Mr. Chips 08-246

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Profile

Sponsored by:Mike and Michelle BSusannah CharlesonTeam Personnel

 

Welcome to the GREAT life Mr. Chips! You're a RAGOM dog now :) Mr. Chips is a 10 1/2 year old, male, Golden Retriever. Chips came into RAGOM because someone cared enough about him to convince his owners to surrender him. The owners were keeping him in a garage with no light, no windows, minimal food, and minimal water. The poor guy was being totally neglected. He is missing most of his hair, and is underweight. RAGOM received the call Friday evening and he was in my car by Saturday morning... on his way to the vet (after stopping for some hamburgers at Burger King!!), and then his foster home in Oakdale.

I'll start with what we learned at the vet: Chips is underweight 10-15 lbs. However, the vet was concerned immediately about his distended abdomen. It looks really odd because you can see every single rib and most of his bones, but his belly looks large. So, Dr. W. did some x-rays and we hoped for the best. The x-rays gave us better news than we were expecting... His tummy, intestinal tract, and colon were filled with tiny white specs on the x-ray which Dr. R and Dr. W. believe to be sand or a sand like material. It looks like Chippy had to eat sand because he was so hungry. The good news is that things are moving along naturally through his system and should not cause further problems once all the nasty stuff he ingested makes its way out. Also, his lungs looked clear and sounded great. His heart also sounded strong. The blood tests came back with some less than positive news. He has an elevated white cell count (which he is now on antibiotics for), his liver enzymes are also elevated (which can indicate Cushings disease), and his thyroid levels are very low. And if that wasn't enough, his initial fecal test came back with tapeworm segments :( and probably will come back positive for other things when we get those results back in a day or so. So, he is also on some pills to take care of the tape worm. As far as the possible Cushings disease and possible hypothyroidism... he needs some more tests to tell us what exactly is going on. So, Chips will be seeing the wonderful vets again at ACH on Tuesday and we will know more at that time. I am hoping and praying for the best.

Okay, now that all the medical stuff is out of the way I can tell you about this amazing boy!! I am head over heels in love with him :) He is the kindest, most gentle, most loving, sweetest boy ever!! He rides like an angel in the car, he lays down and sniffs the breeze :) He met our crew (2 Goldens and a Yorkie) with tail wags, and not so much as a growl or a raise of the lip, a perfect gentleman. He is totally house trained and knows all the basic commands, he is perfect. Last night he slept like an angel, sharing a pillow with me :) He loves to snuggle! Today we spent the day doing yard work and Chips just hung out in the shade and napped, and did a little rolling in the grass and splashing in the mud puddles with the resident dogs. Now, he is peacefully dreaming on the kitchen floor.

It continues to amaze me how dogs like Chips can still love people, after all he has been put through. It would seem that he would not trust us, and not want to love us. He is the opposite. He loves with his whole heart, and wants so little in return. He just wants his head pet, his food and water bowl filled, his tummy rubbed, and some treats here and there. So little compared to all he has to give. Last night before we dozed off to sleep I whispered to Chippy that he would never be lonely, hungry, or have to go without ever again. I told him I loved him and that I will do everything I possibly can to make him feel better. I promised him it would all be okay from now on. Cross your fingers and all the dogs paws in the house for good results at the vet on Tuesday! Chips needs all the help he can get.

Here are Chips "before" photos. I cannot wait to show you the "after" :) Thanks for reading! And, Thanks RAGOM for SAVING this boy's life.

At a Glance #08-246

Golden Retriever Born: June 1997
Male 55 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:Mike and Michelle BSusannah CharlesonTeam Personnel

 

Welcome to the GREAT life Mr. Chips! You're a RAGOM dog now :) Mr. Chips is a 10 1/2 year old, male, Golden Retriever. Chips came into RAGOM because someone cared enough about him to convince his owners to surrender him. The owners were keeping him in a garage with no light, no windows, minimal food, and minimal water. The poor guy was being totally neglected. He is missing most of his hair, and is underweight. RAGOM received the call Friday evening and he was in my car by Saturday morning... on his way to the vet (after stopping for some hamburgers at Burger King!!), and then his foster home in Oakdale.

