 Dear Fellow Bichon Lovers,
Two months ago we received a call about a little four month old puppy. He had a pretty rough start on life having been diagnosed with a neurological disorder that made him a bit wobbly on his feet. Despite that wobbliness he could run and play with other dogs and charm every person he met. So it is probably understandable that Liam charmed his aunties at Bichon FurKids – and we soon wanted to help the little guy.
His foster Mom and Dad, Donna and Paul, report that Liam is a major lover, housebroken (even at his tender age) and that he loves to run and play with his doggy foster brothers – and keep them very busy! They found that he is very independent and also very sensitive (the little guy gets his feelings hurt at times), housebroken (even at his tender age) and willing to share his toys. Liam likes to snuggle with the other dogs (and people when he can) and compensates for his neurological issue by sitting down when he is looking up at you (so as not to wobble.) Most of all Liam loves life – and everyone that meets him loves Liam.
Two weeks ago Liam’s behavior started to change. He started to favor a leg and it was obvious that he was in pain. Foster Mom Donna took him to see the wonderful vet at UC Davis; they explained that, in addition to his wobble, he needed surgery on his leg. Within a very short amount of time, Liam’s pain threshold reached its maximum – and the little guy had to be rushed into surgery – far sooner than we were prepared for him to go in. Not doing the surgery was not an option at that time. Liam is now recovering from his surgery – and the vet expects him to live a long and happy life, albeit with a few wobbles.
A few days later one of our volunteers heard about a darling little four year old bichon named Joy. She had apparently been ‘gifted’ to a lady, however the lady was not told she was pregnant. Imagine her surprise when six little puppies showed up one day. The owner’s dog was trying to eat the puppies so she immediately began looking for someone who would take little snowy white Joy (soon to be known as Joyful by foster mom Linda) and these six anything-but-white little pups! Somehow this owner found the BFK aunties – and soon Joy and the pups were FurKids.
Joy has lived up to her name -- and the puppies are thriving! (Stay tuned and let us know if you are interested in a puppy. They are definitely bichon mixes – we just have no idea what the mix is… yet!) Last week we noticed that Joy was having difficulty seeing out of one eye – and that a spot was starting to appear on the other eye. With permission from the pups for a quick outing, Joy went to see the veterinary ophthalmologist. She said that Joy has a genetic cataract and that it should be removed quickly before it hardens and her sight is impaired. The ‘spot’ on the other eye bears watching.
My little Samantha, who was the reason I started BFK, was sold to me with two genetic cataracts that surfaced a few months after I had adopted her. It was 1989 and I had no idea what vets could do. Sammi had the surgery that Joy now needs - and lived to be almost 18. Miraculously she was able to navigate well, could distinguish objects and led a full and happy life.
Joy needs her surgery as soon as possible. It was as unplanned (as were the puppies) – but is necessary. Can you please help us to help Joy? And little Liam?
Donating to Bichon FurKids
Any donation would be appreciated. Bichon FurKids is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible.
You can donate on-line at http://www.bichonfurkids.org/donations and make a note in the form that your donation is for Liam or Joy. You can also send checks made payable to Bichon FurKids or BFK, 6965 El Camino Real, #105-425, La Costa, CA 92009.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for helping Liam and Joy.
Donna and Paul, Linda, Marti and The FurKids
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