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Skittles 1998 - 2009
It is with a heavy sad hart and lots of tears we lost our Precious Skittles this morning. Skitts waits at the Rainbow Bridge for all those who will cross.
Our Miracle Girl Skittles passed away. She was 11 years and 11 months old. She will be with all our other fur-babies waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for all the others who cross.
Skittles if fighting with constant Urinary Tract Infections and respiratory problems from being on her belly/chest. I try to keep her in the cart as much as possible to help with both problems. Then a third problem became apparent...she gets very bad chafing on her groin and lower belly...they become raw so she must be out of the cart...I am trying all kinds of things. If anyone has a suggestion please email me at badgerdogjan@yahoo.com.
We did have a new discovery to help with the UTI, Cranberry Capsules found at local drug or health food stores. One each morning with breakfast, Skitts is on a low dose antibiotic program to see if we can cure the UTI's.
I just bought Skittles a filtered swimming pool and hope to have her swimming this week....our vet agrees with me the swim therapy will help her mobility, most important weight loss and also may help with the UTI's. She needs lots of prayers and good thoughts.
Skittles eyes are bright and shiny, she is still fighting like a little trooper. She has lost two pounds, it is very hard with her lack of movement. She scoots about the house and outdoors in her cart...still loves to go shopping, is a big hit at our PetCo Meet the Doxie Days...you should see her scoot around that big store....
I know it has been along time since the last update..Skittles and the Rescue have been very busy helping doxies find new forever homes. Again we thank all the wonderful folks who helped Skittles....many puppy kisses and lots of licks to all
Skittles story is so sad
GOD'S LITTLE CREATURE NEEDS YOUR HELP!
You can help Skittles by making a donation to the Skittles Fund through PayPal at the Dachshund Rescue Page Inc web site www.drwp.net/californiaskittles
Note: Donations to help Skittles can also be made through the Dachshund Rescue Web Page, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions made through D.R.W.P. may be deductible as a charitable contribution on your corporate or personal income taxes. You should check with your tax adviser for more information. 100 percent of the amounts received through this specific link will be forwarded to Riverside Dachshund Rescue to help Skittles. http://www.drwp.net/californiaskittles.html
SKITTLES STORY IS SO SAD. . .
We recently received a call from a local preacher's wife saying she and her husband wanted us to take their senior Doxie because his back went out. We agreed and asked if the X-rays showed a slipped disk or degenerative disk disease, a standard question. She said she didnt know because they didn't ever take their dogs to the vet. Surprised, I asked how long he had been injured and asked for more information. When I heard about Skittles's history, I almost wish I hadn't asked. She told me he had been injured for about four days, and they'd been keeping him in the backyard because poor Skittles couldn't control his bladder since he'd hurt his back. However, when our vet examined Skittles, we heard a very different story.
Skittles's neglect was unbelievable. For one thing, Skittles was not a boy, but a girl! The vet could tell that Skittles's injuries were many months old and that she'd been living outside, in the hot yard, for a long time. She was severely malnourished and had an internal infection, rotten teeth, worms, a tumor and open sores for dragging herself around the yard in search of find food and water. We thought about whether or not we should let her go to the rainbow bridge, but her sweet personality and strong spirits convinced us otherwise. She's only eight years old, which is the prime of life for dachshunds. Skittles spent two weeks at the vet, receiving the best of care, including multiple acupuncture treatments, a quality, high-calorie diet for weight gain, physical therapy, crate rest, antibiotics and treatments for a host of fleas and worms. She was also bathed, as she arrived filthy, her tail and hindquarters covered in her own feces and urine. As soon as she''s strong enough to tolerate the surgery, she'll have vaccinations, removal of her tumor and a full dental. Won't you all say a pray for dear Skittles? In our care, we can promise that she'll never suffer again, but that isn't enough, unfortunately. Because she didn't receive care for her spinal injury right away, the vet says she is probably permanently paralyzed. She might be a candidate for surgery, but he won't know until she's a little stronger. It is very likely that she will need a dachshund wheelchair.
We started a fund for Skittles, to pay her vet bills and to save up for the special cart she'll need, and we desperately need donation. Can you help?
