Final "Official" Updates on Bonnie and Ranger

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, St. Jude, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

Since You don't seem to have much in the way of a calendar or watch, You may or may not be aware that today is Day 59 of my 60-day commitment to the novenas for Bonnie and Ranger and the daily posting on this blog.

Last night I got to talk with the ever-delightful Phyllis Allison of Sunflower Hill Rescue in Terrell, TX, where our girl Bonnie is residing. I apologize to readers that I don't have any updated photos of Bonnie, but You have to admit that the one we have is a good'un. As Phyllis says, "That girl is just so cute." Ms. Blue Eyes and Dumbo Ears.

It continues to be hot as Hades in Texas, and Bonnie continues to be on heartworm preventative, but not yet on to the heavy-duty (i.e., stressful but effective arsenic-based) treatment. The veterinarian has been waiting for more temperate weather that would be less physically stressful on Bonnie during the treatment, but now supplies of Immiticide, the only FDA-approved adulticide heartworm treatment, are not available for weeks and possibly months due to a manufacturing problem. (If you read the full article via the link, you can see that there are alternative treatments, so don't fear for Bonnie. She would be fine even on the preventative for quite some time.)

On a happier note, Bonnie is having a good time. She keeps a watch on everything and everyone, guarding "her" compound. She continues to squeak for treats. Above all, she is alive, and she is being treated with love and compassion. It will only be a matter of time before this sweetheart gets her full treatment and has her forever home.

Ranger, too, is doing well. He had been boarded at Pets are for Life (P.A.L.) in Burleson, TX since April. (I did two very positive posts on Butch Cappel of P.A.L.—The Man Who Bothered to Ask "Why?" and The Man With the Plan. At this point I will make an interruption of our "regularly scheduled programming" to make an apology to Butch. On the original version of this post, I took him and P.A.L. to task for not having Ranger vetted and neutered while he was boarded there. I am guilty of misunderstanding what P.A.L.'s and Butch's responsibilities were to Ranger, and that error further exacerbated by not going to the source and asking. I will not hash further details here, other than to offer my apologies for writing inaccurate and unflattering misinformation, as well as to thank Butch for contacting me with a kind and respectful attitude to set the record straight.)

Teresa Weldon [see 2012 update below] of Four Paws and Hooves Animal Rescue of Springtown, TX, knew Ranger had been boarded for  months and also of Christy's extreme health issues. On Monday August 8, Teresa transported Ranger to Springtown and had him vetted, neutered, and heartworm tested (negative!). Since his arrival at her shelter, Teresa has been seeing to it that Ranger is exercised so he's not so wound up, as well as taking him to adoption events. I emailed her yesterday for an update, and despite demands that would be daunting to most schedules, she took the time to respond:

"Ranger is such a good boy. He gets along with every body but does not care for the cats. He has never chased them but he lets them know he does not want them by his crate. We have been working on leash manners—once we got him a harness he has done 100% better. I have high hopes that he will be finding his 'furever' home soon. He gets so much attention at the adoption events."

Thank you, Teresa. (Post script:  A few weeks after this post, Ranger was adopted and now has his own loving family with whom to run, play, and cuddle.)


[A sad, sad update:  May 2012 - Teresa was found to be a hoarder using rescue 501c3 status to support her sickness. Over 60 dogs in fair to untreatable condition were taken from her place, including Ranger. Teresa lied about the care she provided for him, about taking him to adoption events, and about his adoption. He ultimately had to be euthanized.]

So there you have it. Bonnie and Ranger are not yet in their "furever" homes; but they have been saved from being euthanized, they have been rescued, and they continue to be cared for by loving, compassionate people. Bonnie and Ranger are particularly lucky to have crossed paths with those folks who literally made the difference of life and death for them—Joe Skenesky of Joe's Animal House and the Carrollton shelter, Christy Spence, Butch Cappel, Phyllis Allison, and Teresa Weldon. It has also been my great privilege to have met (via phone, email, and FB) and learned from each of these individuals. They have graciously and generously shared their time, their insights, and their compassion. God & Co, I am indeed blessed—and much obliged on my own behalf and that of Bonnie and Ranger.

xo
Liz