I'll start with what we learned at the vet: Chips is underweight 10-15 lbs. However, the vet was concerned immediately about his distended abdomen. It looks really odd because you can see every single rib and most of his bones, but his belly looks large. So, Dr. W. did some x-rays and we hoped for the best. The x-rays gave us better news than we were expecting... His tummy, intestinal tract, and colon were filled with tiny white specs on the x-ray which Dr. R and Dr. W. believe to be sand or a sand like material. It looks like Chippy had to eat sand because he was so hungry. The good news is that things are moving along naturally through his system and should not cause further problems once all the nasty stuff he ingested makes its way out. Also, his lungs looked clear and sounded great. His heart also sounded strong. The blood tests came back with some less than positive news. He has an elevated white cell count (which he is now on antibiotics for), his liver enzymes are also elevated (which can indicate Cushings disease), and his thyroid levels are very low. And if that wasn't enough, his initial fecal test came back with tapeworm segments :( and probably will come back positive for other things when we get those results back in a day or so. So, he is also on some pills to take care of the tape worm. As far as the possible Cushings disease and possible hypothyroidism... he needs some more tests to tell us what exactly is going on. So, Chips will be seeing the wonderful vets again at ACH on Tuesday and we will know more at that time. I am hoping and praying for the best.

Okay, now that all the medical stuff is out of the way I can tell you about this amazing boy!! I am head over heels in love with him :) He is the kindest, most gentle, most loving, sweetest boy ever!! He rides like an angel in the car, he lays down and sniffs the breeze :) He met our crew (2 Goldens and a Yorkie) with tail wags, and not so much as a growl or a raise of the lip, a perfect gentleman. He is totally house trained and knows all the basic commands, he is perfect. Last night he slept like an angel, sharing a pillow with me :) He loves to snuggle! Today we spent the day doing yard work and Chips just hung out in the shade and napped, and did a little rolling in the grass and splashing in the mud puddles with the resident dogs. Now, he is peacefully dreaming on the kitchen floor.

It continues to amaze me how dogs like Chips can still love people, after all he has been put through. It would seem that he would not trust us, and not want to love us. He is the opposite. He loves with his whole heart, and wants so little in return. He just wants his head pet, his food and water bowl filled, his tummy rubbed, and some treats here and there. So little compared to all he has to give. Last night before we dozed off to sleep I whispered to Chippy that he would never be lonely, hungry, or have to go without ever again. I told him I loved him and that I will do everything I possibly can to make him feel better. I promised him it would all be okay from now on. Cross your fingers and all the dogs paws in the house for good results at the vet on Tuesday! Chips needs all the help he can get.

Here are Chips "before" photos. I cannot wait to show you the "after" :) Thanks for reading! And, Thanks RAGOM for SAVING this boy's life.

Updates

Saturday, August 15, 2009

 

With shattered hearts I write this, as we said goodbye to our angel boy Chippy today. The last couple of weeks his health had started to decline, his appetite decreased, his strength gone. The last two days he would tire after being on his feet only a few minutes and have to lie down, he had lost that sparkle in his eye, we could tell he wanted to, but he just couldn't. He wasn't our Chippy. Today Dr. J confirmed our worst fears, there was nothing they could do. His liver was enlarged, along with a mass in his abdomen, severe anemia surely due to tumors. We knew today we had to say goodbye and not let this boy suffer even though we wanted so badly to scoop him up and take him home. We would give anything for a few days, hours, minutes, seconds more but we drove to the vet today knowing we would do anything we needed to do to help our boy feel better, and that is what we did.

Chippy was with us for 15 amazing months. We adopted him almost exactly a year ago. Although, he was OURS the second he walked through our door. He was already home, he knew it and we knew it. The best decision we ever made. I remember proudly making his name tag with our phone number on it and placing it around his neck. Now that same tag sits on my lap, on a empty collar covered in tears. He was our boy, our boo boo, my best friend, the most loyal companion I have ever known, a gentleman, a stubborn old man, always there... ALWAYS there, a soft coat to snuggle, kind eyes to brighten any day, a treasured family member, a protector, my soul mate dog, a once in a lifetime kind of pup. I think a very lucky few dog lovers and owners are blessed with a dog this special. We were so lucky. I am thankful every single day that he chose to trust us, to love us. I can only hope that he knew how much we love him.

Chips was with us for a life changing event in our lives, the birth of our son Maxwell. I love to tell the story about how after we brought Max home the baby slept in our bedroom in a bassinet for the first few nights, we were nervous wrecks. Finally after a couple days Joe and I decided it was time to move Max to his own room, to his crib. That night as we laid down to go to sleep, ears glued to the baby monitor, Chippy got up from his "spot" right next to me and went into the baby's bedroom and laid beside his crib all night long. Chippy knew he was needed, and being Chippy he was happy to go where he was needed. What a dog!

