WARNING:  Some pictures are graphic

Rocky's Story

This is the story of a brave little Sheltie told in the posts of his Rescue Angel, Ann Acuff of Middle Tennessee Sheltie Rescue.  These are posts sent to the SYL List (Sniff-Ya-Later - dog talk)

January 5, 2004

10:42am:  I just got a call from a town a couple of hours from here.  A little sable male is in the vet clinic where the woman works.  The owner can't pay for the vet's bill and wants him put to sleep.  All I know now is that he was hit by a car probably 2 weeks ago!  He has a broken pelvis and a large hole in his side with skin loss.  The woman says he has been so sweet through everything they've done.  Now they have to get the owner to let me take him.  His name is Rocky. 
Surely she will do this.  Evidently the pelvis won't need surgery, but, like Megan, the wound in his side will be needing long term treatment. 
Say a prayer for Rocky that the owner will give him to me!

11:42am  The wife of the vet now treating Rocky has to come to Nashville this evening for a meeting, so she is going to meet me at my vet's with Rocky.  I'll take some pictures.

5:52pm:  The dog was hit by a car.  The owner didn't do this.  Evidently the car drug him.  He was skinned

6:31pm  The head tech  just called.  She has given Rocky pain meds.  She put meds on the wound, put on a soft dressing and he is getting fluids.  He is in a cage with a warm blanket over him and is sleeping. 

7:02pm:  This is a picture not showing his wound.  The other is not for weak stomachs and I'll send it next.  He is only 8 months old!  The vet doesn't know yet if they can get enough skin to graft.  I loved him the minute I saw him, and I'm asking you to send every prayer you can his way.  He will go under anesthesia tomorrow to get all the dead skin removed, and I will know his chances better.  He's just around 12 " tall...so little and hurt


  

8:02pm:  This is MUCH worse than Megan's (a little girl that was badly burned and rescued by Ann). It's the extent of the wound. A graft also keeps the body from losing fluid. I don't understand all about it, but I'll find out.

8:17pm  The vet tech talked to the vet who had him. All she asked about was today. He got to Nashville at 6 p.m. He had been given no pain meds and none of the records that came with him mentioned pain meds. I was so glad to hear he is now comfortable enough to sleep.

8:28pm: It is amazing how dogs we will never meet become so real to us.  The Tufts Five are just as though they belonged to us all.  Now Rocky has been become real to this list.  So much sadness in this world!  It helps, doesn't it, to have each other to share this pain, and to share the many joys, too.

January 6, 2004

7:47am:  Mike, a tech I like so much, just called.  When they got the pain meds in Rocky, he slept like a baby.  He is getting IV antibiotics and had hydrotherapy with a wet dressing applied...same as Megan had.  He nearly ate the bowl, he was so hungry this morning!   Mike says he is so cooperative with them and seems to know they are helping him.

9:55am:  We have to remember that the owner asked him to put Rocky to sleep because she had no money.   I'm going to call today and find out just what was done. I can understand the owner's position. If the money isn't there, it just isn't.  
On a happier note, I just had a donation of $500 made to the clinic from an anonymous donor...known to me, but not others. And an adopter of two of my dogs called today and when I told her about Rocky, she said she is sending a donation. I know that Dorothy will pay the balance from the rescue fund which so many of you built up.

10:45am:  I just talked to the vet clinic he came from.  He WAS on pain meds and antibiotics there.  I don't know why that wasn't in the health records they sent.  I am greatly relieved.  John, I know this will make you feel better, too.  I couldn't imagine those being withheld by a vet that searched out a rescue.  I also found out the vet is involved in Golden Retriever Rescue and has two foster dogs.  I know I feel better!  Also, Rocky will have his first surgery at 3 this afternoon.

10:52am:  We don't know for sure how long she (the owner) waited and don't want to find out as she asked he be put to sleep.  The vet had him for 5 days and THINKS the wound was at least a week old.  The important thing is that he's being treated and loved.

10:51am:  The break (in his hip) is where it will heal on its own and he is standing okay

4:53pm:  He's completed the first surgery.  There was a wound extending down one leg and it was sutured as well as part of the top part.  Vet says the wound looks better today and she hopes the sutures will hold.  He has round worms, so he will be wormed tomorrow.  She is pleased so far, but says it is going to be a long road for him.  He continues to win them all over with his sweet disposition.

