Supply Donations

There are so many ways to help animals in need.  Volunteer, walk the dogs, rescue, foster, adopt, transport, join a rescue, educate, share posts, donate money, fundraisers, etc.  An easy one is donation of supplies.  Most Humane Societies, shelters, rescues and even veterinarians need and accept:

Unopened food
Treats
Towels
Kennels
Dog houses
Collars/leashes
Wheelchairs
Drag bags
Paper Towels
Cleaning supplies (non toxic)
Bowls
Doggie seat belts
Like new beds
Toys, balls
Coats and clothing for dogs
Cones (for use after injury or surgery)
Some rescues even need newspaper, rags, and straw for bedding.

Most anything you didn't use that is still new or good condition is needed. I know when I get a dog sometimes towels, kennel, etc., has been given to me.  Please always re-purpose your items (when a pet passes away for instance) rather than throw away or store. Your items can be used to save more lives and keep costs down.

Thanks for giving!

Gorgeous Frenchton for Adoption

Meet FRENCHIE

Frenchie is half Boston Terrier and half French Bulldog. Frenchtons are a "designer breed". She was rescued and treated for heartworms and is done with her treatment. thus available now. She has been spayed and is 2 years old.  I am her foster mom, as she is with the BTRTOC (FB, Website).  I have had her over 3 months so I know her well and love her like crazy. She will have to go thru the adoption process (home visit, references, meet and greet) and will have a fee ($300 range).  She can go anywhere from FL up to VA and over to TN. Any other locations will be up to the BTRTOC group.

Frenchie is a natural alpha and was never trained (as a breeder dog) and had to scrap some on the streets where she was picked up. She has aggressive tendencies each time she meets a new dog but with time and established rules/training, she does fine with docile other dogs. She runs freely now with mine (4), house, yard and car rides.  She would be best as an only dog that doesn't interact a lot with other dogs OR someone that is a calm and assertive alpha with chill other dogs.  She will chase any other animal (cats, etc). She is a natural hunter and very athletic so a big fenced yard and active family (go for walks and runs daily) is important.

She loves to ride anything and be with her human.  She was never socialized with other dogs and is happy enough in her kennel to eat and sleep (or will sleep on the bed and barely move all night).  She is protective around her food and toys. which I keep in crate. She is great with people and kids - no issues. And she is in perfect health.  She loves the outdoors and loves to hike. She weighs 22 lbs, is full grown, short and stocky.

She was a breeder dog and had pups. At some point the little scrapper was found on the streets and I have fostered her since the Humane Society picked her up.  She is a show stopper, gorgeous coloring, and tight little body.  She knows her name well and always comes when called.  She doesn't  know any other tricks yet but she is a people pleaser so with work, she can learn it all. She is smart, alert, and willing to please. And she knows she is cute.

She walks on a leash now and does pull some.  Work in progress.  She has a doggie door and uses it, and is mostly house trained (must take her right out when she wakes up or may pee on a mat). Frenchie loves chew toys, ripping up stuffed animals, balls, etc.  She gets excited to go for rides or runs. She hoards all the dogs chew toys, etc.  She has 99% learned now what she can chew and what is not allowed (shoes, etc) so I can leave her in house unattended- no issues but you will want to start over with short stints at first and remember it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to show their real personality and 3 months for them to know the routine and be comfortable in their new home. 

The right person or family will fall in love with this sweetheart fast. She will still need some work but has come a long way in her 90 days with me.  Everywhere we go people stop me to talk about this beautiful dog.  Help me find the perfect forever home for this amazing pup Frenchie.

Story of Three Wheel Chair Dogs

This blog post coincides with the fundraiser for wheelchairs, other equipment and supplies for three wonderful dogs in need.  I run a small rescue DENVER DOG RESCUE that specializes in special needs dogs (aggression, socialization, behavioral, medical, elderly and handicapped).  As most of you know, rescuers are all volunteers that use a lot of their own money to take care of animals that otherwise would suffer and/or perish.  We do it for the love of the animals and appreciate any donations to help our dogs and many others. So thank you!

DOG 1:

Red is a Boston Terrier that was rescued by a member of the BTRTOC.  She and her husband have 8 dogs in total, all rescued.  One is blind. One is young but spinal issues requiring a diaper for life.  Red is older, has arthritis and his back legs do not work so good.  He has needed a wheelchair for many months and we have already raised the funds for his wheelchair and ordered it. His proud mom has "leaky eyes" from so many kind donations.  She takes in many dogs that no one else wants and loves them unconditionally.  Our rescue wanted to help her and Red as wheelchair experts -so Thank YOU!


