Zaras List

Jan. 1, 2008

"Do you ever see Sheltie's in the shelter? If you do, will you get one for me and I'll foster him/her?"

I explained that most of them we find are usually older and in pretty desperate need but that didn't deter one of our favorite fosters. She loves the breed and was willing to do what was needed until the dog could be placed. Little did we know what we were taking on!

We found a Sheltie, who was middle aged 5-6 years old but in worse condition than I'd probably ever seen any dog. Looking at her now, you can't tell. Her pictures don't tell her story of what she went through before coming to us or what she's been through since then. She had 2 types of mange (both sarcoptic and demodectic). She had a skin disorder with secondary infections all over her body. The primary source of the infection was unknown and we found ourselves, along with our wonderful vet, simply treating symptoms as we trudged along trying to figure out what started this whole tragedy spiral downward with her health. Her bloodwork came back all over the place but worst of all were her ears. They were in horrible shape. Surgery wasn't even an option yet because we had to take care of all the infection that was eating away at them first. It was going to be a long road to recovery.

So we're at a place now where Scarlett's patches of fur are healing and her ears are slowly clearing up. She has a ways to go but she's on the right road. She head's back to the vet this week and we'll keep you posted how she is progressing and eventually she'll need a new home!