Ke-ola is a trooper

Ke-ola finds a new sleeping  spot.

Last night Kadante slept with Ke-ola and Roland Jr. slept with our girls, Sky and River. I had a much needed night off and appreciate it dearly. Before I retired for the night I came down to check on Ke-ola and found that while Kadante had left him alone for a minute, Ke-ola found another comfy spot to sleep on. Kadante should've been grateful as Ke-ola left him the bed…not! Kadante says Ke-ola "ninja-ed" his way onto the bed with him and slept at his side. He said he didn't have the heart to move him so he pretended he didn't see him. We love this boy!

He still has a constant drip but
it is lighter in color and thinner.

This morning his cough continued but it was less productive than yesterday. We spent time outdoors but he didn't want to take care of business. He was too busy having a barking and coughing conversation with his foster sister's, Sky and River. (Sky and River were in the backyard and Ke-ola in the front. We have a side yard that separates the two so they were at a distance.) I had the girls brought in so they wouldn't disturb him anymore but by that time he had forgotten why we where there in the first place. I paid the cleanup price an hour later in the den.

Ke-ola looking handsome
with his new collar.

His health is not an easy read as he tries so hard to be with his humans and please them. It must take him a great deal of energy to wag his tail and get happy because after he does he needs to lie down. These two clips show how after Ke-ola gets even a little bit excited he needs to rest. The first one is of Ke-ola being happy to be with my husband Roland. The second is of Ke-ola needing rest, just a short while afterwards.


It's like Ke-ola has finally found a chance to be in a family and he is trying so hard to be a good boy. He doesn't want to show how sick he feels or to be a burden. I know some people will say I'm crazy for thinking a dog has the capacity to feel that deeply and complexly but I have no doubt.

He didn't want to eat his lunch. I tried to get him to stand up but he just stayed on his bed. I brought the food to him several times but he wasn't interested. He looked at it, smelled it and lowered his head. I'm hoping dinner will go better.

Tomorrow is his last antibiotic shot and he sees  his doctor on Sunday. I'm hoping that once he is done with this course of antibiotics his symptoms will subside. But given that he still has so much colored mucus and coughing I'm not sure what will happen. We should know more after his doctor's visit.

On a side note, I think my girls are starting to go stir crazy stuck in my room. After getting Ke-ola down for his nap I came upstairs to check on the girls. I found that my wallet had fallen victim to their confinement. Thought I would share.

Thank you for visiting. Wishing your pack peace today and everyday.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
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This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
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POI

Another drippy day…hurray!

Last night was similar to previous nights but with even more phlegm and mucus. Ke-ola is consistently producing a productive cough! I'm running on little sleep as Ke-ola coughs most at night. He seems to get the most mucus out in the morning, so it makes the night worth it.

Ke-ola enjoyed some outdoor time today but not as much as he usually does. It was cold and overcast all day and he shivers when he goes outside for too long. I was able to film him wearing his new collar and lead during one of our warmer outings. Thank you Michelle and Joe for letting us take that rope off from around his neck and show him that he is part of a pack.

Ke-ola wearing his new bling.

Ke-ola honoring the islands with
his Hawaiian bed and blanket. 

Resistance is futile, mom!

He spent time with Kadante today. They hung out in the yard for a time and then settled in by the fire place. Ke-ola couldn't stop shaking so we covered him in his special Hawaiian blanket. We pet him until he fell asleep and tiptoed out. The joke was on us! When Roland Jr. got home from school and went to say hello to Ke-ola he found that Ke-ola had shed his warm blanket for the warmer comfort of my bed. In the photo you'll notice that the bed is pushed up against the sofa. I turned the bed towards the sofa this morning hoping it would discourage him from jumping on either. As you can see, "Life found a way".

He did a great job finishing his meals today. He found lunch challenging as he was coughing throughout. It did not stop him from finishing every morsel. He took his antibiotic shot like a trooper. Today he had no play when he saw the syringe, all he wanted was to be loved. It took a bit longer than usual because he was coughing a great deal. But once his cough subsided I was able to get it done.

