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Obadiah came into rescue on Valentine's Day this year. We didn't realize we would be getting a big heart with feet as a gift! Obi is a true gem. He is well trained and doesn't even counter surf! He can play Frisbee better than any herding dog we have seen! His only downfall was his heartworm test - positive. Obi's previous owners did not believe in vaccinating a "healthy" dog!

Obi's foster mom, Katherine, has fostered many dogs for ESRA, but Obi is "special", and she just can't resist his charms. It was obvious from the start that Obi had potential! Obi immediately bonded with his foster home's current Springer and two cats.

Obi started his heartworm treatment 1 week into his foster home. Three weeks after his first treatment, he began coughing blood and was rushed to the vet. They took blood from his neck and found he had no clotting factors meaning he was "bleeding out" internally. Within two hours, he didn't have a chance to live unless he was transferred to an ICU hospital where he could receive blood transfusions and hope to get new clotting factors. Even then, the diagnosis was grave, at best. We didn't hesitate to give this dog a third chance at life!

Since then, Obi has had four blood transfusions and one surgery. When they took blood from his jugular vein, the vein would not stop bleeding. Surgery to repair the vein found something next to it which had been poked when blood was originally taken. A mass the size of two pencil erasers together was removed and the bleeding subsided.

Obi hopes to come home in a few days. His dog and cats really miss him as do the neighbors that have become so attached to him! Stay tuned for updates, and please pray the mass is not cancerous!!!

Update, March 28, 2004: From foster mom Katherine: "He is home. Hooray! Lots of staples in his neck from surgery yesterday and we are waiting for the pathology results from the mass they removed. He will be in “rehab” for a couple of days at my regular vet, starting tomorrow through Wednesday morning. My husband and I are both out of town and want to make sure his wound is really well-watched".

This is my only pic of him home so far, except for yucky ones. He was playing "super dog" in the back yard. I had to put a towel around his neck so he wouldn't scratch out the staples. He will not sit still for me to take pictures. He keeps coming up to me with his butt wagging! Thanks to Kathy for the towel idea!

Update, April 2, 2004: We received excellent news today – the mass removed from Obi’s neck was a blood clot! HOORAY! Obi is also free of microfilaria or “baby heartworms.” There are two sessions to heartworm treatment, and the doctors are collaborating on Obi’s second. Whatever they decide, it will be months before Obi is completely recovered enough to start the treatment. (And more bills … UGH!) Obi sends big slopping dog kisses to his sponsors and people who have been praying for him!

Watch this page for more updates to Obi's progress.

Contact: Kathy Patterson springerhelpnc@yahoo.com

Click Here To Sponsor Obi

OBADIAH'S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE:
Cathryne Slaughter	From Maggie and Mr Barney - Get well soon!
Roy & Barbara Ross
Rick & Janet Siegert	For Ellie, who we rescued and love very much.
Vicki Roenspiess	In honor of JJ, who adopted ME three years ago thru ESRA!
Louisa Arendt
Katherine Nicely-Vanover	We love you Obi! Piede, Bubba, Maddie & The Phish!
Steven A. Benko
Diane Stirewalt	In memory of Dutchess.
Mark Russell
Lynn Willis
Nancy A Nieman	Greetings from Reggie.
Laurel Fagg	In memory of Abby. Obi, you remind me of the best Springer there ever was.
Leslie Richardson and           Robert Stickney
Dorine Lunceford	In memory of Mackie.
Ashley Hawkins	Thanks to Mary Baker for her wonderful dedication to fostering Springers. She fostered my dad's dog, Sam, and we have been so blessed by him. Thanks to Kathy Patterson as well, for all of your hard work and all that you do for the Springers of NC/SC.
The Taylors	In memory of Ringo.
Susan Barnoff	Our Springer Spaniel "Maverick" is also a gem. Bless you for fostering and saving Obi.
Caryn Carpenter	In memory of Foster, whose love and woos touched so many!
Bill Lipman	Get well soon! There's nothing like a rescue Springer! Love, Bill & Rory
Judy Davidson	In memory of Max, our beloved 13 year old Springer.
Mary Lorenz