Roxy had a vet visit in Baton Rouge yesterday and either I am the world's best foster, or there was a mistake in her initial New Orleans weigh in. She weighs 17 pounds! She is not 5 years old, as originally thought, but is estimated to be 8 years old. She has tested positive for heartworms, so we'll see where that takes us as time goes on. She has been given Heartgard for now, but has to gain weight--up to 22 pounds before--we can even consider treating the heartworms.
Roxy has started to relax and interact with both me and my basenji, Iggy. She no longer hangs out in her crate, but comes on her own into the living room or bedroom to see what's up. Her eyes are starting to be brighter. Her coat is getting softer; it was spiky and stiff when she first arrived.
She's now walking 1/2 mile each morning with us, and absolutely loves the dog park visits. She goes to strangers easily and engages with all of the dogs. She's going to make someone a wonderful companion.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Roxy Week 1
Roxy was found Dec. 19 wandering in New Orleans. As a registered foster with Basenji Rescue and Transport (www.basenjirescue.org), I decided to foster this precious girl--my first time to foster. She is greatly emaciated, weighing in at only 14.4 pounds. Normal basenji females range 18-20 pounds. She is red and white with wonderful basenji markings.
I went to New Orleans the evening of Dec. 20 to pick her up and spent the next 2 hours in traffic getting to know her. Though very weak, she displayed true basenji spirit--doing perimeter searches of the car; standing on the highest point in the car; trying to sit in my lap; and smelling everything!
On the way home, I came up with several possible names: Roz, Holly (so close to Christmas), Isabella (to call her Izzy) and Roxy. My children voted for Roxy and it's a great fit.
Unlike many fosters I have read about, Roxy is obviously just a lost basenji. The only abuse seems to be from living a long time on the street. She is approximately 5 years old. She has been spayed. She had a collar without tags. She walks obediently on a leash, is housebroken and will not jump on the couches. If only MY basenji boy behaved so well!
I hope you will follow along as Roxy regains her strength and finds a forever home. My goal is to help her feel like she is finally safe. Her eyes still reflect a sadness and fear that I hope to erase.
I went to New Orleans the evening of Dec. 20 to pick her up and spent the next 2 hours in traffic getting to know her. Though very weak, she displayed true basenji spirit--doing perimeter searches of the car; standing on the highest point in the car; trying to sit in my lap; and smelling everything!
On the way home, I came up with several possible names: Roz, Holly (so close to Christmas), Isabella (to call her Izzy) and Roxy. My children voted for Roxy and it's a great fit.
Unlike many fosters I have read about, Roxy is obviously just a lost basenji. The only abuse seems to be from living a long time on the street. She is approximately 5 years old. She has been spayed. She had a collar without tags. She walks obediently on a leash, is housebroken and will not jump on the couches. If only MY basenji boy behaved so well!
I hope you will follow along as Roxy regains her strength and finds a forever home. My goal is to help her feel like she is finally safe. Her eyes still reflect a sadness and fear that I hope to erase.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