Riverside Dachshund Rescue
Skittles Fund
c/o Janet Maxwell
P.O. Box 779
Cabazon, CA 92230
We will post regular UPDATES as Skittles recovers.
UPDATE: June 25, 2005
Skittles had surgery on Friday, June 23. The vet spayed her, removed tumors and warts and gave her a full dental cleaning. Fortunately, she only lost one tooth, despite the horrible condition of her teeth. When she had recovered from her surgery, she was able to come home to begin her long recuperation. Skittles receives daily physical therapy and hydrotherapy. She is still taking medication for the inflammation of her spine, and we hope and pray the medication is working. The vet will evaluate her on August 1, to see if Skittles's back is making any progress. She'll need an MRI, which costs $500. With the help of her Hug-A-Dog harness, which provides support for her back and hind legs, Skittles has started to walk a little bit. She is steady enough to go outside to potty three or four times a day, and we are pleasantly surprised to find that she is house-trained. She spends most of the day in her playpen, enjoying recuperative crate rest, but she loves her lap time and her two 15-minute play sessions each day. We are also learning more about her personality. A delightful little doxie, she has a positive attitude and is working very hard to get well. She is so grateful to be clean and safe and loved! She appreciates everything we are doing for her, and she thanks us with sweet little kisses and loving looks. Once she is better, she will make a wonderful companion.
UPDATE: August 1, 2005
Our vet evaluated Skittles and confirmed that she needs an MRI, which will cost a whopping $500, at least. The results of the MRI will determine if Skittles can be helped by back surgery. If surgery is possible, the cost starts at $2,500. As you might imagine, we are increasingly desperate for donation. The good news is that Skittles seems to be getting better. She is out of her play yard for longer periods of time, and she loves being around her doxie friends. She loves to lie in the sun on the back porch, safely in her exercise pen. In addition to helping Skittles physically, we are working very hard to rehabilitate Skittles mentally. Doxies get very depressed when confined for such long periods of time.
UPDATE: August 17, 2005
Early this morning Skittles had to have emergency surgery to clean and remove a large, infected abscess from her right groin area. The vet also found that she has a serious urinary tract infection. She is in recovery at this time and doing well, but she will need long-term antibiotics, frequent urine testing and possibly more surgery to remove the dead tissue surrounding the abscess. Skittles's paralysis seems to have reached a plateau, and the vet thinks she won't continue to get better until she receives back surgery but she must first have the expensive MRI. Riverside Dachshund Rescue's medical fund is empty, as is the Skittles Fund. Won't you please make a donation?
UPDATE: August 18, 2005
We had to rush Skittles to the hospital again this morning because the stitches in her incision opened up. Although she is doing well, she will need to remain hospitalized for several days while she recovers. Skittles is receiving pain medication, but we do not yet know if the vet will be able to re-stitch the incision. We remain hopeful'if the incision cannot be re-stitched, Skittles will face a very long recovery period.
UPDATE: August 22, 2005
Skittles remains in the hospital, but her vet gave us an encouraging update today. The wound is healing, her urinary tract infection is clearing up and she is comfortable and in good spirits. It appears they will be able to do the second surgery to remove more dead tissue. The first surgery cost $300, and we imagine the second one will cost at least that much, if not more. She still needs the MRI, and the expensive back surgery could be on the horizon. We are growing quite desperate for money at this point, and we hope that kindhearted souls will donate to the Skittles Fund.
UPDATE: August 26, 2005
Skittles came home on Wednesday after receiving another surgery to remove dead tissue from her abscessed area. She has over 30 stitches and a drain, and her human nurses need to apply hot packs to the surgical area every two to three hours. She has to wear an e-collar to prevent her from chewing out the drain and stitches. The antibiotics seem to be working, and her urinary tract infection is nearly gone. She is in good spirits, a happy little girl who is very grateful for all the love and care we are heaping on her. The vet thinks her problems all stem from her back injury, and he is urging us to get her the MRI to see if she is a surgical candidate. Unfortunately, we still do not have enough money in the Skittles fund to pay for the $500 MRI.
