Rockie's Miraculous Recovery

While we were hard pressed to pick our most dramatic success story of the year we feel that Rockie truly represents what Fuzzy Friends does for animals in need. Throughout the year we received many animals with severe medical problems. We see the worst of the worst when it comes to animal neglect and abuse. We chose Rockie as our amazing rescue in 2007 because he did not just suffer from one or two problems he suffered from them all. Because of friends like you, we were able to see him through to a successful recovery. With your continued support we will be able to help the next deserving animal that comes to us in need. Thanks for your compassion and generosity.

Rockie arrived at Fuzzy Friends Rescue Monday afternoon. His sweet brown eyes beg for help. One look at him and you know he was found not a moment too soon. He had been chained on a three foot chain with a heavy padlock hanging from his neck.  Forgotten in a  backyard of a home, here in Waco.

A cable company employee, working high on a telephone pole, saw movement on the ground and spotted emaciated Rockie. The owners were at home and Animal Control was called.  Knowing that at a traditional shelter he would be euthanized, the animal control officer called FFR and asked if we could help him.  After speaking with the animal control officers the owners were willing to release ownership to Fuzzy Friends Rescue. 

We are now working to save Rockie's life. A visit to the veterinarian revealed that he has demodectic mange, staph infection, eye infections, whip worms, heart worms and is severely emaciated.  He weighs sixty pounds, amazingly, we thought he would weigh about forty pounds. His appropriate weight should weigh about one-hundred pounds or more judging by the size of his skeletal build. He is currently on several medications, a medicated bath, a strict regimen of small portions of food to build his stomach as well as being housed in a quarantine area where he will receive lots of hands on attention. How an animal can still love and trust humans after this is beyond us, we can learn so much from them when it comes to total dedication and love.

 

Update on Rockie - 5-16-07

Three weeks after bringing Rockie to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, he has gained 27 lbs. And is starting to get new hair growth in areas that mange and infection had caused hair loss. He remains under medical treatment for his skin condition and will continue to receive treatment for several more months. After he regains his strength, gains some more weight and we have his skin condition under control, he will then begin heartworm treatment. We will continue to keep you updated on his condition.

 

Update on Rockie – 6-2-07

Six weeks after rescuing Rockie. He is continuing to respond well to his treatment.  He has gained 30lbs., and after only being dipped 3 times is beginning to establish new hair growth where mange and infection once caused him to have no hair at all, only scabs and sores.  He remains under medical treatment for his skin condition and will continue to receive treatment for several more months. After he regains his strength, gains some more weight and we have his skin condition under control, he will then begin heartworm treatment. He has transformed from a starved and neglected, very sad dog into a beautiful, happy guy.  He still has a long recovery, but with your continued support and his continuing strength, we are hoping that he will continue to progress and make a full recovery. We will continue to keep you updated on his condition.

Update on Rockie – 7-18-07

Rockie is still continuing his medical treatment for his skin condition, but he is still improving. He has become so strong and active that we have started him in our obedience training program. He is SO SMART, he is learning basic obedience and has also learned to LOVE to play fetch with the employees. He will still be under veterinary supervision for several more months and will begin heartworm treatment soon.

Update of Rockie – 9-28-07

Rockie has been treated for heartworms and is scheduled for his neuter surgery next week. After he has recovered from his surgery, he will be going to his permanent, loving home. His new owner is very well educated about his health issues that were caused by neglect and they are willing to keep a close watch to make sure that his skin condition is continually monitored and treated when necessary to keep him feeling and looking great. It has been a LONG road of recovery for him, but worth everything for him to find such a wonderful home.

A big thank you to all of you who played a part in helping us continue Rockie’s care throughout the last several months. It is only with YOUR help that we can help save so many precious animals each year like Rockie.

 

Rockie is home for Christmas

Rockie is doing so well! I am so proud to have him. Just tonight we went on a walk with a friend of mine and her dog on the Bear trail out on Baylor campus. He got along great with the other dog and listened so well during the walk. He is also completely potty trained- he learned to scratch at the door when he has to go out (which is a relief for me!). He pretty much leaves the cats alone, even though I think he wants to eat my poor lizard!

Overall he is just amazing, and already spoiled rotten. But I guess if any dog in the world deserves it, he does. Just wanted to give you an update and some pictures, he is all I could've wished for! Thanks for doing all you do, otherwise I would've missed out on this wonderful dog. Take care!

Jaci