Shasta is a 9.5 yro spayed, docked and cropped, grey brindle female. Her owner died and the wife was no
longer able to keep her. Shasta weighs 129.5 lbs. and is only 23" tall - she should weigh approx. 80 lbs.!! Because of her severe obesity, she has some difficulties walking and
getting up from a prone position. She also has some difficulty breathing and cannot take the heat. I have had her to the vet's and we ran a full geriatric blood profile - heart and
lungs are fine, some deterioration of the kidneys (typically due to age), no thyroid problems and no diabetes. Shasta is a very sweet girl, knows how to shake a paw, comes when called and
is excellent in the house. The chances of a dog of this age finding placement is slim to nil - especially with her
severe weight problem and inability to exercise. Most people don't want to take the chance on a dog like Shasta because they think she won't live very long. Older dogs have so much to
offer - devotion, quiet companionship and a sense of dignity. Well, someone has 'stepped up to the plate' and has offered to foster Shasta and try to help her recover her health - but it
isn't an experienced person, it isn't even an adult. A shy young girl by the name of Carla is willing to take the chance of getting her heart broken, has researched the internet and has put
together an exercise/diet program to help Shasta. Some background first: Carla is an only child. Her family moved next door to a good friend (who owns two neutered male bouviers) last
Sept/99. Carla was deathly afraid of big dogs but fascinated by Brian's dogs. As bouviers will, one of the dogs 'O.D.' (who is a rescued dog himself - found abandoned on the highway)
sensed her fear and tried to make friends. Over a period of time, Carla has lost her fear of big dogs and spends many hours grooming, walking and just being 'pals' with O.D.. She was
bitten by the 'bouv bug'! and Brian asked if I could find the family a quieter, laid back bouv. Last week Brian approached the family with the pictures and story of Shasta. Carla
asked a lot of questions and, with her parents' permission, offered to foster Shasta until she goes back to school in September. Carla wanted Shasta to get better and she felt that she
could make a difference to this dogs' quality of life. She has researched the internet about bouviers, about health, spoken with Brian's vet and will be keeping a daily log of food intake,
distance walked and any other pertinent information. Shasta will be weighed each week and then a report made back to me. Brian has generously offered to oversee this foster project and to
provide any guidance Carla needs. On Sunday, July30th, I met with Brian so that he could take Shasta to her new temporary home and her and O.D. got along wonderfully. I had Shasta all
clipped down and bathed; she was even sporting a new bandana!! Carla and Shasta are settling in nicely together and are forming a bond. Thank you Carla for trying to make a difference,
it's refreshing to see a teenager 'giving' instead of 'taking' - you have a very big heart!! Heartfelt appreciation and kudos to Carla's parents for encouraging her efforts and for allowing
Shasta into their home. UPDATE Shasta was weighed by the vet today and she is a svelte 112.4 lbs.!!!!! Shasta has lost 17.1 lbs.!!! Carla takes Shasta on a 30 minute walk (minimum) several times per day, for treats Carla gives her baby carrots. Carla also reports that Shasta now runs, sits for treats and can
walk all the way around the block without resting. Great job Carla!!! Updates to be posted as I get them. For further information, contact Margo Illing.
UPDATE August 17, 2000 |
