Yiska came to us from South Carolina - he was found unable to walk, dragging his rear end (from lack of food - he was
starving to death and as the brain will, it had already begun to shut down the least vital body parts), on the side of the
highway where he was taken in by a very poor family living in a one bedroom trailer - the only place they could keep him
was in the bathroom. He had been without food so long he could not eat - someone recommended chicken broth (high
sodium) but he did drink it -- and he would get into the bathtub to pee -- such a good boy -- but they had no money for
vetting him. He was coughing horribly and they had no idea what it was - just that it was bad enough to keep them
awake at night but they were taking the best care of him that they could - I applaud them tremendously for stopping for
this little dog!!!! and taking him particularly as poor as they are.
A nearby rescuer heard about Yiska (then named Patience - I renamed him for the Navajo word meaning "the night has
passed" - and Yiska's night has indeed passed) and put out a plea for someone to take him to let him live out his life --
her vet told her he had three months to live --- he listened to his heart and lungs and said the coughing was congestive
heart failure and/or the heartworms, filed teeth, was deaf, suspected organ shutdown was beginning, and obviously the
nebus on his eye and one on his neck and a tiny one in his other eye - I was apparently the only rescue crazy enough to
come forward for a dog in this bad a shape but my theory was -- he OBVIOUSLY wanted to live - he had every chance to
just lay down and die - but he didn't and am I ever glad I took the chance on this white faced old man. Yiska was very
very hand shy - and still when I reach out gently to pet him, his skin has a reflex of ticking, flinching even though HE
does not withdraw, his skin seems to automatically flinch - that too seems to get better every day though.
I fully expected to get a dog that had three months to live -- all I had to do was provide a loving environment, warmth,
nourishment, peace and quiet, a safe haven to pass - imagine my total shock when I learned that if I were willing to go
the distance -- pay the money, do the work, he had another several years to live -- it was not what I bargained for - for
how wonderful that news was -- I was spared the pain of watching him die or having to make the difficult decision to
euthanize him -- but I now had the responsibility of making sure he lived -- that he got the vet care he needed.
My vet TOTALLY disagreed with the cursory exam from SC - based on his blood and urine panels and his xrays, Yiska
may have several (3, 4 maybe more) good years to live - the congestion was a simply upper respiratory infection and it
showed up on the xrays as white shadows in his lungs. He IS very heartworm positive and he is VERY emaciated - he
is probably around 11-12 years old - his teeth have certainly been filed and he has lots of scarring and "proud flesh" -
broken bones that healed but were obviously not the result of a car accident or human kicking, more like bites where the
bones were broken - He has calluses on his hiney and all his elbows which the vet said probably came from him being
tied in the same place for very very long periods of time. Despite the filing and that his teeth are not in great shape, his
gums are pink and his periodontal disease is minor can be arrested and fixed. He also has an enlarged testicle but it is
firm and not mushy, no signs of cancer. Both vets agreed that he has all the indications of being one of the RARE
survivors of being a bait dog.
Once again, I have dipped into my mortgage and utility money to pay for a dog (two actually - I have another who is
heartworm positive (but she can be on Heartgard for now - she is a light positive) but once treated, spayed, etc., she will
be very very adoptable) and need help. PLEASE go to www.thedognextdoor.com/gift.html and give as generously as
you can - or you may call a donation in directly to Dr. Orr at 770-887-7112 (1902 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming GA
30041) email me so I can send you a tax receipt by email.
Yiska goes back to the vet on February 16 and has exactly the same things done to check his progress - plus a testicle
biopsy ($240) - his third visit will be the same monitoring (tests and xrays for another $180 - if all is progressing as
expected, he will be treated for his heartworms if I have his weight up enough and let me tell you -- this dog has gone
from not eating anything but homemade food (I fed him boiled chicken with the broth, brown rice and a vegetable all
mushed up) for two weeks mixed in with all natural holistic kibble - to eating ANYTHING soft enough for him to tolerate -
I'm so proud of him -- he even noses through my purse because he knows I keep dog cookies in there. He thinks he's
found heaven but is still uneasy about staying inside - I think he thinks he does not deserve it or is not supposed to be
inside??
Our plan of treatment is WEIGHT first and congestion - he is already not coughing at all -- just an amazing recovery with
his meds and some warmth and good nutrition - he's on four medications for that - then we will begin the long treatment
for his heartworms the longest possible - then his testicles - we need to get those out before the enlarged one becomes
cancerous - and if he is strong enough, we will have his teeth scaled while his is losing the family jewels and the metal
object removed at the same time if it has not passed. I am looking at a MINIMUM of $850 for Yiska - and a minimum of
$400 for Lali (total vetting including hw treatment)
PLEASE PLEASE consider donating to help us. Unlike larger rescues, we don't get any help from grants or
help from anything except donations and my unemployment.
Yiska is sweet, sweet, sweet -- and to everyone that got the message and never even responded to Jenna -- eat your
hearts out - as expensive as he will be, he is not a liability, he is a blessing - I won his love and it's like winning a jackpot
without the money LOL- if I have to stand on a street corner and BEG for money for him -- he's worth freezing my toosh
off to get the money - he is as good a friend as my Ranger and Puddles and I've had them for seven years this July - he
looks for me - gets excited when I come home -- even when I come in the room -- he's deaf - LOL but he still knows when
I drive up or come in the room.
I thought I was going to be watching a dog die over the next three months and instead am living a miracle - and watching
a dog learn to be a dog in his senior years. It is nothing short of amazing. They removed the large nebus but the
smaller one in his other eye needs to wait til it is bigger and they removed the one on his neck.
starving to death and as the brain will, it had already begun to shut down the least vital body parts), on the side of the
highway where he was taken in by a very poor family living in a one bedroom trailer - the only place they could keep him
was in the bathroom. He had been without food so long he could not eat - someone recommended chicken broth (high
sodium) but he did drink it -- and he would get into the bathtub to pee -- such a good boy -- but they had no money for
vetting him. He was coughing horribly and they had no idea what it was - just that it was bad enough to keep them
awake at night but they were taking the best care of him that they could - I applaud them tremendously for stopping for
this little dog!!!! and taking him particularly as poor as they are.
A nearby rescuer heard about Yiska (then named Patience - I renamed him for the Navajo word meaning "the night has
passed" - and Yiska's night has indeed passed) and put out a plea for someone to take him to let him live out his life --
her vet told her he had three months to live --- he listened to his heart and lungs and said the coughing was congestive
heart failure and/or the heartworms, filed teeth, was deaf, suspected organ shutdown was beginning, and obviously the
nebus on his eye and one on his neck and a tiny one in his other eye - I was apparently the only rescue crazy enough to
come forward for a dog in this bad a shape but my theory was -- he OBVIOUSLY wanted to live - he had every chance to
just lay down and die - but he didn't and am I ever glad I took the chance on this white faced old man. Yiska was very
very hand shy - and still when I reach out gently to pet him, his skin has a reflex of ticking, flinching even though HE
does not withdraw, his skin seems to automatically flinch - that too seems to get better every day though.
I fully expected to get a dog that had three months to live -- all I had to do was provide a loving environment, warmth,
nourishment, peace and quiet, a safe haven to pass - imagine my total shock when I learned that if I were willing to go
the distance -- pay the money, do the work, he had another several years to live -- it was not what I bargained for - for
how wonderful that news was -- I was spared the pain of watching him die or having to make the difficult decision to
euthanize him -- but I now had the responsibility of making sure he lived -- that he got the vet care he needed.