UPDATE: August 29, 2005
If Skittles veterinarian is agreeable, a grant has been offered to pay for the cost of an M.R.I. for Skittles. After having done so much for Skittles, we can't imagine that they won't agree to cooperate with the non-profit organization that has made this offer. You may also have noticed that our friends at the Dachshund Rescue Web Page, Inc. has set up a paypal link to help Skittles. You don't need to be a paypal member to donate through the link they are providing on this page. It's been comitted that 100 percent of the amounts received will be forwarded on to Riverside Dachshund Rescue for Skittles benefit.
UPDATE: August 30, 2005
Well, after discussing it with the neurosurgeon who will probably be helping Skittles, we now have a firm estimate of what we will need to accomplish in terms of fundraising. $5000.00
This amount, while it seems like a lot, should not be impossible. As of today, we have firm commitments (between the grant and donations already received) for $735.00, so we're almost 20 percent of the way
there already! This will cover the M.R.I. to determine which part of her back needs the surgery, the surgery itself, the aftercare and still leave some to pay off the horrendously large bills that have already
accumulated on her behalf.
We also have received a very generous offer of a cart for Skittles from the kind folks at Doggon' Wheels in Montana. While we're hopeful that Skittles will never need it, the knowledge that it's there for her if
she does is comforting.
Skittles herself continues to do as well as can be expected. She's on crate/xpen rest. She only can get out for treatments and to go potty. She wobble walks a few steps to go potty then sits down. This, more
than anything else, gives us hope that Skittles will come through this okay. Keep her in your prayers and thoughts and thank you for your generosity. We'll continue to update as we have news.
UPDATE: September 1, 2005
We have reached our first milestone in the efforts to help Skittles. We have officially reached 20 percent of our goal of $5000.00 for her needs. We now have a total of $1040.00. That's the grant of $500.00
from DRWP and $540.00 from all of you who have donated. Only another $3960.00 to go! We can do this.
For those of you who have donated through the D.R.W.P. PayPal link above, DRWP will be making out the receipts for your tax records this Sunday, September 4th and will have them in the mail on Monday. This is for those of you with a confirmed address with PayPal. For those of you who never confirmed your address with PayPal, DRWP will send an email receipt and it will have instructions on how you can obtain a hard copy for your records, if you would prefer that instead.
Meanwhile, please continue spreading the word about poor Skittles plight. When her vet says she's healed enough to subject her to the next step in her rehabilitation, we want to be ready! It will only be
possible with your help.
UPDATE: September 2, 2005
Skittles went back to her vet today to have her wound drain removed. Her stitches have to remain for a couple of more days, but all in all, Skittles is doing as well as can be expected. She's on Rimadyl twice a
day for pain and the hot packs have been reduced to twice a day. Her physical therapy is to be continued, but she's free to resume her normal routine of eating, napping and chewing her bones. Oh, and
playing with her doxie foster friends.
On the fundraising front, Riverside Dachshund Rescue has received checks totaling another $300.00 for Skittles and there were no donations received through the D.R.W.P. link, so we now have $1340.00
of our $5000.00 goal, or just short of 27 percent. Only $3660.00 left to go and Skittles will be able to see the neurosurgeon. Her vet says that she's as ready as she'll ever be and the longer we delay, the less
likelyhood there is of a good result. He's checking with his professional associates to see if we can get any type of "consideration" on her diagnostic and surgical bills, but so far there
has been no firm commitment from any of the specialists yet.
To all of the wonderful people who have contributed, Thank You! Your generosity is what's going to allow this little one to recover and finally have the life that we all want for our dachsies.
UPDATE: September 7, 2005 (added on September 8th - sorry for the delay)
Skittles stitches were removed on Monday 9/5. The wound is still healing but no longer open. Skittle is now able to be out of her playpen for longer periods of time daily and we continue with her therapies and medications. Urinary tract infection has finally cleared up. Skittles is getting stronger and can be out longer to potty. Skittles will see Dr. Berry on Thursday September 8 at 10:45 am for her initial evaluation appointment. At that time we will receive a diagnosis and estimate of surgical costs.
