Bud's Story, Part II

This is Bud's Story, Part II. See "Bud, home at last", February 20, 2009, for Part I. To briefly recap:

Bud had belonged to a country boy. The kid grew up, lost interest, and eventually moved away, leaving Bud with his father. He lived in a 10x10 kennel and probably never got out. I took Bud in but soon realized that he didn't like to be touched. However, he was very good with other dogs and was manageable in the kennel as long as I didn't try to touch him.

I got him neutered at the Charlottesville SPCA by a vet who understood big dogs. It wasn't easy, however, and after we had left someone realized that they had not drawn the blood for the heartworm test. They were prepared to do so, but by that time Bud was waking up and I really didn't want to risk that procedure. After that, I just plain forgot about it.

Bud was with us for over a year after that. He came to be friendly with me, affectionate even. I could pet him and love on him, but I never took him to an adoption event or to the vet because he wouldn't tolerate being touched by strangers. That was Bud's situation when he was adopted.

I felt bad about adopting out a dog whose vaccines were not current, but I told the adopters about it and they understood. They have fostered themselves and have been around the rescue world for a while. The vaccines were not a big deal, but when they took Bud in to their vet, they also discovered that he had Lyme disease and worse, heartworms.

They were probably far unhappier than they let on, and understandably so, and I felt like shit, and rightly so. Still, they were committed to treating Bud and getting him through it, although he was not a young dog and probably had had an infestation of heartworms for some time. Bud came through it, thanks to his devoted owners and their vet.

Bud has taken to indoor living like most rotties, happy to layabout unless something interesting is going on:

"We are so proud of Bud … he really is a different dog than when we adopted him seven months ago. He is quite a lazy boy and likes to lie around the house most of the day and also loves to ride in the car."

He has made a lot of progress, is completely comfortable in his home with his owners:

"Bud escorts me from the bedroom every morning by getting behind me, putting his head between my legs and coaxing (pushing) me towards the kitchen. He trusts us completely now and I can handle him like a normal dog."

They have had some rough spots, very rough spots even, but these folks saw the potential in Bud from the start and they have never given up. Bud still generally prefers that strangers look but not touch, but that's ok. Bud doesn't need a lot of friends (unless they have food). He's happy with two dedicated owners and I'm sure he's equally dedicated to them.