Day 20- Oscar's wound is closed.

Day 20- 3/10/2011

Oscar's recovery has taken a giant leap forward. His wound was closed by Shady Oak Vet on Tuesday. In addition he was neutered, microchipped and given his rabies vaccine. He tested negative for lymes, heartworm and anaplasmosis. He seems to be on the final stretch of recovery. I picked him up early on Wednesday and I think he was happy to see me. He came home to his porch for some much needed rest. He really appreciates not having the bandage changes daily. He can finally clean himself and move around without difficulty.

He has only eaten a little bit since coming home so I will keep a close eye on him. Sadly, his ribs continue to be prominent so we have a long way to go in weight gain. His energy level isn't where it was before he went to surgery, but I will give him a couple more days before I get worried. He has met a potential family for adoption who just love him! If he is feeling up to it on Saturday he will go to their home to meet their dog and cat. If all goes well Oscar will have his forever home! However, if Saturday rolls around and he still isn't eating well we will hold off until next week. He has been through so much in the last month that recovery time may just take longer then the average, healthy dog. He will continue with another two weeks of antibiotics as well as return to the vet for his stitches to be removed in about 2 weeks.

As usual he has been a joy to have around. He is probably one of the easiest foster dogs we have had the pleasure of having. He is not demanding and very appreciative of what we do for him. He still isn't quite sure about getting into the car (I have to lift him), but once he is in he loves car rides. My kitchen is no longer a place of fear for him, and he LOVES to go for walks. He doesn't pull at all, but does enjoy sniffing everything. A 6 block walk took about 30 minutes! He loves to have his head and butt rubbed, and if you are sitting on the floor next to him he paws at you to pet him. He is a sweetheart, and will make his new family very happy.

Thank you for taking the time to read his blog.
-Nicci

Day 12- Oscar's wound is going to be closed!

Day 12- 3/2/2011

Oscar is improving by leaps and bounds. Every day he has more spunk and is starting to play with Matt and I. He still loves to howl with the police sirens, but never barks. As I have said before he loves the three season porch and uses it as his safe place. Matt and I have been slowly introducing him to the house, and he now can lay in the living room for about an hour before he wants to go back out on the porch, which is a huge improvement. He is following the lead of Thurman and Cree, which may not be the best, since their favorite game is jumping the fence and cruising the neighborhood. Thankfully, Oscar isn't into jumping.





Dressing changes continue to be daily, but we went for his one week check up at the vet yesterday. They were very impressed with his wound and think it is ready to be closed. The plan is to close his wound and neuter him next Tuesday. I am so excited for him because then his dressing changes will be OVER! He anticipates these changes daily and avoids the kitchen, where they happen, like the plague. Hopefully, he will not need the cone of shame. The most excited news for me is that he has gained 7 pounds in one week!! I attribute that to his high calorie/protein diet in addition to treating his tapeworm.

Oscar has really become special to Matt and I. It is so inspiring to have a dog that has been through so much and yet still licks your face and smiles at you when you bring him food. He is truly appreciative for everything we have done for him. Thank you to everyone who has donating to his care. It has allowed him a second chance at life.

-Nicci