New Foster Dog

Hey everyone.  Late in the day yesterday I got a notice that they needed someone to foster a dog.  Everything with this foster has been up in the air and unknown so I’ll just give you the information the best I can at this point.

When I was first notified, no one was sure if this was even going to be a boy or a girl.  At one point the dog was thought to be two.  I was told that it was a red toy Australian Shepherd.

Little by little as today has presented itself, I’ve learned more and I’ll share that with all of you…first off, it’s a male.  He is a toy Australian Shepherd…and he does need a lot of help.

Do you see his eyes?  That’s called cherry eye.

I didn’t know what that was and have since learned a little more about it.

This came from Googling:
“Cherry eye” is a common term for prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Many mammals, including dogs, have an “extra” or third eyelid located inside the lower eyelid, also referred to as the “nictitating membrane.” The third eyelid serves as an additional protective layer for the eye, especially during hunting or fighting. The third eyelid also contains a special gland that produces a significant portion of the eye’s protective tear film. When this gland prolapses or “pops out”, the condition is known as “cherry eye”.

Supposedly, it’s not painful but can get itchy.

I’ve learned that a vet can often fix this and we have a vet appointment for next Friday.  Hopefully, they can fix it, get him neutered, check his teeth and give him all of his shots.  He’s got a rip in his ear that might need a clip.  I feel bad for the poor guy.  He really needed someone to love and care for him.  For now…that’s us.

If anyone wants to help out HEART Animal Rescue, the group I am working with pay for Rusty’s  (Yep, he came with a name) vet bill, that would be so awesome.  HERE is the link to do that.  Any amount would help.  It’s always a challenge when an animal needs extras…but that’s what we’re here for.

The pet store, Lulu and BB’s Pet Market in Decorah Iowa, is so great.  You can find out more about them HERE.  They let us, from the rescue, meet up at their store and let us use their dog washing station.  It’s so appreciated.

Just look at this guy… He needs attention.  It started with a bath.  He’s gonna need another in a couple of days as he still smells like a farm.  He had matted hair and some had to be clipped out but it’s not noticeable.

Initially had HATED the bath but in a short bit was loving the attention.

Initially, I was told he might be as old as two.  Then we were told five and now it’s suspected he might be as old as seven.

He was very quiet today.  So far no barking.  No annoying behavior.  Some of that can change as they get more familiar with their environment. He has lived his life at an Amish farm and has only been an outside dog.

He’s had no problems with the other dogs.  He’s not the frisky pups my other two fosters have been but he’s settling in and so far, I think will make a nice dog.

He has a beautiful coat.  I’m told that pure red is the more rare color for Australian Shepherds.  Who knows?

He adores getting brushed so that’s an added bonus for dogs with longer hair.

This guy will look so much better once we can get his eyes fixed.  As I said earlier in the post, if anyone can help out with covering a portion of those costs, it would be awesome.  I know there are a lot of people who want to help rescue organizations but can’t have another dog in their home.  Donating for the care of a dog with special circumstances is so helpful.  Again the donation page is HERE.

I’m hoping that Rusty likes it here and that we can take him one step closer to finding the good home he so deserves.

Thanks a bunch to my daughter Kalissa for going with me and helping out with Rusty.  Fostering here is a family endeavor.  We all chip in as we can.

Please watch for more updates on Rusty.  He will be available for adoption after his vet work is complete.  As always, if you are interested in adopting Rusty, I highly suggest putting paperwork to get a pre-approved adoption set of paperwork in.  You can do that HERE.

Thanks so much for joining me in helping Rusty.