Saturday, July 31, 2010

Pets and the Gulf Oil Disaster

Please take a minute to read Mr. Man's latest piece on the impact the oil disaster in the Gulf is having on pets and their people. Let us know what you think...and thanks (that's 'WOOF' in English)!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Pink's Journey Continues, Along with a Red Dog Update

Today Pink launched back into the world and is now ensconced in his foster home. Thanks again to Mark and Liana. He is taking another round of antibiotics to finish the job on the URI, and Dr. Maples thought some lysine would help him as well.

A special thank you to everyone who donated to his cause. We are leaving the account open until 5pm tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon, as several folks have requested a bit more time for donations. Currently, even with the added meds, we only need around $80. See the post below for donation info, and thanks again!

The most exciting part of the day was Shiva's ride in the car with Pink during the transfer. She was fascinated with how small he is...he must smell bigger than he looks. She even got to stop by to visit Dr. Mitch to say hi. He was happy to see how well she's doing, and he assured us that she has exceeded all expectations and prognoses. He really loves Goldens, but Shiva was just happy he didn't steal another one of her legs!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Pink's Progress

Rapidly becoming 'the little kitty that could', Pink is making remarkable progress in his recovery from a nasty URI. The good folks at Boyds Creek Animal Hospital have been showering him with affection, as well as twice-daily doses of fish-flavored antibiotics, producing an amazing transformation.

Just as a reminder, here he is shortly before his capture:


Now check him out a week into his stay at BCAH:











What a difference seven days, some good meds, and lots of hugs and kisses make...way to go, BCAH staff!

Pink is scheduled to be released into foster care on Monday, and we're still keen to find him a forever home. Please share this with everyone you know. We're also down to about $70 in our quest for donations, so thanks for the generous support...we're almost there!

Boyds Creek Animal Hospital will be open at 8am on Monday, and they can be reached at 865-577-2738.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Update on Pink

First off, thanks to Mark and Liana for offering a place in their home to foster Pink until permanent placement can be found. You two really are miracles!

Second, thanks to all who have donated thus far. At this point, we only need around another $140 to cover his vet care, and we have until 11 am Monday to do so. Debra and I will absorb any shortfall beyond our current contribution, but we'd love not to have to so we can use the $$ to help the next animal that will inevitably come along. The phone number for Boyds Creek Animal Hospital is 865-577-2738, and just ask them to apply your donation to 'Pink's Bill/Account' under Brian Douglas.

Finally, please keep sharing this with folks so that we can find a permanent home for our little friend.

Thank you!!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

This is Not a Test

This is not a test of the Red Dog Emergency Broadcast System. This is a real, live situation (not the goofy guy from New Jersey kind of situation, either) whereby Shiva the Red Dog is calling upon all her loyal subjects, followers, and fans to help a cat in need. Some of you may remember "Pink" from our recent Hole Patrol series, but here's a photo to refresh your memory:


Always elusive, Pink has lived in the neighborhood for several years, working the populace for regular meals and little else.

Recently, he began frequenting a neighbor's house in obvious distress:


Fortunately, he allowed us to trap him and take him to the vet for an exam. Along the way, we discovered him to be extremely sweet and affectionate, something not before seen. Upon examination, two issues became clear:

1. He has a treatable Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) and is now in quarantine on 10 days of antibiotics;
2. He is Feline Leukemia positive.

Because he seems strong and certainly very nice, we and the veterinary staff think he deserves a fighting chance. Due to #2, we are asking for the following:

1. Money. Sweet, sweet money, to be paid to Boyds Creek Animal Hospital as part of his quarantine and care. We estimate the total to be in the $300 range, and have already raised $80 among neighbors, so every little bit helps. Please call 865-577-2738 and tell them you'd like to help with 'Pink's Bill' under Brian Douglas' account.
2. Either foster or permanent placement, because a vet at UT has a drug (approved overseas) that is being tested here for its immune-boosting properties. They already have one FeLeuk positive cat on it, with promising results. This will begin after his 10-day stay at BCAH is over. He will need to be an indoor-only cat with no other cats, or in a home with other FeLeuk positive cats. If this interests you, please leave a comment below with your email address.

We hope to have a photo soon showing the progress he's made in the five days he's been in the expert care of the Boyds Creek staff. We'll update the blog when that happens.

This is a most unusual scenario, and not one we've entered into lightly. The normal course with ill FeLeuk & FIV positive cats is euthanasia, but given Pink's disposition and attitude, both veterinarians we've consulted think he should have an opportunity at some positive living in the right environment. We will be contacting known FeLeuk 'hospice' homes, as well, as some exist in the area. Again, thank you for all you do, and thank you for helping the Red Dog look after her not-so-feral friend.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Dancing, Hopping and Bossing...Red Dog Style

For those of you suffering from Red Dog withdrawal, here's a little something to hold you over...

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Her Fame Continues to Grow...

A HUGE shout-out to Red Dog Blog follower and Shiva the Red Dog fan Leslie "The Legend/The Parrot Priestess" Kimbel for immortalizing the Red Dog at the world famous Flora-Bama bar on the Gulf of Mexico. Words cannot adequately describe the warm, fuzzy feeling the Red Dog gets when she sees this kind of dedication and adulation. Leslie truly has earned "most favored" status in the Red Dog's eyes.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Dangers of Fireworks

Mr. Man shares his wisdom about the dangers fireworks pose to us dogs...this is indispensable information, people!! Please click the link-thingie, and then share it with everyone you know!