Dodger
Dodger is such a special boy - he had been found as a stray and brought to SDPR. He had infected bite wounds around his neck, so bad that they were infested with maggots. He was very sick and dehydrated, and it was touch and go at the vet for awhile. But this darling boy pulled through and now has quite a loyal following!
Here is his story from his adopted mom:
Hello Poodle People and Poodles!
It has been over a year since I adopted one of the loves of my life: Dodger! It makes everyone feel great when there is a totally successful rescue into a forever home! And I am so lucky to report that is the case of Dodger and me. I just reread the very traumatic situation from where he was found.
I am going to let Dodger tell the next chapter –the first year in his new home.
Woof! Woof! I started feeling better after all of those visits to the vet and one day, my foster mom, Janine who I love so much took me off in a car. We drove a long way—I heard them say “San Diego” and then stopped in front of a house with a nice yard.
We went inside and I sniffed and sniffed. Another dog was there and we sniffed each other a little. The lady was nice to me…then we left.
A few days later off we went—this time not so far and that same nice lady was at a grassy area and Janine looked very sad but off I went to what would be my new home. Lucky me!
I loved my new owner from the first moment I saw her. I just wanted to be with her, and when she left me at her home with her friends that night I cried and cried. I just lay by the door until she came back. I was afraid that she had left me.
Kishi, my canine sister was tough. We had some rocky beginnings and in my heart of hearts I wished I was the only dog in the house. I tried to show her that by doing some naughty behaviors that I am not proud of, but either my new mom caught me in the act or, Kishi told me off! Sometimes it was scary…she barked and snarled….I’d just try to get away….
We were together a few days and then one morning off we went with the people all talking about fires and evacuations! So after four days of happy adventures in another house with other dogs and cats we came back to our home—it was so good to be back! Luckily there was no damage and then my life started to soar.
At first I wouldn’t do a down…come on, I do a pretty sit but not a down. After a long struggle I decided to give in—if you want a down, ok!
Then off to obedience classes—what fun…I know I was the cutest in the class. When it came time to take the test for the CGC (Canine Good Citizen), no one thought I would pass. But I knew something really special was happening and I did everything my mom told me—the only one in the obedience class to pass! Everyone was so surprised (even me!!).
In February I started taking agility classes. Wow! Is that fun! I get to run and jump and go through tunnels and jump on teeters! I love it! I also go to Agility trials with Kishi and watch her do the same stuff! We meet so many people and dogs. Sometimes we even sleep in motels. So many new scents and sounds. I am so happy. And, one day…there was Janine. My foster mom! I was so surprised and so happy to see her. I loved giving her kisses and having her hold me! I was in heaven. She is one of my best human friends and always will be. Now I have seen her at several agility trials and I always want to visit with her and the other poodle rescue people. But I also want to go home with my mom and Kishi. In fact, I get a little nervous if my mom goes out of sight.
My back knee would sometimes slip out when I was running and so, on July 1, 2008 I had knee surgery with a long recuperation of no playing and jumping. My mom was always calling me “Jumping Jack Flash!” and that tells you how hard this time from July has been. Two months ago, I started hydra-therapy—swimming twice a week to build up the strength after the surgery! It is fun and I am a natural. I swim very smoothly (no splashing) and efficiently—just like Michael Phelps! If there were canine swimming Olympics, I’d capture the gold medals
I can now run, jump and play. Kishi and I run around, tussle and share toys. We really like to play tug-of-war! I also love to fly through the house jumping from chair to couch and especially dashing into the bedroom and flying onto the bed.
Have I a wonderful life! I sleep in peace every night, wake up to my mom rubbing my tummy, a mile walk every morning and breakfast before she goes to work. When she comes home, Kishi and I get another walk on good days, but fun time playing everyday. At dinner we often have our new pal, Teddy, a Maltese and his owner (another one of favorite human my friends) come and play. They go on walks with us too. I hope I can start agility again soon.
I have gained 3 pounds since I left poodle rescue and look really buff. I am so thankful to have found my perfect home and wish every dog (at least the ones I like) had a home like mine. Thank you Janine and all Poodle Rescue people for taking care of me and letting me have such a wonderful life after rescue.
My Postscript: Dodger is the happiest dog! He is full of life and is so grateful for each day! I think his near death experience makes him love each minute of life he has. He wakes up smiling and goes to sleep smiling! He makes me appreciate all of the good things in life. God was smiling on both of us when I met Dodger and fell in love with him. He is a charmer and always finds a woman to love him. We are both so lucky, and now, Kishi likes him too.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Photos coming soon – what a handsome dog!
Following is the story of Dodger, from when he came into SDPR until the time he was adopted.
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Dodger -
 
Dodger 8-20-07 Dodger 8-15-07
at the vet when we first went to the vet
Dodger is a special poodle who came into our organization on 8-15-07. He was rescued from a busy rural road (hence the name given him as he was dodging cars) by two good samaritans who then released him to San Diego Poodle Rescue. We immediately noticed that he had a wound or injury on his chest but he would not let us look at it, as it was too painful. The hair covered it up and we couldn't get a glimpse at what was wrong. He obviously did not feel well, too, and so off to the vet we went.
Afte sedation and exploring the area, the vets found that Dodger had several dog bites on his chest/neck. The worst part was that, although the wounds were only about a day old, they were already infested with maggots, probably due to the hot weather. No wonder this little guy felt so awful! The wound was thoroughly cleaned out and treatment started.
