My name is Kayla!

Hello everybody!

My name is Kayla. What's yours? I am a sweet girl about 4 year old. I was in an animal shelter before coming to my foster home. I was very frightened there and was shaking like a leaf. But now all is good. I like my foster mom a lot. She said I am a very good girl because starting from day 1 I know that the bathroom is outside. Not inside. I also know not to touch anything that is not mine. I am calm like a lady and take treats from your hand very gently. There is another girl like me in this house, with 4 legs and long golden hair. She is bigger than me -- I weigh only 43 lbs. I like her too. I don't even get mad when she steals food from my bowl, which happens a lot when she thinks my foster mom is not looking. I wish I could play with her more, but right now I have to stay quiet because I just started treatment for my heartworms. My foster mom set up a nice little room for me that is cool and quiet. I scared my foster mom at the beginning of my treatment when I got so sick. I am doing much better now. She made me promise I will stay quiet in my room all the way until I finish treatment.
 
My foster mom said after I finish heartworm treatment (update: I have successfully completed my treatment), she will take me to meet other 4-legged critters that make "meow" sound. I am not quite sure what that is, but I have a feeling I will like them too because I am always so gentle and calm.

I asked my foster mom to take some pictures of me so you could see how pretty I am. She said I have "penetrating eyes" that capture your heart. Don't you think so? I know you would love to meet me. I want to meet you too. My foster mom said she wants me to stay absolutely calm until I finish my treatment and I don't want her to get worried again, so I guess we'll have to wait for a visit and introductions. If you are interested in knowing more about me, please complete an adoption application form. I promise I will write to let you know how I am doing.

Love,
Kayla
7/25/08

Kayla is approximately 4 years old. She is current on vaccinations and spayed. She has successfully completed heartworm treatment.

Foster Update 10/29/08:

Kayla went back to the vet for a follow up visit on Monday.  Everything looks good and her liver is healing well.  The vet wanted her to return for a final check up in a month.  Meanwhile, Kayla is ready for adoption!  We went to a doggie event the past week and she was happy to have so many new things to sniff at.  I took this picture of her by the pumpkins.  When I look at the picture later, I was amazed to see the sweetness and cheerfulness coming out from her eyes.  It was a drastic difference compared with what she looked 3 months ago.  Kayla is the most affectionate foster I have ever had. She will do well in a quiet household and will be best for someone looking for a low maintenance companion.   I promise you, this doggie understands you when you talk to her and tell her how your day goes.  By the way, she and my niece's cat are co-existing just fine now.  No more barking or jumping at the poor cat anymore.

Foster Update 9/30/08:

Kayla had some ups and downs the past month. She finished her heartworm treatment (yeah!) and was tested negative for baby worms in early September. Just when I thought I could take her for longer walks and trips to the park, she had another episode of serious infection last week. Gave me a big scare. She was taken into the vet for IV antibiotics and IV fluid since last Friday. After several days of treatment Kayla has improved substantially. I will be taking her home in a couple of days. The doctor wants her to continue with antibiotics for a little longer. More important, he suggested us to give her some time (maybe a month) to recover completely before considering adoption. I am anxious to take this sweet girl home and am quite happy I could keep her for another month. She has gone through so much the last two and a half months. I look forward to the time she feels better so she could enjoy lying under the sun, sniffing at other dogs' behinds and checking out the squirrels. Even though I have not had the opportunity to do any formal training with her yet, I always feel she understands me. It is something in her eyes that makes me think that. I will send some new pictures or maybe a video(!) when she gets home.

Foster Update 8/31/08:

I am happy to report Kayla has improved significantly the last couple weeks. She has a healthy appetite and good energy level.  Most important, her breathing is much more comfortable. We saw the vet on Friday and he thinks she is good enough to get the last heartworm treatment on Wednesday. We have also reduced her steroid dose and she has been doing just fine. She still has some recovering to do, but I hope the worst is over and the rest of heartworm treatment will be easier on her.

Foster Update 8/28/08:

Little by little sweet Kayla is recovering. Heartworm treatment has been hard on her. We had to interrupt the treatment because of her reaction to it. After several weeks of steroids and rest, she is breathing more comfortably. Not only that, she seems to enjoy her time more every day. Earlier this week she discovered the wonder of dog toys. Nylon bones and rawhide are her favorites. She also enjoys hanging out with her humans and napping close to them. This sweet lady is so smart. She will call you if she needs to go out for bathroom break, if she is hungry, or if she just wants you to come snuggle with her. The rest of time she stays quietly by herself. It probably will be several more weeks before we could resume her heartworm treatment. She will be ready for her new home when she finishes her treatment.