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Ico First Choice November 15, 1994 – July 3, 2007 |
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She entered our lives in April, when a good Samaritan saw this dog roaming the streets and called GPA/SAL. Crystal Alexander was her white knight, rescuing her from a certain life of misery and eminent death before giving her to me to foster. Janie Dawg was emaciated, full of intestinal parasites, covered in fleas and blood from flea bites, missing toenails, had a UTI, and I feared heart worm positive. On the evening of her rescue, she received four baths and two Capstars before this poor girl collapsed in my arms where she found safety, security, and unconditional love. Janie rewarded me with the ability to weakly wag her tail and grin. The very next morning, she went to the veterinarian’s office and was given the grim diagnosis of heart worm positive. We also learned she was 12 1/2. Dr. Benefield was not optimistic… and frankly, neither was I. It was decided she would have “Quality of Life” rather than “Quantity of Life.” Janie Dawg has amazed and astonished her veterinarian and me with her zest for life and will to live. She managed to walk with the pack to the high school, albeit with lots of pit stops to rest and re-hydrate. Even as her condition began to weaken her, she mustered the strength to go on the morning strolls down the street. She also tolerated the “dignity garment” to prohibit leakage from urinary incontinence. On her last morning, Janie Dawg frolicked in the backyard and galloped (slowly) towards me. Her tail continued to wag and she grinned her silly smile. That afternoon, she loaded herself into the car for what was to be her final car ride. I was truly amazed that this waif of a dog had come so far. Ironically, we went to the veterinarian to have her blood work drawn. Dr. Benefield returned and proclaimed, “This dog is gonna live forever!” Her lab work was slightly evident for an infection, but overall AWESOME for a dog near 100 in human years. Antibiotics were ordered for a UTI. It was at 9:00 p.m., Janie Dawg lost her ability to walk and quickly began to slip away while cradled in my arms. She now chases butterflies with Windy aka “Windy Millennium” at the Rainbow Bridge. Janie Dawg helped me realize that we, as fosters do make a difference in their lives. Janie quickly learned her “new” name, house rules, and how to play. I also believe that she was happy to have lived with my crazy pack. I am fortunate to have been Janie’s foster. Darla Dean Vice President, GPA/SAL Mom to Christie the Ultimate Diva and Foster to Argo, Bam Bam, Lexie, Sis, and Megan the Whippet |
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