Spirit of a Champion - Recovering
How
is Ricky doing? This is the most commonly asked question around SCR these days.
I am here to tell you now, there is good and bad news... The good news he has
healed well and adapted amazingly well to his disability. He loves to play, and
has his moments during the day when he tries to rough-house with the other
dogs. He is a self-regulating feeder, which is very good considering he should
never be overweight because of stress to his remaining joints. He should have
some sort of joint supplement for life, so when he gets a bit older he will not
suffer from horrible arthritis.
Now
for the not-so-good news. Ricky appears to have CEA, a genetic disorder,
characterized by abnormal development of the eye. In severe cases the choroid
of the eye is missing and bare sclera can be seen. Ricky may have a fairly
severe form, and may, at best, have only limited vision. Although there is no
cure or treatment, we hold out hope that he will not be totally blind.
This
story contains a bunch of "what if's." What if Jennifer had not come to the
shelter? What if the shelter had found Ricky first? What if Stephen had not
been home? What if Ricky had died of his injury? If the latter had happened we
would never had known this happy, fun loving boy, whose whole life is tied to
his human companions, whose tongue hangs out of his mouth and his tail wags
when we call his name or rub his head, who never is angry at all he has
endured, and who still craves humans as his sole companions. Ricky obviously
loves life, even with his disability. The only time he appears to be frustrated
is at the dog door where he still needs to learn to hop onto the step with his
hind leg and then come right on in. Instead he sticks his head through the dog
door and barks for assistance, a case of who is training whom. He will learn,
because he is a smart boy, a joyful boy, a loving boy. He has impacted everyone
he has met, Jennifer, the vet office, SCR, and all for the better. He has
taught us not to hold grudges, or be angry, but to take what life throws our
way, get up and try again.
Thanks
to those that have already contributed a donation for Ricky’s cost of care. We
have received your thoughts and well wishes. Valentines and donations can be
sent to the address below, and write “Ricky” in the memo line. While Ricky's
story is especially moving, each Collie that we save has the same dignified
spirit. Perhaps that is what attracts our volunteers, adopters and donors.
Thank you!
Please Send Donations to:
Southland Collie Rescue
1372 Fern Lake Avenue
Brea, CA 92821
Read all of Ricky's story here:
Send questions or comments to info.collie@gmail.com