A little dog running and trying to fend for itself is very sad, especially when that dog is a senior weighing only 13 pounds! ARF members drove through creeks and far into country lanes on 6/15/23 to get little Fern, and she was a mess! She was weak, hungry, matted, flea and tick infested, dirty, and her face was swollen! The clinic worked her in 6/16/23 to try to assess her and help her. They cleaned her wounds, flushed her ears, gave her a DHPP shot and rabies shot, and a fecal (whipworms). Her bloodwork showed multiple infection, of course, for her ears, her teeth, and her skin were all bad. At that time, a spay scar wasn't obvious. (She was later tested, and the results came back that she has been spayed.) The vet believes sweet little Fern is at least ten years old and likely older. Is she a long-haired chihuahua or a mix of breeds? We aren't sure, but she is 100% adorable! ARF members were grateful to have found her and caught her, for she so desperately needed help. At her vet visit on 6/30/23 she weighed 11.9 pounds but looked a lot better and had good blood work. (She may have been bloated initially because of all the worms and infections!) Though her lymes test was negative, because she had been covered with so many ticks, the vet recommended repeating it in the next month or so. Fern was improved enough to schedule her desperately needed dental, and she had seven badly infected teeth pulled on 7/12/23. She allows the vet and her staff to do whatever they need to her without complaint, but she seems never to have walked on a leash. Therefore, getting her out to potty at the moment is a bit of a challenge. Her foster mom discovered that when carried to an x-pen, she'll go potty and be ready to be picked up, so that is working for now. She's used to running, though, so until she trusts a little more, she won't be given too much space! This is a sweet and pretty little senior dog who has not had an easy life! Because of her age and what she has been through, she probably should not be with young children. Hopefully, the rest of her life can be the best of her life with someone who teaches her love, trust, and even what it feels like to be spoiled! Hang in there, Fern! Good things are coming for you!
November 3, 2024, 12:19 am