I have thought and said many times gosh, I wish I could have met Chip as a puppy, or even a young dog... But, I met Chippy when he was 10. And that was just perfect. He came to us a sick dog, with not much hope of survival... he had been banished to a garage, starving, bald, skinny, spirit broken, sad... thankfully someone (his angel Jess) cared enough to call RAGOM that day. Because she called, because Chippy became a RAGOM dog he had the very best medical care. He was healed and was given a new lease on life. He sure lived it up! He did become a puppy again... he started to feel better, he started to trust us, he played with toys, he swam, he ran at the dog park, went for as many car rides as we could fit it! He slept on our bed and on the couches, he ate like a king! We gave him everything we possibly could. We knew our time with him was going to be shorter than we would like so we made the most of it. We crammed as much in as we could. I know he left this world happy and loved. There isn't much more I could have wanted for him.

I don't know how long it is going to take for the tears to stop. I miss every inch of him. I miss his furry head, his stinky breath, his nose nudges, his walk, the gold tips of his white ears, his circle tail wag, the way he always "just knew", his bark, the way he would always wait for his sisters to go through the door first, seeing him right next to the bed every morning as I wake up, seeing him outside of the bathroom door after my nightly bath, his furry feet, his devotion, his love. Our house feels so empty, our hearts so broken. We love you boy. We will never ever forget you. You left such a paw print on our hearts. We are so thankful we got to be the lucky ones that got to call you ours :)

We love you forever and ever,

Your family: Christy, Joe, Bella, Gracie, Tini and Maxwell

 
Chippy and his sisters
"If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever."
-Unknown

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
-Unknown

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."
-Agnes Sligh Turnbull

 

Sunday, August 3, 2008

My favorite boy, Mr. Chips is just doing GREAT! His allergies seem to be under control, YAY! We increased his benadryl dosage, and started him on a topical steroid spray, this seems to have done the trick :) (Thanks Dr. G!!) He seems much more comfortable now, and that is very nice for foster mom to see. We have continued to see an increase in Chippy's energy and stamina... you can see from the pictures that he loves to run, play, and wrestle (occasionally!) with the younger dogs! There have been two times in the last week that I have really noticed this... beyond his more active manner with the other dogs. Sometimes, for a change of scenery, we take all the dogs (yes, ALL the dogs!) over to my parents for a walk. They live on the State Trail and there are awesome walking paths for us to enjoy. All summer when we would go over there for walk, we would start out with the group (and let me tell you this looks totally crazy! It looks like some sort of dog parade!!) we wouldn't be with the group for long... cause Chip couldn't keep up, I didn't mind... we went more slowly, took some breaks, and a shorter route. Fine by me :) Anyway, just this week I went over to walk with my mom, and Chippy not only made it the entire way... he was trotting at the end, right next to me, not dragging behind! AND, it was hot outside! Amazing, and wonderful! Today, we took a trip to the "fun" dog park... this is what we call the park along the river (endless swimming for the goldens!!) anyway, we have only had Chippy there a few other times... he has had to miss some trips because it was just too hot out, and I thought it would be too much for him... since one day I took him on a warmer day and he really struggled making the hike back to the car :( We went very early this morning, the heat was not an issue so,... I thought it would be a good thing to try and see what he could handle. He was incredible today!! He ran along the beach, swam, played, and made the hike back up the hill to the car ahead of me... with pep in his step :) Chip is an angel to me, and it means everything to me to see him so healthy and happy, and living his life the way that he deserves to live. He had a really bad year and he doesn't hold that against anyone or anything. I know I have said this before, but it is just amazing to me that he can have this love and devotion to me, to us. His health is a gift from RAGOM and his sponsors: Mike and Michelle B, Susannah C., and Team Personnel. I cannot thank you enough. Look at Chippy now :)

 Chippy runs! Chip takes Gabe down, playfully! 
Chip and a favorite toy 

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Things are well with Chippy boy :) He is still pretty itchy whenever his benadryl starts to wear off, so I am not sure that is the answer. I talked to Dr. G again today and she said we might have to start him on a low dose of steroids if things don't improve by the end of the week. We are really hoping not to have to do that... as we finally have his steroid levels under control! But, we will do whatever we need to do to make sure Chip is comfortable. The great news is his infected ear is looking so much better! YAY :)

We continue to see an increase in Chip's energy. Which is SO wonderful :) I was out in the yard playing with the dogs last night and Chip was running after me, RUNNING! It was so cute! Also, today we took a trip to the dog park and he kept right up without a problem. He wasn't running with the other dogs (I think he would have been... if he didn't prefer to be right next to me) ... he walked beside me at a fast pace. He also went swimming and he fetched stick after stick!

