Adopted
Adopted
Ranger
Looking at this handsome one-year-old, you’d never suspect that, just a month ago, we weren’t sure if he’d even make it. Brought to the shelter as a stray, young Ranger had only been in his foster home for a week when a worried message came in from his foster mom: “I’m getting a little concerned about Ranger. He’s been throwing up since he woke up this morning. He’ll lie down, but when he gets up it seems to aggravate him and he'll throw up. I can't imagine what might cause him to feel this way, since he has mostly been inside with us yesterday and today. He isn’t eating or drinking, either.”
“Take him to the doctor right away,” said GRR’s Medical Coordinator, Mike Chamberlain … which was a good call, because what sounded like stomach upset turned out to be very severe pneumonia—something we are seeing more & more often this year in shelter dogs, unfortunately. The vet was so worried that she wouldn’t even send Ranger home, and an hour later, foster mom Louisa was on her way to the emergency clinic, where Ranger spent the night on IV antibiotics. The next several days were touch and go, with Louisa shuttling Ranger to the clinic each night for treatments, then picking him up at 6:30 each morning and delivering him to Griffith Small Animal Hospital for more treatments during the day … not to mention the home nebulizer treatments and antibiotic administration over the weekend in between. As Louisa can now attest, getting a breathing mask over the muzzle of a dubious dog is a challenge, but she finally managed the task by crating Ranger, holding the mask on as best she could, and throwing heavy towels over the crate to hold in whatever medicated steam didn’t go straight into his nose!
After a week of intensive hospital and home care, Ranger began to turn the corner. Another 2 weeks, and “Ranger is doing great,” says Louisa. “He jumped up on the bed this morning and sat on my chest, with his tail wagging in my face. He’s funny!”
In fact, Ranger is doing so well that he’s now ready for his permanent home! It's been a long road, though. Can you help with Ranger's expenses? Anything you can contribute is so greatly appreciated … and will help one more rescue dog kick up his heels and find his forever family. Thank you from all of us at GRR—and especially from Ranger.
Costs so far: Overnight emergency care, X-rays, daytime therapy and boarding, antibiotics, and inhalation therapy for Ranger. Total cost $1613.95
Let’s hand the story over to Ranger now:
Hi! My name is Ranger. I am a spry one-year-old who is looking for a lifetime companion/family. Do you like to play ball? Do you have a good sense of humor? Can you be goofy and playful? Do you have the ability to share stuffed animals? I have a sense of adventure and true joie de vivre! And believe me, I appreciate every minute of my new life.
A few months ago, I somehow ended up at the animal shelter. Thanks to the wonderful folks at Gold Ribbon Rescue, I was placed in a foster home. I was so glad to be there! But I was scared, too. There were so many things to get used to: sliding doors, the sound of drawers opening, new people and pets. My foster Mom thinks I probably never lived inside. I adjusted quickly, though, and now I love being a house dog.
Shortly after getting used to my foster home, I got really, really sick—and you can read all about that above. I sure am glad I’m feeling better now, and so grateful to everyone who has helped me. In fact, my foster mom says I’m just a grateful guy in general. I am so thankful and appreciative to all who show me affection. I love people and all dogs. I get along with cats, too, but I must admit—I am really playful and some kitties may not appreciate my enthusiasm.
I’ve been told that I might enjoy “obedience training,” whatever that is. I guess it is good for a dog to have “manners” and to know how to walk on a leash without pulling, how to sit, stay, etc. I’ll be happy to do all that, as long as I get to go through the training with my special human. I bond closely with my people, and I love to cuddle in your lap if you’ll let me. I am great at giving wet kisses, and I am always in a happy mood! What more could you ask for?!
Please go ahead, contact Gold Ribbon Rescue, and inquire about my handsome self….you know you want to. I promise you will not regret it!
Update 03/27/2006:
Shortly after arriving in foster care, Ranger became seriously ill with pneumonia. With the help of his devoted vets and foster family, he recovered completely and was adopted about a month ago. Here’s an update his foster mom received from his new family:
We have had a busy month since we brought Ranger home from ya'lls house. He is adjusting GREAT and his personality is really starting to shine the past 2 weeks. He feels like this is home and has started to pattern his daily habits. He has learned the word "walk" and "home.” He is walking great with the leash now and loves to investigate the neighborhood. He HATES it when the kids are outside and he is inside! He has begun to bark more regularly and races around our back yard like his feet are on fire with excitement!
Here he is today with his favorite toy monkey! He carries this thing around, as I am sure he did at your home!
We are absolutely LOVING him and he is just a great dog with a fantastic personality! I personally enjoy him sleeping with me in the morning when David leaves and each of the kids are delighted when he chooses their bed to sleep at night! At bad habit, but it's so hard to break when he's so cuddly and snuggly!
Happy Spring!
The Shimers