I joined rescue on Wednesday. It was time for me to go. I’m about 4 years old and I’ve had my share of babies. My ears hurt and there was something going on with some of my teeth.
But the biggest concern was this “thing” on my side. It was a total mystery to me. It also was a mystery to the woman who welcomed me into rescue.
It was a growth. It felt squishy, moved around a lot and kind of looked like there were teeth imprints in it. The kind woman said that she didn’t like the looks or feel of it and I was going to see Dr. Larsen.
And I did. In fact, I took the appointment of another Bulldog who was waiting for surgery. I hope she didn’t mind.
I didn’t expect to have my side shaved, get a 6-inch incision and a long strip of sutures. Oh, or the huge cone to wear.
Let me tell you, when I woke up from surgery, I was a different lady. I had some teeth pulled and my ears packed with medicine. The growth is now gone and I was spayed. I was obviously a little sore all over.
I had some bleeding after my spay and I was wrapped up like a mummy overnight. I guess I had one too many litters of babies.
The growth has been sent off to a lab for diagnosis and I have some pain meds to help with my healing. Thankfully, I got to take the cone off to have a drink of water. I’m kind of a miserable sight!
However, the silver lining to this cloud is my new foster pops, Robert. He grills salmon, cuts up fresh fruit and will make sure I dine on the finer things in life. I already know Robert and I are going to be best friends through my healing process.
5/7/24 Update: Despite all my woes, Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue has honored me with acceptance. My dogtor treated my many woes and recommended a sojourn at rehabilitation spa Chez Maison Ménard BBnB.
I checked in yesterday about an hour after another guest checked out, having found her furever home. The housekeeping staff hustled to change the sheets and freshen the room.
Upon arrival, I trembled. Trepidation describes my temperament. I fear and distrust humans right now, but I know that will change. Why was I the target of so much misery for so long?
My new foster peeps speak softly and reassuringly to me. They insist that hands were meant to love, not hurt. I need some time to learn the lessons of love. I even suspected the treats prepared by the culinary department, but it won’t take me long to change my mind. My diet consists of soft, wet food and plenty of it.
I will update all y’all soon on my progress.
5/9/24 Update: I summoned the courage to request a foster family meeting because I fear being too much trouble.
My current ills include kidney and urinary tract infections, forcing me to pee all over the place. I know the right thing to do, but often cannot control my excreta. I have a belly incision from stone removal surgery, a 6-inch suture line on my flank for a growth removal and my ears and tail pocket are packed. My incisions must be treated daily.
To complicate matters, I spook at almost everything from the crinkle of a plastic water bottle to the housekeeper’s mop. Perhaps I’ve never known love and doubt human motives.
My foster peeps explained that I am not trouble. In fact, I am a blessing. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue stands between Bulldogs and our demise. They are all that we have, and they take that obligation seriously.
Even though my foster parents want to treat more Bulldogs to a loving home, they said that I would be their sole focus until I was better in a few weeks. Then they said that they wanted me and loved me. I could not believe my packed ears! They often tell me what a good girl I am. Wow, I like that.
While I recover, I rest comfortably throughout the house and overnight in the guest suite. I like being outside too.
I believe that this is just the onset of good things to come. For you potential adopters out there, I will be fully recovered and ready for my new home and family later this month. Get your apps in so I can study them on my days off.
5/16/23 Update: Typing with just four digits per fore paw creates some challenges. “Four-tunately,” a proofreader vets my epistles. He also wipes the drool off the keys.
Just a few days after our open kimono family exchange, I have graduated to a greater comfort. I still fear strange noises and devices, but I trust my peeps more, especially my foster mom. They shower me in kindness, affection, nutritious food, comfortable surroundings, and the opportunity to reify my potential. A girl could get accustomed to this life!
Apparent previous abuse issues by a man haunt me so my foster dad and I continue building our trust relationship. I may have never lived inside a home before, but he values me.
My incisions receive daily cleaning and treatment, my ears have been repacked, and my tail pocket too. If you never have smelled that yellow packing goop, good for you. Even though the technique involves invasive insertion of injection syringes, I rested comfortably as they reassured me.
Have you seen my 6-inch suture line on my flank? My treatments keep the wound sterile and medicated. On Thursday, my sutures will be replaced by fur and I can bathe again. Whoo-hoo.
As of next week, I’ll be ready for adoption so I hope you already submitted your application. The last Bulldog foster here lasted less than two weeks, so the rodeo is on!