Many inquiries have been made as to whether or not donations can be made directly through the veterinarians office. I'm pleased to be able to report that Dr. Wayne Berry has graciously consented to permit this for Skittles. His address is:
So Calif Veterinary Surgical Group
Dr. Wayne Berry
ATTN: Gilbert
17682 Cowan Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614
949 833-9020
fax 949 833 7530
He will take a credit card over the telephone or a check prior to any surgery being done. All $$ must be paid at the time of the surgery. Dr. Ryan Westbrook of Banning Vet Group is her primary vet and doing the referral. We will send pictures and the prognosis report tomorrow. Skittles name at Dr. Berrys offfice is drwp inc Skittles
UPDATE: September 9, 2005
Well, we have good news and bad news from yesterdays visit to the neurosurgeon.
The good news is that Dr. Wayne Berry, of Southern California Veterinary Referral Group has graciously offered to donate his surgical skills to help Skittles. This represents a significant donation to Skittles and those of us at Riverside Dachshund Rescue and the Dachshund Rescue Web Page, Inc. cannot adequately express our thanks to Dr. Berry.
The bad news is that Dr. Berry feels this is the best time to do her surgery. Postponing the surgery much longer could cause her spinal injury to deteriorate to a point in which surgery would no longer benefit to Skittles. While it may seem strange to hear this referred to as "bad news", the simple truth of the matter is that even with the donation of Dr. Berry's surgical skills, the Skittles Fund has received only about half of the new estimated total. Our total stands at $1965.00 received, approximately $3800 to $4000 needed. With the human tragedy going on in the south, donations have slowed to a trickle as people concentrate on the disaster there.
Despite the shortage, Skittles cannot afford to wait. Her rescues have made the decision to authorize the surgery, now tentatively scheduled for September 15th, and simply trust that the resources will come from somewhere. Our own pockets, if necessary. Neither rescue feels that any dachshund in need should be denied necessary treatment simply for lack of funds and so, Skittles is going to receive her treatment.
Finally, those of you who contributed prior to September 4th should have received an acknowledgment of your contribution by either email or regular mail by now. For those of you who contributed after that date, acknowledgment's will be prepared this weekend and sent out in the mail on Monday, September 12th. Thank you all for your generosity and please, continue spreading the word of Skittles needs.
UPDATE: September 14, 2005
This is it. Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow, our friend Skittles goes for her surgery. We don't know what the results will be, although Dr. Berry feels that she is an excellent candidate for this procedure and has a very good chance for a complete recovery. But there are never any guarantees.
As of today, we've managed to raise $2,110.00 towards Skittles anticipated medical bill. It's not going to be enough. But, having assumed responsibility for Skittles, neither Riverside Dachshund Rescue or the Dachshund Rescue Web Page, Inc., is going to let that small detail stop Skittles from receiving the care that veterinary science is capable of providing. She will receive her surgery tomorrow and we'll simply have to hope that as more people learn of her plight, they will want to help.
Riverside Dachshund Rescue and The Dachshund Rescue Web Page, Inc., will make up the shortfall out of our own general funds. Once we know the final expenses for the surgery, I will post that information on this page. Meanwhile, please keep our friend Skittles in your thoughts and prayers, for an easy surgery and an uneventful recovery. Thank you for the help you've provided for this special little girl.
UPDATE: September 16, 2005
Well, as you've probably guessed, Skittles did not have her surgery yesterday. She did have her myleogram and "did not handle it well", so her surgeon made the decision not to do the surgery until he had the opportunity to investigate further. A spinal tap was done and Skittles was allowed to rest for the night.
The myelogram showed compression at L 3-4 and 4-5 plus some other unknown damage to the spinal cord. He said this is not life threatening but could cause some pain further down the road as she gets older. He expects that the decompression of the discs will alleviate this problem. Skittles had a good night and still had movement in her hind legs. This was good news.
