On 31 May 1999, Dave writes: We have just returned (11:00 pm) from an emergency trip to the vet. Penny, the rescue dog, attacked little Toto. She shook Toto and inflicted a large wound on her back. At this moment ancient little Toto, who would never bother another dog, lies in shock, on IVs at the vet's. This poor little dog has seen so much hardship and now this. We hope to hear from the vet tomorrow that she has survived the night. The feeling of being powerless in such a situation is certainly the most difficult thing a human must face. On 2 June, Dave writes: A call to the vet finds Toto alive this morning. She has a punctured lung and probably other internal injuries. She cannot be operated on until she has been stabilized. Stevie has been taken to the clinic to provide Toto a blood transfusion. Even that may not be enough. It is difficult to be optimistic right now. We wait and hope... Later that day, Dave writes: There is some good news! Stevie, the brave and very kindly Airedale, provided blood for a transfusion for Toto. As of about 3:00 p.m. local time, the vet says she is doing much better thanks to that transfusion. The puncture of her lung, while it has not been surgically repaired, is causing no problems at the moment. Toto is so old that the main concern is that she would not survive surgery in her weakened condition. It may be that her internal injuries are not too serious. Becky went to pick up Stevie from the vet and said that Toto seems to be doing well and that she looks better than when we left her last night. The staff said she even showed an interest in some food in a bowl. Toto is supremely interested in food and if ever there were something to brighten our spirits it is news such as this. Of course Toto will spend tonight at the clinic. It looks like tomorrow will dawn brighter than today. We are still waiting and hoping, At least now with some optimism. That evening, Dave writes: Well, the vet's clinic is closed for the evening and we trust that Toto is resting as comfortably as possible. The vet thinks that the puncture to the lung is small enough that no surgery will be required. The large gash on her side, while it looked bad, caused the vet less concern as it can be sutured without too much difficulty. There may be additional good news on the horizon. Becky got a call this evening from a family looking for a rescue Airedale. Perhaps this is a place that Penny will be able to call home. Let's hope so. She is really a nice dog, despite the event with Toto. She needs to be in a home as an only dog with people who will give her much attention.
Penny on the left, old Jenny, the ADT we rescued in March on the right, & Boomer is sort of behind them with his head turned a bit.
Well, it's been a long day but it is ending much better than it started. The doggie Zen and prayers from you and others have certainly helped. On 2 June, 1999, Dave writes: As of this morning, Toto is holding her own. An x-ray last night showed some fluid near her lung which was then drained. Today she appears stable and slowly improving. We are hoping to pick her up from the vet late this afternoon and bring her home. Thursday, Toto must go back for a checkup. She will need much rest and special care for a while. At this point the vet believes that she is just as well off here as at the clinic. At her age she is not out of the woods yet but we look forward to Toto coming home this evening. We thank everyone for all of your kind thoughts and wishes. Later that day, Dave writes: Toto came home from the vet's clinic late this afternoon. She still has a catheter in her right front leg which will be removed tomorrow afternoon when she returns to the vet for a visit. A large part of her left side has been shaved where she was bitten and cut. Special medication must be applied to that area daily. She also has a small hernia which must be examined frequently to be sure that the intestine does not become strangulated. There is also still concern about her lung. In her weakened condition the vet wants to avoid surgery if at all possible so we will keep watch over her and tend to her needs as best we can. It's the least we can do for such a spunky little dog. Toto is quite a trooper although one can tell she isn't very happy. She gets to eat small amounts of food three or four times daily (yes Toto, the good stuff from the can) and she still wags her tail (well, as best she can under the circumstances). The vet says she is a tough little dog and very lucky to be alive. So although Toto is home she has a way to go before she recovers. News about Penny - A very nice couple stopped by the farm this evening to see Penny with thoughts of adopting her. This couple lost their beloved Airedale some five or six months ago and have now come to the point where they can consider another dog entering their home. Penny and the gang were on their best behavior (for