Lwood 11-019

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Sponsored by:Connie Jendro

Stephen Elbert and Zoom, a Parvo Survivor

Pamela & Chuck S.
~ In memory of Jake ~

 

January 30, 2011

Elwood just took the biggest journey of his life so far, from an awful situation in a North Dakota puppy mill, to an awesome foster home in the Cities.  This 6 pound bruiser is named after his FM’s rescue dog and soul mate, Lwood, who went to the bridge last May.  Lwood was the largest pup in his litter (out of 11, mmm hmmm!), had huge paws, and liked to sleep with his belly toward the sky.  When this eight-dog crew showed up at their new digs, what did FM see?  The largest pup, with huge paws, sleeping with his black nose to the heavens… and a heartbeat later he had one of the highest honors she could bestow, Lwood’s name with his own special twist.

This handsome boy can use all the help he can get.  He has showed some symptoms of the deadly virus Parvo that took the life of his brother Ali this morning, and put two of his other littermates in intensive care.  For now, he is holding his own with help from his dear FM and friends, but he will be monitored closely for any changes. If his health stays stable, he will be up for adoption once he is neutered and ready to snuggle up with a new family.

If you love a big lug of your own, consider a donation in that person’s honor to help these pups on the path to the Golden life!  Need a big lug of your own?  In a few weeks, this lovable guy could be all yours!

At a Glance #11-019

Golden Retriever Born: December 2010
Male Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:Connie Jendro

Stephen Elbert and Zoom, a Parvo Survivor

Pamela & Chuck S.
~ In memory of Jake ~

 

January 30, 2011

Elwood just took the biggest journey of his life so far, from an awful situation in a North Dakota puppy mill, to an awesome foster home in the Cities.  This 6 pound bruiser is named after his FM’s rescue dog and soul mate, Lwood, who went to the bridge last May.  Lwood was the largest pup in his litter (out of 11, mmm hmmm!), had huge paws, and liked to sleep with his belly toward the sky.  When this eight-dog crew showed up at their new digs, what did FM see?  The largest pup, with huge paws, sleeping with his black nose to the heavens… and a heartbeat later he had one of the highest honors she could bestow, Lwood’s name with his own special twist.

This handsome boy can use all the help he can get.  He has showed some symptoms of the deadly virus Parvo that took the life of his brother Ali this morning, and put two of his other littermates in intensive care.  For now, he is holding his own with help from his dear FM and friends, but he will be monitored closely for any changes. If his health stays stable, he will be up for adoption once he is neutered and ready to snuggle up with a new family.

If you love a big lug of your own, consider a donation in that person’s honor to help these pups on the path to the Golden life!  Need a big lug of your own?  In a few weeks, this lovable guy could be all yours!

Updates

Friday, February 25, 2011

 

At 9:40 am, surrounded by so much love and with me holding his little head and paw, Lwood joined his brothers Ali and Pacelle at the Rainbow Bridge. He is now free to run, play and eat like a normal puppy should. He is free from the ravages of the puppy mill life that caused him and his siblings so much pain and sickness and has broken this foster mom's heart. I know we are not supposed to fall in love with our fosters or have favorites but I did both with Lwood....how could I not, especially when it seemed he had beaten the odds and would be a survivor. I had planned to become a foster failure with Lwood as this boy was home the second I saw him. As it turned out I had to do what we fosters are supposed to do.....I sent him to his forever home at the Bridge when there was nothing else any of the doctors could do for him. While Lwood's life may have been only 62 days long, he knew more love and happiness in the last 34 days than some humans know in their entire lives. He also gave back more love and affection than most humans are capable of doing. Lwood was a very smart, happy boy. He had already mastered the stairs and would run up the 7 steps to the bedroom where his siblings were, he also knew what a potty pad was for and how to use it on command....potty trained at 8 weeks!! Lwood loved to play with his siblings and loved to play with my big dogs. One of my sweetest memories is of 90 pound Rocco play bowing to 6 pound Lwood and Lwood doing the same to him. He loved to go outside and watch the big dogs run around, so many times I told him he was going to grow up and run with them soon. He loved to snuggle and take naps in my arms and loved to sleep covered with fleece blankets.