Skittles was taken back into surgery this afternoon to perform the actual back surgery. Dr. Berry called Skitt's foster mommy about 3:30pm P.T., as Skittles was just about to come out of surgery. Dr. Berry said the surgery went well but very difficult. The L3 disc had turned to bone and had to be drilled out from under the spinal cord. There was a lot of bleeding due to the drilling out of the L3. Disc's L 4-5 were removed. He said the prognosis looks good, but Skitts will have a long recovery period. Dr. Berry did not indicate how long Skittles will remain in the hospital, but did say that he will call again tomorrow with another update.
I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Skittles. She is a very special little girl who always gives 200%. The support for "granny dox" is greatly appreciated knowing so many folks are out there pulling for us. Thank you to all who have donated to the Skittles Fund. We are still short, but won't know by exactly how much until Skitts comes home, sometime next week. As of today, we've raised $2335.00 for her. Given the difficulty of the surgery, it's likely that this is going to be only about half (or less) of her total charges. Please continue to let all your friends and contacts know Skittles still needs their help.
UPDATE: September 17, 2005
Dr. Berry called with an update on Skittles this morning. She had a good night, they have been expressing her bladder, however she was able to pee for him and trying to walk. She is very weak and he is surprised that she is up and trying to walk already. Skitts will remain in the hospital over the weekend. Dr. Berry will evaluate her again on Monday. He did send out spinal fluid, urine and blood for additional testing due to her recent infections. Skitts is on pain medication and of course all her caretakers are in love with her "She is one amazing little doxie." A quote from Dr. Berry and Staff! Dr. Berry told me he also had a Doxie, so I know she is in very good hands. We will continue to pray for little Skittles to have a speedy and full recovery.
Two additional contributions, totaling $30.00, were received during the evening. This brings us to a total now of $2365.00 towards whatever Skittles final total will be. Thank you all for continuing to support our efforts. We're slowly getting there and believe me, there are no insignificant donations. Someone pointed out that if everyone who has read this story would donate even just $1.00 per dachshund they share their home with, we would have reached our original goal long ago. Keep spreading the word and please, keep praying for Skittles. She's quite the little girl!
UPDATE: September 18, 2005
Not much to tell today. Skittles is weak, but having a bit more movement on her right side, a little less on the left. She is trying to pee but still needs to have her bladder expressed. This morning Dr. Berry said he will put Skittles on medication to help stimulate her bladder and will evaluate her again tomorrow . Skittles may remain in the hospital a few more days than expected because of the extensive surgery and not tolerating all the procedures. Our poor little Skittles has had to have so many surgeries we afraid this one would be hard for her to bounce back from. She is eating well and has her little upbeat attitude that everyone of her caretakers loves. Keep Skittles in your prayers and don't forget to let everyone know she still needs help with her medical expenses.
UPDATE: September 20, 2005
The report today is that Skittles is resting comfortably, eating well, loves cookies and is still in good spirits. Skitts still needs help to empty her bladder. She's just starting movement in her right side, but the left remains the same. Dr. Berry will evaluate her again tomorrow. Please pray for our little Skittles, as this surgery has been very hard on her. Dr. Berry said there is less movement since the surgery than there was before her back surgery, Skittles could wobble walk and medication relieved some of the pain. Now we must leave her recovery in the very capable hands of Dr. Berry and God.
This is so hard wondering if this was the right decision for Skittles. We knew the risks involved, but there's always that "what if?" and second guessing the decision.
UPDATE: September 21, 2005
Skittles came home from the hospital today. She is on prednisone, antibiotics and medication to help her use her bladder. Skittles will return in ten days to have the numerous staples removed from her back, then another follow up with Dr. Berry in three weeks. Skitts will remain confined to her play pen for the next 30 days. She will get hotpacks 2-3 times a day for mild swelling. As far as physical therapy goes, she will be allowed out of her play pen to go potty. Skittles will have to wait a month before she can resume her play time with her doxie friends. But we are cautiously optimistic that she will be able to resume that play!
WE MADE IT! - Skitt's final veterinary bill (not inclusive of future follow up visits she will require, or past expenses incurred on her behalf) was $3394.30, which was much less than anticipated. To date, we have raised $2938.00 and we have a commitment from a second non-profit organization for a grant of $500.00. This will allow us to pay off her remaining surgical fees and leave us $43.70 to apply to the (rather substantial) costs involved in bringing her to the point where she could receive this surgery. We're far from out of the woods yet for this little one (financially), but your generosity has made it possible to get her the treatment she needed, when she needed it and for that, we are very grateful.
