Walk for the Underdog

Julie Klingsberg
NorCal Critter Crossings

Best told by the series of blogs I wrote as we struggled together for her life

*Angelica*

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
Date: Jan 12, 2008 8:58 PM

"what the hell happened to this baby?"

names are Angelica & Achilles , named by a new dear friend who donated the funds for them to have their first shots. Appear to be no more than 4 weeks old (still wanting to suckle) and most likely American Staffordshire Terriers (or mixes). Beautiful is an understatement with their gorgeous, flashy coats and markings... stunning in person.

Achilles, slightly larger than little sis is doing well... he's got a belly full of worms, but deworming is standard care so that will be taken care of right away... he's feisty and fought his first bath as well as his first dose of medications and immune system supplements... what a handsome, darling boy whose name suits him perfectly.

and on to Angelica which is where the "what the hell happened to...?" comes in... seriously, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO THIS TINY BABY GIRL?

I sent a note to the shelter asking if there was any history other than "stray" (as noted on their paperwork) as I thought I was getting in a couple of Pitty Pups, nothing new, another day in rescue... but we gasped at the sight of her skin or what's left of it... acid? burned? attacked? (the least likely cause there are no punctures)...

I was not prepared nor expecting another project or special needs kido... she also has a slight bobble to her head

she took her meds, bath and food willingly (quite messy as she wanted to suckle the food down) but Woody was close by for clean up duty.

Her gums are white, she is quite sedate, but is clean and resting comfortably... once I confirm with my Medical Director, she will be given whatever pain meds are appropriate for a 4 week old pup, if any. We started her immediately on her immune system supplements and are syringing them hourly along with some sweet potatoes to keep her blood sugar up.

They're warm and napping now...

I need to catch my breath and feed the pack... I'll be back with Sable, Freckles & Sarah updates soon... hang tight.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 14, 2008 10:20 AM

I'm hesitant to begin a chipin for her care, since I have no idea what we're in for here...what I do know is that she was dumped in Merced somewhere and picked up by an ACO on January 4th... We picked her up on Saturday... was she this way when she arrived at the shelter? did this happen at the shelter? Who knows... honestly, with shelter pups and no history it's detective work, guesses and assumptions.

She can barely walk sturdily now and I'd guess she's only 3-4 weeks as she is still suckling... I will tell you she is a fighter and a survivor... we'll work on her temperament later, right now we need to get her better.

Since her photos are quite graphic, I'm putting a link to her photo album here instead of upsetting photos Angelica needs some ANGELS *WARNING graphic pics*

But this is our little survivor... and we're off to the vet in 30 minutes.

Many have asked so I'm putting our donation link here now... once I get an estimate and prognosis, I'll put together a chip in... we may even do our Valentine Raffle for her instead of Sable... who was euthanized at the same shelter for mange.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 14, 2008 1:42 PM

No Chipin needed for today's $47 vet visit...

Here are the vet's observations:

* she either stepped in and splattered and scratched herself OR was submerged, dropped, put into some sort of chemical or acid
* she WAS infected at some point but is not infected now
* the injuries look like they were sustained prior to her arrival at the shelter (ten days ago)... but I'm still wondering how they didn't notice...
* her wobbly head (upon arrival) was most likely due to malnourishment or dehydration (it has subsequently stopped "bobbling")
* her unstable walk is due to her burned pads on her feet and legs
* the Bordatella & Leptovirus vaccines that were administered at the shelter should NOT cause long term damage, as a reaction to those would have probably been observed in the past 48 hours

Vet recommendations are:
1 - pain meds (so tiny they are nearly impossible to score)
2 - Vitamin E, but that's where we'll consult Lori *That Botanica Chick* cause she's the expert... most likely she'll go on a similar healing ointment as the ones we are using for Herbie.

oh and she's 2.9 lbs, and estimated to be about 4 weeks old now

Of course we owe this vet a substantial amount of funds still... see that OTHER bulletin... but no fundraising necessary for this little girl... just lots of prayers that she heal quickly.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 21, 2008 1:35 AM

A lot of you have asked how she is doing, so I'll put it up here... she's doing well, she really is a little fighter and survivor... she puts up with her nightly rubdowns with ointment... although she lets me know when she's had enough...

She continues to lose skin and fur but since this is a "time and patience" issue and not a "funding" issue, I won't post the graphic photos... they're in her photo gallery if you would like to see her progress... and remember, she'll get worse before she gets better.

