Einstein found his forever home. Mamacita and her puppies are still looking!

Einstein's Story of Love: 

Intake date: 6-16-14

Adoption date: 9-21-14

Einstein was found in a litter box filled with a blanket on a concrete floor blind, deaf, and terrified in a city shelter. When I first saw him he was not moving at all. I was terrified that he had died cold, alone and hairless before I could get to him. I picked him up and he was indeed still clinging to life. His claws had most likely never been clipped and had just been chewed off as he could through the years. He had no hair on his body except for a tuff around his face that he couldn't reach to pull out. It was sticky, full of dander, and stunk to high heavens. He had teeth that were dangling by a thread and his mouth quit frankly smelled like death. He was incredibly skinny and seemed to have skin infections. The cataracts in his eyes were enormous and his eyes were almost swollen shut with eye gunk. He was covered in gum ball size masses, but did seem to be neutered. Once I picked him up I resolved to not put him down again until we got into the car.

Once in the car I took him straight to the vet. They started senior bloodwork, medicated baths, and antibiotics. The bloodwork revealed that as we suspected his thyroid was totally out of whack (explaining the hair loss). We immediately started him on thyroid medication. His bloodwork also revealed that his liver levels were no where near healthy so we began liver medication as well. He received medicated baths every 3 days to help with the underlying skin infections. He had intestinal parasites so we immediately started him on de-wormers as well. At about two weeks in his foster home he started to regain a little bit of hair and gain a little weight. Miraculously he did not have heartworms and his heart only had a slight murmur.

The next step was to take him to the eye specialist to see if there was anything that could be done for his eyes. She decided surgery was not a good option since he would still have some good sight if we could get the infections and dryness out of his eyes. We immediately started him on a tear producing eye drop and an antibiotic drop. She also prescribed him a drop that would dilate his eyes so that in new places he could see more. These immediately started to make a huge difference in his sight.

Two months later when we had his liver levels and thyroid levels at a safe place it was time for him to have his dental and masses removed. He did fantastic with the surgery and lost 7 teeth. They also removed 5 masses. They did not seem to be suspicious and quite frankly at his age we wouldn't put him through treatment if they were found to be cancerous so we elected not to send them for biopsy.

Through all of the treatment Einstein never ever nipped, bit, or even complained. He was a loving and sweet patient. After two months he was now a normal senior dog. He still can't hear but that is age related. He can see plenty to get where he needs to go and continues his eye drops to keep his eyes clear and healthy. He will always be on liver and thyroid medications but they make him feel good. After his dental he had a new zest for life and started to run around some and play. Of course his favorite activity is to take a nice warm nap but he also enjoys nice walks.

So with all this information in hand I decided he deserved a family of his very own and he was listed for adoption. Then entered Ashleigh, his FORever mommy. She talked for hours with me on the phone about all of his conditions and I wrote each and every medication and the prices down for her. She was in love though and none of it mattered to her. Ashleigh is a college student at the University of Tennessee.  She is mature enough to know that she didn't need a dog that needed lots of exercise and would be bored alone while she was at class and work so she chose a senior. She came to meet him and was totally and completely in love. Einstein gets to go on daily walks, sleep in the bed, and is an only fur child. He has the life most dogs dream of! He took his favorite bed from our house with him so that he knew we still loved him forever but there were better things ahead for him. He can be spotted out and about in Knoxville and recently entered a costume contest as a Dragon at a local pet store. This guys golden years will indeed be golden and his new mommy swears he is in fact "the best dog that has ever lived"

Mamacita and her puppies

Mamacita was a homeless girl, who was well known in a Scottsboro neighborhood and living off the kindness of residents. However, when she found herself pregnant, her situation landed her in the pound.  Luckily, FOR stepped-in and changed her destiny!! 

On New Years Eve she gave birth to six puppies. Five of them boys and one girl. They were named

Merry - She was days ahead of her brothers on opening of eyes, leaving the crate and venturing out, and barking.

Motley - Specked boy.  He is not far behind Merry and the two of them have started playing.  I often find them outside of the crate, snuggled together.

Duce - This dark chocolate brown pup with a white chest, tipped tail and paws, is a snuggler!

Barkley - He likes to venture around his enclosure.  When he hears a human voice, he already starts wobbling towards them!

Zane - This sweet faced boy has soulful eyes like this mother.  He and Jack are the most laid back of the litter.

Jack - He is smallest of the bunch and has the shiniest black coat!  He likes the be held.

Who is who?

Mamacita appears to be some type of terrier mix and we estimate her to be under 2.  She is a fantastic mother and truly wants a forever home.  She follows her foster mom around the house. She enjoys having a second bed in the living room where she can be with her foster family but still keep an eye on the puppy room.  She has no problem wearing a collar but is slowly learning about a leash.  Potty training is 80% and moving towards 100%. She currently lives with 2 dogs and four cats. 