Eastern Schools of Traditional Medicine teach that the external body is a reflection of the internal self. We can also find this philosophy mirrored in our own English language. One of the most common words we use to describe illness is dis-ease. When we break down the word we see its root meaning; dis:- a Latin prefix meaning “apart,” “asunder,” “away,” “utterly,” or having a privative, negative, or reversing force and ease:- noun: 1.freedom from labor, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest; comfort, anxiety, or solicitude; a quiet state of mind: to be at ease about one's health. (Dictionary.com)

Our boy's beautiful heart beginning
to blossom again. 

While the mess left by his discharge and accidents can be overwhelming to keep up with, I also rejoice that he is releasing the toxic memories of a broken heart. Sadness and disheartenment are formidable foes. They bring with them a multitude of toxic emotions that tear down our immune system, bring about depression and make us susceptible to "dis-ease". Every time I see the infection coming out of Ke-ola I am grateful because I know that not only are the meds and treatments working but he is starting to feel he has a reason to live. He is cleaning the spaces in his heart and lungs that were filled with despair and making room for LOVE and for LIFE…we love you
Ke-ola.

Thank you for visiting. Wishing your pack peace today and everyday.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

POI

Ke-ola is starting to look better

Trying to help Ke-ola get to sleep
in the wee hours of the morning. 

Last night Ke-ola spent the night coughing but thankfully it was productive. All kinds of green goo and foamy phlegm kept spewing out of him. It was very foggy and cold here last night and I didn't want to take him out without a sweater. He starts to shake at night and uses a great deal of energy just trying to get warm. He is still puddling inside and we couldn't find puppy pads. I was stressing because a Pergo floor is incredibly resilient but pooling liquid is its kryptonite. My husband Roland came to the rescue. He found outdoor table clothes that were plastic on one side and paper on the other. He cut them into fourths and miraculously, we had puppy pads to last through the night!

I didn't get much sleep as he needed my attention with wiping and coupaging. His bedding and floor also needed cleaning and changing throughout the night. Around 3:30am I could see he was exhausted so I decided to do some Reiki/Cleansing with him. That was the ticket, he feel fast asleep midway through our session and slept till 7am.

I think these new antibiotics are starting to kick some infectious butt! Ke-ola had more energy today and the mucus from his nose is much less green and thinner. His tail only stops wagging when he's napping or relaxing into soft face-pets. He's also much more outgoing about his affection. Today he had a smile for all the two legged folks in the house.

Ke-ola falling asleep with foster
brother. Kadante is a love because
he felt sick too and still found
the time to be with Ke-ola. 

We had our midmorning sun-time together. He still won't lay down on the towel or the grass. He likes to keep his face close to your face and gaze into your eyes while you are petting him. This is the first day that he wanted to venture out of the front yard and go exploring. But he is still too sick for walks. He needs his strength back first. I think it's a good sign that he has enough energy to want to explore. I don't want to get over confident and I am trying to stay humble to his healing process, but today I really felt a significant positive difference in our boy's health.

He had fun with Roland Jr.

He enjoyed all of his meals so far today and has licked his bowl clean. He has no food aggression towards humans. I can pick up his bowl while he is eating to help him get to those last few bites and he never has a problem with it. He also takes treats very gently. I can barely feel his lip touching my open palm. Ke-ola is a character and it's never more obvious than when I'm giving him his daily antibiotic shot. I've never seen a dog, or anyone for that matter, react the way Ke-ola does when he sees the syringe. His tail starts to wag and he wants to play. I need an assistant to help me by petting him and helping him settle down because he just wants to celebrate. I'll try to get a third party to film this event so you can see for yourselves. It cracks me up every time.

I think Ke-ola is Na'vi!
What do you say?

Note: If you have been following this blog you've notice that we all have the same outfit on in most pictures. Ke-ola is in quarantine until he feels better. We each need to change into "Ke-ola clothes" before we enter or interact with him and change out of them before we leave. (You can see our changing screen and "Ke-ola clothes" towards the back of the above picture.)