DOG 2:

Buddy is a member of the Denver Dog Rescue pack.  He came in as a last ditch foster effort (he had four homes in less than two years).  Bostons particularly do not do well moved around from home to home so Buddy had some issues with constant marking in the house which makes him feel more settled/comfortable. He also was blind due to juvenile cataracts, along with diagnosed ADD and bad manners like jumping on people.  The intake rescue and myself afforded him the corrective lens surgery and it was a success. Buddy is a hot mess of adventure. He has survived falling into the lake (blind at time) nearly drowning, major eye surgery, copperhead bite, Myelomalacia, and wheelchair being hit by my own golf cart (both learning the "new" Buddy) while exercising.  Buddy goes on daily runs (grass/dirt/gravel trails) as well as he hikes, swims, etc. I made it my mission to keep him to his normal life as much as possible.  Because he off-roads a lot, he beats his wheelchairs to death.  Buddy is 10 and has been thru 4 wheelchairs, all different brands. They all have been soldered, taped, sealed, refurbed, new tires, etc.  It is time for a new one for all his many adventures.  Backstory, Buddy became handicapped at age six due to disc blown out (peeing of all things).  He doesn't feel anything below the waist and is the happiest dog around.  Here is more on his story:

https://www.wbtv.com/story/32280418/paralyzed-boston-terrier-overcoming-all-obstacles-even-swimming/

DOG 3:

This is Noah. He is a two year old purebred French  Bulldog and needs a forever home.  I am helping foster for his intake rescue Peanuts Place Small Breed Rescue in Matthews, NC. You can find them on Facebook and https://www.peanutsplacerescue.org/.  Please contact them directly to submit an application or inquire on Noah. I will assist in helping new owner with training, equipment, and special needs.  Noah also ruptured a disc at his breeder's outdoor kennels and has Myelomalacia. He was taken to vet and surrendered to the rescue due to his lifelong condition.  The rescue (not the breeder has spent thousands to save Noah and could use more dog loving community support). Noah is a super sweet dog. Loving. No aggression.  He is still learning his new reality and needs continuous love, support, physical therapy (will show you how), wheelchair training, diaper changes, and general dog training. He is still learning his name and how to play. I agreed to help him with all the equipment needed, training, fostering and vetting as his intake rescue is overwhelmed with dogs at this time of year and I have rehabbed "down dogs" before.  He can go anywhere in the US but new potential owners must come to rescue to be interviewed and meet him before he can go home with you.  Denver Dog Rescue has now raised enough for him to get his very own wheelchair (using a loaner from Buddy that doesn't fit great) so again THANK YOU!

Please consider donating to Peanuts Place (see link above) or Denver Dog Rescue. Both are registered 501 (c) (3) organizations and can provide you with a receipt.

Denver Dog Rescue

8180 Hope Drive

Denver, NC 28037

Or Fundraiser at https://www.facebook.com/donate/778811999254961/

The Love and Beauty of a WheelChair Dog

This is Buddy. My handicapped, handicapable, down dog, hell on wheels, turn and burn, happy damn dog.  I rescued him when he was two. Longer story (search archives) but he has been through a lot.  After loving him for four years, he blew out a disc at age six.  He cried out in pain and that was it. His lower half would be forever numb.

He was very independent, active, athletic, smart, determined, happy, driven, and a lovable dog. And he still is, even more so now. It took time to adjust. Two months for him to be OK with a wheelchair and wearing diapers. It took me a lot longer. I held out hope. Tried it all.  I was exhausted. Then one day I accepted his fate as he did.

Suddenly my most independent of four dogs was the most dependent.  He could not go outside without me (can't get through doggie door). Had to be watched.  At first hand fed, and trained all over again (how to use wheelchair, ramps, wait, move, crawl, turn over, eat, hold still for diaper duty, etc).  His eyes search for me everywhere, all the time.  It has been 4 years.  Before he never paid a lot of attention to my whereabouts. Now he keeps one eye open even when I think he is sleeping. he literally watches my every move.

