Lexie (Formerly Mandy) — the Miracle Puppy by Deborah Thompson
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NORCAL Golden Retriever A nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to finding new homes for displaced Golden Retrievers in Northern California Rescue Volume VIII, Issue 1 ~ Spring 2002 Lexie (formerly Mandy) — The Miracle Puppy By Deborah Thompson n March of 1996, my husband and I adopted Charnay from NGRR. She was eight years old and instantly I was a wonderful dog. so happy, playful, sweet and such a loving big sister to our flat-coated retriever puppy. Charnay shared nearly six blissful years with us and when she died just after the new year, we all three were devastated, but no one more than our flat-coat Indy, who mourned inconsolably. When we sent in our application to adopt another golden, we were expecting to get a nice companion one-to-three of years of age within a couple of months. We were more than a little surprised that a puppy was available immediately. This was much too soon, we thought. We were not ready. But then, little did we know that we were about to see a most unusual puppy. NGRR’s Sonoma Area Coordinator Karen Rice had rescued this 16-week-old Lexie puppy from a couple whom had been given the dog by their children. She had become critically ill, suffering from massive toxicity (possibly from a poisonous mushroom) and weighed less than five pounds. Since her prognosis for recovery was not good, the family surrendered her to NGRR. “This little dog couldn’t even raise her head,” Featured Articles stated Karen, “and I really thought she was a goner, but felt Lexie — The Miracle Puppy 1 we needed to give her a chance.” Mandy was taken to Windsor Animal Hospital. It was Senior Spotlight 4-5 determined that all efforts to save her were “a long shot,” The Odyssey of Charlie Dickens 6-7 according to attending veterinarian Dr. Patti Piper. Mandy Wag ’N Walk 8 had a severe bacterial infection causing extensive liver How I Lost 60 Pounds 9 damage, a significant urinary infection, a protein defi- ciency, low blood sugar and was anemic. Dr. Piper imme- Annual Rescue Parade 10 diately placed her on a new product (used in treating (continued on page 3) From The President Dave Berry Letter From The Editor n our daily efforts to rescue Golden Retrievers, it is easy Dear Readers, I to lose sight of larger issues that create the need for our organi- It is a pleasure to formally introduce zation to exist. I reiterate public myself as the new Editor of NGRR’s education as a tenet of our organi- newsletter. I look forward to provid- zation. I am on the e-mail distribu- ing timely, interesting and informative tion list for a California animal- information to readers on the organiza- related legislation action alert tion highlighting programs, individu- sponsored by the Fund for Ani- als, events and health issues all mals, Inc. (For those interested in focusing on our beloved Goldens. receiving this alert, please contact Virginia Handley, their California Before going any further, this is a Coordinator, at Dave with Stella and Yogi golden opportunity to introduce my [email protected].) I initially this letter to urge NGRR members to husband’s and my NGRR Rescue, a contacted this organization while contact appropriate representatives to four-year-old Golden male, Finnegan. researching efforts to establish a support this bill. Unfortunately, the He came to us three years ago next California “Pet Friendly” license plate. Senate Transportation Committee has month full of energy and love. And Similar special-interest plates now since established a policy not to add like his name, Finnegan, every day he exist in ten states, with a large part of any new special-interest license plates wakes up gleefully ready to begin the funds raised going to subsidize so no hearing date has been set for this again! He was a stray and so we are local spay and neuter programs. legislation. The Fund for Animals is not certain of his past, but his present A State Legislative Alert issued in therefore not recommending letters be (and we hope future) look very good. March advised that SB 1425 had been written at this time. His only “bad habit” is his LOVE for introduced by Senator Jack O’Connell Pet overpopulation in the United squeaky toys. He recently went into a to implement just such a program. States is in a crisis mode. This doggie friend’s home, took a squeaky The bill, if passed, would result in a condition results in an overwhelming toy outside, buried it, and in typical special-interest “End Overpopulation” number of neglected and homeless Golden demeanor, wondered WHY