Tad's page

Tad is a four year old mahogany sable male. He came to me from the animal shelter in Zanesville, OH. This little guy has touched a lot of lives in the short time that he's been around. I changed his name...because let's face it, we just didn't need another "Laddie". His story as I know it to be:

Tad was taken to the shelter and turned in by his owner. She was supposedly moving to an apartment that didn't allow pets (funny, she only turned in one of her two dogs). So, the animal shelter had him neutered and adopted him out. Two weeks later, the new owners returned him stating they just didn't have time for him and complaining that he had a loose stool.

Tad was checked out by the vet on duty and nothing was found to be wrong. As the days went on, it was apparent that this was not the environment for him. So, they emailed me and asked if I had room for a "tiny, little" sheltie. I started making arrangements for him immediately (Thank you Linda, Bob and Susan..couldn't have done it without you).

On Saturday, December 7, 2002, my husband and I were introduced to this tiny little 11 lb boy. He was so fragile (see photo), yet so sweet. From the moment he put his head on my shoulder, my husband declared that he was not going anywhere (even though I already had 7 dogs that weren't going anywhere!).

Well, it didn't take long for me to realize that something was terribly wrong. I put him on canned I/D and restricted his food intake to stablize his loose stool. That seemed to work, however, he had a real problem with urine leakage. He couldn't hold his urine for very long either. He also shivered all the time. By Monday, this little guy was wearing premie pampers and sweaters. I thought for sure my neighbors would think that I had finally gone over the edge!

On Monday morning I decided to get a urine sample to take to the vet. I was shocked. It was completely clear. You would have thought that I had just put water in that bottle!

The vet called me a short time later to tell me that Tad had a very bad infection. His urine was simply full of bacteria. He also wanted to do bloodwork. There were some "suspicious" particles in that urine sample that indicated a possible problem with the kidney and their function.

We ran the bloodwork. Sure enough, I got the dreaded call. Tad was in "Kidney Failure" and anemic. I really couldn't tell you what else the vet had to say because after I heard those two words....my world began to crash down on me. You see, I've been through this before. I know what those two words mean. I had so hoped that my suspicions were wrong. But, sadly, they weren't.

Suddenly, my focus was turned to trying to 'reverse' the damage and get this boy some of his kidney function back. We started a stringent schedule of antibiotics, special foods, acid blockers, nausea meds, needles, fluids, and a barrage of vitamins.

Whenever I felt my fortitude begin to sway...I'd look into those eyes. This was the time I prayed for strength. The strength came from Tad himself. His gentle demeanor and loving ways showed me I had to get it together. This boy wasn't giving up. He wanted to live. I was going to do my best to help him achieve that goal.

A month later, the latest bloodwork told us the rest of the story. He was livlier and had gained weight. He was now up to 13.2 lbs! His undercoat was even starting to come in. But, there would be no 'reversing' the damage. We didn't get to him in time. You see, this whole thing quite possibly could have been avoided if his owner had simply taken him to the vet when the first sign of the "urinary tract infection" had surfaced. No, instead he was dumped at the shelter after he could no longer hold his urine.

My anger took over. I was seething that someone could be that uncaring. It was a good thing I didn't know who the owner had been. If that person should ever read this...just know...you will answer to a higher power.

I had to work through the anger in order to give Tad the love and care he needed and deserved. I also had to decide to let my walls down. I knew it would hurt one day..but, I had to expose myself to that potential. He deserved all I could give him.

Suddenly, I had a bundle of activity in my presence. As he improved, his orneriness surfaced. It wasn't long before I was actually thankful that person had turned him in. This dog is such a joy. He is one of the most innocent and loving creatures I've ever had the pleasure of meeting much less being blessed with.

Now, two months later Tad is beginning to show signs that the disease is progressing. I sit here crying at the thought of what is to come. I love this dog so much...but, I'm constantly reminded that "Love" just isn't enough sometimes. If love alone could heal....

Tad is truly an angel in waiting...I wish you all had the opportunity to meet this sweet little guy. I thank God for each and every day I am blessed with sharing it with him. Give your furkid a hug today...you never know what tomorrow will bring.

***Tad's vet bills continue to escalate. If you would like to help by making a donation or sponsor this boy (or another 'forever foster') please contact me at CenOHSheltieResc@aol.com.