She's coming along well in her temperament and getting lots of "inspections"... has met most everyone here and still LOVES to cuddle, but has her own opinion about who and when they get to share her bed ;o)

The most exciting news is that we FINALLY found a warm sweater that is just her size... thanks to Webkinz, she now has a new wardrobe... I'm sure it won't last long, in fact, my daughter is counting on it ;o)

She's still so young, so tiny at just five weeks and four pounds, but she's fought to get this far so we've got really high hopes for this baby girl...

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 25, 2008 4:25 PM

The vet has Angelica now... doing a full blood panel (another $135) so right now, prayers... and funds of course...

It has also been recommended that our remaining, healthy pups be vaccinated... that's Georgie Bean, Elodie, Sarah, Shane and Tula. These pups have been separated from the others for the past two days with the first sign of illness with Angelica.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 25, 2008 11:57 AM

Thank you Anne, for helping with this urgent situation while I rushed out the door... my head is spinning and my goal, right now, is to save Angelica.

we just had Achille's euthanized as he was suffering.

My vet is in surgery now but I left a fecal sample of Angelica's and she goes in in an hour...

I paid extra for cremation.. I cant allow rescued dogs to be rendered...and I'm not in the mode of being cheap right now *shudder*

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 25, 2008 5:07 PM

Grand Total today... $536.45...

two cremations at $150 each, we could have "disposed" of the bodies, i.e. RENDERED them, but if you know what it actually is (you can read here if you're brave) you wouldn't have either...

Angelica's total today, $236.45 and her last total $232.20...

having Angelica alive in our home tonight, priceless

Blood panel shows low protein levels, i.e. not absorbing nutrients, so she is now on ID and AD prescription food...

Fecal results show not one but TWO strains of Coccidia despite being on Albon for the past two weeks.... the vet has continued with more Albon and added Metrodiazinole

So back to the two hour feedings but look at the result Smuckers had... I think the prayers payed off today... now if those prayers could forward about a grand to my vet... THAT WOULD be the miracle... hey if you can't laugh... you just cry...

We keep sending $200 payments then charging $300, paying, charging, paying, charging... you got me? Yes, I might need to get a job that actually PAYS me, no?

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 26, 2008 11:23 PM
Angelica

... has bubbles coming out of her nose... I just went to feed her.. this is the final sign right before Freckles and Achilles died...

Whatever your religious beliefs.. please pray for her tonight... she may not see tomorrow.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 27, 2008 2:36 AM

I just got off the phone with the only emergency vet up here (that is 45 minutes from here), the vet won't euthanize her without the history... all I have is her receipt...

So I'm going to wait and see... she doesn't have the other signs... the shaking nor the coughing

I have been giving her Gatorade since Monday... vet said to stop because of the fluid building up in her belly... she drinks her water and I syringe more... chicken broth too. She is on two prescription foods and has eaten about half the times I've offered it today... I feel, right now, that she'll make it through the night... she's feisty enough to growl at the other dogs still so that is a good sign

RE: The reason I am fighting so hard for just ONE damn puppy
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 27, 2008 12:51 PM

Are there enough puppies in this world?? YES
Is this just another one of them?? MAYBE...
Am I wasting my time, energy and resources?? you'll have to be the judge of that .. I quite frankly have lost my perspective

Her plea came in, just like all the others.."I know these are Pit Puppies, but so sweet, so young and so cute, we are pleading for someone to rescue the two of them.."

What I wasn't expecting is what arrived ... a puppy younger than four weeks, who had been vaccinated (despite my request NOT to do so

and that is how her story began... what we do not know yet is how her story will end... this slideshow is graphic, yes, but this is for the individuals who are just joining in her story now... to perhaps explain why this is NOT just one more damn puppy...at least to me she is not...
and this is where you come in... despite being advised to put her down with Achilles, I didn't and again am in trouble for draining the rescue (financially)... so Angelica needs your continued prayers and I need your support... If you can, if you will, please chipin a dollar, two, anything that can be spared without affecting your ability to care for your own furbabies...

It will help my Board to know that I am not wasting my time, nor our funds... and that you all do care about her as much as I do.

To those who have donated so far... THANK YOU, thank you for your faith in me and our volunteers.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 27, 2008 10:32 PM

Little Jellie has made it through this day... she is not listless, just lethargic I lied down with her this afternoon and she truly just tries to crawl under my skin... she cannot get close enough... she is still here... she took some Gatorade and yogurt this evening by syringe but did not eat her prescription food

She isn't gonna make it... I just keep telling her that it is okay to give up fighting, that I love her but she can go.

I think she will be gone by tonight

If she survives the night and wants to fight... we are off to the vet in the morning and may be in her best interest to say goodbye... but that is tomorrow, another day to allow us to fight together...