January 7, 2004

1:24pm:  He was in a cage on a blanket, all bandaged and cleaned up.  What a pretty little boy he is!  He won't have his hydrotherapy treatment till late this afternoon.  I told him how many people love him, and that it will hurt for awhile, but those good people are helping him.

5:34pm:  The vet got an amazing amount covered, now we hold our collective breaths that the stitches will hold.  Right now, it looks like a skin graft is necessary, but it's too early to be sure just how big an area will have to be covered.  I will have to take him to a nearby specialist when the time comes to see if it is feasible.  The head tech just called and she is very pleased how the wound looks today following the surgery yesterday.  Even though he is on pain meds, he had to be masked with isoflurene to do the hydrotherapy.  I'll be over there to get pictures when they remove the bandage for his treatment, probably Friday.  So far, looks hopeful!

January 9, 2004

9:39am:  He is wagging his tail!  He looks like he has on a diaper with his bandaging.  When I went in today they had him in a big cage.  When I asked how he rated that, they said it's because he's so sweet.  They had three woobies in with him.

    

    
Comfy now                                                                           Look at that tail wag!!!!!!!

2:59pm:  No, he doesn't seem to be (shy).  Right now, it hurts him to move, so it's hard to judge what he will be like.  Remember I said he is wagging his tail.  He comes over next to me.

3:01pm:  This is called a wet bandage.  This is always used on this kind of wound

3:08pm:  We are thinking so (he'll survive), but he will have to have a skin graft and we'll just have to wait and see if that can be done.

3:10pm:  (His size) Just a guess, but 12" maybe?  He weighs 16 pounds and is a good weight

January 11, 2004

8:27am:  How thrilled I was to find that Becky donated back Q's painting she bought on e-bay....and all for Rocky.  Becky, Rocky can't tell you but I can.  We love you and thank you so much!

January 12, 2004

7:51am:  He has an appointment Wednesday morning with the specialist to see if a skin graft can be done.  He's doing well this morning

8:05am:  I'm smiling, too (Loretta is auctioning a special Shirley Temple doll to benefit Rocky)!!!!!!! She is beautiful even though the dogs are snickering at the last two "pornographic" pictures! This is such a special thing for you and Keith to do.

9:02am:  Write Dorothy Christiansen (about the Shirley Temple Doll).  She's coordinating things and will take in the money for Rocky.  Right now, she is trying to find someone to put the auction on e-bay.  Thanks!!!!!

9:51am:  They have already received over $500 in donations!!!

10:00am: (Another donation to the auction)  Post Dorothy and tell her!!!!  WOW!  I can't believe the things the SYLers are doing for this puppy

10:49am:  I talked to her this a.m. I will be faxing her the estimate on the skin grafting, then we'll know what we are facing.

10:58am:  I am so proud of all of you! I LOVE the Shirley doll. My first memory of movies is of watching her in movies and I always loved seeing them. She and I are only 2 years apart in age, so I really related to her in films.  Unfortunately, my Shirley doll has been long gone. Amazing how much the doll looks like the child.

11:57am:  I just called my vet to see what Rocky's charges are so far.  Remember he had surgery.  $1367...THEN they told me they have received TWO $500 donations there!!!!  I have asked everyone to contact you (Dorothy Christianson) about future donations.   (The wonderful Francine Lorts is doing the special Rocky Ebay Auction!!!!!!)

12:03pm:  This is from the person I have chosen to be Rocky's mom when he is well.  She named him Rocky Balboa because he is such a fighter.  
Tell everyone Rocky's anonymous new mom is so very grateful...and I wish them all many blessed years for their generosity to my Rocky Balboa...God is surely blessing this little fellow and I feel so special that he will be mine...some day. 

1:40pm:  This is just unreal!  It keeps coming!!!!!!!  
(From another SYLer) Some more good news!  I sent the picture of Rocky to my friend in Florida.  She is sending a donation for Rocky for $50!  I will keep spreading the word and trying to raise more money!

2:47pm:  That is what the hydrotherapy is that Rocky gets daily.  This is what healed Megan, but her wounds were not nearly as large. His wound is huge, so a skin graft will cover it as he heals.   We have an alternate treatment waiting in the wings with Ant Darla if the graft is not possible.  That is with laser treatments that Darla will do.  One way or the other, we are going to get this baby well!

