I'm organizing a raffle drawing to raise money for the little guy's procedure. Any extra we take in will go to the coffers of Homeward Trails so they can keep doing the great work they do.
To make this a success, I need your help. Yes you! So far, friends have donated:
-Homemade candy (from a super talented caterer friend)
-A private yoga lesson (from an awesome teacher who loves Theo--she can't adopt him bse she already has two beautiful pups)
-A collection of cookbooks signed by the authors (from a woman who has never even met Sweet Boy Theo, but reads his blog and knows how great he is. And no, it's not my mom)
-Homemade lipbalms and fair-trade African soap (a makeup artist friend)
Can you donate something? We'll get to the purchase of raffles once we have a boatload of great prizes on hand. Please feel free to donate even if you live outside of the DC/MD/VA area (the makeup donater is in Toronto!)--and please buy a raffle or twenty even if you live far away.
Post here if you can help out--or know any businesses that can.
Please spread the word! Have a heart for Theo and all the wonderful rescues !!
(And yes--you are also welcome to donate using the widget on the right!---->)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Theo's Vet Visit
Theo went to the vet last week. Theo had gotten his heartworm treatment at the shelter by the vet there - a nice man in California of all places kindly paid for his treatment. We brought him to the vet in DC to make sure that what he was given was all he needed.
Yep, the vet said but when she listened to his heart, she heard a heart murmur. So she took an x-ray of Theo's heart. The x-ray indicated that his heart was enlarged. This is fairly common with dogs with heartworm and often after treatment, the heart returns to a normal size. But because of the degree of enlargement AND the murmur, the vet thought that Theo should see a cardiologist. Two recommended cardiologists were kind enough to answer our questions on the phone and both agreed that Theo should see a cardiologist soon to get examined and have a echo cardiogram. This will give us a better idea about what's going on with Theo's heart. We are hoping that the murmur and enlargement are from the heartworm and will be diminish after as the heartworms die. We'll know more soon.
This will be an expensive vet visit and so we are hoping to raise some funds and get some sponsors for Theo. If you can help, please let me know and/or donate on Homeward Trails website or Theo's FirstGiving link. Be sure to indicate that it is for Theo. THANK YOU!!!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Leaps and Bounds
About my heart growing? It keeps on happening. Am going to need to find myself an understanding cardiologist pretty soon:
"Your foster dog just keeps coming out of his traumatized shell? He's a happier boy every day? This morning he actually rolled around on his back in joy? Yeah, it's no wonder your heart keeps expanding. That'll be $300 dollars after insurance, please."
Then again, maybe I'll just smile to myself and keep on walkin'.
"Your foster dog just keeps coming out of his traumatized shell? He's a happier boy every day? This morning he actually rolled around on his back in joy? Yeah, it's no wonder your heart keeps expanding. That'll be $300 dollars after insurance, please."
Then again, maybe I'll just smile to myself and keep on walkin'.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sweet Sweet Boy Misunderstands Sweets
Theo must realize he's sweet and mistakenly believe he needs to eat sweets to remain so. It's the only explanation I can come up with for his grabbing a box of treats and chowing down the other day.
I have to admit the first thing I said when I came across him on his belly in the kitchen eating the treats delicately, one at a time, was 'Well played, my friend.'
Then I put him in his crate for 2 minutes to think about what he had done.
Sweet, silly boy.
Seriously, most of the time, he's nothing but a pleasure. He just LOVES food. And who can blame him? He's a skinny guy and he's just doing what's served him well so far: Eating when he can. (That said, he's not food--or anything--aggressive.) He'll learn that his lonely days are over and food --and belly rubs and a warm place to sleep--will always be there for him from now on.
The sweet boy is heartworm positive; it's not uncommon in dogs like him who've seen the rougher side of life. His heart is slightly enlarged (again, not uncommon--I like to say he's the opposite of The Grinch). The meds he needs are working their way through his system and I can't wait til he's cleared to bound around (he's got to keep it to short walks for a few more weeks).