the license plate being made available to dogs and cats, as well as an enormous other dog was upset! California drivers. I started writing (continued on page 8) And keeping with the Golden Rule about a sense of humor . Finnegan Karen Lindstrom is initiating a small column in this It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the recent death newsletter, Grin Again With of our first NGRR President and Finnegan, whereby readers can share beloved friend, Karen Lindstrom. A funny stories, cartoons, jokes, etc. So, special tribute to Karen will be please look at this issue, write to featured in the next NGRR Newslet- Finnegan and share your amusing ter. You are invited to share your tails! favorite stories and special memories of Karen, including pictures, as we As the Editor, I hope to hear from express our thanks for the golden you as well. Your feedback on the goodness that she brought to so many content of each newsletter is impor- lives. Please submit your comments to tant, as is your input regarding poten- Newsletter Editor, Mary Anderson at tial articles for future publications. I [email protected]. There also will ask for your help in making each be a memorial website for Karen at newsletter as good as gold! http://www.goldenrescue.org/ allabout/memorials/karen/index.htm Mary M. Anderson [email protected] Page 2 NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue Spring 2002 Lexie (continued) mushroom poisoning in Eu- rope) and began providing supportive care to the other problem areas that were likely to be treatable. Despite her young age and small size, Mandy had a huge spirit. “It is the look they give you,” noted Dr. Piper, “that is a true sign more than anything. This little girl had an immeasurable will to live.” And so it was that Mandy, little by little, struggled daily to survive. “I guess the most amazing Deborah, Indy and Lexie thing to us about Mandy was her resiliency and deceiving strength,” and play and their games of teeth and frolicking at the dog park, and chasing recalls foster parent, Terry Hubbard. tug of war are quite dramatic. the waves at the beach. Her favorite “Here she was just three weeks out of Lexie is more than a survivor . she outdoor activity is finding and carry- the doctor’s office, rescued from is truly living life to the fullest. Noth- ing large sticks which have sometimes death’s door, frail and undersized at ing is going to stop this girl! We owe been tree branches six or more feet best and she strutted into our home a great deal to her wonderful foster long. She holds her head up high and and acted like she was the long- parents, Monica and Terry Hubbard, prances about proudly as if she is established alpha. Murphy, our six- whose loving attention gave her leading a parade. year-old Golden, is still recovering strength and confidence. “We all We still miss Charnay every day. from her whirlwind assaults.” The enjoyed every minute of her four to But we are now blessed with this very Hubbards believe that while four- five week stay with us and found it special golden whom we expect to be month-old Mandy was gaunt at 12-1/2 very difficult to say goodbye,” re- a part of our family for many, many pounds, it was her incredible spirit and flected the Hubbards. “However, as is years to come. The work done by the great energy that belied her physical the case with NGRR’s adoptions, we people at NGRR brings such joy and woes and hardships. were so thrilled to see her go to such a enriches so many lives. We are so When Marin County Coordinator wonderful home.” grateful.D Linda Gomoll convinced us to take a Lexie is already going on long hikes look at this dog, we were hesitant. But on the fire roads of Mill Valley, one look at her sweet face told us that we instantly had a new family mem- ber. We brought Indy to check her out and she seemed to think that this little puppy (now Lexie) who followed her everywhere was OK. That was two months ago. Lexie and Indy have since become inseparable. Although Indy weighs in at 94 pounds and Lexie at 35 pounds, they are perfect compan- ions. Lexie initiates play by standing on her hind legs and batting Indy on the head with a paw. When Indy wants to play, she gets one of Lexie’s favorite toys and teases her with it. Indy lies down so that Lexie can romp Lexie and Indy at play Spring 2002 NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue Page 3 Spotlight On Seniors A Rose May Be A Rose, But Ivy Rose Is Also A Cutie! By Elena Guerin s many adoption stories go, quickly. She loved to go our wonderful 13-year-old for walks as the strength in AGolden/Setter had recently her sprained leg increased.