BRAVEHEART IS COMIN' HOME! 16 APRIL 2011
On 16 April, Marti writes: We visited Braveheart at the Vet School yesterday, and he came trotting down the hall - pulling on his leash, all ready to greet us with big sloppy kisses! He has gained SEVEN POUNDS in the last week or ten days; he is consistently eating everything they are offering him, and he is actually begging for food now! He looks a LOT better to us (although he would probably still look awful to anyone who hadn't seen him previously), his blood work is all looking good, he is perky & bright-eyed, and his personality is starting to blossom. He is a VERY sweet, loving guy, and I think the staff at the Vet School has spoiled him a bit (and he certainly DESERVES to be spoiled, don't you agree?) Each of Dr. Foy's daily phone calls is good news now, and we finally feel as though we don't have to hold our breath when the phone rings! Our plan is for Braveheart to be released on Monday, to be temporarily fostered by two good friends of mine. Lisa & Joanne have a lot of experience with special needs dogs (their present dog Dodger is a special needs dog), and they live just a few minutes from the Vet School (in case Braveheart has a problem that needs to be seen immediately). Jim & I live over an hour from the Vet School, and we have so many special medical needs animals here at home who also need our attention, we thought Braveheart would do better closer to the Vet School, in a quieter environment where he would be able to rest comfortably, and would receive LOTS of individual attention. Lisa works out of the home, so Braveheart will have someone watching over him 24/7, which is what he will need, at least for a while. (It will be interesting to see what Braveheart will think of having a "big brother". We'll keep you posted!) We have received so many generous donations for Braveheart and, while we don't know what his final bill will be (including recheck appointments for the next several months), if we have money left over we plan to start a BRAVEHEART FUND so that we will be prepared for the NEXT special needs dog that we take in to our rescue program. (Since we have a soft spot in our hearts for this kind of dog, we don't think it will be too long before we have the opportunity to rescue another dog like Braveheart.) I am hopelessly behind on responding to emails as well as sending thank-you's for the donations and gifts that have been sent to Braveheart. But please know that we truly DO appreciate each and every one of your cards, emails, gifts, and donations; we are absolutely convinced that it was all the good wishes, prayers, doggie zen & loving thoughts sent his way that encouraged Braveheart to keep on fighting for his life. He truly is a gentle soul . . . and a BRAVE HEART!
Here is a photo we took of Braveheart & Dr. Foy when we visited recently. We can't thank this kindhearted, wonderful doctor enough. Dr. Foy truly - without a doubt - saved our sweet Braveheart's life!
JUDY BYRD: His is an amazing story. I know Marti Houge via email for years now on pound dog rescue . . . good to see pics of her & her husband. SUE FORRESTER & THE AUSSIE As, in AUSTRALIA: To Braveheart & your team of caring loving people - we salute you. You shine so brilliantly in a world in which the dark side can be overwhelming. You are a triumph of the spirit. DOREEN MUNDIE: That is the best news I have had in a long tme . . . thank you. I have fallen in love with him, as have thousands of others. The important thing is that he will be well & loved & fed good food & find joy every day! LIBBY KARIER & MISS M: Terrific news! Sending tons of recovery zen for Braveheart & his caretakers; he's come such a long way already. DEBBIE BUTLER: Every time a dog needs our help in a big way, boy, can we step up. It touches my heart to know what is possible by good & loving people who care about animals. ELLEN McGEAGH: I was worried about Braveheart and am now so relieved he's; on the healing path! Kudos to the vet, the assistants & to the big-hearted rescuers who saved his life.

BRAVEHEART GOES HOME! HERE