Dodger -
 
Dodger 8-20-07 Dodger 8-15-07
at the vet when we first went to the vet
Dodger is a special poodle who came into our organization on 8-15-07. He was rescued from a busy rural road (hence the name given him as he was dodging cars) by two good samaritans who then released him to San Diego Poodle Rescue. We immediately noticed that he had a wound or injury on his chest but he would not let us look at it, as it was too painful. The hair covered it up and we couldn't get a glimpse at what was wrong. He obviously did not feel well, too, and so off to the vet we went.
Afte sedation and exploring the area, the vets found that Dodger had several dog bites on his chest/neck. The worst part was that, although the wounds were only about a day old, they were already infested with maggots, probably due to the hot weather. No wonder this little guy felt so awful! The wound was thoroughly cleaned out and treatment started.
Dodger remains in the vet hospital (as of today 8-21-07) and is being treated for a major infection and inflammation of the wound. The maggots did alot of damage. I have visited with him, just holding him, massaging him and sweet-talking to him. I think and hope that this helps him want to pull through this ordeal. But, he doesn't know me.
Dodger has started to eat a little bit by himself, but must be syringe fed most of his calories. He is on multiple medications (antibiotics, pain control, anti-nausea) and iv fluids. His bandages must be changed twice a day as there is alot of drainage. Just today he let the vets change the bandages without being sedated - a major improvement.
We are trying to find Dodger's owners, but have had no success. He was fairly recently groomed (maybe 1-2 months ag) and is so sweet. He is quite young, maybe 1 year of age. He must have been someone's pet.
We are asking everyone to keep Dodger in your thoughts and prayers. He deserves to pull through this horrible ordeal. It will be a long road, but we will help him along.
We will keep you informed daily of his progress.
8-22-07 I visited with Dodger today and he seems to be feeling better! Yeah!!! He was happy to see me and gave me a little kiss on the hand. He laid on my lap for an hour while I massaged and petted and talked to him. He ate almost all of the roasted chicken I brought for him - what a wonderful sign. Maybe he can come home in a day or two.
08-23-07 The vet plans to debride the dead skin again in the morning (this has to be done under anesthetic). Dodger will then be evaluated to see how he is doing and very possibly come home, if his nursing care is something I can do myself. He continues to eat on his own and seems happier and more alert.
08-24-07 Dodger had his debridement surgery this am, removing more dead skin. The vet was able to close the wound a bit more, so it is not so open. He is doing good and can possibly come home tomorrow for home care!
08-25-07 Dodger came home! Well, to his new home, at least for now. The first thing we did when we got here was go to the nice grassy yard in the sunshine - remember he hasn't been outside for 1 1/2 weeks - he seemed to enjoy poking around the yard and smelling the breeze. Then we set him up in my office for privacy and quiet from the other dogs but plenty of people attention. He is eating all he has been given and sleeping alot. These are just what he needs - good nutrition and plenty of rest.
 
Enjoying the green grass A newly groomed face
and outdoors 08-26-07 08-26-07
08-26-07 Dodger continues to do well. He is eating and sleeping alot and going outside on the grass every couple of hours for a little walk. He doesn't care too much for pancakes but loves cheese! I bathed and groomed his face, head and ears - you can now see his face and lovely eyes and I'm sure he feels better.
08-27-07 Dodger continues to do well - eating and sleeping lots!!! He goes tomorrow to the vet for a check. Let's hope they think he is doing well, too.
08-28-07 Dodger had to stay at the vet for the night. Some of his sutured wound came open, just from the tightness of it because alot of dead skin has been removed. So, he will have a little procedure to re-suture and clean things up. He'll be able to come home tomorrow. They were happy to see him at the vet - can't say he was too happy to see them, though.
08-29-07 Dodger was so happy to see me when I picked him up at the vet! His wound looks better - resutured and closed. He is laying upside down on his bed as I write as it is hot, even with the a/c on - but he is happy to be back.
Upside down 08-29-07
08-30-07 All continues status quo!
08-31-07 Dodger's personality comes out more and more on a daily basis. He is such a sweet boy and he continues to do really well!
09-01-07 Dodger is healing nicely - we went to the vet today for a re-check, as they requested, but they were closed for the holiday weekend! Oops! Oh well, he is doing just fine - the wounds looks great, is staying closed and is healing.
09-04-07 I groomed Dodger today - gave him a bath and trim, avoiding the sutured area. He looks so much better! You can see his cute body! Photos coming!
09-05-07 Went to the vet today for a re-check. The staff was all so happy to see him and came to visit with him. The vet says he is doing great! Another week and he should be able to get the sutures out. Dodger was happy to go to the vet's office, just not so happy when she started checking out the wound. I'm sure it is still a bit tender.
Checking out the yard
in his new hairdo!
09-10-07 Dodger got to go on an RV trip this weekend! San Diego Poodle Club held it's 2 day specialty show and our rescue division had several tables set up with information, a raffle and items for sale. So, Dodger got to go with me, stay in the rv and come visit at the show. He was extremely happy and friendly with everyone, although he kept his eye on me. He was an excellent traveling companion and I think he enjoyed the outing!
09-15-07 Dodger went to the vet yesterday for a check-up - he is doing fantastic! He didn't want the vet to touch him, though, as he has memories of pain when she came around. So, she couldn't get his sutures out. I am working on taking them out at home, little by little. He is much better for me.
09-24-07 Dodger went on another rv trip! This time to Long Beach for the Poodle Club of America Regional Show from Wednesday, September 19 through Friday, September 21. He made lots of friends and was usually found in someone's arms or lap! He seldom had to have his feet actually on the ground. In fact, he even got to go for a ride in a doggie stroller!
10-05-07 Dodger was adopted today! While at the Poodle Club of America Regional Show, a nice lady with her shih-tzu came by and met Dodger. They all fell in love! We checked the home out and found it to be a wonderful one. So, even though we weren't even looking just yet for a home for Dodger, he found one on his own. Fate has really been good to this little boy lately - being found by good samaritans, being brought to poodle rescue, surviving his medical issues and now finding a new mom! We wish him well and will have pics up soon!
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