When we are lounging on the couch at the end of the evening, that is my Chippy time. He always gets right up on the couch and lays his head in my lap and sleeps. We chat (no I'm not crazy!), I smile and love every minute of it :) The photo shows Chip at his most relaxed :-)

Thanks for checking in! Wish Chip luck as we hope he gets over these pesky allergies!

Friday, July 18, 2008

I have finally captured the famous Chippy smile :) It has only taken me three months!! He wasn't smiling much at first... but NOW, he smiles all the time. I am so glad his many fans can now see it for themselves. Speaking of many fans... the PetCo event in Richfield last weekend gave Chip (and foster mom and dad) a chance to meet and talk to so many of you! Thanks so much for coming to say Hi. It was so fun when I would all of a sudden hear "Is that Mr. CHIPS!??" Yes, yes it is. He has a right to be so famous, he is as special and wonderful as they come.

We had Chip into the vet last weekend because I noticed him licking his paws like crazy, and suspected allergies. I also noticed a yucky looking ear and thought we better get things looked at. Dr. G was there to save the day! Chips is suffering from some environmental allergies, which is extremely common in GR's. So, he is on some antihistamines, and omega 3 fatty acid capsules to help with that. He also had a staph infection :( So, he is taking antibiotics to clear that up. AND, if that wasn't enough... he also has a nasty ear infection :( So, he has an ointment to cure that. Poor guy! Although, he really doesn't mind taking his pills one bit! The turkey he gets those pills wrapped up in is a fair trade :) (Chip told me so) Things are already starting to look better, so in a few weeks he will hopefully be good as new. Although, the allergies may continue the remainder of the summer... only time will tell. Thanks to Dr. G for getting our Chippy boy feeling much better.

I am just amazed at how much energy he has! It is very obvious he is feeling great. He is truly a different dog than when he came to live with us a few months back. He bounces and plays, goes for long walks (still at a slow pace!), play bows and plays tug with the resident bunch, and leaps onto the couch to snuggle! It is such a joy to watch. Chip also has a new nickname "Waggy" cause his tail is just constantly wagging :) It is the cutest thing ever. If he is realllly happy it starts out going really fast from side to side and then goes in circles like crazy! I just love it!! I try and get him going all the time and just watch that tail because it is SO adorable! Another super cute thing is that he always likes to snuggle up to you nice and tight. If I am sitting in a chair I will put my arm around him to pet him... he leans in so close and rests his head on my side. If I am sitting on the couch he jumps up and gets close enough to lay his head in my lap :) I don't think I could love him one bit more.

Thanks for checking in, and for loving Chips. Thanks as always to his most wonderful sponsors!! RAGOM is able to help SO many dogs, and never turn any away because of medical issues because of people like you. It really does mean the world to me, and to all of the amazing dogs. Thank you so very much!

   

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Chips got his blood test results back on Thursday, and his steroid levels are under control, which is GREAT news :) Dr. G does want him to come back in for another blood draw to test his electrolyte levels though. He will be going in for that blood test tomorrow. I will report back as soon as we have those results. Healthwise though, things are good. He still needs to put on about 5-7 pounds according to the docs. He did lose some weight while recovering from surgery. His hair is slowly starting to grow back, and it feels silky soft. The sparkle in his eye and pep in his step are back in a big way! YAY!

Chippy continues to amaze me. I can tell he is feeling so much better every day that passes. His personality has come out more and more... and he is just a goofball :) Chip is very smart and he knows right from wrong. However, he will do some things that he shouldn't if I let my guard down :) The trash can in the house has to be up when we leave other wise.... the contents will be all over the floor when we get home. He will eat anything and everything that is on the counter within reach if we leave the house... NEVER when we are around! He is too smart for that :) He is a counter surfer extraordinaire :) I think he likes to pretend it was one of the girls in the house... well, I know better. I don't hold it against him though :) He just forces me to keep my trash can up, and my counters clean! He loves to play with his toys and has been playing tug with Grace almost daily, much to her delight. He loves to go for walks and we have been building up his endurance, while trying to not work him too hard because he still has some weight to gain. His favorite thing ever is swimming. The warm weather has allowed us to take the dogs for swims several times a week he smiles the whole time and splashes around. He acts like a young pup, and then sleeps like one the second he hits the car!

