Happy Patch

Go back to the end of September, 2013, if you want to recall Patch's story. He's a dog we took in from a shelter over in the valley right after we got back from England last fall. He was emaciated and had as many bald patches as he had hairy spots. Even where he had fur, it was sparse and pathetic. He had both fungal and bacterial infections on his skin. He looked and smelled like hell but he was the nicest boy, just as sweet as could be. He was patient, cooperative, and grateful for everything we tried to do to help him. Everyone who met him wanted to touch him and most everyone commented that he was special. 

Patch somehow tested negative for heartworm and aside from the skin infection didn't seem to have anything major wrong with him. Once we got a little weight on him and got most of the infection cleared up, he went in to be neutered. He had only on descended testicle and they never could find another. What they found instead was what appeared to be a partially developed, but non-functioning uterus. Patch was inter-sexed, special in a way that we hadn't ever imagined. 

Patch was adopted to a friend and fellow rescuer, who sent this picture soon after he was adopted and settled into his new home. He looks a lot better and even his rat-like tail was finally growing hair. 

Patch's new home runs a rescue operation for senior dogs and Patch has assumed the role of guardian, mediator, and supervisor for all the older, and mostly smaller, dogs. They love him. The difference in his appearance from just a few months is remarkable. He has blossomed into a beautiful and quite regal German Shepherd Dog. He has a thick, luxurious coat, no bald spots that I can see, and look at that tail! What a difference a home makes.