River came to my house Friday and was very anxious to eat and take a nap. River is grateful to the RAGOM folds, sponsors, fosters and All Seasons Country Club for the care he has received. Struggling to survive a near fatal pneumonia, he is gaining strength each day he is at my house. River has megaesophagus or some type of paralysis that prevents the food that goes through his food tube (esophagus), to move directly to the stomach and backups in his chest and sometimes his lungs.

River graciously cooperates with attempts to increase his weight and prevent pneumonia from threatening his life in the future. River cannot drink water or eat with his head down. He has a Bailey chair that forces him to eat upright allowing gravity to move the food to the gut. After River eats, which is 3/4 cup five times a day, I pat his chest like burping a baby; I can hear the air leaving his esophagus. Then River stays lying on his side for 45 minutes semi-upright allowing more gravity pull on the food. Diet includes rice, Ensure, canned food, dampened kibble, and cooked vegetables.

River is walking four times a day and looks forward to getting well enough to get on a permanent schedule and finding a forever home with someone who can fall in love with a gentle golden who fought through a major illness.

Thank you SO much to Megan for sponsoring River! He truly appreciates all the help he is receiving.