Sorry! I've been pretty verbal lately.
So Kat. The dog is already spitting diamonds :)
He had to live outside in a small kennel and was never allowed in the house, was really skinny, filthy/stinky, and has a benign tumor on his toe that was bleeding/weeping. He was so stinky that my little 6 year-old neighbor walked by him outside and yelled, "OH! That dog is making me dead!!!"
His dad helped me get him into the tub so he could have a warm bath, and we used half a bottle of the large sized shampoo scrubbing him. The water was black. His coat was matted and chunks of fur came off. We took turns brushing him for 3 hours and filled up two large kitchen trash bags with fur.
At first, he was scared to come into the house because he's never known that luxury. He got use to it quick :) I've had a little trouble getting him to go out now to go potty because I think he's scared he will have to stay out there. So I have to sit outside with him until he knows I won't leave him-- then he'll go.
I have him scheduled for surgery for the tumor, and also scheduled with a groomer because despite the intense bath, he is still stinky (but ten times better).
Here are my diamonds. He won't leave my side and looks at me with those doggie eyes that only doggies can do. Pure love. Oy. More responsibility but worth it. I'm doing this to honor my dad, the hidden benefits are that my kids love him, he is saved, and I'm feeling the love from him, and I love him too.
My dad was released from the hospital today. He can have up to 5 years if he takes care of himself, or one week if he doesn't. So there's some anxiety there. My son is lined up for more tests. It's hard waiting for the specialists. It seems like we have to wait 6 weeks in between appointments for each. The next test is April 7 for the gastrointestinal camera. The next is with his cardioligist. He's already been CAT scanned, stress test for heart, 24 hour heart monitor, ultra sounded, had the barium swallow to look into his stomach, and we even took him to a chiropractor in desperation who actually helped. But it was only for a week.
thanks for listening! Need to go to bed so I can keep on trucking tomorrow. You are all so awesome.
Deb