Thank you for visiting. Wishing your pack peace today and everyday.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

POI

Ke-ola had a day full of ups and downs

Ke-ola had a ruff night. He is trying to move infection out of his lungs and it takes him great effort. By morning he was tuckered. It took quite a bit of coaxing to get him to standup and accompany me outside.   It was obvious he didn't want to move but he complied with my request like a trooper. Breakfast was good. He finished his plate. Then it was time for his midmorning sunbath. The kids were out again today and Ke-ola enjoyed looking at them. He doesn't react to the noise. It's not easy for him to walk around too much because he gets tired. You'll see him coughing a bit in the video but he needs to move his body so his lungs can move the phlegm.

Buggy Face

While I worried for Ke-ola today it was also a day of positives for us. We are so grateful to Michelle and Joe from I.C.A.R.E for getting us some wonderful goodies for Ke-ola. Tomorrow he'll have his beautiful new collar and snazzy lead. Thank you for the support. Pet Hospital called to see how Ke-ola was feeling today. They were so kind and encouraging. I was very grateful for the call. I try to keep a positive attitude towards Ke-ola's recovery but he is so very sick that sometimes the fear takes over. I don't want to feed that energy so I try to share positive things. But today I felt quite overwhelmed thinking of Ke-ola and what his life was like before I met him. He is such a special soul.

Ke-ola loves to smell
flowers in the sunshine.

Animals are just like humans (maybe it's because we're animals too), they have their own personalities and a deep emotional life. They have likes and dislikes, just like we do. But Ke-ola is in a league of his own. He is one of the most gentle, loving, kind dogs I have ever had the honor of knowing.

When I looked at Ke-ola today, struggling so hard to stay alive and to get healthy all I could think of was, "What is wrong with us?" (I'm referring to "us" as the human race) This dog has a heart of gold. He is kind, loving, loyal, understanding, patient. What more could anyone want from another living being? I couldn't help but wonder what his story is. I found myself asking so many questions. Did you ever have a loving home and a boy or girl to call your own? Has anyone ever shown you kindness? How old were you when you ended up on the streets of Carson? How did you get all these scars? Ke-ola just gazed up at me with his soft beautiful almond eyes and erased all my questions but one. How can I help you to know you are loved and wanted?

Who loves belly rubs?

Ke-ola!

I realized that we are giving him the best physical care we can but the pain in his body is nothing compared to the pain in his soul. This boy needs all of us working together on a deeper level. He needs to know that he is loved, wanted and accepted. I shared this with my family and we all agreed, that even though he's sick and needs rest, each one of us will spend more time with him.

Kadante stepped up immediately with Ke-ola's favorite thing…belly rubs.

He didn't finish his lunch today. He was dealing with coughing and trying to breath so I think he was tired. Ke-ola heard the gentlemen that care for our garden in our backyard. Getting up is not easy for him right now but once he heard someone in our backyard he sprang to his feet ran to the window and barked then coughed and barked then coughed until I took notice of him. Kadante began to pet him and his barking stopped but his coughing got worse. I couldn't believe he expended so much of his precious energy to protect my sons and I, especially after such a short time with us. This boy never ceases to amaze me.

He is still puddling in the house but thankfully, no mountains today. Hurray! I need to count my blessing big and small. Paws crossed he finishes the rest of his dinner.

Wishing you and your pack Peace, today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

POI

Ke-ola had his first crate-free day

Ke-ola loving the morning sun.

Ke-ola ruined our goose-down comforter in less than 24 hours. But after sleeping on such a fluffy bedding he was reluctant to get back into the crate with only a blanket to sleep on. I haven't had a chance to pick up Ke-ola's supplies yet so I decided to make a temporary bed for him from one of our sofa cushions wrapped in a blanket. I put him right next to my daybed and he feel fast asleep, crate free! He slept through the night. He only woke me a few times with his coughing but I'd rub his head and once it settled, he'd fall back to sleep.