My vet TOTALLY disagreed with the cursory exam from SC - based on his blood and urine panels and his xrays, Yiska
may have several (3, 4 maybe more) good years to live - the congestion was a simply upper respiratory infection and it
showed up on the xrays as white shadows in his lungs. He IS very heartworm positive and he is VERY emaciated - he
is probably around 11-12 years old - his teeth have certainly been filed and he has lots of scarring and "proud flesh" -
broken bones that healed but were obviously not the result of a car accident or human kicking, more like bites where the
bones were broken - He has calluses on his hiney and all his elbows which the vet said probably came from him being
tied in the same place for very very long periods of time. Despite the filing and that his teeth are not in great shape, his
gums are pink and his periodontal disease is minor can be arrested and fixed. He also has an enlarged testicle but it is
firm and not mushy, no signs of cancer. Both vets agreed that he has all the indications of being one of the RARE
survivors of being a bait dog.
Once again, I have dipped into my mortgage and utility money to pay for a dog (two actually - I have another who is
heartworm positive (but she can be on Heartgard for now - she is a light positive) but once treated, spayed, etc., she will
be very very adoptable) and need help. PLEASE go to www.thedognextdoor.com/gift.html and give as generously as
you can - or you may call a donation in directly to Dr. Orr at 770-887-7112 (1902 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming GA
30041) email me so I can send you a tax receipt by email.
Yiska goes back to the vet on February 16 and has exactly the same things done to check his progress - plus a testicle
biopsy ($240) - his third visit will be the same monitoring (tests and xrays for another $180 - if all is progressing as
expected, he will be treated for his heartworms if I have his weight up enough and let me tell you -- this dog has gone
from not eating anything but homemade food (I fed him boiled chicken with the broth, brown rice and a vegetable all
mushed up) for two weeks mixed in with all natural holistic kibble - to eating ANYTHING soft enough for him to tolerate -
I'm so proud of him -- he even noses through my purse because he knows I keep dog cookies in there. He thinks he's
found heaven but is still uneasy about staying inside - I think he thinks he does not deserve it or is not supposed to be
inside??
Our plan of treatment is WEIGHT first and congestion - he is already not coughing at all -- just an amazing recovery with
his meds and some warmth and good nutrition - he's on four medications for that - then we will begin the long treatment
for his heartworms the longest possible - then his testicles - we need to get those out before the enlarged one becomes
cancerous - and if he is strong enough, we will have his teeth scaled while his is losing the family jewels and the metal
object removed at the same time if it has not passed. I am looking at a MINIMUM of $850 for Yiska - and a minimum of
$400 for Lali (total vetting including hw treatment)
PLEASE PLEASE consider donating to help us. Unlike larger rescues, we don't get any help from grants or
help from anything except donations and my unemployment.
Yiska is sweet, sweet, sweet -- and to everyone that got the message and never even responded to Jenna -- eat your
hearts out - as expensive as he will be, he is not a liability, he is a blessing - I won his love and it's like winning a jackpot
without the money LOL- if I have to stand on a street corner and BEG for money for him -- he's worth freezing my toosh
off to get the money - he is as good a friend as my Ranger and Puddles and I've had them for seven years this July - he
looks for me - gets excited when I come home -- even when I come in the room -- he's deaf - LOL but he still knows when
I drive up or come in the room.
I thought I was going to be watching a dog die over the next three months and instead am living a miracle - and watching
a dog learn to be a dog in his senior years. It is nothing short of amazing. They removed the large nebus but the
smaller one in his other eye needs to wait til it is bigger and they removed the one on his neck.
This is how Yiska looked when he
came here on a FREEZING January
day -- such a sad skinny, pitiful old
man not knowing what in the world was
happening to him, in a big SUV
traveling over a hundred miles with a
total stranger after just being found
and fed at least some warm chicken
broth. **Scott, the volunteer driver
who brought him called me ahead of
time and said I sure hope you get him
to the vet because I think they are
wrong - I think this old boy has some
life left in him yet - he just needs some
TLC and some medical help. Scott,
God bless your hopeful, positive,
prayerful heart - you were right.
came here on a FREEZING January
day -- such a sad skinny, pitiful old
man not knowing what in the world was
happening to him, in a big SUV
traveling over a hundred miles with a
total stranger after just being found
and fed at least some warm chicken
broth. **Scott, the volunteer driver
who brought him called me ahead of
time and said I sure hope you get him
to the vet because I think they are
wrong - I think this old boy has some
life left in him yet - he just needs some
TLC and some medical help. Scott,
God bless your hopeful, positive,
prayerful heart - you were right.
After I FINALLY convinced Yiska that he could sleep ANYWHERE he wanted to - furniture IS allowed here - this is what he did
for two or three days -- he slept - he'd wake up, I'd feed him right there on the chair, he'd jump down, go outside and do his
duties, come right back in and sleep some more. Curled up in the tiniest ball, sleeping like an angel. Yiska's coughing has
COMPLETELY stopped - (and it was a racking cough) gone is his labored breathing, I am just astonished at Yiska's will to get
better and live and FINALLY be a loved dog. He's amazing.
for two or three days -- he slept - he'd wake up, I'd feed him right there on the chair, he'd jump down, go outside and do his
duties, come right back in and sleep some more. Curled up in the tiniest ball, sleeping like an angel. Yiska's coughing has
COMPLETELY stopped - (and it was a racking cough) gone is his labored breathing, I am just astonished at Yiska's will to get
better and live and FINALLY be a loved dog. He's amazing.
Yiska -- The Night Has Passed (Navajo) Needs your help. Please consider giving generously to help us save
him and give him a good life - he's lived a tortured life to his senior years and we'd love for him to have a few
great years knowing that humans are not all bad. That he can love and be loved, that his bowl will always be full
of good food, his water will always be clean and fresh, that where ever he sleeps it will be comfortable, warm in
winter and cool in summer, and that never ever will a hand be raised at him again in anger or frustration, that he
can play with other dogs in safety and love and know he will never be harmed or pitted against them for any
reason, that there is no place off limits to him and there will always be a hand to love him when he comes over
and lays his head in a lap, that no illness or discomfort will go untreated, that for whatever time he has left, he will
know nothing but good things and have nothing to fear ever again.
him and give him a good life - he's lived a tortured life to his senior years and we'd love for him to have a few
great years knowing that humans are not all bad. That he can love and be loved, that his bowl will always be full
of good food, his water will always be clean and fresh, that where ever he sleeps it will be comfortable, warm in
winter and cool in summer, and that never ever will a hand be raised at him again in anger or frustration, that he
can play with other dogs in safety and love and know he will never be harmed or pitted against them for any
reason, that there is no place off limits to him and there will always be a hand to love him when he comes over
and lays his head in a lap, that no illness or discomfort will go untreated, that for whatever time he has left, he will
know nothing but good things and have nothing to fear ever again.
You can see how much more alert he
is in these two pictures (one is an
enlargement of the first) and how much
better his eye is without the nebus - his
other eye waters a lot but we have to
give it time to get large enough that
they can use a local to get it out.
The photo below is Ranger (my soul)
and Freckles - he was beaten to pulp
when he arrived as very young dog -
the emergency vet had him and they
were going to euthanize him because
they had no fosters to care for him and
no rescue would take him because the
vet bills would be so high -- he is still a
couple of years later and after
investing in training and day care for
socializing him, very very timid , always
lowers his head when meeting anyone
- just this year he started approaching
ME for affection instead of the other
way around - and now allows anyone
to pet him if he is approached slowly -
he does not run for the first place he
can hide, gives people the benefit of
the doubt -- he may become adoptable
yet!!! and Yiska -- fitting right in.
is in these two pictures (one is an
enlargement of the first) and how much
better his eye is without the nebus - his
other eye waters a lot but we have to
give it time to get large enough that
they can use a local to get it out.
