We are thankful that with lots of
help Manny's last years were filled with love. He never lost his spirit of adventure
and and bassitude. We will see
him again when we cross the rainbow bridge to meet again.
Manny's Story
Manny
was around 10 years old when he was picked up by Memphis Animal Control. The Memphis
Animal Shelter said his owner was know but his owner did not pick him up. We got
him out on Aug. 13, 2003. and took him immediately to our vet where he was placed
on IV antibiotics and fluids. He had infected eyes and ears, was covered in fleas
and ticks and so filthy he looked like he had skin infections. Manny has an advanced
case of heartworms and a heart murmur. After almost a week at our vet, a long
medicated bath, and several rounds of antibiotics he looked and felt much better.
At one point our vet thought Manny may have had distemper but it turned out to
be just severe kennel cough. Manny came home from out vet on Aug. 19, 2003.
Manny at the Memphis Animal Shelter.
Aug.
26, 2003 Follow-up Vet Visit
Manny is recovering slowly. He is over
the kennel cough and ear infections. He is still on medication for an elevated
white blood cell count and for his eye infection. He has gained more than 5 pounds,
has pretty good potty habits, and is wagging his tail. He loves his slow walks,
treats, and chews. He especially looks forward to his nightly back rub. Clara
and I are deliberately spoiling him because what he needs right now is a reason
for living. I am certain Manny had all but given up on people. Clara and I are
trying to correct that and let Manny know he is loved and wanted. Once he has
the will to live a better life, we can address the more serious health issues.
In his current condition we fear he would not survive even mild anesthesia to
clean his teeth. In time we hope his health will improve enough to allow modern
medicine to help him more. Our current effort to help Manny is to focus on his
everyday quality of life. He has been through SO MUCH, we feel he needs some quality
time. Manny continues to get a little better each day. Building up his strength
and letting the sores and infections heal.
Manny on Aug. 20, 2003.
Sept.
9, 2003 Manny continues to improve
Manny got a good report from our veterinarian
today. His blood count was normal and he is maintaining a good weight
of 55 pounds. Manny looks much better and best of all feels much better.
We can see that in how he now plays with his toy bear and rubs on the
fleece blanket. Manny loves his bear and is very gentle with him. He
often licks the bears face after tossing it into the air. The bear,
bone shaped pillow, fleece blanket, a handsome necktie (which he will
not yet wear), and home made treats, are part of the K-9 Comfort kit
donated by Melissa Rogers of Heavenly
Hounds. More good news. Manny does not have cataracts. He
does have a film over his eyes due to a lingering eye infection and
slightly dry eyes which we continue to treat with medications twice
daily. Manny goes back in a month for another check up. If he continues
to gain strength and stamina, our vet will discuss options for treating
his heart worms. In the meantime Manny is getting a monthly dose of
Interceptor to reduce the number of microfilaria in his blood stream
and keep any new heart worms from becoming adults. Manny got another
bath today and a nail trim. The sores on his skin are healing slowly
although he continues to loose some hair. The best part is Manny feels
better than he has in a long time and knows he is loved. He looks forward
to his walks, When he goes flat basset we know he is tired and either
wait until he is rested or pick him up and carry him back to the house.
Manny also loves his nightly back rubs which are a requirement prior
to my using the PC in the study. If I forget, Manny leans on my leg
until I stop and give him his back rub.
The photo below was
taken on Sept. 9, 2003.
Manny update - Sept. 15, 2003
Our
vets office did a ultrasound of Manny's heart today and were very pleased with
what they saw. His heart is in pretty good condition and they only saw a few heart
worms. The vets conferred and agreed Manny was well enough to start heart worm
treatment, tomorrow. We know from experience that bassets do much better after
they are free of heartworms. Their energy level goes up and you can tell they
feel better. This is what we hope for Manny. Right now even short walks wear him
out. Please keep Manny in your thoughts and prayers for the next few weeks.
Manny
update - Sept. 23, 2003
Manny went to his foster home with the Mathewson's
on 9/22. Per Debby, "Manny is doing very well. He doesn't show any sign
of problems with the heart worm treatment. I gave him his last antibiotic pill
today. He is easy to medicate with oral meds and eye meds. He is eating well and
drinking lots of water. He is gaining weight, and his hair looks better. I have
even given him a bath in our bathtub, and I think he liked that. He does wag his
tail and wants to be close by us. He and our other animals are getting along well.
