Gettin' So Much Better All The Time

Maggie May gets a little better every day. She got a new pink jacket for her early Christmas present - just in time as the snow started falling last week. I'm not really one for dressing up my dogs, but in Maggie's case, she really needs it altho her fur does seem to be growing back in. She has a halo of new fuzz where she used to have bare and swollen skin.

Since Maggie is improving and her health is stabilizing, she is scheduled for surgery on 12/23. She will be spayed, the hernia will be repaired and she will have the mammory tumors removed. We are confident that she will come thru this with flying colors and continue her road to recovery.

As her physical health is improving, so is her mental state. Maggie May is starting to act more like a "real" dog and her true personality is really beginning to shine thru. She is VERY active and has been going on 4-5 short walks every day. Maggie is a dog who needs activity and wants a job to do. It's apparent that she is extremely smart and has already learned to sit, down and come when called. Maggie is also EXTREMELY food motivated, which makes it easy to get her attention. She will be starting group obedience classes and agility as soon as she has recovered from her surgery.

As you can see from her pictures that she is socializing with people, including kids, other dogs and a cat - atho the cat would prefer to avoid the whole social scene. Maggie May can be a little pushy and likes to get her own way, but she is learning her manners and adjusting well.

She doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for her, but she is extremely grateful to have this chance to explore a better way of life.

Giving thanks!

Thank you to all the people who have stopped the motion of their daily lives to think about Maggie May.

We have had an amazing response from the local, national and cyberspace community, receiving money, treats and positive energy!!! And Maggie's response is that she keeps getting better every day!

She is eating well and her true personality is starting to show. She is very smart and is incredibly bored with her current quarantine situation. Maggie May is confined to a bedroom and is eager to get out and become one of the family. As you can see by the picture, she is just fine with kids. She seems interested in the other dogs, but is still very shy with new people. Oddly enough, she responds better to men then women.

Maggie continues to take medication for her skin and is enjoying a diet of kibble, raw beef and tripe. Which smells just fabulous.

As she continues to improve, she will be scheduled for a spay, hernia repair and a dental treatment. This will probably happen sometime in January.

More updates to come.

Thank you again for everything!

MM

Maggie May's New Beginning

Can You Help Us Help Maggie May?

Maggie May was rescued from a neglect situation on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. She is currently in the care of Lindenhurst Animal Hospital and this is what we know about her so far:

Maggie is an unspayed female mixed breed, approximately 8 years old. She has never seen a vet. The cause of her skin condition is unknown, but she is being treated for sarcoptic mange. She had fleas and evidence of chronic allergies, which she is also being treated for. Maggie is infested with whipworms and treatment for that began immediately. She has a corneal ulcer in one eye and severe ear infections. Maggie’s bottom front teeth, inlcluding her canines are worn down, possibly from chewing a muzzle or cage bars for an extended period of time. These teeth will eventually need to be removed completely. She has a untreated hernia, which can be corrected with a spay. She also has swollen lymph nodes and mammary tumors, which have been sampled and sent for diagnosis. (UPDATE – RESULTS ARE NEGATIVE. NO DETECTABLE CANCER)

Despite these issues and being extremely uncomfortable, Maggie May is a sweet and friendly dog that is highly food motivated. She does have some trust issues, but seems very capable of giving human beings another chance. Maggie will make eye contact, lay beside you for petting and give paw for a treat.

We absolutely believe Maggie May deserves a chance. At this point, she will need approximately 6 months of medical treatment, socialization and behavioral exercises to be ready for adoption into a home. Altho she seems indifferent to other dogs and children, we won’t know her “true” personality until she has had some time to recover from her physical/medical issues.

To date, Maggie May’s care has included tests, vet care, boarding, treatments/medication and food. We will need additional time and money to ensure that Maggie makes a full recovery and is given a chance to live and be loved in a forever home. The groomer that rescued her will be fostering her until that happens. If you can donate even $1.00 or a bag of treats, it will be of immeasureable value to Maggie May. The vet has set up an account to allow people to contribute directly to Maggie’s care:

LINDENHURST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
RE: MAGGIE MAY
2595 E. GRAND AVE
LINDENHURST IL
847-356-1516

More info to come.
THANK YOU so much for anything you can do!