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Moses - Burbank, CA ESRA # 2003-391CA
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September 3,
2003
Gone to rainbow Bridge, March 2, 2008.
Moses
is a perfect example of why we need to have organizations like ESRA. Moses
was picked up as a stray and ended up at an animal shelter in Los Angeles.
He was very underweight, had infections in both eyes, toenails so long
they made walking difficult, and a skin condition that caused him to lose
most of his fur. An ESRA volunteer was notified he was there, and when
he was first evaluated it was heartbreaking. His skin looked awful, he
was itchy, and he gazed out the gate of his hospital cage with the saddest
eyes you can possibly imagine.
Fortunately, the shelter's staff was looking out for Moses. They bathed him, started treatment for suspected mange, and gave him some mild sedatives to help him cope with the discomfort. When he became available three days later, we pulled him and took him immediately to the vet to diagnose his ailments and plan his treatment. Surprisingly enough, six skin scrapings all tested negative for the mites that cause mange--Moses's skin problems appear to have been caused by long-term neglect of allergies that led to a secondary yeast infection. The vet trimmed those awful toenails, took blood and fecal samples for thyroid problems, heartworms, and internal parasites, and then sent him home with prescriptions for lots of medication and lots of TLC. Provided Moses's lab work doesn't indicate an underlying thyroid problem, his care will include twice-weekly baths with a medicated shampoo and rinse. He'll also get antibiotics to combat his infected skin, and anti-inflammatory drugs to assist its healing. He may also be devloping kennel cough, so we'll be watching him closely to make sure he gets over it with no serious complications.
Fortunately,
you couldn't have a more compliant patient. Moses takes his pills and
baths like a trooper, and he LOVES the attention. He's great with other
dogs, a perfect gentleman in the house, and friendly with anybody he meets.
He's surprisingly cheerful in spite of his health issues, and even wanted
to play tug with his leash in the vet's office. And while he's in very
poor shape now, his prognosis is excellent and we're looking forward to
seeing him improve over the coming months. Check back often for updates
on this very special boy!
UPDATE! 8/27/2003 (from Moses's foster mom):
Moses is doing GREAT! His fur is growing in, he looks far more normal,
and his skin is completely healed. He's been eating a hypo-allergenic
diet (and it seems as though--much to our surprise--a widely available
lamb and rice formula is working wonderfully), getting twice-weekly medicated
baths, and has been on medication to supplement his thyroid levels. Given
his rapid improvement, we expect that he'll be able to stop needing the
thyroid medication very soon.
Moses
is also living up to all expectations in terms of his disposition; he
loves people, appears to like kids, and is great with his foster brothers
and sister. He's a very vocal boy, and although we appreciate his enthusiastic
barking when people come home or at mealtimes, we're gently working on
reducing the intensity of this trait. It's cute, though... Moses has been
to the dog beach twice now, and there was no mistaking the meaning of
his barking as he trotted after the other dogs in the surf: it was pure,
unabashed joy.
This latest picture, taken last night, gives a hint about his playful
personality. The friend who snapped it insists he was begging for a treat,
but I'm pretty sure he was blowing me a raspberry.
Moses is ready now to make the transition to a forever home, so we'll
be looking for the perfect family for him. Thank you to all his sponsors
for making this possible!
Contact: Leanne Powers saxdiva@earthlink.net
| MOSES' GENEROUS SPONSORS: | |
 Cathryne
Slaughter |
In honor of Maggie, my best friend |
| Cassandra
Sammons |
With love from Grizzly and Buddha |
| Lisa
Collins |
In honor of our rescue dog, Misha |
| Rosemary
Elden |
In memory of my beautiful Holly |
| Palma
Friery |
|
| Lucia
McCamey |
In memory of MacGyver |
| Judie
& Lee Lemsky |
With love, from Belle & Amber |
| Sue
Schulte |
In memory of Lori |
| Bob
Knell |
In memory of my little pal Rose and my best friend Samantha |