The photo below is Ranger (my soul)
and Freckles - he was beaten to pulp
when he arrived as very young dog -
the emergency vet had him and they
were going to euthanize him because
they had no fosters to care for him and
no rescue would take him because the
vet bills would be so high -- he is still a
couple of years later and after
investing in training and day care for
socializing him, very very timid , always
lowers his head when meeting anyone
- just this year he started approaching
ME for affection instead of the other
way around - and now allows anyone
to pet him if he is approached slowly -
he does not run for the first place he
can hide, gives people the benefit of
the doubt -- he may become adoptable
yet!!! and Yiska -- fitting right in.
Click to go to our pay pal donations page or go
to our GIFT PAGE and select a gift - roughly
60% of the cost will go directly to Yiska (the rest
is the cost and shipping of the gift) (for example
if you ordered it through our catalog, the Noah's
Ark Birdhouse would cost you $25 including
shipping - but as a donation gift, we get about
$35 out of the $50. Email me for a catalog!!
deb@thedognextdoor.com
to our GIFT PAGE and select a gift - roughly
60% of the cost will go directly to Yiska (the rest
is the cost and shipping of the gift) (for example
if you ordered it through our catalog, the Noah's
Ark Birdhouse would cost you $25 including
shipping - but as a donation gift, we get about
$35 out of the $50. Email me for a catalog!!
deb@thedognextdoor.com
| YISKA'S STORY |
Click to go to our pay pal donations page or go
to our GIFT PAGE and select a gift - 50% of the
cost will go directly to us (the rest is the cost and
shipping of the gift) (for example if you ordered it
through out catalog, the Noah's Ark Birdhouse
would cost you $25 including shipping - but as a
donation gift, we get about 60% of the $50.
Email me for a catalog!!
deb@thedognextdoor.com
to our GIFT PAGE and select a gift - 50% of the
cost will go directly to us (the rest is the cost and
shipping of the gift) (for example if you ordered it
through out catalog, the Noah's Ark Birdhouse
would cost you $25 including shipping - but as a
donation gift, we get about 60% of the $50.
Email me for a catalog!!
deb@thedognextdoor.com
Donations may also be made directly to the vet at 770-887-7112 or Orr Animal Hospital, 1902 Old
Atlanta Road, Cumming GA 30041 or to The Dog Next Door, 889 Trace Circle, Marietta, GA 30066
Atlanta Road, Cumming GA 30041 or to The Dog Next Door, 889 Trace Circle, Marietta, GA 30066
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This is one of the calluses where the vet thinks he was tied in one place for a very very very long time - on each
side of his butt and you can barely see the one on his knees in this pictures
side of his butt and you can barely see the one on his knees in this pictures
Above his eye and on the side of his face are two of the
scars - the puffy spot beside his mouth and the dark slash
above his eyebrow -- another is on the side of his eye - the
line going down the side of his face - he has more on the top
of his head and around his hind quarters and his shoulders.
scars - the puffy spot beside his mouth and the dark slash
above his eyebrow -- another is on the side of his eye - the
line going down the side of his face - he has more on the top
of his head and around his hind quarters and his shoulders.
February 5 -- curled up without a worry in the world - for once in his
life - Yiska is slowly learning that it's OKAY to be comfortable, it's
OKAY to want to be petted and loved, it's OKAY to eat whenever
you want and as much as you want - the bowl is never empty -- he
no longer has to sleep in the cold and dark and fear whatever lurks
in the night, that people are no longer a danger to him because he
is protected - that, as a dog, it is my job to protect him not harm him.
Every day seems to bring more peace to him and a greater yearning
to be loved -- I wish my hands had magic that could erase all that
makes him fearful and take away any memories that seem still to
disturb his sleep - he's a wonderful dog - I cannot wrap my mind
around what he has suffered -- it's beyond my comprehension.
life - Yiska is slowly learning that it's OKAY to be comfortable, it's
OKAY to want to be petted and loved, it's OKAY to eat whenever
you want and as much as you want - the bowl is never empty -- he
no longer has to sleep in the cold and dark and fear whatever lurks
in the night, that people are no longer a danger to him because he
is protected - that, as a dog, it is my job to protect him not harm him.
Every day seems to bring more peace to him and a greater yearning
to be loved -- I wish my hands had magic that could erase all that
makes him fearful and take away any memories that seem still to
disturb his sleep - he's a wonderful dog - I cannot wrap my mind
around what he has suffered -- it's beyond my comprehension.
Yiska turns to see what all the fuss is with the camera -- why
am I such a celebrity now? Little does he know he has his
own web page!!!! That gaunt face of his and all those like
him should haunt our dreams and make us work even hard
to change our laws, make new laws, enforce existing laws
and bring to bear those who are responsible for this kind of
horrific crime. I am certain there is a special place in hell for
those who did this to him.
am I such a celebrity now? Little does he know he has his
own web page!!!! That gaunt face of his and all those like
him should haunt our dreams and make us work even hard
to change our laws, make new laws, enforce existing laws
and bring to bear those who are responsible for this kind of
horrific crime. I am certain there is a special place in hell for
those who did this to him.
Donations may be made directly to
Dr. Orr at 770-887-7112 or Orr Animal
Hospital, 1902 Old Atlanta Road,
Cumming GA 30041 or you can send
them payable to The Dog Next Door,
889 Trace Circle, Marietta, GA 30066
Dr. Orr at 770-887-7112 or Orr Animal
Hospital, 1902 Old Atlanta Road,
Cumming GA 30041 or you can send
them payable to The Dog Next Door,
889 Trace Circle, Marietta, GA 30066
February 22 - I just want to take a minute to thank every one for your love, support and donations for Yiska -- some of
you could not donate but want to be added to the list of updates and I have gladly added you. Some are offering
prayers and prayer chains -- as a Christian, I am so grateful for that and from the $2 cash mailed to me from the sweet
sweet lady in Nebraska - I cherish that so much because sometimes $2 is harder to come by than $20 or $200 and to
care enough to address an envelope and write a note not to me but to YISKA -- I was deeply touched -- to the most
generous donationS, your money is going to this dog. Every penny paid so far is in an account for JUST YISKA -- I
cannot risk not having the money to pay for his vetting and I would NEVER conceive of taking money donated for a
dog and using it elsewhere IF donations are more than what we end up needing, I will email EVERYONE and let you
know which dog is being cared for with any surplus - but Yiska's money is earmarked and already at the vet for him
alone. If anything happens to me and I don't have any income, he will still be cared for. Period. I cannot thank you
enough but I can ensure that this little boy knows how much you all love him --He will never come to me to be petted
and not have me stop what I'm doing to love him. He will never have an empty food bowl. He will never need
medicine and not get it. He will go outside and play when he wants to (if it's warm and dry) he will sleep WHEREEVER
he wants, whenever he wants and he will never have another dog scare him much less hurt him again. No human
hand will ever be raised at him in anger again. He is learning to trust us (humans) which is warming to see and all of
you played as much a role in this as though you were HERE loving him because if you did not make those donations, I
could not do this. That is the simple fact. I just wish you could see him - how he's improved, how his attitude is so he
loves loves loves treat time and has learned that when I rub my fingers together that means he is to follow me into
the kitchen for a "secret" treat that no one shares - just for him. He even looks over his shoulder like he's looking to
see if he's been followed LOL - he's also now housebroken - but because he has such a hard time with the stairs, at
night, I keep papers down for him in the bathroom - he would have been a really really great dog for someone in his
day - had he not been adducted or stolen or even adopted for the specific purpose of abusing and neglecting and
pitting against others to stir them up - just the saddest case. That he's had the medication and veterinary care, the
nourishment (which I could not have afforded without your help - I eat cheap Rama noodles and jar spaghetti) - he's
getting high end kibble and real chicken - he would not have any of the health and life he now enjoys -- YOU have
given this back to him. Returned what was stolen.