Dodger remains in the vet hospital (as of today 8-21-07) and is being treated for a major infection and inflammation of the wound. The maggots did alot of damage. I have visited with him, just holding him, massaging him and sweet-talking to him. I think and hope that this helps him want to pull through this ordeal. But, he doesn't know me.
Dodger has started to eat a little bit by himself, but must be syringe fed most of his calories. He is on multiple medications (antibiotics, pain control, anti-nausea) and iv fluids. His bandages must be changed twice a day as there is alot of drainage. Just today he let the vets change the bandages without being sedated - a major improvement.
We are trying to find Dodger's owners, but have had no success. He was fairly recently groomed (maybe 1-2 months ag) and is so sweet. He is quite young, maybe 1 year of age. He must have been someone's pet.
We are asking everyone to keep Dodger in your thoughts and prayers. He deserves to pull through this horrible ordeal. It will be a long road, but we will help him along.
We will keep you informed daily of his progress.
8-22-07 I visited with Dodger today and he seems to be feeling better! Yeah!!! He was happy to see me and gave me a little kiss on the hand. He laid on my lap for an hour while I massaged and petted and talked to him. He ate almost all of the roasted chicken I brought for him - what a wonderful sign. Maybe he can come home in a day or two.
08-23-07 The vet plans to debride the dead skin again in the morning (this has to be done under anesthetic). Dodger will then be evaluated to see how he is doing and very possibly come home, if his nursing care is something I can do myself. He continues to eat on his own and seems happier and more alert.
08-24-07 Dodger had his debridement surgery this am, removing more dead skin. The vet was able to close the wound a bit more, so it is not so open. He is doing good and can possibly come home tomorrow for home care!
08-25-07 Dodger came home! Well, to his new home, at least for now. The first thing we did when we got here was go to the nice grassy yard in the sunshine - remember he hasn't been outside for 1 1/2 weeks - he seemed to enjoy poking around the yard and smelling the breeze. Then we set him up in my office for privacy and quiet from the other dogs but plenty of people attention. He is eating all he has been given and sleeping alot. These are just what he needs - good nutrition and plenty of rest.
 
Enjoying the green grass A newly groomed face
and outdoors 08-26-07 08-26-07
08-26-07 Dodger continues to do well. He is eating and sleeping alot and going outside on the grass every couple of hours for a little walk. He doesn't care too much for pancakes but loves cheese! I bathed and groomed his face, head and ears - you can now see his face and lovely eyes and I'm sure he feels better.
08-27-07 Dodger continues to do well - eating and sleeping lots!!! He goes tomorrow to the vet for a check. Let's hope they think he is doing well, too.
08-28-07 Dodger had to stay at the vet for the night. Some of his sutured wound came open, just from the tightness of it because alot of dead skin has been removed. So, he will have a little procedure to re-suture and clean things up. He'll be able to come home tomorrow. They were happy to see him at the vet - can't say he was too happy to see them, though.
08-29-07 Dodger was so happy to see me when I picked him up at the vet! His wound looks better - resutured and closed. He is laying upside down on his bed as I write as it is hot, even with the a/c on - but he is happy to be back.
Upside down 08-29-07
08-30-07 All continues status quo!
08-31-07 Dodger's personality comes out more and more on a daily basis. He is such a sweet boy and he continues to do really well!
09-01-07 Dodger is healing nicely - we went to the vet today for a re-check, as they requested, but they were closed for the holiday weekend! Oops! Oh well, he is doing just fine - the wounds looks great, is staying closed and is healing.
09-04-07 I groomed Dodger today - gave him a bath and trim, avoiding the sutured area. He looks so much better! You can see his cute body! Photos coming!
09-05-07 Went to the vet today for a re-check. The staff was all so happy to see him and came to visit with him. The vet says he is doing great! Another week and he should be able to get the sutures out. Dodger was happy to go to the vet's office, just not so happy when she started checking out the wound. I'm sure it is still a bit tender.
Checking out the yard
in his new hairdo!
09-10-07 Dodger got to go on an RV trip this weekend! San Diego Poodle Club held it's 2 day specialty show and our rescue division had several tables set up with information, a raffle and items for sale. So, Dodger got to go with me, stay in the rv and come visit at the show. He was extremely happy and friendly with everyone, although he kept his eye on me. He was an excellent traveling companion and I think he enjoyed the outing!
09-15-07 Dodger went to the vet yesterday for a check-up - he is doing fantastic! He didn't want the vet to touch him, though, as he has memories of pain when she came around. So, she couldn't get his sutures out. I am working on taking them out at home, little by little. He is much better for me.
09-24-07 Dodger went on another rv trip! This time to Long Beach for the Poodle Club of America Regional Show from Wednesday, September 19 through Friday, September 21. He made lots of friends and was usually found in someone's arms or lap! He seldom had to have his feet actually on the ground. In fact, he even got to go for a ride in a doggie stroller!
10-05-07 Dodger was adopted today! While at the Poodle Club of America Regional Show, a nice lady with her shih-tzu came by and met Dodger. They all fell in love! We checked the home out and found it to be a wonderful one. So, even though we weren't even looking just yet for a home for Dodger, he found one on his own. Fate has really been good to this little boy lately - being found by good samaritans, being brought to poodle rescue, surviving his medical issues and now finding a new mom! We wish him well and will have pics up soon!
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