The vets told me his personality would change. He became a lot more dependent and dare I say "needy".  He would cry out when his diaper was wet or smelled for a change. He barks when he wants up on bed or couch even I do not notice "the nod", where he tilts his head up as a child would do to be picked up. And he barks when he wants to get down or me to bring him water.   Buddy hated to be held or picked up.  After a few weeks, he had to let go. Trust me to hold him and place him in his wheelchair. My saving grace was that boy did he love his wheelchair. It meant he could GO. Freedom. Zoom Zoom.

At first all he could do was scoot around. Very slow. Very low. Painful to watch. But it didn't seem to hurt his pride. He thought he was still a bad ass. Chase balls. Chase dogs.  Chase visitors.  Then I put him into his new wheels after he had a chance to heal a bit, and he took off and has never looked back...except to look for me. And I was always watching over him like a worried but proud mom. I want him to have the best things and the best life possible.

We now share a bond I can't quite describe.  I was told he might not survive.  I was told I should "put him down". I was with him every step of the way. Frightened of the unknown.  Forgetting he had special needs. It was a new world for us both. He now needed basically full-time care like an infant....constantly changing diapers, wiping him, bathing him in sink, keeping him warm, giving physical therapy, building handicapped ramps and barriers as needed, and finding new ways to do things. 

We kept our normal. Car rides. Boat rides. Daily walks. Running around yard 15 times a day. He is a beautiful dog. The happiest and most well adjusted of all four.  But he needs me to do it all- help him pee, poo, clean him, put him in a chair to run, open the door, get on furniture, and watch him for flips/falls/stuck situations.  And when you hold a sick dog, watch him fight back, beat the odds, and hold his head up with pride as he struts by in diapers and a wheelchair, you just KNOW there is something special there.

We have a bond.  He needs me except when he sleeps. If he wakes up, I must cover him (used to do that himself).  And we do it each day, every day, for the rest of his life. Down dogs (vet term) get a lot of UTIs, thus I am always giving him antibiotics to make him better and somehow he knows. This also means a shortened lifespan as he can become immune to the antibiotics. It is hard to describe because you have a closer connection with a wheelchair dog. Dare I say a deeper love? It is a labor of love, that is to be sure, but it is also a thing of pure beauty. Care. Trust. Love. Concern. Protection. And kindness.  I work every day to be a worthy mom.

Did you know?

Most all humane societies and dog shelters accept donated items?  And in turn, they often give out the overload for free.   Thus you can pick up a used kennel, leashes, collars, bowls, toys, grooming equipment, beds, safety items, and food (cats and dogs) for free if you need it. Shout out to Cornelius Humane Society in NC for letting me take a few items for my new foster (rescued from shelter).

Thus please DONATE any unused items. Please do not throw them away even if used. People need them and something is better than nothing for these animals. Many rescues (my own included) will accept your items also.

Most veterinarian hospitals accept donated wheel chairs (usually when a dog passes) and will give them out free or low cost to those who need one.  It is very common now to see a handicapped dog or aged dog that needs help to walk.

Please consider donating items, time, or money and spread the word!

Thank you!

Another interesting artist...Lori Portka

I saw this print on a friend's facebook page that is also an artist and loved it. Love all animals. Surround oneself with love.  I am sharing with permission from the artist (can order prints if you like it or check out her other works).  I found this image peaceful and uplifting.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99762754/print-surrounded-by-love-always-8x10

Deafness

Deafness is not always noticed by we humans.  I have fostered a deaf dog (white boxer), and I have had older dogs go deaf over time. I read, and notice sometimes, that people complain or give up their dogs because they will not listen when in actuality they are deaf.  It is easy to test them to be sure.

Case in point, my Shanti.  She is not old (just turned 10) and is now completely deaf and I did not notice. She has never really "listened" and always ignored me (lol she is a trip), but lately it just seems worse.  I tested her a couple of ways and she couldn't hear anything, yet is not startled when I touch her from behind, and things like that. We have a routine and she follows it daily so it was hard to notice until my mom pointed it out.  Shanti hid it well (watches me closely), follows me everywhere, uses her sense of smell to find me, etc.

I am working on a few hand signals that I use with all dogs (they respond better) and continue to love on her big time.  With deaf dogs, the hardest part is when they are not watching (or get too far away) so you need to make sure they stay close.

