He is much stronger, but his back legs are still weak. His back legs move forward at the same time. I hope this condition will improve with time. But my guess is he will never be able to handle more than one or two stairs.
Sparkle has a wonderful temperament. Even after all he has been through he is calm, relaxed, and not one bit fearful. He is going to make someone a wonderful companion. Please consider adopting Sparkle. This poor dog, who has known nothing but abuse and neglect his whole life, deserves to be safe, comfortable, and content in a loving, responsible home.
July 15, 2001
Sparkle is ready to go home. According to the vet, all treatments have been completed. Applications were delivered to Ironton yesterday.
I was surprised they were releasing him, my understanding was that he would not be available for adoption for several weeks. When I visited him on Tuesday he still looked pretty bad, but was a lot more active. His skin was oily feeling and he didn't smell very good. The point is, whoever adopts Sparkle will have to complete his rehabilitation, be willing to live with flaky skin and bad odor for a while, and possibly even take him to a specialist if his back legs don't improve.
We are still accepting applications for Sparkle. The screening process will begin today. We are very short of volunteers. The director left, and the volunteer who handles a lot of placements is very ill. But we will do our best to get Sparkle placed as soon as possible.
July 16, 2001
Sparkle was visited today by two potential adopters. He was very tired and mostly just lay on the floor. We hope to have him in a permanent or foster home by Friday. Maybe he will perk up with some exercise and attention. It has been a long road to recovery for poor Sparkle. I hope whoever did this to him, and caused him so much pain and suffering, will someday be caught and punished.
July 17, 2001
The humane society is preparing to publish its second newsletter which is sent to all contributors. We have the names and addresses of everyone who sent donations to the post office address. The names and addresses of those who sent donations to the Proctorville clinic have been misplaced. If you sent a donation to the Proctorville Clinic for Sparkle, please send us your name and address so that we can send you the newsletter. You can email it to jody385@home.com or mail it to Lawrence County Humane Society, P. O. Box 412, Ironton, OH 45638. We apologize for the inconvenience.
July 19, 2001
Sparkle is at the shelter! The vet said he will need hip replacement surgery and eye surgery. We have to get these operations for Sparkle so he can have a normal life. Please help with a donation if you can.
Sparkle is the office dog, and is resting comfortably on his quilt. I apologise for the recent lack of information. We are short of volunteers. Please bare with us.
July 20, 2001
I spoke to the treasurer last night. We probably have enough money to send Sparkle to Columbus Vet school for surgery. BUT we need help making these arrangements, and we need a foster home for Sparkle if he is released before August 11. The problem, as always, is lack of volunteers. It is my mom who is in the hospital, and I can't do Sparkle justice as long as she is sick. So I am asking for the community to come together for this special dog who needs ALL our help. The most urgent need is a responsible foster home where someone will be home most of the time to take care of Sparkle.He must be inside and supervised while outside. Surely there must be someone in the Ashland, Ironton, Huntington area who would be willing to help? And maybe one of the other humane society members could step forward to make the arrangements with Columbus? Will someone please do these things for Sparkle?
If you can foster Sparkle please fill out the adoption application. He must be kept inside and supervised while outside. If you can help out while Sparkle is at the shelter call 740-533-9050.
Some have expressed a concern that Sparkle will be alone all weekend. He will be taken care of, but they really do need more volunteers, especially with Sparkle and Rock there, two special needs dogs. A very few people do an awful lot of work for this humane society and for the pets they care for. This is a special time and we are especially asking for your help.
Thanks, Jody
July 24, 2001
Sparkle has two appointments (eyes and hips) at the Ohio State Veterinary School the end of August. I would like to thank the vet school, and especially Stephanie, for being so nice, and so obviously concerned about Sparkle. And thanks, as always, to Janet Ambrose, our friend from Pomeroy, who will be transporting Sparkle to Columbus and staying with him all day while he is evaluated.
Sparkle has been very good at the shelter. He asks to be taken out to potty. Afterwards he is back on his quilt for much needed rest. We don't know how is is with other dogs, and with cats, because he still feels to bad to show us his true intentions. But he has been in the office with a cat and only showed mild curiosity.
Would someone with a digital camera please go to the shelter and take a few pictures of Sparkle and send them to me at jody385@home.com. Mom usually takes the pictures but she isn't able to right now. In order to get them on the webpage I will need them before Thursday afternoon.
Donations always appreciated, send to:
Lawrence County Humane Society
P.O. Box 412
Ironton, OH 45638