3:08pm:  (Who is Rocky's new owner?)   Ain't a-tellin'! And I haven't given any hints

3:35pm:  With Megan, she needed an ointment applied daily and no longer needed the bandage. That's when I took over her care. I haven't dealt with skin grafts so I don't know yet what care will be needed. I hope to have him here as soon as possible.

January 13, 2004

6:34am:  Sorry, but I'm not giving clues (As listers try to figure out who Rocky's new owner will be)

7:49am:  No clues. LOL You won't get it out of me, so you might as well give up.
2:41pm:  We had a wonderful conversation, and discovered we know a lot of the same people.  Were your ears burning, Paige?  lol
(From Paige's friend) Just thought I would tell you that I talked with Ann Acuff  from Sheltie Rescue today and since I didn't really have the cash available to send for Rocky, I placed a call to the vet clinic and put $100.00 on Rocky's account.

3:25pm:  Rocky got three new toys in the mail from his mom-to-be.  (Not everyone knows they are woobies.)  I will take them to him tomorrow when I pick him up to go to the specialist.  I'm going to put them in the cage with him.  I bet he will have more special things of his own than any other dog there!

January 14, 2004

6:57am:  I'm leaving in a few minutes to get Rocky and take him to the specialist.  Report will follow later today.  Appt. is at 10:30. The office is 10 miles from here.

10:19am:  He should be going into surgery any minute for the skin graft.  Dr. Beckman considered all the options and what he chose is a full thickness expanded mesh free skin graft.  AND this will mean he will grow HAIR!!!!!!!  He said the techs at my vet's have done a super job on the wound and there is excellent granulation.  Rocky will stay there for three days, and there is 'round the clock care, then he comes home with me.  If all goes well, he will go to his new home in three weeks!!

10:51am:  He donated his service (The first vet)

1:38pm:  The surgery went well.  Dr. Beckman said it will be three days till we know for sure it will hold.  One bit of bad news.  Rocky has a break that wasn't visible in the previous x-ray.  He will have to have a femoral head replacement in two weeks if all goes well with the graft.  This means he can't go to his new home for two to three weeks after this. 
Now, I am going to let his new owner reveal who she is.  One hint:  She didn't lie...she is Rocky's Humom, not his mama.  LOL  And you will have to just wait for her post!  This has been fun, but we decided you were all getting too frustrated.
(Soon after,  a post was received from Jeanette Stell admitting that she is going to be Rocky's new mom!!!  Yeah!  He'll still be on SYL)

1:59pm:  I don't know what Dr. Beckman will do.  Rocky is walking, and that kept my vet from looking further after seeing the x-ray that came with him.  Dr. Beckman says it can wait two weeks, as it is not a fresh break.  Ideally, it should have been done at Dr. Scott's...but it just didn't show up in the x-ray.

January 15, 2004

9:49am:  He is sleeping most of the time this morning (pain meds) and is doing well.

3:43pm: Dorothy of National Sheltie Rescue announced an Ebay auction to benefit Rocky's Medical Bills.

January 16, 2004

7:33am:  i WILL BE PICKING HIM UP AT 9 IN THE MORNING.  i HAVE TO GO GET THE x-PEN READY.  a LARGE DOG BED IS IN MY PICK-OF-THE-LITTER WASHER RIGHT NOW!. 
Sorry about the capitals...didn't know I hit that key, but I guess I really am talking loud with excitement.

8:19am:  (Since the graft was taken from his belly will the hair grow in white?)  I have no idea, and I don't even know if the hair will go in the same direction as the rest of his coat

8:33am:  He will have that (hip) surgery in two weeks

January 17, 2004

5:21pm:  He's here!  He has NO hair up to his ruff, so he is pretty bare.  The graft looks good so far, and we just hope it will take. There are no bandages. Poor boy has to wear an e-collar for a long time and he looks so sad.  So far, he hasn't eaten.  I took him by my vet's and when he saw his favorite tech, he just wagged like crazy.  He has been very subdued but is on pain meds and this is a strange place for him.  I'll get some pictures tomorrow.

January 18, 2004

6:51am:  He ate a good supper, had his treatment and meds and slept well all night.  What a sweetie this boy is!
 

8:54am:  Here he is.  Isn't he pretty?  And here is his skin graft

   

9:36am:  His xpen is right beside the heater vent.  He seems comfortable.

9:40am: He's on cephalexin and I hope it does the job.  I put neosporin on the wound 4 times a day.  I don't think any one of us would have given up on this boy!