NEW PICTURES COMING SOON
February 20 update: I have closed the fundraisers (I think) but am still taking donations for Yiska's vet bills - To date
February 20, his vet bills are $623 - and they will continue to climb - he is 11/12ish - if like some already have, you plan
to email me and tell me I am wasting good money putting this toward an old dog or that I could save 5 young dogs
with this same amount of money - don't waste your time - I will delete your message - if these continue I am going to
build a page putting what you said and your contact information out there for the world to see what you think of old
dogs. TRUST ME I WILL. However, if you really want to help me take care of Yiska or any of these
very old dogs please donate or pray for them or send a kind word BUT don't tell me they are a
waste of valuable resources - Also, please please please ask me for my catalogs to distribute to your clients,
co-workers, friends, relatives - the gifts are wonderful welcome gifts - guaranteed, reasonably priced, FREE SHIPPING
and 100% of the proceeds to DIRECTLY TO THE DOG'S VET BILLS, PREVENTIVE MEDS ($250/month) AND FOOD- not
many charities can honestly make and PROVE that claim and I will gladly provide you with a copy of my balance sheet
as proof - I even have a reseller plan where you can use these to make money for YOUR rescue - AND a fundraiser
catalog that has even better savings and is designed to make money for you with every day things that people love
and love to give - candles, fountains, frames, throws, - ALL overhead (mortgage, utilities, cleaning supplies,
transportation and transport for other rescues) - is paid from my unemployment and a very small but much
appreciated bequest that I will receive through June 2009. Yiska returns in two weeks (March 6) for an xray and exam
($120) to monitor the metal objects in his tummy and in one month (March 20) for another xray AND another profile
($180). We are monitoring his improvement from the bronchitis/pneumonia that showed up in his lungs - it was
mistaken for congestive heart failure by a vet in South Carolina, who gave Yiska three months to live. When Yiska
arrived here (and at the transporter, Scott's suggestion - he thought "the old boy had some life left in him" God bless
you Scott!!!), I had a COMPLETE work up done on him - if he had any chance at all for any happiness and health in this
life I wanted to give that gift to this long-suffering, abused, neglected little bait-dog boxer mix.
Yiska's vet appointment!!!
Today, we got the treatment regimen nailed down and by the end of March, Yiska's vet bills will be close to $1000 -
and he still will need heartworm treatment ($250), neutering (which will cost more because of his enlarged BUT
CANCER FREE testicle) ($120), continued monitoring every 2-3 weeks for up to 3 months for the metal in his tummy -
depending on movement @ $120/visit (up to $480) and likely surgery to remove the metal objects ($350). Today, I
gave every penny collected to date to the vet today - so Yiska is paid for and will be treated through AT LEAST into
April - beyond that AND SOONER if the metal pin moves, we could very need as much as $1000 over the course of
April, May and June. When his treatment comes to fruition in mid May - he will be treated for his heartworms. If all
goes as expected, Yiska will be altered in August and will have a few excellent years to run and play, sass the other
dogs, turn my coffee mug over for a sip of coffee (yep, I have to GUARD MY COFFEE he is an addict) I use a large
sealed Quik Trip Cup and he's learned to turn it over and go for the drippings LOL - he tried it on the way back from
the vet tonight - he's a funny funny old man.
NEGATIVE BIOPSY!!!! His left testicle was biopsied today- February 20, 2009 - praise the Lord, it is negative- so
neutering him can wait - but not long - it can, as is the nature of cancer, become cancerous at any time - so we are
against the clock on this.
Yiska's initial tests showed a plethora of problems, but none that were insurmountable with money, time and a lot of
love and a huge amount of nursing. medications, warm moist compresses for his chest, HOME COOKED food and
HAND FEEDING for three solid weeks, keeping his eye cleaned where the nevus was removed (it was left open for
healing you can't stitch that close to the eye on something that small, so it bled periodically, the worst ever cleaning
for his upset tummy, I was behind all the time with paper towels and rags LOL but that's okay I have not minded at all -
Every parasite known to dogs infested Yiska from pin worms to heart worms; his lungs were filled with fluid
(congestion), he had a wracking cough, yellow runny nose, nevuses on both eyes and his neck, cataracts, he is deaf,
MULTIPLE broken bones that have healed on their own and badly - most appear in places bones should not break i.e.,
the broad flat section of the hip, the top part of the long bone near the pelvis, in his neck above the shoulder - these
are obviously bite breaks that were never treated and just allowed to mend as they would. He has multiple puffy
scars beneath his fur and on his poor little face. We are also monitoring the movement of two metal objects in his
stomach (they pose a potential blockage risk and a huge puncture risk (one is a pin like object which if it moves to
his intestines, is a huge hazard) - today, February 20 I was told that if the pin-like object moves any further in it's
current upright position, we will need emergency surgery ($350) NOT good news because I had not counted on this
and because he is not strong enough to handle the surgery safely he will need 24/hour monitoring ($60/day for after
hours) for approximately 5 days. He had diarrhea and continued to have it until Wednesday February 18 - it is much
much better and more recognizable as poo - instead of pure liquid (thanks to all the ladies for their home remedies
THEY WORKED - the punkin' and yogurt with brown rice is wonderful.
Yiska's prognosis continues to be outstanding. His heart is rhythmic, strong and healthy. We must continue
the meds and get rid of the congestion which continues to show in the xrays but he no longer has the cough or runny
nose. He started on heartgard tonight - will retest with an antigen test on April 20 (yep, more money) and can
potentially begin treatment on May 17 IF I CAN PUT 15+ LBS ON HIM. Dr. Orr said put him back on a high calorie, 4
meals a day - high protein diet (50 to 60% protein) so I am going back to baked skinless chicken ) (skinless to control
the diarrhea), rice, oatmeal, carrots or broccoli and olive oil and garlic for two meals - plain pumpkin, plain yogurt,
brown rice, olive oil and chicken for two meals and oatmeal, rice, finely ground chicken, grated cheese, chicken
bouillon and olive oil snacks (baked at 350) between meals. Cooking 10 lbs of chicken as I write.
