Neptune
Updated 3/22/12
Neptune, age 8 months
AVAILA
Isn’t he the most beautiful pup! And his story makes
him even more beautiful in our eyes—because he came so close to not being with
us at all.
When he came to GRR back in September 2011, he
seemed to thrive initially – but a month later, he was gravely ill with
distemper (as our vets explained, this dreaded neurological disease can “hide”
and then strike suddenly). Puppies often don’t survive distemper, and for
several weeks, Neptune’s life hung in the balance as he remained hospitalized,
receiving fluids to address dehydration and fever, supplemental oxygen for
respiratory issues, and an assortment of intravenous antibiotics and medications
to keep secondary infections and nausea under control.
And he pulled through. In mid-November, his devoted vets moved him into their
own home, where they’d be able to keep a close eye on him and take quick action
if need be. Now, it’s mid-February, and we feel safe in saying that he’s really
made it!
But our little miracle blondie didn’t escape completely unscathed: the distemper
has had lasting effects.
*His muscle tone is better than it was, but he may not ever be as strong as a
normal Golden, or have as much stamina; and he likely won’t ever weigh more than
around 50 pounds.
*He has very visible tremors, including a twitching of his lips; this is most
noticeable when he’s at rest. He does have a 50/50 chance of the tremors
progressing into seizures (mild or severe, there’s no telling); that could
happen a few months from now, or ten years down the road. If the time comes, he
can start on seizure meds.
* The disease has affected his tongue; he can’t lick you, and his tongue stays
inside his mouth and off to the side when he pants. It also makes him a very
sloppy drinker! His teeth are a bit discolored, but still perfectly strong; they
seem sensitive, though, so larger kibble chunks and biscuits give him a little
trouble.
* His tail is affected, too; it will never have that “waving in the air” look
when he walks, and the end just waves a bit when he’s really excited.
* His stamina and endurance have been affected, so he cannot go on long walks,
be a jogging partner, and swimming may be life-threatening for him as he may
tire and sink.
* He knows his name, but sometimes when you call him, he looks around but not in
the direction of where the sound came; it’s possible the disease has affected
his hearing.
Now let’s see, what else? Well, just that in every other way he is a typical
loving pup, a bit mellower than the usual overall, but with that typical puppy
wild side that emerges whenever there’s a magazine or a newspaper to shred! He
loves other dogs and thrives in their company; he’s pretty reliably
house-trained, but he’s still just a pup & has the occasional “oops.”
Nicknamed “Forrest” by his foster family (after Forrest Gump, who was likewise
placid, naïve, loving, and optimistic!), this dog will be the perfect companion
for someone who wants a pup to watch the movies with on the couch at home, to
take for gentle walks, and really just to appreciate the marvel of seeing a
little Golden who so nearly didn’t make it enjoying life as only a dog
can—living it from day to day: “to wake alive in this world, what happiness!” as
a Japanese poet once wrote.
Update 3/14/12: Neptune should be ready for his forever home in another week. His surgery site has healed well. He will still be recovering over the next few months, but he shouldn't need to be under activity-restriction.
Update 3/22/12: Neptune has sailed through his OCD surgery and is doing great!
Some more "accreditations" to add to Neptune's resume: He is wonderful with kids; his foster family has 3 and he just adores them (and vice versa!). He also is very fond of the resident dogs, having particularly bonded with the foster family's GRR Golden. We all feel that he should go to a home with at least one other dog - a mentor to help him learn, as well as a buddy to bond and play with.
|
Hotline: (512) 659-GOLD |
Last Updated |