Making New Friends...10/10/08

My visit at Aunt Sharon's is great so far! Yesterday I was on TV and then got to spend the day with Rerun. Rerun is a foster dog too. He is a one year old puppy with a German Shepherd head and really, really, short legs. He's funny! Rerun spent the night with us last night b/c he got to go on Channel 2 this morning as Pet of the Week. (If you want to see Rerun's debut click on this link: http://www.digtriad.com/video/default.aspx?mid=884664188). I'm taking my medicine really good and I'm eating like a little pig Aunt Sharon says. Here I am on Aunt Sharon's deck this morning...I wish it would quit raining and the sun would come out!

Sleep-Over...10/8/08

My Foster Mommy went out of town for a few days so I am on a sleep-over at Sharon's house. Sharon is the ARFP Executive Director (fancy title, but as far as I can tell she scoops poop, cleans litter pans and types on the computer). The cool thing about that is I got to meet some new dogs and cats, plus I got to be on TV again. I am really liking the celebrity life. If you want to see me click on the on this link
http://news14.com/content/top_stories/600277/big-puppy-adoption-event-scheduled/Default.aspx. Once again, I think I was the star of the show.

To the Doc, again...10/1/08

My Foster Daddy took me to see the Doc again today to get more blood drawn to check my platelet count (whatever that is…something about if my platelets are too low, my blood will not clot properly). We got some good news that my platelets are increasing and heading toward normal ranges. My Doc wants me to continue on my medications for the next couple of weeks and then check my blood work again to see if my platelets are still improving and if my liver is better.

TV Star--9/26/08

I had a great day today--I got to be on TV. My Foster Mother took me with her to the Channel 2 Good Morning show to help promote the free rabies clinic that The Animal Rescue & Foster Program was doing on Saturday in conjunction with Animal Control. I think I stole the show! Then I got to go to work with my Foster Mommy. I hung out in her office all day and met all kinds of people. I was a very good boy and liked all the attention that I got. I wish I could go to work with her every day. Perhaps she will take me again.

Visit to the Doc...9/22/08

I went to the doctor today and had blood drawn, x-rays and had complete physical exam. Everyone at the vet office thought I was cute and said what a good patient I was. They sent me home with 4 different kinds of medicine. I am not healthy enough for heartworm treatment right now, even though I have an advanced stage of heartworms. On top of that, I have a serious heart murmur, am anemic, and have some liver, skin and ear problems. I have to go back again Wednesday to have more blood drawn. If things do not look any worse, then I will continue on my medicine for the next couple of weeks and have blood work again. Hopefully, I will get some good news on my next visit to Dr. Thomas. I can tell you that I am the happiest I have been in a long time and that I feel pretty good. Please keep me in your prayers because I am at the beginning of a long journey.

Recharging my batteries...9/19/08

I spent a restful week at Jean's house getting regular meals and meeting her dogs. I like other dogs and am very friendly. My ARFP Foster Mommy picked me up tonight from Jean. Everyone thinks I am a Snoodle (combination of a Schnauzer and a Poodle). Here is a picture of me when I arrived at my foster home. Aren't I a cutie?

I AM FREE...9/12/08

I am free!!! I woman named Jean came into the RCAS right before closing time today and rescued me from the animal shelter. She told me not to worry that I was going to be safe now and get all the medical care I need thanks to some very generous people who want me to get well. I am so glad to be out of that scary place. Today is the beginning of my new life.

Crossing my Paws--9/10/08

Bad news—I tested positive for heartworms so the rescue group that was interested in me will not take me because it is an expensive treatment. The shelter director said all was not lost because she was not going to give up on me because she thinks I am special. She called the Animal Rescue & Foster Program and asked them to take me. I have my paws crossed they say “yes!”

Waiting..9/9/08

I am still here at the RCAS. I heard talk that a rescue group might get me out of this place. The shelter director took me out and drew some blood to find out if I have heartworms. I sure hope I don’t have those.

Sad Day--Earlier in September

I don't really know how or why I ended up in the Rockingham County Animal Shelter (RCAS). One day I was just living in someone's backyard and the next day I was in a dog run at the RCAS. I am hoping that I will not be here long. I have to share a cage with 4 other dogs and it is a very noisy place. I don’t really understand what is happening.