you could not donate but want to be added to the list of updates and I have gladly added you. Some are offering
prayers and prayer chains -- as a Christian, I am so grateful for that and from the $2 cash mailed to me from the sweet
sweet lady in Nebraska - I cherish that so much because sometimes $2 is harder to come by than $20 or $200 and to
care enough to address an envelope and write a note not to me but to YISKA -- I was deeply touched -- to the most
generous donationS, your money is going to this dog. Every penny paid so far is in an account for JUST YISKA -- I
cannot risk not having the money to pay for his vetting and I would NEVER conceive of taking money donated for a
dog and using it elsewhere IF donations are more than what we end up needing, I will email EVERYONE and let you
know which dog is being cared for with any surplus - but Yiska's money is earmarked and already at the vet for him
alone. If anything happens to me and I don't have any income, he will still be cared for. Period. I cannot thank you
enough but I can ensure that this little boy knows how much you all love him --He will never come to me to be petted
and not have me stop what I'm doing to love him. He will never have an empty food bowl. He will never need
medicine and not get it. He will go outside and play when he wants to (if it's warm and dry) he will sleep WHEREEVER
he wants, whenever he wants and he will never have another dog scare him much less hurt him again. No human
hand will ever be raised at him in anger again. He is learning to trust us (humans) which is warming to see and all of
you played as much a role in this as though you were HERE loving him because if you did not make those donations, I
could not do this. That is the simple fact. I just wish you could see him - how he's improved, how his attitude is so he
loves loves loves treat time and has learned that when I rub my fingers together that means he is to follow me into
the kitchen for a "secret" treat that no one shares - just for him. He even looks over his shoulder like he's looking to
see if he's been followed LOL - he's also now housebroken - but because he has such a hard time with the stairs, at
night, I keep papers down for him in the bathroom - he would have been a really really great dog for someone in his
day - had he not been adducted or stolen or even adopted for the specific purpose of abusing and neglecting and
pitting against others to stir them up - just the saddest case. That he's had the medication and veterinary care, the
nourishment (which I could not have afforded without your help - I eat cheap Rama noodles and jar spaghetti) - he's
getting high end kibble and real chicken - he would not have any of the health and life he now enjoys -- YOU have
given this back to him. Returned what was stolen.
NEW PICTURES COMING SOON
February 20 update: I have closed the fundraisers (I think) but am still taking donations for Yiska's vet bills - To date
February 20, his vet bills are $623 - and they will continue to climb - he is 11/12ish - if like some already have, you plan
to email me and tell me I am wasting good money putting this toward an old dog or that I could save 5 young dogs
with this same amount of money - don't waste your time - I will delete your message - if these continue I am going to
build a page putting what you said and your contact information out there for the world to see what you think of old
dogs. TRUST ME I WILL. However, if you really want to help me take care of Yiska or any of these
very old dogs please donate or pray for them or send a kind word BUT don't tell me they are a
waste of valuable resources - Also, please please please ask me for my catalogs to distribute to your clients,
co-workers, friends, relatives - the gifts are wonderful welcome gifts - guaranteed, reasonably priced, FREE SHIPPING
and 100% of the proceeds to DIRECTLY TO THE DOG'S VET BILLS, PREVENTIVE MEDS ($250/month) AND FOOD- not
many charities can honestly make and PROVE that claim and I will gladly provide you with a copy of my balance sheet
as proof - I even have a reseller plan where you can use these to make money for YOUR rescue - AND a fundraiser
catalog that has even better savings and is designed to make money for you with every day things that people love
and love to give - candles, fountains, frames, throws, - ALL overhead (mortgage, utilities, cleaning supplies,
transportation and transport for other rescues) - is paid from my unemployment and a very small but much
appreciated bequest that I will receive through June 2009. Yiska returns in two weeks (March 6) for an xray and exam
($120) to monitor the metal objects in his tummy and in one month (March 20) for another xray AND another profile
($180). We are monitoring his improvement from the bronchitis/pneumonia that showed up in his lungs - it was
mistaken for congestive heart failure by a vet in South Carolina, who gave Yiska three months to live. When Yiska
arrived here (and at the transporter, Scott's suggestion - he thought "the old boy had some life left in him" God bless
you Scott!!!), I had a COMPLETE work up done on him - if he had any chance at all for any happiness and health in this
life I wanted to give that gift to this long-suffering, abused, neglected little bait-dog boxer mix.
Yiska's vet appointment!!!
Today, we got the treatment regimen nailed down and by the end of March, Yiska's vet bills will be close to $1000 -
and he still will need heartworm treatment ($250), neutering (which will cost more because of his enlarged BUT
CANCER FREE testicle) ($120), continued monitoring every 2-3 weeks for up to 3 months for the metal in his tummy -
depending on movement @ $120/visit (up to $480) and likely surgery to remove the metal objects ($350). Today, I
gave every penny collected to date to the vet today - so Yiska is paid for and will be treated through AT LEAST into
April - beyond that AND SOONER if the metal pin moves, we could very need as much as $1000 over the course of
April, May and June. When his treatment comes to fruition in mid May - he will be treated for his heartworms. If all
goes as expected, Yiska will be altered in August and will have a few excellent years to run and play, sass the other
dogs, turn my coffee mug over for a sip of coffee (yep, I have to GUARD MY COFFEE he is an addict) I use a large
sealed Quik Trip Cup and he's learned to turn it over and go for the drippings LOL - he tried it on the way back from
the vet tonight - he's a funny funny old man.
NEGATIVE BIOPSY!!!! His left testicle was biopsied today- February 20, 2009 - praise the Lord, it is negative- so
neutering him can wait - but not long - it can, as is the nature of cancer, become cancerous at any time - so we are
against the clock on this.
Yiska's initial tests showed a plethora of problems, but none that were insurmountable with money, time and a lot of
love and a huge amount of nursing. medications, warm moist compresses for his chest, HOME COOKED food and
HAND FEEDING for three solid weeks, keeping his eye cleaned where the nevus was removed (it was left open for
healing you can't stitch that close to the eye on something that small, so it bled periodically, the worst ever cleaning
for his upset tummy, I was behind all the time with paper towels and rags LOL but that's okay I have not minded at all -
Every parasite known to dogs infested Yiska from pin worms to heart worms; his lungs were filled with fluid
(congestion), he had a wracking cough, yellow runny nose, nevuses on both eyes and his neck, cataracts, he is deaf,
MULTIPLE broken bones that have healed on their own and badly - most appear in places bones should not break i.e.,
the broad flat section of the hip, the top part of the long bone near the pelvis, in his neck above the shoulder - these
are obviously bite breaks that were never treated and just allowed to mend as they would. He has multiple puffy
scars beneath his fur and on his poor little face. We are also monitoring the movement of two metal objects in his
stomach (they pose a potential blockage risk and a huge puncture risk (one is a pin like object which if it moves to
his intestines, is a huge hazard) - today, February 20 I was told that if the pin-like object moves any further in it's
current upright position, we will need emergency surgery ($350) NOT good news because I had not counted on this
and because he is not strong enough to handle the surgery safely he will need 24/hour monitoring ($60/day for after
hours) for approximately 5 days. He had diarrhea and continued to have it until Wednesday February 18 - it is much
much better and more recognizable as poo - instead of pure liquid (thanks to all the ladies for their home remedies
THEY WORKED - the punkin' and yogurt with brown rice is wonderful.
Yiska's prognosis continues to be outstanding. His heart is rhythmic, strong and healthy. We must continue
the meds and get rid of the congestion which continues to show in the xrays but he no longer has the cough or runny
nose. He started on heartgard tonight - will retest with an antigen test on April 20 (yep, more money) and can
potentially begin treatment on May 17 IF I CAN PUT 15+ LBS ON HIM. Dr. Orr said put him back on a high calorie, 4
meals a day - high protein diet (50 to 60% protein) so I am going back to baked skinless chicken ) (skinless to control
the diarrhea), rice, oatmeal, carrots or broccoli and olive oil and garlic for two meals - plain pumpkin, plain yogurt,
brown rice, olive oil and chicken for two meals and oatmeal, rice, finely ground chicken, grated cheese, chicken
bouillon and olive oil snacks (baked at 350) between meals. Cooking 10 lbs of chicken as I write.