Thank you to the countless volunteers who helped with his care and the care of his siblings as well as the doctors and staff of the U/MN and VCA in Golden Valley. Thank you to Lwood's sponsor and supporters, you made it possible for Lwood to have the best chance at life. I know this sweet boy touched your lives as much as he touched mine. Please remember him as your inspiration to help end puppy mills so we can make sure this never has to happen again.

My little man Lwood, you will be missed more than you can ever know by so many people as so many loved you and wanted you to live a long happy life. I know you are in a much better place and have been met by your brothers Ali and Pacelle. I know my big Lwood will look out for you too, as will my other dogs who have gone to the Bridge, Smugde, Jake, Colin, Abby, Bentley, Governor, Tiny, Missy, Molly, and Mindy as well as the countless RAGOM dogs who are waiting for you too. Fly free and fast my boy, you take with you a big piece of my heart, please give my big Lwood a hug and kiss for me. Love you always, foster mom, Jimmie, Rocco, Tanner, Hank, Ardis, Rona, Quigley and Kitra.

 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

How far the mighty have fallen… I am now the smallest of pups by weight at only 6.8 lbs. Oh well. I still gained ½ pound this week! About 50% of the time I fall asleep while my helpers feed me through the tube thingy.  I guess that means I’m good at multi-tasking since I can eat and snooze at the same time.  The best part is that if I get hungry while we are waiting for help, I get to have Frosty Paws!  Mmmm hmmmm!

Since my little brothers and sisters are too rowdy around my special food pipe, I get to spend time hanging out with the big kids, Tanner, Rocco and Jimmie!  They are four-leggers and are my foster brothers. I sure like those guys… I watch them real careful while they do all their big-kid things so when I get a chance I can be just like them.  FM says it won’t be too long, and I can’t wait!  As you can see from my photos, they showed me how to find the toy box!  Whoo hoo!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Little Lwood is back with his family after a couple of rough days at the University.  In addition to the dilation of the upper part of his esophagus, the lower portion had a stricture creating only a narrow passage for food.  Doctors dilated the lower portion and are hoping to give Lwood time to heal. To facilitate that they placed a feeding tube, so this little guy can continue to get nutrition without further stressing his esophagus.

Because it is so important for him to spend some time with his sibs, FM has to take extra precautions.  He is wearing a t-shirt and a life-jacket to protect his feeding tube (can you say Kitra?).  He looks like a sweet little sailor – or a fire fighter -- and is taking it with his trademark aplomb.  He wears out easily, though, and spent part of the morning snoozing with his blanket on FM’s table. Late this afternoon, he even got to go out and have a snow day with his brothers and sisters!

Lwood needs to catch a break!  He’s due for some good news!  Maybe you could consider sponsoring this special boy?  Come on… All the cool people are doin’ it! Visit http://ragom.org/shop/featured/donate-93.html .  Puppy wiggles and love to Connie, Stephan and Zoom, and Pamela and Chuck. 

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Look at this little lover!  All he wants to do is curl up with the foster mom he adores, and feel warm and safe (possibly from Kitra{wink}).  He is such a doll with his enormous feet, thick fur and mellow personality.  He looks like miniature grizzly bear! What a snuggler. It is not hard to picture him as a mellow, gentle giant in a few years. He reminds his friends of another RAGOM favorite with a similar personality…

While there isn’t much Lwood does fast, he gobbles his food with gusto. Volunteers put his meals in several small dishes to slow him down so he doesn’t upchuck.  He and his sibs are also learning to use potty pads!  Yay Lwood!  It is amazing to see the progress they have made in a short period of time.

The only thing bigger than Lwood in this litter is their bills.  RAGOM still needs your help!  Please visit http://ragom.org/shop/featured/donate-93.html to donate.