January 19, 2004

5:39pm:  Do you have any suggestions for keeping him warm?  I can't use anything that will touch his graft area.  His bed in the pen is next to the heat vent and I have the temp set at 72 degrees.   
The surgeon says we will probably see 80 per cent of the grafted area 'take'. 

January 20, 2004


6:42am:  He is warm in the house, but I would love to be able to take him outside.

January 21, 2004Sunshine

5:36am:  Rocky is doing well.  I got quite a greeting when I got up today.  I think he's going to wag that graft off.  

 

 

9:26pm:  I love this brave little dog.  He has a wonderful spirit.  I think it is healing for me to be able to help him.

January 22, 2004

5:53am:  I have never seen him scratch! He still has that collar on to keep him from licking off the ointment. He sees the specialist this morning. One part of the graft isn't going to make it, but the rest looks healthy.

9:53am:  Just got back from the vet's. We are definitely losing part of the graft, but it is a small area. The rest looks good. He gets his stitches out next Wednesday. I have to now give him hydrotherapy twice a day.

10:52am:  When I woke up this morning (he is in an xpen in my bedroom), He wagged so hard, his tail went in a circle.  He still hasn't barked!

10:56am:  It's the small area over part of his left hip. His hair will cover the scar.  You'll have plenty to do when you get him, because he is going to need physical therapy on his hip after the surgery.

11:23am:  I just wish he would say something!  If he turns into a barker when he is well, he'll be in Arkansas where I can't hear him.

11:35am:  He can bark to my answering machine. Hey, Jeanette, you will get the easy part. I have to get in the bathtub with him twice a day for his hydrotherapy! Gotta find my bathing suit. (grin).

11:37am:  I think he just hasn't had anything to say yet. I know Megan didn't bark either for a long time. Zach, on the other hand, had no trouble using his voice.

6:22pm:  He has to have warm water sprayed on the graft area for five minutes twice a day

January 29, 2004

4:31pm:  I have taken all of Rocky's pictures. A new one coming up this weekend.  I will be picking him up at the clinic Saturday afternoon. WOW! Mugs! That's nice.  (Mugs with Rocky's picture for fund raising)

February 2, 2004

9:41am:  brought Rocky home today!!!  He is scheduled for surgery on his hip next Tuesday, if the wound is sufficiently healed.  Here is a picture I took today.  Compare this with the first one and you will see how far he's come.  I LOVE this dog!

 

10:13am:  Rocky will have a scimitar shaped narrow scar and his hair should cover it.  Guess what?  The left back leg IS the one the surgery will be done on.  When I went to Brentwood vet to get Rocky and he heard my voice from across the room, he jumped up and came to the front of the cage, wagging like crazy.  I was so glad the surgeon said to bring him home!  I can handle the treatments he needs now.
Maybe another month till you (Jeanette) take Rocky home.  You may have to take me with him!

10:21am:  Most of the open area is skin graft. It will look good when healed. We had 75% success with the graft, and that's good.

February 5, 2004

8:41am:  Rocky's new skin is looking healthy.  He and I have a special 'Rocky hour' every night now.  I prop up the pillows on my bed, take off that hated e-collar and he lies beside me with his head in my lap.  He loves ear scritches and soon is sound asleep.  I'll be so glad when the hip surgery is beyond us and he can begin life as a healthy puppy.

3:07pm:  He barked!!!!!!!  I was getting things ready to feed the dogs, and I heard a new voice join in with the others.  That means he is feeling so much better.  I felt like crying when I heard him!

February 6, 2004

Today, Rocky got his new coat, handmade by one of his special angels, Sue Adolph..  She made it so his wound isn't covered, and to keep him nice and warm.  She added a festive touch with a Valentine bandana.  In this picture, he is not yet too sure about it, but doesn't he look cute?  It almost looks like he has hair again!

February 8, 2004

7:02am:  Last night after I went to bed, I heard a lot of rustling coming from his x-pen.  He was playing with his green dog his forever mom sent him.  How wonderful to see the puppy in him emerge more every day.

February 9, 2004

7:14am:  Here is Rocky enjoying the sun with a respite from the hated e-collar.  He seems proud of his new coat...even celebrated the moment by lifting his leg for the first time!

 

9:39pm:  Rocky is scheduled for hip surgery tomorrow.  Surgery always makes me really nervous.  Wish him well.  We don't need any more sadness right now.