Yiska has a big day tomorrow - if it's nice, he gets to go to the dog park on a leash and meet some "new friends" get some
sunshine and fresh air - then Monday he gets his biopsy, another panel done and one more xray. We might know as soon as
Monday which hw protocol will be followed. Keep him in your prayers.
The changes in Yiska have been noticed by everyone who's met him - he is much much more confident, stands his ground at treat
time, his tail has started to wag, he has even PLAYED with Ozzie - sadly, I don't think Yiska has ever known a life even like this --
and with so many it is still far from perfect but he seems very happy. I still see the haunting of Yiska sometimes and he follows so
close and stands so close that his body almost always touches mine. There is still a lot of fear and trepidation but it comes further
apart and is motivated by loud noise or the unexpected. I try to keep a routine so he's never surprised. He is so good that when
his treatment starts, he will be very easy to keep calm. I am more hopeful every day that this dog who is at least 11, 12 and is
experiencing what it's like to be a PUPPY for the first time - will have several years to enjoy a life like this, like he's never known for
a few more years.
He has his day to day problems, but we take those one at a time and conquer them. I love him and I think he loves me -- that's
what's most important, he knows he's valued.
sunshine and fresh air - then Monday he gets his biopsy, another panel done and one more xray. We might know as soon as
Monday which hw protocol will be followed. Keep him in your prayers.
The changes in Yiska have been noticed by everyone who's met him - he is much much more confident, stands his ground at treat
time, his tail has started to wag, he has even PLAYED with Ozzie - sadly, I don't think Yiska has ever known a life even like this --
and with so many it is still far from perfect but he seems very happy. I still see the haunting of Yiska sometimes and he follows so
close and stands so close that his body almost always touches mine. There is still a lot of fear and trepidation but it comes further
apart and is motivated by loud noise or the unexpected. I try to keep a routine so he's never surprised. He is so good that when
his treatment starts, he will be very easy to keep calm. I am more hopeful every day that this dog who is at least 11, 12 and is
experiencing what it's like to be a PUPPY for the first time - will have several years to enjoy a life like this, like he's never known for
a few more years.
He has his day to day problems, but we take those one at a time and conquer them. I love him and I think he loves me -- that's
what's most important, he knows he's valued.
Click to go to our pay pal donations page to
make a straight donation or go to our GIFT
PAGE and select a gift - roughly 60% of the cost
will go directly to Yiska (the rest is the cost and
shipping of the gift) (for example if you ordered it
through our catalog, the Noah's Ark Birdhouse
would cost you $25 including shipping - but as a
donation gift, we get about $35 out of the $50.
Email me for a catalog!!
deb@thedognextdoor.com
make a straight donation or go to our GIFT
PAGE and select a gift - roughly 60% of the cost
will go directly to Yiska (the rest is the cost and
shipping of the gift) (for example if you ordered it
through our catalog, the Noah's Ark Birdhouse
would cost you $25 including shipping - but as a
donation gift, we get about $35 out of the $50.
Email me for a catalog!!
deb@thedognextdoor.com
February 15 - our fundable came up short and after fees, we only netted $620. I am unemployed. I can feed, love,
nurse and care for Yiska, but his vet bills are beyond my reach in these times. Yiska is worth every penny - he is a
wonderful sad old dog - but I've seen so much positive change in him in three weeks that I've had him - he has
finally smiled (over chicken treats) and he PLAYED on Friday February 13. The change has been breath-taking to
watch. He senses when another dog barks at him and goes frantic - runs in circles, runs into the wall, so I've had to
keep him as my shadow - it's only happened twice and he was in no danger but the fear in his eyes was heart
stopping. He came here to someone that had faith in his sheer will to live - when he was found he was too weak to
walk - that spoke volumes to me that he would press on dragging his weakened body on the ground, just
volumes!!!! I have set up another donation page to get the additional funding. PLEASE give generously - if you have
a healthy dog - give in his honor and send me a photo - I'll post his picture.
nurse and care for Yiska, but his vet bills are beyond my reach in these times. Yiska is worth every penny - he is a
wonderful sad old dog - but I've seen so much positive change in him in three weeks that I've had him - he has
finally smiled (over chicken treats) and he PLAYED on Friday February 13. The change has been breath-taking to
watch. He senses when another dog barks at him and goes frantic - runs in circles, runs into the wall, so I've had to
keep him as my shadow - it's only happened twice and he was in no danger but the fear in his eyes was heart
stopping. He came here to someone that had faith in his sheer will to live - when he was found he was too weak to
walk - that spoke volumes to me that he would press on dragging his weakened body on the ground, just
volumes!!!! I have set up another donation page to get the additional funding. PLEASE give generously - if you have
a healthy dog - give in his honor and send me a photo - I'll post his picture.
February 19 - The weather was horrible on Wednesday and the money from his fundraisers had not yet made it to my
account so I moved Yiska's appointment to Friday - rained all day and he had a ball inside - he sat and chewed on a
stuffed sock most of the morning, finally achieving his goal and rupturing it to sling his head and scatter stuffing like
snow everywhere - the fun to which my Ranger, Puddles and rescues Reecey and Zena joined in while old timers Ozzie
and Scooter watched in "wouldja look at that" amazement - Yiska acts like an old man who's never had the chance to
be a puppy so he is oddly behaving like a pup but tires very very easily. He has TOTALLY claimed the end of the sofa
for his own - sofa stealers beware!!!! and has laid solid claim to blue bucket for his bed (my clean clothes basket LOL)
but it was soft and warm - I think that was the draw. He guards it even when he's not in it LOL.
Yiska has moved me in ways that I did not think possible. I thought I'd seen and felt it all with Ozzie and Scooter - the
pain in their eyes, the screams in the night of Scooter's arthritis "catching" as he rolled over, the terror in Ozzie's
barking when he felt threatened (his bark would reach a shriek and his head would tilt to the side - just terrifying - and
for no reason, just a PERCEIVED threat would send him into a fit) - they have lived horrifying lives - my neighbors car
backfired a few weeks ago and I thought Ozzie (who arrived here with a .22 gunshot wound) would have a STROKE he
ran just a ky yaying into the next room, looking for a place to hide -- but Yiska - he takes the cake -- for weeks he had to
be TOUCHING me when I was in the room - he has FINALLY begun eating in peace -- he ate for weeks looking over his
shoulder every few seconds EVEN if he was in the room alone or if he was crated to eat -- he seemed terrified that
someone would jump him for his food. He is the saddest dog I've ever seen and on the rare occasions he smiles
(chicken treat time LOL) it truly warms my heart - makes me want to give him chicken treats 24/7. He still climbs into the
bathtub to sleep in the middle of the night -- I wake up, scoop him up and put him back in bed with me under the
covers - this despite claiming one end of the sofa - it begs the question - was he forced to sleep in an old tub while he
was chained? I just don't know. It was SO heartbreaking to find him shivering in that cold tub and me not knowing he'd
climbed out of bed and crawled into it -- so I've been piling blankets in the tub before I go to bed. At least if he
manages to sneak in - he will be warm and safe til I wake up and find him -- just so heartbreaking.