Thus remember your puppy/dog could be deaf, partially deaf, slowly going deaf, etc., and watch for the signs : startled when you come in, follows you more, bewildered, won't listen to verbal commands, doesn't hear things (drop a loud object behind them), etc.  And be on the lookout to help others who may have a deaf dog and not know it. It happens more than you think.

Love on.

Dog food recalls and top 25 brands to buy

Dear Fellow Dog Lover, Because you signed up on our website and asked to be notified, I'm sending you this special recall alert. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please click the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this message. Hill's Pet Nutrition is expanding its recent recall to include one lot of its Prescription Diet dog food due to elevated levels of vitamin D. Very high levels of vitamin D can lead to serious health issues in dogs, including kidney dysfunction. To learn which products are affected, please visit the following link:Hill's Prescription Diet and Science Diet Dog Food Recall Expands Important Best Dry Dog Foods Update We've recently updated our Best Dry Dog Foods page. Here are 7 of The Advisor's Top 25 Best Dry Dog Foods for May 2019: Instinct Original Dry Dog Food Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food Dr. Tim's Dry Dog Food Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food Victor Classic Dry Dog Food Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food Click here to see all 25 best dry dog foods for May 2019.   Please feel free to share this recall alert with other pet owners. Mike Sagman, Editor The Dog Food Advisor P.S. Not already on our dog food recall notification list? Sign up to get critical dog food recall alerts by email. There's no cost for this service. No spam. Cancel anytime.

Walks in the woods...

I was in the lead, and stopped to take all the Spring greenery in view.  Samson and Shanti didn't quite feel the moment but let me enjoy some peace.

Buddy. Just Buddy being Buddy.

Buddy- he lives in excitement

Vroom Vroom

Pet names...and I mean plural

Have you ever noticed that some of the most loved and cared for dogs have many pet names, that often make it impossible for a stranger to know what to call the dog? Color me guilty.  You tell guests the dog's name now, original name, maiden name, fancy middle names, nicknames, aliases (running from the unknown), what the kids call them (sugar sprinkles and such), and what they neighbors scream at them (innocent until proven guilty).

Below I have pictured my little angel Buddy (who is handicap and wears man panties).  He was Buddy when I got him (whew), but Samson (the boxer I already had) went by the nickname "Buddy".  Anyway, say "hello" to Buddy Boo, Boo Boo, Super Bud, Budman, Bud Light, Bud Bud, just Boo, Man Panties, WWF Champ (for when he wore a belly band), Bang Bang, Knock Knock, Handsome, Bug eyes, Bug-eyed Bastard (not a nickname from me),  Turn-and-burn, Fritos (come smell his feet), Love Bunny, Sugar Plum, Snort, Poopy Pants, Nubbins, Catfish, Little Wang, Precious, and Baby Boy.  You feel me?

Buddy

Yes, Coyotes bark and now I know.

Be careful when you let your pets outside.  Coyotes are in many states now.  Shanti (black lab/Chow mix) and I were pursued by one on a trail run.  It was most likely a female, defending her hunting territory (a few miles if food supplies are low) as we ran thru "her woods". 

I kept hearing a barking and saw what I thought was a stray dog until she popped up on the dirt trail behind us.  She was small, maybe 55-65 pounds, as she was barely bigger than Shanti. She was barking and following Shanti (she was off leash and running behind me).  Shanti was a bit fearful, then all of the sudden stopped and bowed up. Her Chow Chow side had been unleashed.

They had a stand off and got fairly close, so I grabbed a large limb and walked toward the coyote...and she ran.  She followed us for 2-3 miles thru the woods at a distance (I did capture on film) to watch us. She was obviously very afraid of me. They rarely attack people and are timid around us (like wolves).  I am just glad she was not rabid or hunting in a big pack.

It was odd because we use this trail a lot, plus it was around 10 or 11 am.  Coyotes are nocturnal animals. After researching, they do bark and sound like dogs.  They will chase other dogs off their terrain and we all know they will kill a small dog. Male coyotes will also try to mate with female dogs in heat. So keep your smaller dogs on a leash and even watch them in the backyard.  Tiny or miniature dogs should also be watched closely as targets for predatory birds.  Large birds can carry off 10 lbs. And they do.

Please be safe and careful out there.  Love your pets and respect nature.

Dog tags, collars, and leashes

Check it out!  Ifitbarks.com and support a small business.
Polly Godwin 828-585-5332
Polly@ifitbarks.com


Thank you!

