On 12 July, a crisis occurs. Joey Fineran writes: Connie called me from the hospital where she was with Kekoa last night. The "thumb" wasn't cushioned, so the nail on the dew claw was boring a hole into his leg and causing an infection . . . AND the "break" that was claimed to be old was, in fact, brand new, probably happened just before he was found. The doctor today cleaned the wounds and rewrapped the leg. It needs to be operated on immediately! Secondly, Kekoa has a big problem with one ear canal. It may need to be removed (or opened - or whatever that operation is), but that has not yet been definitely determined . . . and can probably wait a month or two. He also has a growth on his hip. Could be malignant. Biopsy was done today - should know in two days. Estimated charges: To repair/save the leg (THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE RIGHT AWAY!) (Bless this dog - he doesn't act like there is a thing wrong with him.): $2800-$3600. This is a very simplistic drawing of where the leg is broken; there are small fragments of bone. Kekoa doesn't seem to mind the pain. The ear canal is probably sliced; the vet ould not otoscope as it was too tender, and is draining into the neck wound. This is why the neck wound did not want to heal. The vet who closed the neck wound just didn't know. This means the middle ear canal will have to have one side of it removed and floating partial will have to be removed. It is the only way wax and matter will not collect. To REMOVE the leg: $2000. To remove the hip mass: $500 . . . this could be done elsewhere, but might as well have it done while he's under? (Unless the operation to save the leg is as involved and lengthy as it seems to me it might be.) To repair the ear canal: $2000 . . . this could be done elsewhere, and maybe could wait a couple of months. Connie & I both feel that this gallant little lad (estimated to be 4-6 years old) is wanting to live - and is making friends wherever he goes. Seems like we could put on a parade and pass a hat! He'd have everyone throwing money in it, according to Connie!

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