Chippy loves to just be where we are. It is different for me... although my girls (Bella, Gracie and Martini) follow me from room to room Bella always wants me to throw the ball, Gracie wants to be where Bella is, and Tini... well, she just does her own thing but I must always be in her sight :) Chips wants to be next to me. He doesn't care about the other dogs, or the ball. He wants to lay his head softly on my leg or my lap and be close. He doesn't need constant petting although will once in awhile nudge my arm. He will look up at me every once in awhile and give me a quick kiss or wag his tail, mostly he just sits peacefully and enjoys our company. I know how he feels. I am obviously head over heels in love with this boy! He is very special. I am so thankful for him, and the health that he has been able to enjoy lately. I couldn't think of a more deserving dog!

Thanks again for reading and following Mr. Chips' story. He sends tail wags and kisses to all of your. Especially to his wonderful sponsors :) Thanks Again!

   
   
   

Saturday, June 21, 2008

I had to send in some fun new pics of Chips having a blast with some new toys! I stopped by Chuck and Don's yesterday and went dog toy crazy ;) I do that every once in awhile and then get a call from my husband asking... "what the heck did you buy!???" It's too much fun. I thought since Chippy has a new found fondness for toys it was a reason to celebrate :) His favorites are a green golf ball with arms and legs that squeak, and a fuzzy Wubba Kong! He even played tug with Gracie! She was thrilled... (I have promised her that our next foster dog will PLAY with her :) ) but maybe Chip will give in!

These pictures are proof of how great Chippy is feeling. It warms my heart and keeps me smiling all the time... except for when I am crying those happy tears :) Thanks again to his wonderful sponsors: Mike and Michelle B, Susannah Charleson, and Team Personnel- for helping RAGOM pay for the medical care Chips was in desperate need of. A month and a half ago he wasn't feeling at all like playing... and now look at him! He deserves so much happiness. Thanks so much for making this possible for a very special dog.

   
   

   

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Just a quick note to say that Chippy is doing so, so, GREAT! We got the okay from Dr. J for Chips to go for walks and go swimming again :) Two of his favorite things. It is so wonderful to see him enjoying himself again. Last night on our walk he started out trotting, and it was the cutest thing ever! (Chips normally doesn't move very fast :)) He has also been playing with toys and it is adorable. He especially loves this little pink squeaky ball... see pictures! He carries it around with him, and often sleeps next to it. He picks it up when I get home from being at work and brings it to me :) I throw it for a him and he fetches it a few times, then he decides he would rather sit by me and get some love... with the ball in his mouth of course! We also found out from Dr. J that he will need to go back in and get a low dose dex test done again. This was the 8 hr. vet visit... where they take a baseline blood sample, then give an injection..., test again in 4 hrs, and test again in 8 hrs. This will hopefully show us that his steroid levels are back to normal, and he no longer will test "positive" for Cushings disease. So, things are great! Thanks for reading and loving the Chipster :)   

Monday, June 16, 2008

Two weeks post surgery, and counting!! We are thrilled with how Chippy is doing :) He went in to have his stitches removed today, and things look great! We have started to taper down his steroid medication and in two short weeks he will be medication free! As we taper down the steroid meds the Cushings symptoms will begin to disappear. I have already seen a difference in his water consumption. Right now, the amount of steroids he is on are mimicking his Cushings disease symptoms. Since the tumor caused the release of an excessive amount of steroids in his system, taking that tumor and gland out cut that out all together. It would have been too much for his body to just deal with cutting the steroids out "cold turkey". So, we have to wean him off the steroids gradually. The only other medication he is on now is a low dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots. This too will be eliminated in about two weeks. Chippy went to stay with a fellow RAGOM foster this weekend (THANKS Auntie Dayle!!!!!!!) He was a pretty good house guest. Although, he did help himself to some pie! I had to laugh as Dayle was telling me about his mouth being all blue from the blueberry/raspberry pie :) Naughty boy! He is a funny guy, and will find a way to help himself to anything he finds tasty. He is a puppy in that way... and is really his only bad habit. I am hopeful this behavior will also subside with the other Cushings symptoms. Other than that, Chips did great! When I picked him up he had an adorable scarf on that matches his collar - I'll have to get some pics! Also, he was walking around with squeaky toys! Something he hasn't done for awhile, so he must be feeling really good. He wagged his tail in circles for me when I picked him up and gave me a few kisses, so that was nice :) I am so thankful for Dayle and Scout and Skye for taking such good care of Chippy for us :) Chips seems to be more playful, and just feeling really good. Your thoughts and prayers are working! Thank YOU! Also, Thanks to RAGOM and his sponsors, I think he is well on the road to recovery, and feeling like he deserves to feel, this is because of your help!  Thanks for reading!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Just a quick update to let all the Chippy fans out there know he is doing just great! He had his progress exam today with Dr. J and she said he is healing well. His heart and lungs sound great, and his incision looks great as well. So, we just need to keep doing what we're doing! Which includes: a comfy place to rest, meds on time, home cooked meals, and lots of love and kisses! So far, so good.