Support Dog Artists

Here is another dog lover, out of Atlanta, who can paint your pet. Great gift or fun present-to-self to hang on your wall.  Check out Jane and help support an artist that cares.

http://www.janerobertsart.com/

New Entry - Yay

We are back. Same four as last year....Samson, Buddy, Shanti, and Glendal.  We get frequent visitors like my buddy Axel (rescued Boston mix) too.

We are all part of Denver Dog Rescue. That is Denver of the East (NC).    We are a charity organization, specializing in special needs dogs.  Special can mean a lot of things so to name a few:
elderly (Glendal),  ongoing medical conditions (Shanti and Sam), and handicapped (Buddy).  We do our best to help others with medical, behavioral, and financial concerns. 

DDR donates used equipment and new supplies; we always need dog houses, dog beds, dog blankets, wheel chairs, push strollers, diapers, wipes, diaper rash creme, butt wipes, paper towels, persil detergent, toys, treats, food, bowls, leashes and collars, and financial contributions.You name it it!

So thank you to all that have done so much for these dogs and the many we foster, rescue, transport, and support.

More soon. I promise.
K

Shanti. The lone wolf and only female. Also a laid back alpha.

Buddy's new Christmas sweater and tightie whities.

Cousin Axel and Buddy.  Rescued Bostons Rock!

Sam. Not quite patient waiting on his ride.

Samson. Big Brother. Sweet dog and can sleep in many odd positions.

Glendal. The old man. Does what he wants and gives the stink eye.

Buddy, Sam, and Glendal. All looking guilty but I am not sure of what yet.

Sam and Glendal in front of space heater.  Their first love.

The passing of Beau Beau

Mr Handsome when he still lived with me

Beau Beau was a favorite dog of mine. He came to me by way of a roommate, when he was about 1 year old.  He was a very tall/large GSD, smart, sweet, and full of energy.  When my roommate left, she left her dog...and I already had six (four as fosters).

I have a soft spot for the breed because I grew up with German Shepards.  They make wonderful dogs and are simply gorgeous.  Beau was probably the most loving one I have ever known; he would wrap around you so you/he wouldn't have to leave. He was very affectionate.

Beau needed a LOT of love, attention, and playtime.  You could throw the ball for hours and it still wasn't enough. He consumed more time and attention than the others combined with his hyper, needy, yet loving attention requirements. I felt bad for Beau, being left behind by his original owner, but I had really been his "mom" for so long he was attached to me anyway. It was mutual love.

I took Beau running daily. He was extremely long legged and loved to run. And he loved to chase balls. And swim daily. You get the idea.  Often I would load up my brood, boat out on the large lake we live on, and dock at a small island I affectionately call "dog island".  It has a little beach, woods, and trails, and the dogs can't run away or get lost.

It was there I would regularly see my neighbors Jackie and Dan.  They had the same idea, taking their pit bull Dante out to play.  I would see them there often and we had a friendship.  Like parents at a kid's playground.  They all ran loose and had fun. They knew I rescued dogs, and they wanted to get a playmate for Dante so he would not be all alone. And thus we had a love match. Dante and Beau were about the same age, though Dante was Mr. Chill. Beau was anything but chill- he would "scream/squeal" in excitement every time he saw me.  Handsome Beau with a mane like a lion.

Beau needed more time and attention than I could ever give him (1 person, 7 dogs).  Jackie worked from home, kids were grown, Dante required very little attention, they lived on the lake (so Beau could swim daily), and yes, Dan was also a runner.  They were surprised I would consider giving up Beau, but I always will do what is best for my dogs. Plus I would get to see him often. That was a huge bonus. And this family was a GREAT family.  Real dog people like me.

So I took Beau over one day by car, and let him and Dante run around and play more.  After an hour or two, I snuck away, leaving Beau to his new parents.  I was a little worried, Dante was a stocky lad...and had been the solo dog of the house.  I needn't worry.  By the end of the first week, they were sleeping together curled up on one big bed. They also would share food bowls.  They never once had a fight.