Fostered by: Steve and Shrail Heinrich in Madison, AL.  They have been involved with FOR for two years.rhood and living off the kindness of residents. However, when she found herself pregnant, her situation landed her in the pound.  Luckily, FOR stepped-in and changed her destiny!! 

 EmailInfo@FORrescue.net if you are interested in learning more about this wonderful animals.    You can also see all of our dogs available for adoption.

If you would like to contribute a story to the FOR blog, please mail the contents along with an image or two to blog@forrescue.net

And the winner is...

I want thank everyone who participated in the blog this past year - by writing a blog post, fostering a highlighted animal or sharing the blog link.  We highlighted animals that need forever homes and spotlighted some of the ways to help them.  The time has come to pick the winner of a free pet portrait.  Drum roll please!

The winner is Deb Fraker from Corn Creek Farm whose post is our March 30, 2014 blog post.


I'll continue this blog in 2015 and need your help in finding potential to participate by writing stories about their animals.  Spread the word!

Thanks
Joan

www.joanfunk.com

I've been making my list and checking it twice

Thanks to all of you who participated in this Blog in 2014.  The FOR office has been closed with the holidays but we'll have a drawing at the end of the week to determine who has won the painting of their pet.

I would like to continue the blog into 2015.  However, it will take stories from you and your friends.  So if you have a story about an animal in your life or know someone who does please consider contributing to the blog.

Thanks!


Some of the faces of animals that are currently available.

Seymour

Baxter

Big Red

 EmailInfo@FORrescue.net if you are interested in learning more about this wonderful animals.    You can also see all of our dogs available for adoption.

If you would like to contribute a story to the FOR blog, please mail the contents along with an image or two to blog@forrescue.net




Thinking of adopting a pet? Think about a senior pet.

Birch needs our help to feel better!

Joan Funk is our guest blogger today a
nd this is Carson who she adopted as an older cat.

Thinking of adopting a cat or dog- for many people that means thinking about a kitten or puppy.  And oh yes they are cute and cuddly .  They also need time and patience to grow into the animals they can become. 

At the same time, is that the right match for you?  Do you want a high energy dog or one that is ready for a walk around the block followed by a nap?

Over the years I have adopted cats from age 6 months to 10 years and a 9 month old dog. 

I’ve learned that there are many benefits of adopting an older animal:

•  Although they have had a hard life  (or many because of it), they are grateful for a warm home with caring people to love them. 
• They have lots of love to give.
• Their personalities are already developed- you’ll know if they will fit into your household.
• They know the basics- going in the litter box- going outside, etc.
• You will know what size animal you are getting- ( not that 10 lb puppy who grows into a 110 lb adult dog)
•  An older animal may fit better with your physical lifestyle- if you are not wanting to go on a 2 mile run with your dog- then an older dog might work better for you.

Senior animals are the hardest to adopt- so you know that you have truly saved a life.  There is just something about knowing you have given an animal a wonderful life and they have given you so much love.

I adopted Carson from FOR when he was 10 years old- he had had a tough life and if it hadn’t been for some truly wonderful FOR volunteers he wouldn’t have made it. 

Carson came into my life and as with most cats, shaped my world to fit his wants.   It didn’t take too long before he decided where he was going to hang-out—he picked the best room in the house.  He is totally deaf and let me know that he really preferred to have his own space without the other 4-legged family members.  So now he has the best room with the bay window, cushy chairs, and cat tree, just to himself.  Since he can’t hear the vacuum, he actually likes to rub his face on the vacuum attachments- and even likes to be vacuumed! 

 He is a little bow-legged and wobbles sometimes.  I’m not going to kid you- his vet, medicine, and special food cost more than the other cats upkeep.   But every time he jumps into my lap and smashes his face into mine- its worth it.


(Special thanks to Mayra Martinez who took these pictures of Carson.)

Birch may look like he has a great smile here but...

Birch is a VERY handsome older gentleman that landed in the shelter for unknown reasons. The word gentleman truly describes him as he is just as perfect and sweet as can be. 

Unfortunately while Birch looked like a cute young very adoptable puppy at first glance he is in fact not. He is around 7 years old, has TERRIBLE painful teeth, and double luxating patellas. What does that mean? Well basically the poor guy is in a lot of pain. One of his knees is so bad that you can literally watch it pop in and out of place as he walks.

 Luckily on the first day of fall this year Birch found himself in a friends of rescue foster home. He will now get the surgery that he needs as well as a dental for his rotten, painful teeth. We will have to replace both knees essentially at separate times and he will also have to have a neuter/dental surgery. Did we mention that this little guy also came to us with pneumonia? 