I cannot do enough for Yiska, Scooter and sweet precious Ozzie. Scooter has been here a year and is old old old
probably 14 or 15 and just full of who who and vinegar!!! Love that dog -- the photo below was Scooter when he got
here - the cone head is an UNTREATED in Moultrie GA abscess it was HUGE it was gruesome, bloody, pus filled, with a
drain tube that had to be cleaned - the most difficult nursing I've done to date - Ozzie is probably 13ish and has had
two wonderful healthy years here - he was doomed less than 24 hours from euthanasia, feces in his water bowl, no
food in his food bowl - filthy, bedraggled - very very sick - Ozzie arrived with a .22 gunshot wound (untreated for seven
days at Clayton County Animal Control in GA - Now I have precious very sick, emaciated Yiska -- and I will give him the
same chance at a great life they had - I don't care how long it takes or how hard it is - he is worth it - the look of love
and gratitude in his eyes is enough to push me on to do whatever it takes to give him a few wonderful years to be a
dog - a real, loved, playful, happy, DOG -- before he passes
account so I moved Yiska's appointment to Friday - rained all day and he had a ball inside - he sat and chewed on a
stuffed sock most of the morning, finally achieving his goal and rupturing it to sling his head and scatter stuffing like
snow everywhere - the fun to which my Ranger, Puddles and rescues Reecey and Zena joined in while old timers Ozzie
and Scooter watched in "wouldja look at that" amazement - Yiska acts like an old man who's never had the chance to
be a puppy so he is oddly behaving like a pup but tires very very easily. He has TOTALLY claimed the end of the sofa
for his own - sofa stealers beware!!!! and has laid solid claim to blue bucket for his bed (my clean clothes basket LOL)
but it was soft and warm - I think that was the draw. He guards it even when he's not in it LOL.
Yiska has moved me in ways that I did not think possible. I thought I'd seen and felt it all with Ozzie and Scooter - the
pain in their eyes, the screams in the night of Scooter's arthritis "catching" as he rolled over, the terror in Ozzie's
barking when he felt threatened (his bark would reach a shriek and his head would tilt to the side - just terrifying - and
for no reason, just a PERCEIVED threat would send him into a fit) - they have lived horrifying lives - my neighbors car
backfired a few weeks ago and I thought Ozzie (who arrived here with a .22 gunshot wound) would have a STROKE he
ran just a ky yaying into the next room, looking for a place to hide -- but Yiska - he takes the cake -- for weeks he had to
be TOUCHING me when I was in the room - he has FINALLY begun eating in peace -- he ate for weeks looking over his
shoulder every few seconds EVEN if he was in the room alone or if he was crated to eat -- he seemed terrified that
someone would jump him for his food. He is the saddest dog I've ever seen and on the rare occasions he smiles
(chicken treat time LOL) it truly warms my heart - makes me want to give him chicken treats 24/7. He still climbs into the
bathtub to sleep in the middle of the night -- I wake up, scoop him up and put him back in bed with me under the
covers - this despite claiming one end of the sofa - it begs the question - was he forced to sleep in an old tub while he
was chained? I just don't know. It was SO heartbreaking to find him shivering in that cold tub and me not knowing he'd
climbed out of bed and crawled into it -- so I've been piling blankets in the tub before I go to bed. At least if he
manages to sneak in - he will be warm and safe til I wake up and find him -- just so heartbreaking.
I cannot do enough for Yiska, Scooter and sweet precious Ozzie. Scooter has been here a year and is old old old
probably 14 or 15 and just full of who who and vinegar!!! Love that dog -- the photo below was Scooter when he got
here - the cone head is an UNTREATED in Moultrie GA abscess it was HUGE it was gruesome, bloody, pus filled, with a
drain tube that had to be cleaned - the most difficult nursing I've done to date - Ozzie is probably 13ish and has had
two wonderful healthy years here - he was doomed less than 24 hours from euthanasia, feces in his water bowl, no
food in his food bowl - filthy, bedraggled - very very sick - Ozzie arrived with a .22 gunshot wound (untreated for seven
days at Clayton County Animal Control in GA - Now I have precious very sick, emaciated Yiska -- and I will give him the
same chance at a great life they had - I don't care how long it takes or how hard it is - he is worth it - the look of love
and gratitude in his eyes is enough to push me on to do whatever it takes to give him a few wonderful years to be a
dog - a real, loved, playful, happy, DOG -- before he passes
click to enlarge thumbnails
Left -- Scooter on arrival at the vet
emaciated, HUGE abscess
emaciated, HUGE abscess
Right -- Scooter favorite thing to do
-- sleep and sleep upside down!
-- sleep and sleep upside down!
Yiska's very Senior Companions - Sanctuaried beloved boys Scooter and Ozzie - and now there are Three Musketeers !!!!
Right - Ozzie in December 2007
ready for his dental - been a long
long road to this point 6 months
ready for his dental - been a long
long road to this point 6 months
Left Ozzie at his three month f/u -
the dark shadow on his hip is where
the gunshot wound is healing STILL
the dark shadow on his hip is where
the gunshot wound is healing STILL
Left - on arrival, dirty, scared, thin,
in pain
in pain
Right Ozzie December 2008 a very
pretty happy old man
pretty happy old man
March 15 Update -- Yiska's last vet appointment was disappointing - he still has to remain on his meds and cannot be treated yet
- but he has improved immensely - so much so that I had three dogs at my feet last night, all light brown in color, all with the
boxer type nose and thought 1, 2, 3? 1, 2, who is the third one - Maxwell had escaped his room and was among them and Yiska
has filled out so much that I could not at a glance tell him from the other two -- he is eating kibble eagerly now without the lure of
chicken and rice -- and he's eats with GREAT GUSTO. It's the only time I can get his picture - when his face is in the feed bag.
He is very very hard to photograph because he wants to follow me everywhere at touching distance - the nebulus (sp) on his
other eye will probably be large enough to remove if not at his next appointment - soon - He is doing amazingly well - fat and
sassy - Well, not fat, but he has filled out beautifully, his coat is so shiny - and he's just a wonderful dog who FINALLY if learning
how to BE a dog - the transformation is so exciting to watch - he PLAYS as long as no one growls at him and if they do he runs
and hides behind me - no more running in circles and banging into walls - he knows I will "protect" him even though there's
nothing to protect him from - they just snarl in play - and how he knows is beyond me because he's deaf as a post - he seems to
be very happy but he still has that sad face - but happily, he does break out into a smile every now and then - something I have
long awaited and am so glad to FINALLY see - he knows how loved he is and loves back with 10 x what I can give him - what a
pure BLESSING Ta'Tiska is - how I love him. He wanders about like a lost lamb when I'm busy but I ALWAYS stop whatever I'm
doing for him - nothing is more important than his happiness - I never expected - and actually planned - not to become to
attached to him -- thinking that when he does go it would be easier -- but that is gone - I love him dearly - he's got a huge piece
of my heart - and to those who are completely responsible for saving his life - thank you so much - he is a precious gift to me -
every day seems to bring some new behavior, new revelation, new adventure - he loves the dog park - loves to explore
everything every nook and cranny but is still slow to trust other dogs - he will let them sniff him then hides behind me - won't let
them get too close too fast -
.
- but he has improved immensely - so much so that I had three dogs at my feet last night, all light brown in color, all with the
boxer type nose and thought 1, 2, 3? 1, 2, who is the third one - Maxwell had escaped his room and was among them and Yiska
has filled out so much that I could not at a glance tell him from the other two -- he is eating kibble eagerly now without the lure of
chicken and rice -- and he's eats with GREAT GUSTO. It's the only time I can get his picture - when his face is in the feed bag.
