The Homeless Dog

Recently, a stray black labrador retriever walked through our front doors...


















...and straight into our hearts.

In truth, he did not walk through the door, he had to be carried by the Animal Control Officer that picked him up. He was found in a ditch, likely dumped by his previous owners. He was in such a state of poor health, the Officer recommended humane euthanasia. He went on to say that even if the dog were treated and taken to the Humane Society, he would probably be euthanized in 5 days anyway. Due to his medical problems, he was not an adoptable pet.

The attending veterinarian, Dr Jim Ebner, looked in his eyes and immediately suspected blindness caused by diabetes. So, after warming him up, he asked the technicians to draw some blood and check his glucose. It was then that he first touched our hearts... strangers were holding him, poking him with a needle; and even so, he turned his head and gave one of them a great big kiss- almost as though he knew they were helping him.

Being more than 20 pounds underweight, he was affectionately given the nickname "Bones". He weighed only 57.6 pounds.















After an extensive exam, it was determined that Bones suffered from a number of maladies including out-of-control diabetes, cataracts, a urinary tract infection, and a yeast infection in his ears. The joke around the hospital was that there was actually something he did not suffer from: Heartworm! Dr Ebner started him on a regimen of regular glucose checks, special food, antibiotics, and ear medication.

And now he's no longer homeless or nameless- Dr Ebner quickly bonded to him and took him home. Welcome to the West Ridge family Bones!