We woke up together and we headed outside. Ke-ola looked in better spirits than the previous day. We had the good fortune to see two enormous flocks of geese flying over head. We both looked up at the honking coming from above and when I looked down I could Ke-ola's eyes smiling at them. Then it was chow time. He ate his breakfast and afterwards we had bonding time and then nap time. I got busy and forgot to take him out. I walked into a puddle on the floor. I cleaned the accident and took Ke-ola out for some morning sun. The kids were enjoying nutrition break at the school across the street. There were loud noises, moving bodies and excitement. It didn't faze him one bit. He stood and watched the kids playing, wagged his tail a bit and turned to me for affection.

Ke-ola must be drinking lots of water because I found another puddle before our late morning coupage session. After the cleanup we walked in the front yard and he had some very productive coughs. We stayed out for 30 minutes and soaked in the sun. He is such a sweet boy he spends most of his time looking deeply into my eyes. Once our time was up, I brought him in for his midmorning nap and got back to work.

Ke-ola love his Reiki Cleansing
sessions. He always falls softly
to sleep before we are done.

Yet another surprise awaited me when I came to check on him. I found  a puddle accompanied by an odorous mountain that had been secretly hidden on the floor behind the partition. Ke-ola was laying on his bed with a little tail wag looking sheepish. I didn't reprimand him as he is sick and has always tried to go potty outside. I was a bit frustrated with the repeated cleanup and all that it entailed. I was so busy cleaning, disinfecting and scrubbing that I didn't notice Ke-ola hadn't moved from his bed. When I finished I looked at him and his eyes melted my heart. I could see he is trying so hard to be the best boy ever but is battling his health to do it. I couldn't help but sit down next to him and let him know that no matter what accidents he has we love him and he is safe. I thought this would be a great time for a Reiki Cleansing session with him. I could feel his tensions ease and within a few minutes he was fast asleep.

It seems that Ke-ola understood me and was grateful because at lunchtime he shared a new behavior. He would stop eating the minute I stepped away. I walked to the other side of the room twice and twice he stopped eating and came to me. When I returned to his bowl, he returned to his eating. I got teary once I realized what he was doing. Seeing how very skinny this boy is and knowing that his hunger is long and old, it amazed me that he still puts love above all.

Ke-ola eating with gusto, as long as I'm standing next to him.

Ke-ola getting love from
Kadante after his shot.

Kadante's love always
turns into belly rubs.

Three o'clock was the time for his new antibiotic…did I mention it's by subcutaneous injection?! I was a bit nervous thinking about injecting a dog I have only known for such a short time. (I've injected my Great Danes, both subcutaneously and intramuscularly, but they had been with me for years.) Kadante helped me keep Ke-ola still and I successfully administered his first dose. Ke-ola was a complete love throughout. He didn't move or make a sound. When I was done he turned to me and plopped his head down on my lap. The wisdom this boy has in uncanny. He is patient and understanding of everything that is done to him. I have no doubt he knows what we are trying to do for him and he is grateful.

Wishing you and your pack Peace, today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

Ke-ola 

POI

Ke-ola is working hard to feel better

I was feeling sick last night so Kadante kindly slept with Ke-ola. He said that Ke-ola spent the night coughing. This morning when I opened his crate he just wagged his tail a bit but didn't try to get up. This is unusual because as he's been feeling better he can't wait to get out once the door is opened. It took me some coxing but he eventually got up he ate his food, went outside and took his meds but had little energy afterwords. His tail stayed tucked between his legs and his eyes didn't look very bright. His breathing seemed labored and he began to shake. I sat with him all morning with his head on my lap. I read him some Sacred Hawaiian Texts and Bible Verses. He was still as I read but once I finished he began to hack. I tried coupage yet wasn't able to help him gain a productive cough and his breathing became more labored.

Ke-ola not feeling the greatest today. He had us very concerned. 

I put him in his crate and watched him fall asleep. His body needs rest to heal. I hoped that with sleep he would regain some strength. I checked on him every 30 minutes for the next couple of ours and by noon rather than getting better he looked worse. I opened the crate and again he didn't move to get out. His breathing was still heavy and he would barely open his eyes when I pet him.