Today's appointment also brought not so great news, or maybe good news... I guess we don't know yet. I will give you the results in the doctors words, as they are obviously the best. Here is what Dr. R had to say:

The adrenal is benign, which is great…the surgery cures the adrenal tumor and gets the Cushings on the way to recovery. The splenic biopsy showed hemangiosarcoma, which is an aggressive cancer of the spleen. I am incredibly shocked at that result, because the visible lesions in the spleen were small and subtle and I elected to take the spleen as more of a precaution than a desire to remove abnormal tissues. I don't know how to interpret the result; possible scenarios--- 1) It could be a misinterpreted result; this is not uncommon for spleen biopsies. 2) It was a very early tumor that was completely removed with the spleen before it spread/metastasized to other organs. 3) It is early tumor and it will act like "typical" hemSA we see in dogs with more advanced/large tumors (Prognosis is average 4-6mo w/out additional anti-cancer drug therapy; 12-18mo with anti-cancer therapy.)

So, there you have it. Basically, we are hoping that this is #1 or #2 on Dr. R's list of scenarios. The first matter of business is to help Chip recover from surgery; we still have a ways to go until he is "out of the woods". Then we go from there. The doctors are very hopeful since this was caught extremely early and it wasn't even visible on the ultrasound weeks ago that he will be cancer free and will have many years ahead of him. I was a complete mess when I found this out, sobbing. Then I thought... you know what?! Chip had this surgery for a reason. Not only to remove the adrenal tumor, but to find that cancer and get it out. Chippy is a fighter, a survivor, and the sweetest angel dog I have ever known. I am going to choose to focus on the positive, the hopeful side of this. I will continue to do the best I can to make sure he knows how much he is loved, and help him recover. We will continue to take this one day at a time. Please, continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Two of the photos are of Chippy at work with me :) He has been coming to work with me the last two days. I bring his dog bed and he sleeps beside my desk. I just could not bring myself to leave him alone, so.. to work he comes! The other one is of him with his pretty face on, waiting for his hamburger and rice :) Thanks now more than ever to Chip's sponsors!!!! He is on the road to recovery because of your help. THANK YOU!!

 

 

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Chippy is back at his foster home!! YAY! He had a pretty good night last night at the vet hospital, and this morning was doing GREAT! He was more alert, wagging his tail, normal heart rhythm, keeping his food and meds down, and had an appetite! He made a huge improvement in 24 hrs. So, the doctors decided he could come on home. We are so thankful, and grateful for everything that they did for Chips. He was in the best possible hands, and it means so much.

Chip is on 4 different medications, so foster mom had to make a chart :) I had to be sure I would remember when he gets what! I think I've got it all down now... after checking my notes a million times. So far, so good. He has taken his night time meds and has had about 3 meals (very small amounts) since coming home and has kept everything down. Which is great. He is doing a good job resting up, and I have been by his side all afternoon and evening just making sure he is doing okay. He seems to appreciate my company :) I am so happy to have him home :)

We are cautiously optimistic that Chippy will continue to recover well. There is a high risk with surgery like this of life threatening complications for up to 2 weeks post surgery. So, we won't be able to fully relax for about a couple more weeks. It is important for me to be aware that there is still a high level of risk here... and he is not "home free". However, I will choose to focus on the positive side of things, hope for the very best, and care for him with all of my heart and soul. Chippy is a survivor, he will get through this. The surgery and aftercare ended up even higher than expected... so now more than ever Chip's could use financial support... if you have a dollar or two to spare we would be so thankful :)

The photos are of Chippy in the hospital, and one of him going home :) I will keep everyone updated in the days to come! Keep your thoughts and prayers coming this sweet boy's way! Thanks for reading!
 