So the years pass, I see Beau Beau and Dante boating around 9 months out of the year with the BEST dog parents any dog could ask for really.  And sometimes I would stop by, or they would boat over and let Beau play with mine here at my house. Sam really missed Beau.  He looked up to him like a big brother (I adopted Sam somewhere along the same time frame). Beau was so gentle and sweet. Good with kids and other dogs. He would swim out to meet me when I would kayak by his house.  He never tried to leave or seemed sad. He was always so happy to see me and my dogs, but when we would separate, he somehow knew inherently that that was his home now. He got more of everything he needed. And I got a little more rest.

I also worried he would be too much for a couple in their late 50s.  He will bring his ball all day long for you to throw it.  But they just loved him and thought his energy was great. Jackie let me know his hips started really hurting him so he ran less (maybe around age 7).  Swimming was always good. And she took him throughout our hot summer months to be shaved so he was never super hot ( he came from MN).  They were the best match. Jackie always kept me updated and I am thankful.

It is great when you can see you foster dog (neighbor, friend, or family that stays in contact).  I love them all and always care about their well-being.  As a witness, Beau probably had it the best.  He and Dante were best friends and inseparable  They walked together, swam together, rode the boat in front together, slept together, ate together and kept their mom company when dad traveled for work. Nobody was gonna mess with that house.   Beau stood taller than me on his hind legs.

A couple of times they would go roaming around the neighborhood (they didn't have a fence) a little too far.  Some neighbors would complain but most knew they were just sweet dogs checking out the sights and never caused any problems. Their human parents never lost patience with them.

Fast forwarding, Beau turned 13 or 14 this year.  The last two or three years he has looked older (grey in face), stiff, and for three or so years, Jackie would tell me this might be his last. He was not looking so good.  And Dante loved him so much, he would go soon thereafter. But Beau was always happy and perked up whenever he saw me. He was endlessly HAPPY and it showed.  Dante was much more subdued and melancholy.

I found out this week that Beau passed away, from a tumor on his spleen, humanely put down. I cry every time I learn that one of "my dogs" has died.  I had Beau almost two years. I also cry because I know he had a great life, even before me. His first mom loved him. and would visit until she moved again.  I cry when some of my friends still remember him, and my mom told me a story of him wrapping his body around her because he never wanted to leave her (true, yard, love, etc.).  Beau Beau was a sweet boy who made an impact on several lives and I THANK HIM for coming into mine, being a big brother to Sam (after Harley died), and being the best darn friend Dante could ever ask for in life. Dante had a hard life before he was adopted and you could see it in his face. Sadness almost.

I cry and feel sad  too because I will never see Beau again. My sweet boy passed away before I got to tell him goodbye and how much I loved him. But I know he knew. I always did the best thing for Beau. I kept this huge beast as one of my own, and I let him go when there was a better home.  I still look for him every time I pass his house or his boat. And that hurts. And it will for awhile.

Dante, as predicted, died in his sleep soon after Beau passed away. That is love. May they be together again in death.

Taken from a photo collage I keep of him

Cool and unique dog tags

Help support a small business!  :)

Check them out. Thanks.

http://www.pooch-tags.com/index.html

Happy 8th Birthday to Buddy! This is his story.

Happy Birthday to one helluva dog.  Buddy came to me, as his fourth home in under 2 years, blind with juvenile cataracts.  He was hyperactive, peed on everything, jumped on everyone, and not leash trained.  When I first saw him I thought he was so handsome. Perfect little muscled dog.

I think the others before me tried hard, and loved Buddy, but neither had the time nor finances to deal with all his needs.  Myself and the rescue group coughed up the money for eye lens replacement surgery so he could see and I took good care of him for vet visits, and routine care as his foster mom.

Being able to see again dramatically changed his personality. He came to me so frightened and scared, seeing only see shadows. And he missed his last family- he seemed depressed.  I have a big yard and other dogs, so lots to navigate as young, hyper pup without sight.  There were fences, steps, curbs, slopes, large rocks, lake, dock, decks, trees, and so much more he could not see.  To make matters worse, his retinas only work about 50% (birth defect) so he cannot see very well at dusk/dark. Thus he bugs his eyes out to try to see better.

Buddy now does fine on a leash. Has had his daily walks for years.  He rides great but some of his other bad habits persisted no matter what I tried.  It is stuff I can live with, so we cut a deal.  He won.

It is important to mention, Buddy is a survivor.  As his 4th home, no one wanted to put him down- just needed to find money to help him see again and work on his behavioral issues (Boston Terriers do not do well emotionally being transferred from owner to owner).  Our first accident was after having him about a month (still on a waiting list for eye surgery), he somehow wandered out of my gate and walked right off my dock at dusk.  I was outside but did not see him. When I noticed he was missing, it was too late. He was gone.

