ONE STARFISH REHOMING CONNECTIONS - BRAVEHEART

On 28 February 2012, Marti writes:
We met Braveheart (with his mom)
at the dog park in Madison recently.
Even though he hadn't seen us
for several months,
he recognized us right away
and came running up
to give us a big greeting!

We were amazed at how beautiful, vibrant,
and full of life he was!

The snow had recently melted, the grass was wet
(hence, Braveheart's wet coat in the pictures),
and the footing was sloppy. But, as you can see,
nothing slowed him down!

EVERY day of life is a celebration for dogs,
and especially for Braveheart,
who was so close to death just one year ago.

Braveheart played with the other dogs, greeted the dog owners
(being a "celebrity",
he thought they had all come to the park to see HIM, of course),
and played with a toy that we had brought along
to help with our photo session
(a squeak toy that we use to attract
a dog's attention and get the dog's ears up.)

Braveheart's check-ups at the Vet School
indicate that he is continuing to improve
(he just topped 70 pounds, up from just under 30 pounds,
when he was so sick in the ICU).

But - unfortunately - his skin scrapings
are still positive for live demodectic mites.
The doctors at the Vet School believe this to be
a very specific immune deficiency
(he's not been "sick" in any "traditional" ways),
so Braveheart's mom has decided to accept
a very generous offer from Dr. Nadia Bidwell
at Anshen Veterinary Acupuncture in Madison,
to begin a series of acupuncture treatments on Braveheart.

By combining acupuncture with selected Chinese herbs & supplements,
Dr. Nadia has had good success in the past with other dogs
(like Braveheart) who suffer from this type of mange.
We're fervently hoping the acupuncture will help,
since we really worry about keeping Braveheart on powerful drugs
(essentially an "insecticide") indefinitely.

Braveheart enjoyed the toy
so much that at the end
of the session,
he wanted to take it home
to share with his
"brother" Dodger.
Who could look into those
beautiful eyes and deny
him his fondest wish?

We will keep you posted
as to how the acupuncture goes!
But, as Braveheart approaches
the first anniversary of his brush with death,
we are happy to report that he is doing well.
He sends love to all his fans
who continue to support him
and follow his progress
- and his mom (Lisa) and
ONE STARFISH REHOMING CONNECTION
thank you, too!

You were there for him - and for us -
with your get-well wishes, your moral support,
your cards, donations, gifts, and your prayers.
You have given us the courage
& conviction to go on
and to continue our rescue work -
saving other deserving dogs like Braveheart.

DOREEN MUNDIE:
You sure know how to make a girl cry! I feel so in love with him; along with about a million people, I offered to adopt him! He has grown up this year and is so beautiful . . . look at the life in those eyes! Thanks for the update; I still think of him pretty often and bless all those who do rescue.

ALYCE PETERS:
He looks wonderful . . . great pix!

SIDNEY HARDIE:
So great to see him looking so healthy & happy!

FRANCES MARTIN:
You put a smile on my face this morning! Love, love, LOVE the updates of all the special dogs you've helped save & rehab!

MAUREEN SCOTT:
What a wonderful change in this boy . . . .

BARB MILLER:
I can't believe it is almost a year since Braveheart was rescued. He has turned out to be such a beautiful, loving dog. I greatly appreciate the care & attention he was given by Dr. Foy at the UW Hospital. That man obviously loves his work with animals. Thanks for sending us the update.

JEANNE PLAUTH:
Oh this just makes my day; shiny eyes, beautiful coat, loving expression in his eyes; all so wonderful to see. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATE!

SANDE MANCINI:
HE IS A BEAUTIFUL BOY. YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE THE HAPPINESS IN HIS FACE. HE'S COME A LONG WAY. IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE THIS HAPPY BOY! DOG BLESS EACH & EVERY ONE WHO HELPED THIS VERY DESERVING BOY.

