LEO IN COLORADO 10 SEPTEMBER 2011
11 September 2011 Priscilla Lundblad, of ATRA (AIREDALE TERRIER RESCUE & ADOPTION) writes: Leo arrived at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver from the Bear Creek Animal Hospital in Craig, Colorado. His story is a very sad one.
11 September 2011	He was found in a home last week with his deceased owner and he was barely alive. He had been tied in a small entryway to the back entrance to the home. He had not had water or food for many days. It is believed the neglect started way before then. He weighed 35 pounds when he was brought to Bear Creek Animal Hospital and was so weak he couldn't stand. His fur was matted with sores underneath and he was covered in his own feces.
The hospital shaved him all over and gave him an oatmeal bath and antibiotics for the sores. The hospital contacted ATRA through me and asked if we would be able to help him; however, they had to wait until he was released by the police department because it had become police matter due to the circumstances and the condition of Leo. By the time he arrived at Alameda East on Saturday, he was still weak, but walking on his own. I must admit I was taken aback to see his emaciated body and to feel the sharp ends to his ribs & backbone. But despite it all, Leo exhibited the stoic behavior of an Airedale As much as his body hurt and as close as he had come to death, he still had the Airedale spirit! It was a remarkable sight that brought tears to my eyes. Such a brave boy and so courageous.
He was examined by Dr. Kelly Kattman, the veterinarian who treats many of our rescued Dales also my own Airedales. Leo gave her a big kiss. He has an eye problem that will require minor surgery when he is strong enough, he might have poor vision in that eye. Dr. Kattman admitted him to the hospital for lab tests done that afternoon, including a complete blood panel, urinalysis & heartworm check.	17 September 2011
Except for a couple of abnormalities, his bloodwork looks good, and he does not have heartworms. He does have a kidney infection; his liver level is high, but that could be the result of his starvation. They will check that again, along with another urinalysis, in a few days after he's been on medication. He is also anemic. They are feeding him several small meals per day and he has already gained three pounds! Dr. Kattman estimates his normal weight should be about 70 pounds. 17 September 2011 Amy Waters & Elizabeth Wheeler, two ATRA volunteers, have been to visit him; they tell me he is such a loving & friendly boy. They took him outside for some fresh air & sunshine this afternoon and he really seemed to enjoy it. Amy says his hair is falling out (from his not having had any nutrition for so long, and he moans when he sits down because he is sitting right on his hip bones that have only skin over them. It must be painful for him, even with all the padding of blankets for him to sit and lie on. Despite it all he is a happy boy who has so much love in his eyes . . . he seems grateful to be alive. He is going to be hospitalized for several days, possibly weeks, and will then need to be neutered and have the eye surgery. Any donations to help with the expenses for this exceptional Airedale would be greatly appreciated. JUDY HUDGENS: God bless you for what you have done for Leo. He is a beautiful Airedale and with a little weight on him he will do fine. I am sure that with all the help & love given to Leo, he will be a great dog. My best to you and all of the people who have helped Leo. NEAL SKRENES: It is a sad story, but an encouraging ending. I know he'll find a great forever home.

SEE HOW LEO HAS ALREADY IMPROVED HERE