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Golden Hearts Animal Sanctuary |
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A Sanctuary For Elderly & Special Needs Animals |
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Sparky |
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A second chance really came to this handsome elder gentleman. The kind folks at the SD South County Animal Shelter plus the hard work of Penny Adams at the Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals saved his life in January. Known as "Scooter" at the shelter, this old-timer started 2007 off with tragedy in his life. He and his previous animal family found themselves in the shelter after their owner committed suicide. Scooter's huge list of medical problems unfortunately ranked him high on the euthanasia list, low on the adoptability list. On a cold, grey Monday it was decided his time was up, but Penny pleaded for an extra day; she & I talked, and I agreed to go down to the shelter to meet him the next afternoon. The staff at the shelter was surprised someone would even be interested in looking at him, but they were very helpful and answered all of my questions. So stiff he could barely get up, he greeted me at the shelter with a half-hearted tail wag. His ears were oily due to the ear medication he had been receiving, his eyes were cloudy, his teeth covered with tartar, and his weight - well, he was grossly overweight (a whopping 98lbs.!) Pressure sores sat infected on his hindquarters and his elbows. He also required assistance in getting up due to severe arthritis. And his attitude ~ he knew this was his last stop - the life in his eyes was fading, he had given up. How could I say no? If there was ever anyone who deserves a soft bed at the sanctuary.... The car ride home from Bonita to Valley Center was a long one, and he nervously sat up and watched the road fly by for the entire trip. He met the other dogs without incident, his mellow personality blended right in. His first few nights home with us were difficult to watch. He wanted to love and be loved so much, but he held back - is this real? I'm sure he wondered. He would spend the evening not in the living room with the family watching tv or playing, but in the kitchen until I could coax him onto a softer bed for "lights out". He also sat and cried, very quietly, and panted, very nervously. Healing Touch for Animals worked amazingly to quiet and calm him, and "ground" him too. He needed it every night for the first week or so, and somewhere in there, a change took place. In the evening, he made his way into the living room, at first for only a few seconds, then an hour or so; now he loves to be where we are, and barks if he's not. He also puts himself in bed at 9pm every night! His labwork showed he's hypothyroid, so he began medication for that, as well as Adequan, which works similarly to glucosamine/chondroitin supplements (more expensive and injectable but works well). His daily routine now includes twice a day walks with Luna (she's quite the drill sergeant!) and he can now make it up and down our driveway without having to stop and lay down. He also plays with all of the dogs, and really enjoys destroying tennis balls, especially if he steals one from Tess! His pressure sores, his ears, his teeth, and his spirit are healed... and his new name - Sparky! There's a sparkle in his eyes now too, and I think he finally knows that yes, this is forever!
Update February 20, 2008 ~ Sparky passed away this morning, after a courageous battle with cancer in his chest, which was diagnosed while he was healing from a torn knee ligament. We will miss this kind, fuzzy teddy bear ~ Rest in peace sweet spirit....
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