I knew he could not see to find the shore, and I also knew he could not swim....I had been trying to teach him enough to survive as I do all dogs I rescue.  I was sick to my stomach thinking he had drown. Such a sweet, spunky, gorgeous dog.  I ran around looking everywhere, hopeful he made it to shore somewhere. I incorporated the neighbors to help me look.  I was in panic mode/ill.  Then one neighbor said he heard his "gravel like" bark. I hadn't noticed how it sounded, distinctive.  I didn't hear it at first, but eventually could hear it way down the cove. It did not sound like him to me but I had to try to see who it was barking. He sounded a mile away.

So I got in my kayak and started yelling for him. I had been yelling the whole time (now about 1 hour has passed) so he could find my voice and lead him "home".  I was still just his foster, so he wasn't even my dog and I dreaded telling the rescue group the poor boy had drown on my watch.  I could hear the barks coming closer, though it was dark and I could not really see now either (we were even). And yes, it was Buddy.  Somehow instincts had kicked in and he dog paddled to the shoreline and then started walking, albeit away from home. The echoes can play tricks on your directional hearing.

I found him a bit cold, muddy, and scared but he was fine.  That was EXPERIENCE #1.  Number 2 you already know about from above. He was blind, after being able to see perfectly throughout puppy hood. Not all dogs are candidates for surgery and not all our successes, but skip to the chase, he was!  His vision isn't perfect but fine to live a normal life after surgery.  With his vision restored, so was his confidence.

Experience 3 has been the hardest. Two years ago Buddy, the hyper dog full of life and energy, slipped a disk peeing on a bush in the yard. Yep, at six years of age, simple as that.  He could not move below the chest and was in sheer panic mode calling for me.  I rushed him to the vet ER, then x-rays, MRI, etc.  Three days in the ICU, then finally he came home. I tried everything and he was patient: laser therapy, electrical stimulation, acupuncture, swim therapy, exercise balls, harness walking, supplements, and nothing worked.  His paralysis was permanent. Buddy could no longer pee on his own and needed bladder expression and could not feel or move his back legs ever again.

Buddy fought it for a while. I kept him calm as he would panic, not being able to do everything like walk, sit up (at first), roll over, etc. He couldn't scratch his own head or ears anymore so I do that for him now.  Then one day, he just gave up. Gave in. He adjusted. He no longer was stressed out and freaking out because of his physical issues. He forgot he could ever walk or didn't wear a diaper and just became happy again overnight. It took me a lot longer to adjust. But like him, one day I just accepted the facts and dealt with it. We got a wheelchair, then others, built ramps, made special food bowls that tilt, got on amazon auto ship for diapers and such, and got a new dog sitter that was willing to manage his special needs.

Experience #4 and last one we hope forever....as said, I have a big yard. Trees. Woods. And snakes.  I try to watch for them but almost impossible especially at night. This past Summer, Buddy was outside with the other dogs and me, and was bit by a copperhead on his back foot (2 fang marks).  I rushed him to the ER again, as he was sluggish and throwing up within 5 minutes and his foot/leg was already huge.  He was there for 2 days, touch and go.  The vet asked me to sign a resuscitate order in case he went into anaphylaxis shock.  I kinda laughed and signed it right away...if he can survive all this, heck yes try to bring him back so he can fight off this venom.

He came home looking worse than when he went in and I was unsure if he would make it. He would not eat or drink water.  Finally I got him to take a little nourishment so he would not have to go to ER for IVs.  It took 2 full weeks to get back to normal, but he did. No snake is going to kill this 19 lbs of energy.

So Buddy has lived a full life already. He aggravates his siblings with his playful energy. He tears up any and all toys and stuffed animals (none of the others can have nice things). I have special beds on the floor and ramps in my home for him.  He has been on TV (WBTV Charlotte, NC).  When we go out, HE gets all the attention- diapers and wheelchair, bouncing around like he owns the world.  Kids love him, adults are inspired by him. I am in awe. Nothing gets him down or slows him down.  He is famous around here, for his car seat beer cooler, his red cape, his dominant personality (will chase any dog or car now that he has a metal shield around his body- OMG).

I just call him Buddy.