Airedales) in order to make a good impression. After an hour and a half of being pestered by the dogs (and loving it) the couple reluctantly left and said that they will get back to us with their decision about adopting Penny. Finally to all of the folks who have been kind enough to send us notes of concern we say thank you so very much. We have had some anxious moments here on the farm the last few days. At times we would both hope for and dread the next telephone call never certain what message it might bring. Throughout it all, knowing that many people who have never met Toto or us were keeping us in their thoughts made a difficult time a little easier. Above is a photo of Toto briefly stretching her legs and taking a potty break. Her appetite continues to be good although she is not allowed to eat a lot at one sitting. So far so good. The shaved area on her side is where most of the damage was done. There is also a small hernia under her tummy on that side, a little difficult to see but it must be checked occasionally to be sure nothing gets twisted. The red bandage on her right front leg covers the catheter which has since been removed. She may be 15 years old or more. She was found by friends of ours who used to live about five miles from here - just a hop, skip and a jump in the country. Poor Toto was found in the water tank these folks used for their horses. It was a fairly shallow tank. The lady called Becky and said to come over right away because there was a giant rat in their horse trough. This all occurred about 1988 or 1989. Well, the couple adopted Toto into their household. Toto already knew how to sit and beg so she obviously had belonged to someone. Given her small size it seems impossible that she ran away from her home. We always assumed that she had belonged to some older person who either died or went into a rest home. Then someone simply dumped poor Toto in the country and the next thing she ends up with our friends. Of course it may not have been that way but any other explanation seems even more far-fetched. Our friends got divorced in about 1991 or 1992. We offered to take Toto in here. She has never been any trouble. We just have to keep an eye out so that she doesn't get stepped on. Toto is very old and yet she will not give up. To see this poor little dog and think of all she has endured brings a tear to my eye. I know she will not last forever but I do hope she will live comfortably a few more years. Toto isn't a lap dog, doesn't care much to be held, isn't as pretty as other dogs, and even with all that she has worked her way into our hearts. On 7 June, Dave writes: Things are going well here. Toto continues to hold her own. She is eating well and tolerates brief trips out in the yard. Penny has just had a b*th in preparation to go to her new home. By 5:00 pm today, Penny should be with her new owners. Becky will drop Penny off and leave a few last minute instructions. This whole thing has been quite an ordeal but it looks like all will work out in the end. [For the follow-up story on Penny, who is adopted and becomes Molly, please visit AIREDALES ON PARADE/SPOTLIGHT ON RESCUE - PENNY/MOLLY BARRETT]
On February 17, 2000, Dave writes: In your next prayer/zen list would you be so kind as to include mention of our dear little Toto. She went to Rainbow Bridge this afternoon, Thursday February 17, 2000. In the past few days Toto had become progressively weaker, to the point where she could no longer stand without assistance. It was difficult to see her that way. We thank all of the very kind people for the support received during Toto's crisis last summer when she was injured. That so many folks would take a moment to think of us and, more importantly, a little dog they had never met, touched us deeply. Toto was taken in by neighbors of ours a long time ago. She was found treading water in small horse trough. Toto knew how to sit up and beg so we assume that she had been abandoned here in the country. She never showed any interest in wandering off and being so little she wouldn't have gotten all that far anyway. Toto came to live with us in about 1990 or 1991. Her favorite pastime was eating and begging for treats. Her 'home' was underneath the kitchen table. A small domain but it was all she needed. She led a somewhat solitary life and didn't play with the other dogs. She was an independent little thing with the soul of the biggest & bravest of her kind. And to all of you dogs waiting at The Rainbow Bridge we say, Watch for Toto. She is coming to join you. She is a small dog who asks only to be allowed to go about her business. If you see her curled up taking a nap, step softly by. Her journey has been a long one and her peace is well-deserved. Adieu little girl, we will never forget you.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands. -- From A Dog's Wish

CONTINUE WITH
THE SAGA OF THE BARRET PACK HERE