 

February 10, 2004

6:39am:  I just left him at the vet.  I told him Tate, Kristen and Bug will be beside him in the operating room and he'll be fine.  It was so hard to walk away from him, and it will be between 4 and 5 before the vet calls me.  I'll post as soon as I hear from the vet.  Long, long day ahead!.

1:38pm:  He's okay and should come home Thursday!!!!

February 12, 2004

8:53am:  This is a picture of Rocky and Dr. Sam Beckman, the specialist who operated on his leg and did the skin transplant.  Rocky's happy to be home.  His physical therapy starts Sunday.

9:18am:  He's HOME and glad to be here.  When I went to get him, his tail was tucked and he wouldn't make eye contact, but when I pulled in my driveway, he started wagging!  I will begin physical therapy on Sunday.  It will soon be Jeanette's turn.

 

4:55pm:  His hurt spot gets smaller and smaller!  He is very subdued tonight and is on pain meds for his hip surgery.  The vet says, with physical therapy, he shouldn't even limp!!!  It's all uphill from here.

 

February 16, 2004

 12:43pm:   Today he is putting a little weight on his bad leg.  Boy, do I hate doing the physical therapy with him, because it hurts him.  After I'm through, he has started playing with me, then he settles down and puts his sweet head in my lap to take a nap.  What a forgiving little dog, and how lucky I am for the months I have gotten to spend with him!

February 17, 2004


6:57am:  The auction is over and the total is a little over $3000!!!!!!!  What a fantastic job Francine Lorts did and it was all for the love of one small dog.  I know if Rocky could talk, he would want to thank everyone.  This has made it possible for him to have a happy future.

February 19, 2004

9:44am:  Remember how I couldn't wait till his first bark?  Last night at midnight he decided it was play time.  I turned on the light and saw him happily throwing his green dog up and barking at it.  This is a toy Jeanette sent him and is his favorite.  It's a warm springlike day and he spent time in his outdoor pen.  More and more, he uses his injured leg

February 25, 2004

10:34am  He said his goodbye to Dr. Beckman this morning!  That little guy is not only walking on his hurt leg, he is trotting!  The E-collar has been finally removed and he is ready to meet his new mom and head to Arkansas on Sunday.  It is certainly bittersweet to me after all these weeks, but I'm so happy for him that he is embarking on a new, happy life.  We'll have lots of pictures from this weekend, and Jeanette will continue the updates from Little Rock.

February 28, 2004

 

5:35am:  He's playing with my elebentyseven dogs  this morning...just being a normal puppy!

In a couple of hours, he will be Jeanette's, but right now he is still mine.  This has been quite a journey and I wouldn't have missed it!

5:48am:  Here he is, being 'one of the gang'.

      

 


February 29, 2004

Goodbye, My Sweet                 Welcome, Little One



The Beginning

 

March 11, 2004

11:47am:   Rocky is doing great here...other than the occasional altercation with Moe, the cat.  <G>  Actually they are best friends and love to play chase.  They are a good match since they are very close in size.  Rocky starts Puppy Obedience tonight and hope to have some pictures of him working soon

Rocky and Moe Kitty found each other about four days after Rocky came home.  They are very close in size and age and love to play and chase each other at every opportunity.  Since I'm still trying to restrict Rocky's running...so I usually let Moe Kitty in with Rocky in the morning while I'm dressing for work and then again after supper each night.

One morning earlier this week, Rocky and Moe were up to their usual morning antics...and I went into the laundry room to get something.  Without my knowledge, Moe followed me in and when I left the room, I closed the door...Poor Rocky was sitting at the door whimpering because his friend was locked up and as soon as I realized what was going on, Moe was released from prison and the antics continued.

Yesterday morning Rocky and Moe were playing chase through the house.  Rocky chased Moe into my bedroom and under the bed.  I was watching from across the hallway, while getting dressed for work and as Rocky was sitting there with his head under the bed, trying to figure out how to get to the cat, Moe had escaped from under the bed on the opposite side...and circled around to the dresser, behind Rocky.  While Rocky was patiently waiting, Moe Kitty jumped on him from behind...Poor Rocky was so startled he peed all over the floor and came running to Mom as fast as he could....I have to wonder what Rocky will do next time, when Moe goes undercover.

Jeanette

    

 

March 24, 2004

Rocky's first Agility Lesson!!!!!!  You can barely see his graft anymore!!!!

     

Learning To Jump                                                       Exiting The Tunnel/Tube

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