I called Pet Hospital in Orange, explained his symptoms and was told to bring him in to be seen right away. Because he is my foster dog and I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue is responsible for him, I needed to contact Corrie from I.C.A.R.E. to let her know what was happening. I feared not being able to contact the correct people at I.C.A.R.E. as it is Sunday and thought they'd be busy. Once again I.C.A.R.E. was amazing. Within minutes of my message Gabby had contacted me to see how she could help. I explained the situation and she told me to go take care of Ke-ola and she would contact Corrie. Before I could get out the door Corrie called me to offer her assistance and set everything up for us at the Pet Hospital.

Ke-ola asking Roland for affection

Ke-ola waiting for tests
at Pet Hospital

Once Roland (hubby) and I arrived at the vets Ke-ola seemed to go from a wilted flower to walking on his own and wagging his tail. I began to question my decision to bring him in. He suddenly looked much better than I'd seen him in hours. He had tail wags for one of his favorite nurse and kept asking Roland for attention. Needless to say, I felt like an overreactive first time foster. It wasn't until we were alone with Ke-ola in the exam room that he plopped down on a towel and became lethargic again.

Ke-ola is a precious boy.

Poor Ke-ola not feeling
his happy self.

He had more blood work done and another chest X-ray. One lung looked better the other worse so Dr. Wiatt changed his antibiotics and personally demonstrated the correct technique for canine coupage. I tried to record him while he performed the technique, as I have yet to find a good online video explanation. But sadly I didn't hold the record button which resulted in several out of focus photos. (I am sorry to my readers because Dr. Wiatt's explanation and demonstration were superb. I'll ask him if he'll do another one the next time I see him so I can share it with you.) Dr. Wiatt's technique was so good that as soon as we got home Ke-ola started to cough up foamy phlegm…a productive cough, hurray!

Ke-ola will also need to have digestive enzymes added to his food as we found that even feeding him 3 times a day, 3 times the normal amount, he has lost weight. Ke-ola has a followup visit next Sunday. I hope he'll have some weight-gain and his chest is less congested by then.

Wishing you and your pack Peace, today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

POI

Ke-ola is starting to feel at home

Ke-ola loving his time with
foster brother, Roland Jr.

It was another interesting night with our boy Ke-ola. He spent another night hacking but his nose was much less runny and he barely shivered. I finally felt he was safe to sleep through the night and before I knew it I too was fast asleep. I must have really let my guard down because I didn't realize Ke-ola needed to relieve himself until I heard a forceful stream of liquid hitting bedding and crate. It was 5:30am and the sun hadn't gotten up yet but I jumped to my feet and asked him to stop. He kindly headed my request. I had just enough time to put on a jacket and take him out to finish his business. This is his first accident and I blame myself because we are giving him lots of water and he needs to go out more often than a healthier dog.

After mopping, wiping, bleaching and rinsing we needed to let his crate dry. Ke-ola has gone through all the bedding we have so I folded a small blanket for him while I readied the wash. Upon my return I couldn't believe my eyes. He had decided, and rightly so, that my bed was much more comfortable than a little blanket on the floor. I had to laugh because I couldn't blame him but until he is healthier we need to keep the bacteria under control, that means no furniture. The most hilarious part of it all was that both of my sons had not only seen him happily sleeping on the bed but took pictures and filmed him. Talk about knowing how to work a crowd. Ke-ola has personality plus.

Ke-ola enjoying the comforts
of a king sized goose down comforter.

Ke-ola loves love.

I decided that it wasn't fair that he needed to lay on the hard plastic crate bottom with just a little blanket until the wash was done so…"honey (my husband, Roland) Ke-ola is now sleeping on our goose-down comforter." (Roland is at work and won't know about our generosity until he comes home.) Ke-ola seems to be comfortable on his feathery blanket. I don't know how happy my husband will be tonight but we live in Southern California so at least he won't freeze.

And we love loving him

Ke-ola spent the day hanging out with his foster brothers. Kadante spent time with him in the sun and fresh air. Roland Jr. gave him love while I was getting his bed ready. Ke-ola lights up when he sees any family member. His tail won't stop wagging and he smiles from ear to ear. He then relaxes as he trusts you'll keep petting him and just melts into your arms.