The Dachshund Rescue Web Page, Inc. and Riverside Dachshund Rescue would also like to thank Dr. Wayne Berry and the staff of Southern California Veterinary Referral Group for their generosity in helping Skittles. Dr. Berry undertook a very difficult and dangerous surgery and waived his professional fees as his contribution to Skittles. Southern California Veterinary Referral Group donated a rather sizeable reduction in their normal fees for Skittles, as well as providing the skilled professionals to watch over our little one both before and after her surgery.
UPDATE: September 22, 2005 Skittles First Day At Home After Back Surgery
Skitts had a good night, she is resting comfortably is her playpen with her doxie friends watching over her. It is so good to have my sweet girl home. Skittles is going out to potty about every four to six hours to self-express her bladder. I am monitoring her water intake and output. The side effects of being on a steroid is increased thirst, panting, and increased hunger all of which I am seeing, I want to be sure she is not retaining water and swelling. I am not seeing any swelling or redness in her incision or the area around it. Skittles is still weak from the surgery trauma, but is resting quietly. Skitts has not tried to stand on her own, but when I tail walk her there is apparent movement. She does move around in her playpen a little, but Dr. Berry really wants her to rest for the next thirty days. I try to give her a change of scenery several times a day. I just can't imagine being confined to a playpen for the months she has and not get depressed.
Skitts loves to sit in moms lap and get her little body massaged then lay next to mom for a good chew on her rawhide chip or denta bones. Skitts is so happy to see my dad who is the official treat giver every morning and evening. He makes all the doxies come to her playpen to get treats and lots of petting so Skittles does not feel left out. I keep reminding dad who is 89 to be careful with the treats Skitts needs to loose some of the weight she has gained, about three pounds, go figure she was so malnourished just skin and bone in May and now she is a whopping 15.5 pounds. I would like to see her at about 12 pounds for her back. I have Skitts on Royal Canin Lite for inactive doxies. Royal Canin in a breed specific dog food and I use it for all the doxies, yes it is expensive but it is formulated especially for Doxies and their nutritional needs.
UPDATE: September 24, 2005 (Day three of the Skittles watch:)
Skittles continues to rest and amuses herself by chewing on her favorite rawhide. She loves to be out in a doggie bed with her doxie friends. They continue to visit and watch over her. Occasionally one will bring her a chew or favorite toy.
Skittles will have her staples removed on Tuesday by Dr. Ryan. It's hard to believe that she's already had them over a week. She returns to see Dr. Berry in three weeks for a check up. She is not trying to stand or walk yet. When her foster mommy stands her up to potty she drops to the ground immediately and tries to scoot. When her back and hind legs are massaged she appears to have feeling and will stretch a leg or try to pull it up. Skitts is still resting and sleeping alot. She really likes to be in moms lap.
Keep little Skittles in your prayers for a full recovery.
UPDATE: Update: September 27, 2005
Skittles continues to heal and get stronger each day. In telephone conservation yesterday Dr. Berry said I could begin range of motion exercises today. She is showing strength in her right leg but the left is still very weak. I discussed this with Dr. Berry and he felt the range of motion exercise would help. Skittles tried to stand this morning when she went out to do her business. Only for a second, but this is very encouraging. The sparkle has returned to her cute little face and her eyes are bright and shiny again. She has such courage, to continue the fight to walk again. Skittles is beginning to regain control over her bladder and Dr. Berry is very pleased with the news. She is still on medication to help her with her bladder control.
The appointment to remove her zipper (staples) has been moved up to October 6th. Dr. Berry will evaluate her at that appointment.
We will continue to update you weekly as Skittles progresses with her rehabilitation. Please continue your prayers for our little Skittles.