 

Friday, May 30, 2008

The date is finally set.... Chips will have surgery to remove his right adrenal gland and tumor on Monday, June 2nd. He will most likely spend 1-2 days in the hospital, and should be back at his foster home recovering by Wednesday. It sure is going to be hard to have him gone for two days! Please send this sweet, gentle boy all of your love and wish him well for his big surgery! This week Chippy took his first trip to the dog park, and he looooved it!! First, we took a couple laps around the park. He was leashed and trotted at my side while my two Golden's Bella and Gracie, and my sister's dog Luna were running like crazy dogs! The three young dogs decided to rolland play in dark black mud! They were covered... and smelly! Chippy, and my prissy yorkie Martini looked at them like.... "why in the world...??!!" Anyway, we knew we had to go to the lake! (The park is bordered by a lake... so it was a time for a swim!) I wasn't sure what to expect from Chippy... but he knew all about water! He loves it! A true Golden Retriever :) He was romping, splashing, and playing like a puppy. I was wiping tears away as I watched him look so happy. He was fetching sticks and having a total blast. It was so cute! About a half hour later the dogs were clean, and tired! So we got in the car to go home. Chippy was sound asleep before I even pulled out of the parking lot. When we got home he just looked at me with those big brown eyes wagging his tail, and I know he was saying "thank you". He couldn't be more welcome. Chippy is a true survivor. He is the kindest, most gentle, love of a dog I have ever met. Yet, he was kept alone in a garage with no windows, no light, no food! We will never understand why poor Chips was put in that garage... it is unthinkable. We do know that he survived, and he has moved on, and continues to love, even though the humans that were suppose to take care of him left him for dead. Chippy was probably weeks away from death when his angel called RAGOM and saved his life. It is unthinkable. He is saved now, and he is happy. However, in order to make him feel the way he deserves to feel, in order for his Cushings disease to be cured, he needs surgery. This surgery is going to be very expensive. Chippy has many angels that are helping to make this possible: His sponsors: Susannah Charleson, Mike and Michelle B, and Team Personnel! Also Dr. R who will perform Chip's surgery and donate her time, and of course RAGOM for making this all possible. Even with Dr. R donating her time, the surgery will cost more than $3,000! That is just the surgery! If you would like to help donate toward the cost of Mr. Chips surgery, medication, and aftercare please click here: http://ragom.org/index.cgi/Donations/index Every dollar helps. Chips and I thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. I cannot wait to show you pictures and share stories of this beautiful boy as he begins to live his life symptom free! Living out his GOLDEN years feeling his very best :) Thank you for reading. Thank you for donating. Thank you for loving these special rescue dogs, and following their stories. For thinking of them, wishing the best for them, and truly caring about them. RAGOM dogs are all rescued. Some of them from the worst possible situations, some of them because even though their families love them desperately they cannot care for them anymore, their are a million reasons.... no matter the reason the dogs are all innocent, it is through no fault of their own. It is because of RAGOM and it's many supporters that we get to share our lives, open our homes, and feel the love of these amazing dogs.
 
 

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Chips is still doing just great in foster care :) First off, thank you so much to his sponsors Mike and Michelle B, Susannah Charleson, and Team Personnel! We are so thankful that through caring and generous sponsors like you RAGOM dogs like Chippy can get the medical care they need.

I am sorry it has taken me so long to update, but I wanted to make sure and have the medical update to give.. and now I finally do! So, Chips did go in for an ultra sound and they found that one of his adrenal glands was enlarged and mass-like. Which points to an adrenal tumor, which is a form of Cushing's disease. The docs wanted to make sure this was the case so Chips went in for a day of blood tests early last week. We brought him in the morning and they took a baseline blood sample. Then they gave him an injection and checked his blood at 4 hrs, and 8 hrs. later. This was a test to determine what type of Cushing's disease he has. The results were consistent with an adrenal tumor. Which in the case of Cushing's disease is actually really good news. (It is weird to talk of tumors as good news!) The next step for Chips is to have the adrenal gland with the tumor removed. We are still awaiting the final scheduling details of the surgery, but I am hopeful that we will know when the surgery will happen early next week. There is a higher level of risk associated with this surgery, mainly after the surgery, more so than the surgery itself. The adrenal glands regulate many things in the body and when one of them is removed it can become risky after surgery... as the blood pressure and other levels must be closely monitored. But, Chips will get the best possible care... so we know he will be in great hands. It will be a very scary day for foster mom nevertheless. Chippy has a great prognosis though! His heart and lungs are so strong, and the tumor is not invading any other organs or vessels. After Chippy has this surgery he will be good as new!! He will no longer show any Cushing's disease symptoms! He will go back to having a furry coat, and he won't be constantly hungry and thirsty. Which will be great for him. I cannot wait for him to live symptom free! As always, I will keep everyone updated on the medical stuff as I know more.

