June 30, 2007 - I went to take Maleah out this morning to go potty, and she looked at me as if to say “5 more minutes?” I coaxed her outside and she did both jobs. As soon as she was finished, by golly, she was ready to go back inside! She had no complaints with heading back through the front door, that’s for sure.
She’s was very alert today and ate a good portion of food. She’s enjoying those treats, too! I’m giving her Flax Seed Oil with Omegas 3,6, & 9, “Treatamins” by Dr Goodpet, and she’s eating “Nature’s Logic.” She’s also getting her antibiotics. I’m going to get some “Maximum Protection” by Dr Goodpet, as well…that stuff is fabulous! Of course she’ll get all the treats she wants, as well!!
Unfortunately, she now has bilateral ear hematomas. I guess she shook her head too much last night because she didn’t have them yesterday. That’s an additional fun surgery that she’ll have to endure…*sigh….just what she needed.
Bath wasn’t the best part of the day…she didn’t love it, to say the least. She stressed herself out pretty bad and had a horrendous cough attack. She looks so much better, though! I used a medicated shampoo, so it got rid of all the junk and yeast on her. She actually looks clean! She’s sooooooo tired, though. She’s zonked now as a result. She was most annoyed that I wanted to take pictures of her…the look said it all. She wanted to SLEEP!!
All in all it was a good day. Rest is important for her right now, so she’s getting all she can. She is interested and wagging her tail when she sees the other dogs in the distance. Unfortunately she has to wait before she can mingle. I look forward to her spending time w/them, however, as generally other animals do a great deal for the special needs dogs and aid in their recuperation a great deal. …But for now we’ll rest.
June 29, 2007 - I met David today, the transport volunteer, and picked up the Pyr I was taking into rescue. I had visions of her appearance, especially after seeing her picture, and wondered if the photo made it look worse or better. I wondered her weight and age, and thought about all I needed to do to improve her health. I was so anxious last night I couldn’t sleep, for I just wanted to get her, put my arms around that poor baby, and bring her to safety.
David was so kind to her and handled her gently. I was grateful for his assistance, as she was so fragile. When he opened the back of his SUV, I saw her lying there, curled up in a ball, and my heart went out to her. He said she’d slept the entire trip. I had to touch her and let her know she was okay, so I rubbed her naked little head and said hello. She was warm, so I assumed she had a fever. She reeked of infection and yeast, and simply looked horrid. You could tell she was exhausted as she coughed wearily. The look in her eye, however, gave off a faint spark, and I knew without question that helping her was the right thing. We gave her a potty break, placed her into my car, and my new rescue and I were on our way.
I decided to name her Maleah because it meant “Unique Little Girl/Beautiful Young Woman” and quite simply had a lovely ring to it…it was beautiful, just like her.
The travel back was less than desirable due to what I swore was a Monsoon! I prayed for the wind and rain to lessen, and for no tornados, so I could get her to the veterinarian. We were delayed a significant amount of time, but finally made it. When I arrived everyone looked at her in surprise…”poor baby!” was the first thing that came out of their mouths. They placed us in a room and the fun began…there was this neat little thing called a “treat.” Miss Maleah came alive! She couldn’t get enough of those…she was in total heaven munching on the treats! She even counter surfed looking for more. She then began exploring, and even knocked the door out of my hands so she could trot around the hospital…tail wagging the entire time!
Dr Myers came into the room and said “Oh my gosh….” He then bent down and began to baby talk her, gently rubbing her face. She immediately wagged her tail in response. We went about a thorough check up, and Miss Maleah was ready to go home. We were to continue treatment for her sarcoptic mange, meds for her skin and kennel cough, give her a medicated bath, and deworm her. Thankfully she was heartworm negative! YEAH!!!
I finally made it home…it had been a long journey, but one well worth it. Maleah heard the other dogs barking and you could tell she wondered what was taking place. I carried her inside, and she positively responded to the home-like atmosphere. Her crate was waiting, prepared for her arrival with a soft blanket inside. After a big day of travel and attention, Maleah was exhausted, so I placed her in her crate. It was good to see her in my home…all I wanted to do was hold her, but I knew she had to rest. She then ate and drank well, and snuggled into her kennel with her blanket and stuffed bunny…she fell asleep right away.
I sat and watched her, amazed that she was still alive, still alert, still wagging her tail and responding to the human voice and touch without anger. She was an amazing girl with a lot of fight left in her…I was in awe. Then, before I turned out the light, I whispered…”Your safe, sweetie…you don’t ever have to worry again…I promise.”