Isaiah & Charity

 

9/17/08: The pictures below of Isaiah aren't for the weak stomached or faint of heart. He is in pitiful shape BUT he's definitely worth saving even though he has heartworm disease, as well as whips and hooks. Isaiah (which means saved by God in Hebrew) is a skeleton, but somehow he managed to hang on until he could get help. He has a wonderful temperament and is so happy to be fed and have a soft bed to sleep on. We picked these guys up last Wednesday, and on Thursday when Isaiah saw the doctor, he weighed 37.5 lbs. He's a fairly large framed boy, so he probably needs to gain at least 15 lbs. Isaiah is probably 5 years old or so.

His little traveling mate is Charity. She's a tiny little thing, only 30.5 lbs, but she's not nearly as thin as Isaiah. We wonder if he let her eat first while they were lost - maybe that's why he's so thin and her less so. She's less than 15" tall. She, also, has a great personality and just wants you to hold her head in your hands. She is so sweet. Charity is an older dog, too. She doesn't have many teeth.

 

Both dogs have been treated for the whips and hooks and both are now eating. At first we couldn't get them to eat, which had us really scared. We were afraid their little bodies were beginning to shut down. But with a lot of coaxing and some really good tasting nutritional supplement, they gave in and now are eating like chow hounds. Isaiah would gulp his food down so fast that he would get choked and throw it up; but now he gets a big rock in the middle of his bowl to slow him down and he's doing very well. We expect to see weight gain real soon.

The plan is to recheck them in two weeks to see how they're doing. If both are gaining weight and the worms are gone, we still start Isaiah on Doxycycline for two weeks and then do the heartworm treatment. If Charity is progressing well, she will be spayed on October 8. She is heartworm negative and on preventive.

Because it is obvious these two dogs have been through so much together, we would really like to place them together. We realize that it may not be possible, but that is our goal.

 

 

ISAIAH

CHARITY

 

 

Check back often for updates and new pictures as these guys progress!!

 

9/17/08: Our rescue family is truly amazing! Even before the day was out, one of our supporters wrote wanting to sponsor these two guys. We first came to know Rebekah when she sponsored Betsy, then after she was adopted, she sponsored Herbie; then it was Jolie and now that Jolie is almost completely recovered and her medical expenses are minimal, she wants to sponsor Isaiah and Charity. And goodness knows we can use it. Thank you so much, Rebekah, for your financial support. We couldn't do what we do without people like you!

 

9/28/08: It's only been 11 days and look at the difference in these guys. It's amazing what a lot of good food and love will do for this breed.

 

	CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

 

10/11/08: These guys are doing so well. Charity was spayed and had her eyes fixed on Thursday. She's recovering well.

Isaiah will have his heartworm treatment on Monday and Tuesday. We're hoping he comes through it okay.

To see these guys in action, click here. VIDEO 1 and VIDEO 2.

 

 

 

Don't they look great?

1/18/09: These precious peibies will be going to their new home TOGETHER on February 19! Yea!!

 

2/19/09: Isaiah and Charity are on their way to their new home in Decatur AL. Charity looks a little sad and it made me cry, but I know she'll be fine.

2/20/09: Good morning Cindy. The pups had a good night; they stayed in the bedroom with me on their beds and only wanted to go out at 11:30 and 1:30. I really didn't expect to sleep much their first night. Isaiah barked at his reflection in our bathroom mirror at 11:30- it was pretty funny.
They have both been exploring the woods this morning at leisure. Charity loves it outside, but comes in frequently to see if we're still here, I suppose. She is actually coming up to both Jonathan and me, wagging, seeking attention. Also unexpected. They have romped together and played with the sock and some nylabones and Isaiah chased down the tennis ball but doesn't return it yet! When I need Charity inside quickly, I'll put the leash on her, but otherwise she is free to roam out there for now. Every time she comes in I give her a small treat and face mushing.
They are big hits with all the family members! I was wondering if my daughter who will go off to college in a couple of years would even try to bond with them, but she just fell in love with both of them.
I've taken some video this morning, but I'll have to get my tech savvy children to help me with posting that!
I'll send another update later this evening.
Thanks!
Dee

2/21/09: Hi Cindy, The pups are snoozing in the bedroom floor after a full day of exploring and hanging out with the family. We gave Isaiah an extra meal while Charity was out in the woods and we had to go back to putting something in his bowl to slow him down. I figure it will take awhile for him to realize that the food will be there every day.
I tried to send 2 videos, but I didn't copy myself, so I don't know if it was successful.
So far, they both like going places in the van, they like the woods, they even like the side yard at the Huntsville house, where construction is going on at the other end of the house. We visited about 30 minutes yesterday while I moved the furniture out of the work area and met Jay there.
I'll keep you posted. They have a vet appt. 3/3 so the heartworm will be on time and she'll have all their history. So far, so good!
Dee

