Rio

Rio's story begins back in September when volunteers rescued him from the San Antonio Shelter. Immediately it was clear that Rio was a special guy. Happy, gentle and so sweet. Rio is a big fellow -- 90lbs of love, but he doesn't push his weight around. It's as if he knows how big he is and how gentle he needs to move around when kids are about.

Little did we know at the time just how much Rio needed GRR. In these past few months Rio has made it through tic disease and heartworm treatment. But then he began to show signs of distress when he lay down or stand back up. He'd get this pained look on his face-almost a wince-and slowly ease himself down. He even began to walk around with his hips tucked in to relieve the pain. Rio was taken in to the vet and the X-rays showed that he was suffering from Lumbosacral Disease. In layman's terms, one of his vertebrae in his lower back-near his tailbone, was pinching the nerve and causing severe pain.

How did Rio handle it? Like a trooper! He's now recovering from back surgery and on strict orders to lay low for a few more weeks. We know how much Rio loves to play ball and it breaks our hearts when he brings us the ball and we cannot yet throw it for him. In a few weeks Rio should be recovered well enough to resume daily walks, but it might be two months before we can allow Rio his favorite past time. You see, he's a "ball fool".

Rio is so sweet and so lovable and he's on his way to a 100% recovery. He's absolutely wonderful around kids and other dogs. His gentle disposition has made it both easy and hard to see him through these medical conditions. Easy because he took it so well and hard because he's such a great, loving dog and deserves the good life.



 

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