Now the hard work begins

Roxy did well with the first heartworm treatment. We sure missed her while she stayed overnight at the vet. Iggy was really put out that I took her away and didn't bring her home.

Now the difficult work begins. I have to keep her quiet with little walking--just outside to do her business. It breaks my heart. She lives for the walks and spends most of each early morning, trying to coax me from bed to walk. She did not understand walking to the front yard and then back inside. She did not understand when I crated her and took Iggy for a longer walk. The treatment has not slowed her down in spirit or in body. She wants to play and run. This is going to be very hard, because it's for two months.

The danger, I've learned, is not so much the medication they give her, but the aftermath. As the heartworms begin to die, they break into little pieces. Raising her blood pressure through exercise or rough play can cause the pieces to enter her lungs for some really nasty consequences--including death.

I will ignore the look in her eyes because she doesn't understand why she no longer gets the long walks. It is for her own good. But it's breaking my heart.

I still cannot believe that someone could have let this happen to Roxy. How do you just let a dog leave your life without making taking efforts to find her? I do believe she'll survive this--yet another difficult time in her life. I do believe there is a home ready to love her forever. Hopefully this is the last challenge she must overcome.

Vet visit today

Roxy starts heartworm treatment today. Say a little prayer for this wonderful baby. She has already been through a lot, and while this will make her well, I hate that she has to go through it. She will spend the night at the vet so a few last hugs before I take her over.

Big weekend

Roxy had a full weekend, the last weekend before she starts heartworm treatment on Wednesday. Two days roaming the dog park. Long walks through the neighborhood. Two visits by cousin Oscar, my daughter's miniature dachshund. The full spectrum of Louisiana weather--so warm that I mowed the lawn and weeded the garden; the next day a roaring fire to keep us warm. Roxy loves the fireplace! These are the dog days of winter!

Every day's better and better

I realized this week that Roxy has made remarkable progress. She is totally at ease in my home and she continues to share her wonderful personality. She loves to have her ears rubbed and is gaining more confidence in letting me hold her close--though not for long periods of time. She really doesn't like being confined. But she will sit beside me and let me rub her ears for as long as I want. She also loves tummy rubs--what basenji doesn't?!!

Her absolute favorite activity are the walks we do each morning and afternoon. She spends every morning trying to coax me from bed before the alarm goes off. She prances and jumps and runs in circles as we ready for the walk. It truly gives her joy to be outside and active. I worry about the heartworm treatments that begin next week. I've been told that she will have to limit her activity greatly. I don't want to lose the great momentum we have, but her health is the utmost priority at this point. I know she will miss those walks. Until then, I am trying to give her as much exercise as possible and build all the good muscle we can. I noticed today that she is not nearly as bony--she is filling out beautifully. She is a precious joy in our home.

Video Star!

Roxy's story was followed by another BRAT volunteer who has put together a video about Basenji Rescue and Transport. Please visit the link to see the stories of rescue. Very heartwarming--and my Roxy is featured!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syuRI1ruoU

Her new favorite spot

Roxy has adopted my bed as her new favorite spot. Which means, of course, that she is now consistently sleeping on the bed at night. We've made an entire week--still above the covers, but snuggled up against my ribcage. I figure since we've made seven days, this must be a forever thing. When she wants to get away from it all, she goes to the bed to hang out--I guess it's quiet. It's all good!

A sad day at BRAT

Today BRAT volunteers learned that a rescue being transported got loose and was killed instantly in traffic. It is a sobering reminder of why it is important to keep basenjis in an enclosed area, but the loss is heartbreaking for all who love innocent animals. My heart goes out to the two volunteers who were doing their best to improve the life of this animal. There is a sadness in my heart I can't explain; I never even saw a picture of this dog that was lost. But I do know that the circumstances that bring these animals to the foster homes are most often because of neglect, abuse or unknown reasons (like Roxy). How sad that he did not get to experience the best of what humans can be. I do believe he's in a better place and running free and happy.

I came home from work and hugged my babies a little harder tonight.