A very special thank you to all who have donated to the Skittles Fund. We still have a long way to go on the road to recovery for our little one
UPDATE: Update: October 4, 2005
Skitts is doing so-so. She still has no activity on her hind end. She has been scooting around a little more, but just wants to drag those little hind legs. When I rub them I do get some reaction and she did try to push with her right leg when doing her bicycle exercises. Her left side remains very weak. We are only at three weeks on Friday, so maybe I am expecting a little too much, too soon. Skittles is very anxious to get out and play with her doxie foster brothers and sisters. I sure hope Dr. Berry will okay a little more time out of the playpen. I remain hopeful that she will get some use of her back legs. I remind myself that she had a very hard time with the surgery and the time it takes for healing.
UPDATE: Update: October 6, 2005
Skittles appointment was moved to Saturday due to the fires burning west of her foster home. Both freeways were closed down making travel west impossible yesterday and today. Good news is the fires are about 25% contained and the east bound lanes of the freeway are partially open full opening late this afternoon. Thank God�
Other good news Skitts did stand up to get a drink of water yesterday. Today she took a step or two when she was out to do her duty. I tail walk her and she stood for about 30 seconds and took a step. This is GREAT NEWS�I will keep praying for that miracle to happen�Skittles zipper will come out on Saturday and we will have good news to send.
UPDATE: October 9, 2005
A message from Skittles: Thank you to everyone who helped to give me the chance to walk and be a normal doxie again.
Skittles had her staples removed yesterday. YEAH ! Dr. Berry and Dr. Ringwald are very pleased with Skittles progress. They were very surprised to see that Skittles could be tail walked. Dr. Ringwald (Dr. Berry's Associate) said that Skitts progress was excellent and I could add one more therapy period beginning tomorrow. Skittles must remain on playpen rest for at least another three weeks then she will be re-evaluated. Her current therapy program is first thing in the morning out to potty being tail walked a few steps (she really loves the short walk), then breakfast & a treat from Dad (while I change her bedding) then a short nap in the sunshine; we begin our day about 5:30 in the morning. After nap time we do our range of motion exercises, get to go potty and get a warm soak in the tub with bubbles (from the doggie shampoo). Skitts really loves her baths (she gets several butt baths each day) then another nap and hopefully a little snack from Dad. In the afternoon another bedding change, out to potty and hang out with her doxie friends (in harness & on a 4ft leash) mostly in moms lap then range of motion exercises, and another nap. Early evening about 5:00 dinner & dessert (snack from Dad) a little nap and hanging out with the family for the evening. At 8:00 out to potty for the last time (bedding change) butt bath, massage with special lotion to relax the muscles for a night of healing sleep. Skittles gets lots of lap time as mom need to rest frequently, much to Skitts delight.
Our doctors really like Skittles therapy plan and want to come to granny dox for rehabilitation. We will be adding one more short exercise period to Skittles daily schedule. She will continue to get lots of love and lap time.
Without all the generous donations our little girl would not be walking today. I am so grateful to all of you who gave from your hearts when so much was going on with the hurricane disasters. Skittles doctors feel she will walk again and return to a normal doxies life.
UPDATE: October 20, 2005
Skittles is getting stronger each day. She is beginning to take a few steps on her own when she is tail walked. She will stand for a few seconds by herself. Dr Berry and Dr. Ringwald still say she will be able to walk again, just be patient and give her time to heal after all she has been through some pretty tough surgeries. Skittles continues with her therapy and is hanging out with her doxie friends.
Skittles is getting ready for the big Rescue Reunion Picnic on Saturday in Placentia, CA. She's trying to decide what costume to wear. Our fall picnic theme this year is Halloweeiner Picnic. We will have doxie races, costume contest, bobbing for wieners and a day of fun and games for all the doxies and their families. All are welcome.
Again, we thank you for getting us over the major expense of her surgery. We still need assistance with her past (and future) expenses. If you have been waiting to contribute until you were certain that our little girl was going to pull through this, well, anything you choose to send now will be gratefully accepted.
UPDATE: October 27, 2005
Skittles continues to heal; her doctors are pleased with her recovery so far. We are to continue her therapy and she can be out an additional one hour with her diaper on to preventing scraping and bladder infections due to her dragging. I also put socks on her little feet with vet wrap to prevent scraping the foot tops. She is enjoying the cool desert fall lying in the warm sun with her doxie pals. Skittles doctors said she now has a weight problem topping the scale at 15 1/2 pounds. I remember when she arrived at RDR she was so thin and malnourished we use weight gain food. Skittles now must diet and limit grandpa's treats, grandpa is so sad he delights in giving skittles treats and see her sweet little face light up.
