Another Special Little Boy Shows the Reason We Do What We Do
Lil "Miho"
At the animal clinic that we gave on June 26th, at the end of the day we opened the door of a crate to treat an animal. I was working on another dog and heard Steve Katz gasp and my stomach turned. The day had been a good one. We had seen some tough cases but I was not prepared for what I was to see. What backed out of the cage was a skeleton. Immediately I went over to see what had made Steve react the way he did. I wanted to scream. The owner did not speak English so Efram one of the boys that works on the Sanctuary in our Work and Earn program began to translate what I was saying. They did not want to give the dog up but in the end they did. He was brought to the Sanctuary and immediately hooked up to an IV. Over the past 40 hours he has been pumped full of vitamins, antiobiotics, a gentle worming medicine. It is amazing what 40 hours can do for our little Miho.
The pictures tell his story better than words.
Little Miho with mom Kizzy (she mothers all the animals here at the Sanctuary) You can see the condition he is in and weighs less than a pound.
Steve and Palena
hooking little Miho up to an IV to hydrate little Miho as his was so
dehydrated that his skin would stand straight if you pinched it.
Miho after about 4 hours.
and now we shall let him tell you some of his story.
Did you know I have a name now. When I met these people at the clinic I was so scared...they made horrible sounds and I was so embarrassed. Kind hands took me and promised me to make me better. I was scared but I snuggled closer. They took me to this place with a lot of animals and then started poking me with needles. It hurt and I was scared and I tried to bite but was not strong enough. Soon though I was settled in bed and feeling better. But I had no name and was sad as I heard this woman calling all the other dogs by name. She seemed nice and they were all kissing her and hugging her.
The next day it was more poking and I was so cold. This woman kept telling me she was my mommy but if she was why did she not give me a name.
Then I made her cry when she saw me eat some food from a dish and I thought she was upset...but she hugged me and kissed me and told me no she was so happy that I was eating.
Today (she says it is Monday) she came in and saw how cold I was. She left the room and then came back with a pink shirt. I said oh no its pink and she said well its says Mommys Baby on the back Miho and is that not what you are...she put it on me and then started kissing me saying oh yes that is your name little Miho. I was so happy I put my paw on her cheek and gave her a kiss...she cried again..this new mom of mine cries alot I see. I rolled over and showed her my tummy and she gave me a pat and then took the pictures below. Aren't I cute now that I have a shirt and a name?
Its expensive for my mommy to take care of me. I have all kinds of medicines and need special food. If you would like to help her take care of me she would really appreciate it. Just mark your donation for Miho. You can click here to donate.
July 1, 2004
I feel so much better. No more IV's mom says and I am glad as they hurt but I am still having to have injections of vitamins. They sting but they do make me feel better. Mom still has to rub my skin with a lotion and it makes me feel better too. I am a lot more active. I even follow mom around the house and try and make friends with my new brothers and sisters. Its the 4th of July and you know maybe for the first time I have something to celebrate. Mom took the pink shirt off me and now I am a sailor. I think I look kind of cute and since I have gained 2 more ounces I think I really look cute. My one sister and brother they are used to a camera and they were posing so cute it was funny. Me I am still a little shy and so it was hard for me to try and do what they were doing but mom says I am beautiful anyway. She loves to give me kisses and don't tell her but I am really beginning to like them and even give them back. Here are our pictures so you can see how much better I am getting.
This is my big brother Mignonne. He is my favorite. I like to follow him around now that I get to get out of my crib. He is really nice and gives me kisses and lets me take naps with him. He is my best friend. If you look real close you can see my hair is coming back and mom says I have eyebrows.
7/8/04
Miho had his first visit to Dr. Hill at Indian Trace and the news was not good. Miho has one testicle that did not drop. Over the years this has grown into a tumor. Bloodwork was done and we will see on Saturday if Miho will be able to withstand surgery to remove both testicles. His body right now is producing huge amounts of estrogen which is creating all types of problems with him and is also a cause of hair loss as well as years of neglect. He is continuing to gain weight and socialize well. The vet tech and Dr. Hill both said he was a great patient and very willing to accommodate their needs. Below are pictures of his visit to Indian Trace.
July 10, 2004
We received the call today from Dr. Hill regarding the bloodwork on Miho. His bloodwork was good as is his bone marrow but we have another issue to deal with. Miho is heartworm positive. Monday he will go in for a chest x-ray to see how much damage has been done to the heart and lung. If that turns out alright he will being his heartworm treatment. He will get one shot and stay the night at the Hospital. He will go back in a month for 3 or 4 days and get the rest of his treatment and then be checked in 4 months. If all goes well he will be checked in four months and then we will begin the surgical procedures to treat the tumor that is in his abdomen from his testicle. Everyone please have positive thoughts about this little boy who surely deserves a chance in life to have a good one.
Miho's care will be very expensive.
Miho has moved to a foster and hopefully if all goes well a forever home. Dimitri came to the Sanctuary to meet him and it was love at first sight for Miho and I think Dimitri as well. Dimitri works close to me so everyday I get to hear Miho's latest adventure. The Sanctuary will have Miho finish his treatments and his surgery and then he will be awarded to Dimitri - Not a better person could exist for our little Miho.
If you cannot adopt a dog but would like to donate to his care and recovery please click here to donate.
If you would like to see my other brothers that are in the nursery/infirmary click on their names
Well goodbye for now and I will be back next week.