He is very very hard to photograph because he wants to follow me everywhere at touching distance - the nebulus (sp) on his
other eye will probably be large enough to remove if not at his next appointment - soon - He is doing amazingly well - fat and
sassy - Well, not fat, but he has filled out beautifully, his coat is so shiny - and he's just a wonderful dog who FINALLY if learning
how to BE a dog - the transformation is so exciting to watch - he PLAYS as long as no one growls at him and if they do he runs
and hides behind me - no more running in circles and banging into walls - he knows I will "protect" him even though there's
nothing to protect him from - they just snarl in play - and how he knows is beyond me because he's deaf as a post - he seems to
be very happy but he still has that sad face - but happily, he does break out into a smile every now and then - something I have
long awaited and am so glad to FINALLY see - he knows how loved he is and loves back with 10 x what I can give him - what a
pure BLESSING Ta'Tiska is - how I love him. He wanders about like a lost lamb when I'm busy but I ALWAYS stop whatever I'm
doing for him - nothing is more important than his happiness - I never expected - and actually planned - not to become to
attached to him -- thinking that when he does go it would be easier -- but that is gone - I love him dearly - he's got a huge piece
of my heart - and to those who are completely responsible for saving his life - thank you so much - he is a precious gift to me -
every day seems to bring some new behavior, new revelation, new adventure - he loves the dog park - loves to explore
everything every nook and cranny but is still slow to trust other dogs - he will let them sniff him then hides behind me - won't let
them get too close too fast -
.
SAD UPDATE
On a very very sad note, our precious Yiska's night has truly finally passed. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge. on the morning of
July 15. He fought the good fight, he raliied from the horrors inflicted on him to have a few months of a truly wonderful life.
Yiska (Ta'Tiska) was my constant shadow. As badly as I need a job, I am so glad I was unemployed during that time so I could be
his constant companion. I am absolutely certain this was God's plan. His little nub wagged anytime I came into the room - he
finally learned to "smile" when he finally had something to smile about - being well cared for and well fed. An angel provided
him with the best senior food available - he loved loved loved his meals - having been so starved upon arrival and seemed to
be continually amazed that his bowl was always filled when he asked - he would go flip it over if it was empty and he thought it
should be full - he was an amazing little dog with every reason to hate people having been a bait dog - instead he forgave and
loved us.
An angel sent him a Kurunda bed that he DEFENDED LOL - he was so very very precious - he would be drinking water and
another dog would approach his bed and Ta'Tiska would go RUNNNNNNNING back over (he never barked - not once did I hear
that little boy bark) and BUTT the offender LOL. when they left, he would go back to his water. Mary Ann, he loved that bed -
you were such a special angel to Yiska - I know he looks down from heaven and knows what you did for him just as he knows
all the faces of those who supported him financially when he arrived here. I will be building a photo collage in Yiska's memory -
look for it soon. I cannot say that I have come to terms with his passing. I may never. He was born to be loved and cherished
by someone and instead was thrown into a pit as a bait dog, neglected and abused all his life. When he came to me, he was
supposed to live longer, be with me longer, but his health was far worse than we imagined.
His death was fast and painless - the night before he passed was spent in my arms - I took him to the vet the following day and
he was in pain. They put him on fluids which eased the pain in his kidneys - he fell asleep - curled up in his usual little ball - Dr.
Aaron called me around 9 p.m.and told me she was about to leave, that he was sleeping comfortably and in no pain. When Dr.
Nathan and Dr. Aaron came in at 7:00 a.m. to wake him and check on him, he was still curled up in his little ball (like he always
slept) but his soul was in heaven watching us. I miss him horribly. I miss that sad little face, I miss his warm body on my feet
while I'm on the computer, I miss his head in my lap asking for love - I miss everything about him - nothing makes this better or
right - the horror he lived before he came here cannot be forgiven. He brought me in nine months as much joy as my forever
dogs have brought me in 7 years. Lara and Jenna, thank you so much for entrusting his little life to me. I was SO VERY
HONORED to love and be loved by him. Yiska you changed my life. I will never think of you without joy and sorrow all muddled
together. Little man, you will be missed til the day I see you at the Bridge. You take care of your canine buddies Flea Bag,
Booda, Bandit, Frodo, and Molly Ivans, and all the kitties George, Tubby, Bagheera, Meow Meow, Little One and Cooter for me -
We'll have quite the little village in heaven one day. I can't wait to see you again my friend. I never knew my heart could hurt
so badly, I don't think I will ever think of you without tears of pure love.
We still have seniors Scooter and Ozzie who could sure use your help. If you'd like to sponsor one of them please call or email
me (770-875-9659 or deb@thedognextdoor.com)
On a very very sad note, our precious Yiska's night has truly finally passed. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge. on the morning of
July 15. He fought the good fight, he raliied from the horrors inflicted on him to have a few months of a truly wonderful life.
Yiska (Ta'Tiska) was my constant shadow. As badly as I need a job, I am so glad I was unemployed during that time so I could be
his constant companion. I am absolutely certain this was God's plan. His little nub wagged anytime I came into the room - he
finally learned to "smile" when he finally had something to smile about - being well cared for and well fed. An angel provided
him with the best senior food available - he loved loved loved his meals - having been so starved upon arrival and seemed to
be continually amazed that his bowl was always filled when he asked - he would go flip it over if it was empty and he thought it
should be full - he was an amazing little dog with every reason to hate people having been a bait dog - instead he forgave and
loved us.
An angel sent him a Kurunda bed that he DEFENDED LOL - he was so very very precious - he would be drinking water and
another dog would approach his bed and Ta'Tiska would go RUNNNNNNNING back over (he never barked - not once did I hear
that little boy bark) and BUTT the offender LOL. when they left, he would go back to his water. Mary Ann, he loved that bed -
you were such a special angel to Yiska - I know he looks down from heaven and knows what you did for him just as he knows
all the faces of those who supported him financially when he arrived here. I will be building a photo collage in Yiska's memory -
look for it soon. I cannot say that I have come to terms with his passing. I may never. He was born to be loved and cherished
by someone and instead was thrown into a pit as a bait dog, neglected and abused all his life. When he came to me, he was
supposed to live longer, be with me longer, but his health was far worse than we imagined.
His death was fast and painless - the night before he passed was spent in my arms - I took him to the vet the following day and
he was in pain. They put him on fluids which eased the pain in his kidneys - he fell asleep - curled up in his usual little ball - Dr.
Aaron called me around 9 p.m.and told me she was about to leave, that he was sleeping comfortably and in no pain. When Dr.
Nathan and Dr. Aaron came in at 7:00 a.m. to wake him and check on him, he was still curled up in his little ball (like he always
slept) but his soul was in heaven watching us. I miss him horribly. I miss that sad little face, I miss his warm body on my feet
while I'm on the computer, I miss his head in my lap asking for love - I miss everything about him - nothing makes this better or
right - the horror he lived before he came here cannot be forgiven. He brought me in nine months as much joy as my forever
dogs have brought me in 7 years. Lara and Jenna, thank you so much for entrusting his little life to me. I was SO VERY
HONORED to love and be loved by him. Yiska you changed my life. I will never think of you without joy and sorrow all muddled
together. Little man, you will be missed til the day I see you at the Bridge. You take care of your canine buddies Flea Bag,
Booda, Bandit, Frodo, and Molly Ivans, and all the kitties George, Tubby, Bagheera, Meow Meow, Little One and Cooter for me -
We'll have quite the little village in heaven one day. I can't wait to see you again my friend. I never knew my heart could hurt
so badly, I don't think I will ever think of you without tears of pure love.
We still have seniors Scooter and Ozzie who could sure use your help. If you'd like to sponsor one of them please call or email
me (770-875-9659 or deb@thedognextdoor.com)