When he first came to stay, he was terrified of his own shadow. It's pure pleasure to see him realize he's safe and embrace life. The other day, he amazed me with his first 'play with me' bow to Bella. I swear, my heart grew at least a size seeing it.
The 'out-of-his shell' Theo loooooves belly rubs, sleeping in the closet, hanging out chewin' bully sticks and staring soulfully with his incredible brown eyes to solicit love from everyone.
Now all he needs is his forever home.
Support homeless animals--adopt, donate, foster, volunteer your time, spread the word.
Click on the paw print to learn more.
I have to admit the first thing I said when I came across him on his belly in the kitchen eating the treats delicately, one at a time, was 'Well played, my friend.'
Then I put him in his crate for 2 minutes to think about what he had done.
Sweet, silly boy.
Seriously, most of the time, he's nothing but a pleasure. He just LOVES food. And who can blame him? He's a skinny guy and he's just doing what's served him well so far: Eating when he can. (That said, he's not food--or anything--aggressive.) He'll learn that his lonely days are over and food --and belly rubs and a warm place to sleep--will always be there for him from now on.
The sweet boy is heartworm positive; it's not uncommon in dogs like him who've seen the rougher side of life. His heart is slightly enlarged (again, not uncommon--I like to say he's the opposite of The Grinch). The meds he needs are working their way through his system and I can't wait til he's cleared to bound around (he's got to keep it to short walks for a few more weeks).
When he first came to stay, he was terrified of his own shadow. It's pure pleasure to see him realize he's safe and embrace life. The other day, he amazed me with his first 'play with me' bow to Bella. I swear, my heart grew at least a size seeing it.
The 'out-of-his shell' Theo loooooves belly rubs, sleeping in the closet, hanging out chewin' bully sticks and staring soulfully with his incredible brown eyes to solicit love from everyone.
Now all he needs is his forever home.
Support homeless animals--adopt, donate, foster, volunteer your time, spread the word.
Click on the paw print to learn more.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cat Testing!
I'd fail cat testing myself (unless you can die of asthma and still pass) and heaven knows Bella would (let me attim!), but I'm hoping and praying that Sweet Boy Theo B. Underfoot passes.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Everything's Coming Up Roses
Theo is blossoming and it's wonderful to see. He was scared when he first came to stay--two weeks ago tomorrow--but he's really coming into his own and is a funny guy. He's amazingly accepting of the rules of the house (can't come on the bed--yes a chin on the blanket is allowed--we get our paws wiped before we get treats...) and sweet through and through.
Theo has anointed himself the neighborhood greeter. Once afraid of men, the sweet boy boldly approaches anyone--man, woman, child, other dog--and sits, blocking his way, wagging his tail, awaiting a pet. If the man, woman or child avoids him (how he could, I can't imagine), T looks briefly bewildered ('Did she not notice how cute I am?') before turning to greet the next person/dog. If he happens to notice a person too far ahead of us to reach, T bays in greeting ('Wait up! You gotta pet me!') Some have turned, alarmed. When they see me cracking up, they realize Theo is not in pain or angry, but just a character.
He's a big nester and has chosen my closet as his newest nest. I cannot stop laughing when I see his little head poking out from under the dry cleaning.
Theo has anointed himself the neighborhood greeter. Once afraid of men, the sweet boy boldly approaches anyone--man, woman, child, other dog--and sits, blocking his way, wagging his tail, awaiting a pet. If the man, woman or child avoids him (how he could, I can't imagine), T looks briefly bewildered ('Did she not notice how cute I am?') before turning to greet the next person/dog. If he happens to notice a person too far ahead of us to reach, T bays in greeting ('Wait up! You gotta pet me!') Some have turned, alarmed. When they see me cracking up, they realize Theo is not in pain or angry, but just a character.
He's a big nester and has chosen my closet as his newest nest. I cannot stop laughing when I see his little head poking out from under the dry cleaning.
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