Okay, on to the fun Chippy stuff!! He is just the best dog ever! I cannot say enough about how sweet and friendly he is. He is just the best companion. He comes with sometimes when I do some driving for work and is just the perfect passenger. He lays in the back seat and I hardly even notice he is back there... until every once in awhile he sticks his head between the two front seats so I can pet him :) He loves his walks, at his slower pace. Loves to go to the horse ranch and smell all the good smells :) He also came with me to my husband's softball game this week. He was great! He met so many fans :) He just laid next to me on a blanket on the ground watching all the action. He also kept helping himself to ice in the cooler! He Loooves ice cubes! He met some little kids... who he let crawl all over him. He met a puppy... who he let jump all over him. Chips really is as close to the perfect dog as you can get! Everyone who meets him loves him, instantly. He is a very special boy.

Stay tuned to Chippy's page... I will update as I know more about when his surgery will happen. Keep this angel boy in your thoughts and prayers. I can't wait for him to live out his GOLDEN years feeling his very best :) Thank you again to his sponsors and to RAGOM for saving his life. I will be forever grateful.

   

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Sweet Mr. Chips has 3 sponsors!!! WOW :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart to: Mike and Michelle B, Susannah C., and my employer Team Personnel! Without generous donors like you RAGOM could not continue to help deserving dogs like Chippy. It means more than you will ever know. Thank You!!

Chippy is a true gem. He is a one of a kind, special angel, who I know has come into my life for a reason. He has been through so much in his life. I know at one point in his life he was very loved, and then something changed and he was very, very neglected. Chippy chose to remember the good times... that is how it seems anyway, what an inspiration. He continues to be the easiest foster we have ever had, and we love him more everyday. He has however let out a bit of his inner puppy lately and got into the treat cabinet... and shared the contents with the resident dogs (I know it was Chips who did the breaking in... since my dogs have never figured out how to get into them over all the years! ) I came home to MANY empty dog treat bags and boxes and four bulging bellies! All four dogs got to skip dinner that night and now the dog treats are kept on top of the fridge :) He really is the perfect house guest, and the best walking partner ever. He can't go as far or as fast as the younger pups, but he also doesn't pull on a leash, and he likes to stop and smell the flowers :) That is my kinda guy!

Chippy will be going into the vet on Thursday to have an abdomenal ultrasound done. We are trying to get to the bottom of his abnormal blood test results. I will keep everyone updated on how it goes. Keep your fingers crossed for our boy :)

Chips will be out to meet his fans on Saturday at the Maple Grove RAGOM PetCo event! Come meet Mr. Chips and all of the other awesome RAGOM foster dogs, and maybe meet your new best friend! We will be there from 11-1pm (maybe later). Hope to see you there!

   
 

   

Friday, May 9, 2008

Chippy continues to thrive here in foster care. I am more and more in love every single day. He is the perfect dog. He doesn't ask for much, and you just want to give him everything you have because he is so sweet, and such an angel, and those EYES! He takes his daily walks with a huge smile on his face, and is just happy all the time. He just fits right in, like he has always been here.... if I had only been so lucky to have this guy in my life for all of his 10 years... well, I am graced with his presence now and oh so thankful for it each and every day.

So, let's talk about his medical stuff! Chippy went in for some more blood tests on Tuesday (and may I add he already has gained 5 lbs!!! YAY!). The blood tests came back inconclusive. His Cushings test came back within normal range, and so did his thyroid test. Dr. V said that some dogs with Cushings (about 10-20%) can test within normal range and still actually have the disease, so it is still a possibility, but not likely. The next step is to get an abdominal ultra sound done, and see if there is anything else hiding in that belly of his. If that comes back normal, there is one more test to do for Cushings. So, we still have more to figure out, health wise. He seems to have responded GREAT to proper nutrition, and supplements, and of course extra love! So, maybe all of the abnormal blood results were a result of the neglect, and the parasites. That is what we are hoping, since we have already turned those thing around! I will continue to keep everyone up to date on the latest.

I cannot say enough about what a perfect boy Chips is. He loves to snuggle, but isn't at all obnoxious about getting attention. He sleeps on a dog bed beside the bed (he gets too hot all snuggled up next to me, so this is where he chooses to sleep.) He is totally house trained. Perfect on a leash, great with other dogs, and cats (he met the barn cat and didn't bat an eye!). Rides great in the car and loooves to go wherever I go! He is the absolute perfect companion. He is the best friend anyone would be lucky to share their life with. I am blessed to be his foster mom, and am loving every minute of it.