Ollie 2

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Updated 3/30/06: Ollie has moved to a foster family with a great deal of experience in sorting out health issues. It’s been discovered that Ollie does not have allergies or, if he does, they are mild. His skin and hair problems are because his thyroid levels are very low. This is being treated with an inexpensive medication, costing about $10 a month. His foster family is currently working with the vet to determine the correct dosage and then expects to see a big improvement in Ollie.

Ollie’s new foster mom has not seen any problems with “dry eye” so that condition is being re-evaluated also. The vet and foster mom believe that the low thyroid levels probably account for many of Ollie’s problems. He was started on glucosamine for mild arthritis and seems to be responding well. Ollie has had a couple of accidents in the house which may be linked to a urinary tract infection that he is being treated for.

Ollie does not think he is 10 years old……….he thinks he is 3 or 4! He loves to bounce around the house playing with his toys or chewies. Ollie LOVES to ride in the car. He makes a really wonderful foot warmer and is a terrific snuggler. Ollie loves to get on the furniture and would love to sleep on the people bed in his foster home but has to settle for the dog bed.

Ollie’s foster mom believes that once his health is better, it is going to take one really great family to keep up with this sweetie. Keep an eye on this one…….he will steal your heart!!!!

Original One might easily say “poor” Ollie when reading his “Health” line or his recent history, but he is really a lovely senior who has just been a bit down on his luck. Ollie had an owner who loved him dearly. When she became ill, she placed Ollie in the care of a veterinary/boarding facility and expected to take him home when she got well. A few months turned into 9 months, and when his owner realized that she would not be returning home, she placed him in MAESSR’s care so that he might have another loving home.

As you can imagine, his extended stay in boarding was a bit stressful and depressing for Ollie. Settling into a normal home life again is a big boost for him. His foster family is working with the vet on his health issues that a change of location alone will not cure. Ollie has some skin allergies and is being treated with medicated baths and medication. He also suffers from dry eyes and is being treated with Optimmune twice a day. His ears were treated for infection prompting another medication, and, yet another has been helping to control an upset digestive tract. Needless to say, he is requiring lots of careful attention and loving support from his foster family right now, but the outcome will hopefully be a much healthier and happier Ollie.

At the kennel Ollie got along well with the other dogs and he had lived with a cat in the past. He is housetrained and kept a clean kennel, when he was let out on a regular basis. He barked a lot when he first arrived at the kennel, but he quieted as time went along. Similarly, he has been barking when left alone in his foster home and will hopefully quiet as he settles in there. Ollie will “sit” and “stay” even though he has not been worked with for quite a while. And he’s either a bit rusty on his leash manners or just plain excited to be outside. The result is that he is a bit of a puller.

An endearing part of living with Ollie is seeing his puppy-like face contrasted with more mature features, namely the gray highlights that pepper his coat. Ollie still has spring in his step and loves to prance around with his bone in the evening. He enjoys playing with soda bottles as much as doggie toys. With better luck now, Ollie’s comeback is underway. Updates will be added as his progress moves along.