2/23/09: Good morning Cindy,
I hope work got less crazy - I can't imagine the time & energy to clean up after water damage at a college.
The dogs are doing so well. Charity just loves hanging out on the deck watching the trees in the wind and the occasional squirrel. Can't wait until the warmer weather - we have several families of chipmunks that live under the woodpile in the back yard, under the side yard and in the front limestone boulders, as well. They have always done a good job evading the dogs, but it is entertaining to watch the dogs track the chipmunk trails. The split back yard keeps them safe.
Both Charity & Isaiah like to go in the car. We kept thinking Isaiah just wanted out into the garage to see what was out there, but he went out & hopped up in the open van and just waited for me to get the message. They sit up in the seats and watch for awhile, then plop on the dog bed and snooze.
They have enjoyed meeting people. We are trying to limit it for a few weeks, but they are friendly with everyone so far. Charity will still walk around the room from Jonathan or Jay sometimes, so I'm working on letting them feed her and love on her when she's next to me. I'll start leash training next week probably. Charity has done her "drop to the ground" a few times when she doesn't want to go a certain direction. My first shar-pei was rather willful also. We never made it past basic training, but I just want Charity to be safe.
I am having trouble uploading my videos to you tube. I'm waiting to see if my latest attempt is working while I'm writing you. I'll keep you posted on that.
Just wanted to let you know that this transition has gone much more smoothly than we expected. They are both so sweet and love all the attention. I'll let you know what they weigh after Monday's visit to the vet.
More later,
Dee

2/27/09: Hi Cindy, Just thought I'd give you a one week anniversary update. Wow, Isaiah has a little belly on him now! He has slowed down eating, so we've put away the rock. Charity has done really well eating, but doesn't care for the fish oil gelcaps. It's kind of funny to think of how difficult it must be for her to eat missing teeth, but she can sort and spit out that gelcap! They both get weighed on Monday morning.
They are both doing well socially, though she seems to prefer being outside on the deck or in the doghouse that's under the deck. No dog has ever used that house since we installed the dog door, but she lays in the house facing the woodpile, looking toward the birdfeeders. We had a substantial rain storm with lightening and thunder early this morning and she preferred to stay in the dog house. I had opened the dog door to let them go to the bathroom just before the rain started. I went out in my coat & rainboots and she was not phased at all by the storm. Pretty laid back about everything except loud noises.
We will have some family coming in this weekend so they will get to meet new people on their new turf.
I'll work on some more pictures this weekend. Thank you so much! Dee

3/3/09: Hi Cindy, Isaiah & Charity had a great first visit with Dr. Monroe this morning. Isaiah was 53.5 lbs! Charity was 35, so we'll watch her weight and start evening out his rations. Heartworm tests were negative and everything else looked good.
They enjoyed their romp in the snow yesterday morning. Charity was absolutely puppy-like springing around in the snow on the deck. I took video, but will try a different way to post it to You Tube.
Both continue to do well; they enjoyed visiting with my in-laws, who fawned all over them.
Charity would stay outside in the 20 degree weather if we let her, I think. She really love it in the woods.
They really are a testament to your hard work! Thanks, Dee

3/31/09: Hi Cindy,
The skin scrape yesterday confirmed demodex, so Isaiah is on the Ivermectin. The vet would not dip him anyway, so that was all good. It was caught early, so maybe he'll be cleared up with one bottle.
Both had one tooth removed and Isaiah will probably lose another back tooth. They enjoyed their dinner last night with warm chicken soup on it! Usually, neither has any issues with crunchy treats or food. We thought Charity might have problems with that.
Both were very cooperative at the vets and afterwards with us. No grumpy drunks!
I'll keep you posted on the demodex treatment.
Charity played ball Tuesday! Knocked our socks off!
Dee

 

9/12/09: Hi Cindy,
I realized that it has been a little while since you heard from us. Both Isaiah and Charity are doing well. Isaiah was having a little flare-up of his allergies, despite bathing and vacuuming those pesky dust mites, so we're going to see how the allergy shots go. As I remember with our other dog, Potter, there is a positive change in about a week. Isaiah can't take the morning walks he loves without his paws geting inflamed, so for now I strictly walk him on our grass median. He loves to go, go, go! When I get back from taking him, Charity is waiting for me at the door for her turn. She doesn't walk nearly as quickly as Isaiah, so we go separately. She is much more inclined to "stop and smell the roses"! What a laid back girl.
We're at the Huntsville house almost full time now 9/12/09: Hi Cindy,
I realized that it has been a little while since you heard from us. Both Isaiah and Charity are doing well. Isaiah was having a little flare-up of his allergies, despite bathing and vacuuming those pesky dust mites, so we're going to see how the allergy shots go. As I remember with our other dog, Potter, there is a positive change in about a week. Isaiah can't take the morning walks he loves without his paws geting inflamed, so for now I strictly walk him on our grass median. He loves to go, go, go! When I get back from taking him, Charity is waiting for me at the door for her turn. She doesn't walk nearly as quickly as Isaiah, so we go separately. She is much more inclined to "stop and smell the roses"! What a laid back girl.
We're at the Huntsville house almost full time now because of school. Both acclimate very well to wherever we are. Charity still prefers to be outside and Isaiah keeps watch from his personal ottoman at the front window. Now that it isn't so hot, he is spending more time outside as well. I'll get some pictures and send them on to you.
Thank you for all you do!
Cordially, Dee

 

Go Charity Go!!Royce really gets Charity going. She plays like a puppy.

 

 

Dee