It is amazing that Manny trusts people and likes people, considering what he's
been through."
Manny update - Oct. 16, 2003
Manny
got a good check up at our vet and received his second heartworm treatment. He
is doing better than we expected and is beginning to get some of the hair he lost
back. Manny is enjoying home baked treats and is getting a little spring in his
step. It is a slow process but Manny now has the will to live and continues to
improve a little each day. Manny may have been "thrown away" by one
bad example of the human race, but he is now being loved and well cared for by
the good people God entrusted all of His creatures to. All of you who have helped
in any way are helping all of us to be better stewards of the earth and the bassets
we love.
Manny update - Nov. 7, 2003
Manny
is feeling better and has more energy. This is one of the signs we often see when
a basset is free of heartworms. Manny goes back to our vet Thursday, Nov. 13 for
a heartworm test. We have our fingers crossed. Manny's coat is growing back and
his foster parents say he is looking real good. We plan on getting some digital
photos of Manny on the 13th. Manny is doing much better than we ever thought possible.
Manny
update - Nov. 13, 2003
Manny visited our vet today and
got a very good checkup. The result of his heartworm test was negative. Manny
weighed 61 pounds. Up from 55 pounds on his last checkup. His coat is looking
much better and he has more energy. Manny was so much better we put him up for
adoption.
Manny on November 13, 2003
Manny update - Jan.
15, 2004
Manny's foster mom took him to our vet for a check
up. This was her report of that visit. "His kidney function level was
tested because he does "go" some before we can get him out (such as at night).
Test showed his kidneys are OK. He still had a slight yeast infection in his right
ear, so Dr. H. washed it out with medication. Both eyes were tested to see if
they are making enough tears. Both eyes, esp. the left eye, showed they are LOW
on tears which causes dry eyes and infection and mattering."
"The
big news, I think, is that Dr. H. sent home a week's sample (free) supply of Rimadyl
which he takes one pill twice per day. Dr. H. said to watch him to see if we could
tell any improvement in his ability to get around. Well, the improvement has been
amazing! He is moving much faster and easier and going up and down stairs w/no
problem, even a 20-step flight of steps that goes upstairs where I use the computer.
He is at my feet right now! Because this Rimadyl greatly enhances Manny's life,
I recommend that he be put on it for the rest of his life, and that any future
adopter be required to keep him on it."
Manny
update - March 1, 2004
Manny's foster dad took him to our
vet for a check up. This was his report of that visit. "Harry took Manny
to vet Monday. Had his toenails trimmed again. I had noticed he had been shaking
his head; ear mites were found under microscope. He was treated for this, and
he didn't shake his head for 3 days, but he is shaking it again tonight, so I
think he still has ear mites, even though Dr. H. said one treatment should cure
this problem. He is also now on 2 times per day medication called Cyclosporin
(10 cc) for the rest of his life for chronic dry eyes and infection. His liver
tested good, so he got renewed on Rimadyl daily. Manny now weighs 68 lbs. That's
up by 6 lbs. since I had him to vet in January"
March 12, 2004
Manny
Has Been Adopted!
Manny went to
his new forever home Friday, March 12, 2004. His adopters are Carrie and Robert
Peery. They met Manny's foster parents, Debby and Harry Mathewson, in our home
and exchanged contact info. We know Manny has a great forever home. We will stay
in contact with Manny's new parents and will receive photos and updates on Manny.
Manny
update from his new Mom - June 6, 2004
"Manny is
doing wonderful! He is very happy and loves his surroundings. He also is very
stubborn when you want him to do something that he does not want to do. He loves
to ride in the back of our Kawasaki Mule (kind of a 4 wheel drive golf cart) and
doesn't want to get out.....ever. He will snap at you if you try to take him out
before he is ready to get out. He is really funny. Anyway, I hope to send some
pictures of him soon." Carrie
Manny on June 21, 2004
Thank all of
you for caring so very much about Manny and helping us to help him.
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