CHARLOTTE ANDERSON:
Oh, my! Braveheart was so heartbreaking a year ago, and now he is a heartbreaker! I fell in love with him all over again!

WE MEET BRAVEHEART AGAIN HERE

On 28 February 2012, Marti writes: We met Braveheart (with his mom) at the dog park in Madison recently. Even though he hadn't seen us for several months, he recognized us right away and came running up to give us a big greeting!
We were amazed at how beautiful, vibrant, and full of life he was! The snow had recently melted, the grass was wet (hence, Braveheart's wet coat in the pictures), and the footing was sloppy. But, as you can see, nothing slowed him down! EVERY day of life is a celebration for dogs, and especially for Braveheart, who was so close to death just one year ago. Braveheart played with the other dogs, greeted the dog owners (being a "celebrity", he thought they had all come to the park to see HIM, of course), and played with a toy that we had brought along to help with our photo session (a squeak toy that we use to attract a dog's attention and get the dog's ears up.) Braveheart's check-ups at the Vet School indicate that he is continuing to improve (he just topped 70 pounds, up from just under 30 pounds, when he was so sick in the ICU). But - unfortunately - his skin scrapings are still positive for live demodectic mites. The doctors at the Vet School believe this to be a very specific immune deficiency (he's not been "sick" in any "traditional" ways), so Braveheart's mom has decided to accept a very generous offer from Dr. Nadia Bidwell at Anshen Veterinary Acupuncture in Madison, to begin a series of acupuncture treatments on Braveheart. By combining acupuncture with selected Chinese herbs & supplements, Dr. Nadia has had good success in the past with other dogs (like Braveheart) who suffer from this type of mange. We're fervently hoping the acupuncture will help, since we really worry about keeping Braveheart on powerful drugs (essentially an "insecticide") indefinitely.
	Braveheart enjoyed the toy so much that at the end of the session, he wanted to take it home to share with his "brother" Dodger. Who could look into those beautiful eyes and deny him his fondest wish?
We will keep you posted as to how the acupuncture goes! But, as Braveheart approaches the first anniversary of his brush with death, we are happy to report that he is doing well. He sends love to all his fans who continue to support him and follow his progress - and his mom (Lisa) and ONE STARFISH REHOMING CONNECTION thank you, too!
You were there for him - and for us - with your get-well wishes, your moral support, your cards, donations, gifts, and your prayers. You have given us the courage & conviction to go on and to continue our rescue work - saving other deserving dogs like Braveheart.
DOREEN MUNDIE: You sure know how to make a girl cry! I feel so in love with him; along with about a million people, I offered to adopt him! He has grown up this year and is so beautiful . . . look at the life in those eyes! Thanks for the update; I still think of him pretty often and bless all those who do rescue. ALYCE PETERS: He looks wonderful . . . great pix! SIDNEY HARDIE: So great to see him looking so healthy & happy! FRANCES MARTIN: You put a smile on my face this morning! Love, love, LOVE the updates of all the special dogs you've helped save & rehab! MAUREEN SCOTT: What a wonderful change in this boy . . . . BARB MILLER: I can't believe it is almost a year since Braveheart was rescued. He has turned out to be such a beautiful, loving dog. I greatly appreciate the care & attention he was given by Dr. Foy at the UW Hospital. That man obviously loves his work with animals. Thanks for sending us the update. JEANNE PLAUTH: Oh this just makes my day; shiny eyes, beautiful coat, loving expression in his eyes; all so wonderful to see. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATE! SANDE MANCINI: HE IS A BEAUTIFUL BOY. YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE THE HAPPINESS IN HIS FACE. HE'S COME A LONG WAY. IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE THIS HAPPY BOY! DOG BLESS EACH & EVERY ONE WHO HELPED THIS VERY DESERVING BOY. CHARLOTTE ANDERSON: Oh, my! Braveheart was so heartbreaking a year ago, and now he is a heartbreaker! I fell in love with him all over again!