I'm confident dinner will go well as there is not a food Ke-ola has tried that he hasn't devoured.



Wishing you and your pack Peace, today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

POI

Ke-ola Example - There is always time for love

This has been Ke-ola's first day back home from Pet Hospital of Orange. He spent the night with a drippy nose, shivers and attempting to cough up mucus. We did a few sessions of doggy coupage last night and it seemed to help. He also found time to sleep...soundly. It made me happy to hear him sleep but his snoring hampered mine.

Ke-ola!

When he awoke this morning the light was coming back into his eyes. He ate his breakfast and took his medication and then we headed out for some fresh air in the front yard. He is such a good boy, he has chosen one small corner of our front yard as his potty station and keeps the rest clean. The morning was cold here so we came inside for some love and bonding time. I put him to sleep in his crate and while he wanted to keep playing he soon feel asleep.

Ke-ola sharing his wisdom
without uttering a word.

I was waiting for the sun to burn through the clouds before taking him out again. Luckily the sun was kind enough to appear for a couple of hours and Ke-ola and I took advantage. I gave him his second feeding and setup a towel on the grass so he could sunbathe. He enjoyed his time outside but had other ideas. It seems he likes to keep his face close so he can gaze into your eyes while you are petting him. He stood on his towel for 30 minutes just being loved and saying thank you. He would take a moment to look around and to smell the air then he would turn his head gently and look into my eyes and press his head against my hand. All I could do was pet him and tell him "I love you" and Thank you". I love you for coming into my life and expanding my heart. Thank you for teaching me about grace, gratitude and nobility.

Ke-ola made me remember how often I take things and people for granted. This boy has been through so much and is still quite ill, yet he never passes up an opportunity to be loved or to love. He doesn't care if he's hungry, thirsty, ill or hurting, he is always ready for love. I was grateful to my canine guru for the life lesson but it was time for rest.

We took a much needed nap together. I'm not sure if he didn't snore or if I was just to tired to hear him but we got a solid nap. It was then time once again for some doggy coupage. He coughed up quite a bit of mucus this time! YAY! And some more bonding time before resting.

Dinner is now his third meal and he devours it. We took another quick trip outside so he could take care of his business and then he had foster brother bonding time. Now for some rest and later we'll use the humidifier and do more coupage.

Wishing you and your pack Peace today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

POI

Ke-ola is home and resting

Ke-ola LOVES the care at
Pet Hospital in Orange!

Ke-ola is home again and we couldn't be happier! He was at Pet Hospital in Orange with IV fluids and antibiotics. Poor little guy has pneumonia and a secondary repository infection. He is very contagious so he was kept in quarantine but that didn't stop the staff and his nurse Robin from showering him with love. He looked very happy to us (Kadante and myself) but I could tell he was grateful for the kindness he received at Pet Hospital.

I find it very difficult to believe that in such a short time Ke-ola has found his way into our hearts. We all missed him terribly when he was in the hospital. (To be clear, all the two legged family members  missed Ke-ola. His four legged foster sisters didn't seem to mind having the house to themselves) I had great plans to shoot a fantastic video of Ke-ola seeing us for the first time after being in the hospital but it was thwarted as soon as he came over to say hello. He remembered us and wanted to show us love. It was overwhelming to feel such a strong connection being reciprocated by this beautiful boy. The best part for me was when Ke-ola got his fill of affection from Kadante and walked over to me, gently rested his head in my lap and looked up at me with his sweet big brown eyes…Heaven!

So far everyone that has met him shares a similar sentiment as the one shared by the staff at Pet Hospital today, "He will need a special family or person to adopt him because he is so special himself. He deserves someone that can see how very special he is, he is so grateful and a gift of a dog." He is a very special soul and we are grateful that we get to play a part in helping him heal, inside and out.

Ke-ola seeing Kadante for the first time after being in the hospital. 

(Sorry it's so short but I had to turn off the video and give my boy some love.
We missed him)

On our way home! YAY!