Most rescues never would have had the money to give this boy a second glance but we couldn't look away. We hope that you won't either and that you will help us raise the money for his surgeries. We ideally need to raise $1700 for Birch. Each leg surgery will be $750 and his dental/neuter will cost a minimum of $200. These are discounted rescue rates but we definitely need your help to continue to take on cases like this. Lets give Birch a chance at a pain free life. 

 Be part of  Bringing Birch Relief  clicking on this link.

If you would like to contribute a story to the FOR blog, please mail the contents along with an image or two to blog@forrescue.net


 At the end of 2014 individuals who submitted content for the FOR blog will be entered in a drawing for a free pet portrait.

Have you ever wondered what the blood test information is telling your vet and Candy is looking for her FORever home.

Candy is looking for her FORever home

Our guest blogger is Dr. Wendy Pennington
of Pennington Animal Hospital

So…Your veterinarian has recommended to run blood tests on your cat to screen for illnesses or to make a diagnosis in order to establish a treatment plan for your sweet furry family member. Some tests that would most likely be run are a CBC (Complete Blood Cell count), Diagnostic Chemistries, Electrolytes, Total T4 (Thyroid Screen) and Urinalysis as a minimum data base.

So let’s take a closer look at these tests that your veterinarian is running to determine the health of your cat.

Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC): A CBC checks for red blood cell counts (RBC’s), white blood cells (WBC’s) and platelets. A decrease in red blood cells indicates anemia. An increase in white blood cells would indicate infection or inflammation in your pet. A decrease in white blood cells might indicate stress or a viral infection. A decrease in platelet counts might point to a clotting disorder or tick borne illnesses.

Diagnostic chemistries can include the following depending on the level of testing selected by the veterinarian:

Albumin (ALB) - A protein that is produced by the liver. Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver, kidney, or intestinal disease.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) - An enzyme present in multiple tissues including liver and bone. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease, Cushing’s disease, osteoarthritis, or abnormalities from cortisone/steroid therapy.

Amylase (AMYL) - An enzyme produced by the pancreas. Elevations may indicate pancreatitis.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - Produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormally high levels can indicate kidney disease or dehydration and low levels may be seen in certain liver diseases.

Calcium (Ca) - Increased levels can be seen with diseases of the kidney or parathyroid gland. Elevations can also be an indicator of certain types of tumors.

Cholesterol (CHOL) - Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen with hypothyroidism or liver disease.

Creatinine (CREA): Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels indicate kidney disease.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) - Increases in this enzyme may indicate a problem with the liver or gall bladder.

Globulin (GLOB) - A protein that may indicate inflammation.

Glucose (GLU) - High blood glucose levels may indicate stress in cats or diabetes mellitus.

Lipase (LIPA) - Elevated levels may be seen with pancreatitis.

Phosphorus (PHOS) - Elevated levels may be seen with kidney disease.

Total Bilirubin (TBIL) - Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin as well as a component of bile. Blood bilirubin levels are useful in indicating liver/gall bladder problems or certain types of anemia.

Total Protein (TP) - The level of total protein can indicate dehydration, inflammation and diseases of the liver, kidney or intestinal tract.

Electrolytes - Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Chloride (Cl) are important when evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, endocrine problems or cardiac problems.

Total T4 (Thyroxine) - This a measurement of the level of thyroid hormone that is circulating in the blood and is helpful in screening for hyperthyroidism in cats.

Urinalysis: Routine screening of the urine often helps identify diseases such as lower urinary tract (bladder) infections, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Pet owners must keep in mind that the above tests are used to screen for potential problems. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests to make a definitive diagnosis. Also, an abnormality in a single test may or may not indicate an actual problem. An item such as this may be measured periodically to determine if it is normal for your individual cat or if it is an indication of an early disease process.

Candy came to us from a local shelter. She kept being over looked because she wasn’t as outgoing as the younger pups in her kennel. She is completely deaf, tiny little girl at 9 lbs. She gets along fine with small dogs, doesn’t like the cat at all but would have a hard time catching one. She is a senior girl and sleeps a lot. If you are home a lot and want a nice quiet companion.. Candy is for you. Because she is older she needs to be taken out more frequently but she is also potty pad trained. She sleeps in her crate in the kitchen with the door open. Every once in a while she’ll get up in night and use pee pad. Usually can hold it all night, 7/8 hours of sleep. Loves belly rubs. Candy is just a very sweet senior. We couldn’t leave her to live out the remainder of her life in the shelter.. She is cherished in her foster home but sure would like to meet FORever. And she deserves it. She is fostered in Huntsville, AL.

EmailInfo@FORrescue.net if you think you might be THAT special person. 

If you would like to contribute a story to the FOR blog, please mail the contents along with an image or two to blog@forrescue.net


 At the end of 2014 individuals who submitted content for the FOR blog will be entered in a drawing for a free pet portrait.