We were unable to attend the big rescue reunion picnic on Oct 22 at Tri-City Park to say hello to all our doxie friends and enter the Halloween costume parade but we got a report and pictures of all the costumes. Mom doxie was sick with an inner ear infection that caused her to be very dizzy, so the doctor told her to stay home and get well and no driving.... mom doxie missed seeing everyone and showing off the new harness and Crafty Cory's little doxie figurines and all the other new stuff...it will be on the web site. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the harness and other items will be sent to DRWP's medical fund for other doxies who need help like Skittles...
Update November 18, 2005
Skittles stood alone today and tried to get up to go to her favorite place the "Bone Basket" for a chew
UPDATE: November 28, 2005
Our little Skittles was adopted on Thanksgiving Eve. I've not announced it until now, as the adoption agreement has not yet been returned so that her file can be closed out, but I am confident enough in the adoption that the "ADOPTED!" medallion was placed over her listing today.
To the many people who contributed to the "Skittles Fund", please accept the profound thanks of both Riverside Dachshund Rescue and The Dachshund Rescue Web Page, Inc. for your generosity. Had Skittles had to rely strictly on the available resources of our two organizations at the time she entered rescue, she would still be awaiting her surgery. It was only through your kindness that she was able to receive the treatment she needed, when she needed it.
Even though Skittles is now safe in her "forever home", she leaves us with many, many bills and a large hole in our budget. The surgical fees for her were not the only expenses involved in bringing her to an adoptable condition. We're asking anyone who stumbles across this page to consider making a donation in Skittles name, so that other little ones in need can also be helped.
Happy Thanksgiving, Skittles!
UPDATE: February 8, 2006 Skittles has wheels!
In the picture with Skitts is her friend Smoochy looking on. Skittles can be out side with all her doxie friends. She no longer need to be confined to her playpen. Dr. Ryan wants her on her feet or tip toes to encourage use of her hind quarters. The doctors opinion is still Skittles will walk again, we just need to keep her moving and using her legs and loosing all the weight she gained.
We are still battling constant urinary tract infections, each month the bacteria is resistant to another antibiotic...Skitts is back on Clavamox this month.
Skittles is spending about one hour in the morning outside in her cart then back in the house for nap and bone chew. She will go out again in the afternoon for a romp with her friends, bark at the neighborhood kids and back in for supper. She loves being able to scoot around the house with the other doxies and sleep in her little bed. We just never know how much freedom we have...just thing she was confined to a play pen from May until December 2005. Skittles has come a long way since last May.
Skittles will be going to the RDR Wienerfest in March to show everyone her new wheels and how far she came from the May picnic in 2005. Skitts had only been out of the hospital a few days before the picnic...we took her at the vet's urging...he was sure she would enjoy the change of scenery and she sure did...what a day for her...everyone came by to say hello and get a little pet...
We are so thankful to everyone who donated to the Skittles Fund so she could have the back surgery, her cart and all the follow up care that she needed.
Skittles is now in her forever home with no other than Granny Dox I could not let anyone adopt her after all that we went through together. Skitts and I have a very strong bond, the look on her face and the glow in her eyes when I say her name is the greatest reward a rescuer could ever have....it just brings tears to your eyes...
Well it is time to go skittles is stretching and telling me it is time for her back rub.
A special thank you to Benny for taking on the fund-raising project and bringing Skittles into DRWP so we could get a discount on her surgery. Thanks to Dr. Berry for doing the very difficult back surgery and Dr. Ryan Westbrook for saving her life and all the follow up care she is getting.
UPDATE March 3, 2006
Skittles invites everyone to come to Riverside Dachshund Rescue First Annual Wienerfest on March 11 to meet her...See her go in her new cart. See the Home page Wienerfest for all the information...
Skittles will be participating in many of the events, maybe the wiener races too...you should see her GO!
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