Thank you for the support, the encouragement and kind words... and to those who have cared so much about her to donate so we can provide the best care possible

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Jan 28, 2008 7:07 AM

You won't believe this... Angelica is up, she ate (like a beast) and is wagging her tail.. it HAS to be the power of prayer.. I said goodbye to her all day yesterday.. I guess she just has other plans.

So we are off to the vet again this morning for a few more tests.

thank you

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Feb 9, 2008 10:16 AM

Now that all of her burns have healed and she has no open wounds as well as having vaccines to protect her... we ventured outside... she met a few friendly visitors on the way and did FANTASTIC for a first timer on a leash... of course, she was accompanied by our certified, Junior Dog Trainer, Madeline...

I will repost the Herbie update as well.. then off to clean the kennels... anybody wanna help??? Bring rubber boots!

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Feb 6, 2008 5:33 PM

Angelica... oh boy...

I took this video TODAY... so no, she has not improved yet BUT has she improved, yes! She used to bite ME as well

Angelica received her second set of vaccines today and her *hopefully* last fecal sample was dropped off at the vet.... her skin is healed, fur is beginning to grow back from the burned areas and she is playing, sleeping, eating and drinking WELL...she has even gotten over her brief bought of kennel cough, quite quickly.

So now the work begins... Unfortunately, Angelica is following in the footsteps of her namesake...

she is a BRAT!

Although her aggression is explainable having been ABANDONED at the ripe old age three weeks... without any siblings nor mother to teach her good manners.. but she has been so ill, near death at times that it has been the least of my concerns... well no more excuses, time to get busy... she is eight weeks old now and her aggression towards ME is gone... she has NEVER shown aggression toward my children, but is quite demanding of their attention and affection. She has begun her crate training to learn to RELAX when confined and alone.. she is doing well. We are venturing outdoors this week and beginning house training now that she has two levels of protection with her vaccines... but here is the biggest concern at this point... now keep in mind, this is my star puppy socializer, Fido... he has assisted in raising dozens of pit bull puppies and another dozen or so of other breeds... MOST if not all that left our care sound... although Fido is a boy, he mimics, appropriately the behaviors of a momma dog... teaching them their limits, no biting and submission to a calm alpha leader.

Well take a look here... even Fido doesn't know WHAT to do with this little *angel*

So although she is by all accounts, well and legally adoptable at her age and health status, I don't like nor allow my pups to leave until they are good canine citizens and well socialized....

This video may make you giggle NOW but it wont be funny in about six months if this behavior is not corrected during this essential socialization period, prior to 16 weeks. Keep in mind that the first week she was here she was growling AND biting me when I reached into her food bowl... this is actually an improvement in her behavior, but I MAY need a new alpha on this one... time to get Cali out during meal times, I think...

So you all can apply if you LIKE... but let me work my magic and let's find her a home the FIRST time around, FOREVER.

to apply to adopt,click here although I don't RECOMMEND it yet...

At our rescue group we demand good canine citizenship of the dogs in our care. We have spent literally thousands on adult dogs that never had early socialization and intervention for problems that, in my opinion, are clearly visible as pups, such as in this video of Angelica... this is defined as food aggression and, or resource guarding, of which food aggression falls into the category.

RESOURCE GUARDING, under this title is toy possessiveness, food aggression and crate guarding

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Critter Crossings, ALL Breed Rescue
Date: Mar 4, 2008 2:31 PM

"She's learned to sing, she's learned to dance
She started life without a chance
she survived, put up a fight
And kept me up on countless nights

You have prayed and we have cried
for this pup that could have died

She's learned to share, at least she's tried
and she has friends who are on her side

It's her turn to leave, on to new ventures
and I'll enjoy tales of her exciting adventures
we'll hand her off to new loving arms
a family to adore her and all of her charms
The time has come to bid adieu
oh dear sweet Jellie, I love you"

Mar 9, 2008
Julie,

Just wanted to let you know we picked up Jellie yesterday and she is home with us and doing very well. Attached are some pictures of her "adjusting" to her new life in the family. Will keep you posted on her progress.

Josh and Sarah

Mar 10, 2008

Dear Julie -

We renamed her Zoey and her and Maia get along famously. We still have to supervise play time because Maia is so much bigger than Zoey. But they both slept with us last night. Josh says Zoey is so small and not housebroken enough to let her sleep in her own bed. Good excuse!!!

Right now Maia is trying to polaly with her and Zoey isn't too thrilled.

We love every minute of our new family. I hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Sarah

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