Desi and Luci

No, this is not the Desi and Luci you are thinking of. Once upon a time there was a tiny little Dachshund puppy named Desi. He was purchased by a Mr. and Mrs. Anonymos at Christmas time from some friends of the theirs. Mr. and Mrs. "A" felt they got quite a good deal on their puppy purchase but a few days after Christmas they noticed that their little black and tan puppy didn't seem quite as perky as he had been. He became progressively more lethargic, developing GI and intestinal problems. At the veterinary clinic they were told their new puppy had the Parvo virus, but he was in the early stages so he could be treated and most likely recover. When they were given the cost of treatment they told the veterinarian to just euthanize the puppy because they couldn't or wouldn't spend that kind of money on him. One of our foster care volunteers works as an assistant at this clinic and had witnessed this exam and discussion. She called me to see if we might consider saving his life. Taking on a little Parvo puppy is a huge, long-term, time-consuming commitment because it is so contagious and so deadly. I really didn't think I would get anyone to volunteer for such a task. Not only is it a physical task but also an emotional one. I would be asking someone to pour round-the-clock effort into trying to save a sick puppy, risking heartwrenching emotional pain if he didn't survive. Who would want to sign up for that?

Well, an incredibly special someone did sign up. A foster mom that we affectionately call Luci offered to take this little guy on. Our vet offered us two options for his treatment; the first being in-home care; the second being an expensive hospital stay. So, out the clinic door I went with a bag full of medicines, syringes and a long list of instructions to pass on to Luci. When Desi and I arrived at Luci's house that evening, I really wondered if I'd done the right thing in even trying to save this puppy. He looked so miserable, as if he wanted to give up. I didn't want to put him through prolonged suffering if he was going to lose the battle anyway, and I definitely didn't want to put my dear friend Luci, through a stressful ordeal, only to lose the puppy in the end. But, it was too late now to turn back on the commitment we'd made to give this puppy a chance. I knew if anyone could pull him through, Luci could. She is one of those rare people that dogs instinctively connect with. She willingly sacrifices her time, money, yard, home and heart to give them the best care possible and then endures the bittersweet good-byes sending them to forever homes. Luci had never given injections before and Desi was going to require several each day. Another experienced volunteer instructed her, and for Desi's sake, she learned to give the injections. She set him up an isolated, snuggly warm little condo beside her laundry room; an area she could sanitize and keep her own pets away from. Luci spent hours holding Desi close. She talked to him, rocked him, gave him his meds and injections and I believe she made Desi want to live. Within just a few days, this tiny little puppy had made a miraculous recovery. He transformed from a lethargic, limp little ragdoll puppy to an extremely vocal, rambunctious, happy and very spoiled Dachshund baby. When Luci called me to update me that Desi had pottied on his mat, drank water by himself and was eating, we wanted to pop the cork on the bubbly and celebrate!

Desi went to his fantastic forever home this week. I admit I am not a "Doxie" person. I'm drawn more toward the fat faced or furry types, but I do have to say that Desi ranks as one of the cutest, most delightful little puppies I've been around. I am sure his grateful, new family agrees. I am also certain that their new favorite theme song (and Desi's) is "I Love Lucy"!