He is still contagious so we will need to be diligent about keeping the nasty bacteria at bay and giving him his meds. We've setup the humidifier for him and I'll be sleeping next to him in the den. He also needs to get some weight on so we're kicking meals up to three times a day. Thank you once again to everyone that is rooting for him and sending him their best. Now to keep him warm, hydrated, feed, medicated, loved and quarantined.

"Where there is love there is life." Mahatma Gandhi
(Ke-ola = life and anywhere he goes love follows.)

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

Wishing you and your pack Peace, today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.

Ke-ola in the hospital

It has been an incredibly challenging 12 hours. Ke-ola became lethargic after his dinner and antibiotics. I tucked him into his crate in front of the fireplace and let him sleep. He slept for a few hours and then I noticed he was shaking in his sleep. I knelt beside him and touched his forehead and poor boy was boiling. I placed his head in my hands as I'd done the night before and began to sing to him. But tonight instead of falling asleep in my hands he could barely open his eyes and his nose had runny bubbly mucus. He had no energy, he was fighting to stay alive. Roland, my husband, sat with him and prayed while I tried to contact ICARE. It was after midnight and I was sure I would not be able to reach anyone. To my surprise once again I.C.A.R.E. stepped up. (I apologize again to the many ICARE family I woke in the wee hours tonight but I really didn't think Ke-ola would make it to the morning. And I thank each of you for being so gracious and caring.) I was amazed when I heard back from Elvira and then Gabby. I explained his symptoms to Gabby and she told me to get him treated at the closest Urgent Care. I was to call her once I was there so she could make sure that Ke-ola was seen. My son, Kadante, had just gotten home from rehearsals and offered to go with me to take Ke-ola. Ke-ola could barely stand let alone walk at this point. Gabby graciously took calls from 2 am to 4am, she coordinated his care and made sure he was treated immediately at Crossroads Animal Emergency in Norwalk.

Ke-ola made it through the night thanks to
Dr. Moscony, Steve and the great staff at Crossroads.

Dr. Moscony and his staff were incredible! They admitted him immediately and began IV fluids and antibiotics. They were kind enough to work on stabilizing him and keeping him safe until morning so we could get him to Pet Hospital in Orange. They worked with us to provide life sustaining treatment and at the same time stay within a budget to help our rescue. We LOVE Crossroads! They saved our baby girl River when we first adopted her and now they have saved Ke-ola's life as well. A huge thank you from our pack to Crossroads Animal Emergency!

Kadante and I got home around 4am and tried to get a couple hours of sleep before taking Ke-ola from Crossroads to Pet Hospital later that morning. When we arrived at Crossroads we were amazed to see that Ke-ola was now able to walk and wag his poor battered tail at everyone he saw. We were over joyed! Here is a clip Kadante took of Ke-ola while we were on our way from Crossroads to Pet Hospital. He has the light back in his eyes.

Dr. Ross with Ke-ola.
Thank you Dr. Ross and Staff

Gabby coordinated everything for us and Dr. Ross was waiting for us at Pet Hospital in Orange. We were seen as soon as we arrived. Dr. Ross and staff were great with him. They showed him affection and had a genuine concern for his well being. It was difficult to hear he needed to be hospitalized for a few days but knowing he is in the care of the staff at Pet Hospital in Orange made it easier to leave him.

Ke-ola grateful for the love

We are grateful to all the wonderful people that worked so hard and gave so much to Ke-ola once again. This boy is very special. Everyone that meets him falls in love with him. He has a special gift that endears him to all that know him. He is still fighting for his life but we are confident that Ke-ola has the "Life Force" to sustain him through this battle and carry him to victory. And a big thank you to everyone online that sent positive thoughts, well wishes and prayers. I know Ke-ola can feel all the love and after being so neglected and hurt, I believe its all that love that is healing him. Thank you all again.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235

The backstory of our night...our trip to glory

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” ~ Molière

I hadn't slept much the night before as I sat with Ke-ola watching him throughout the night. I was looking forward to getting some sleep but Ke-ola's health took a turn for the worse and needed professional attention. Kadante hadn't slept much either as he was just getting home as we were preparing the car for Ke-ola. We were on the road by 1am and on our way to Urgent Care. We had one mishap after another trying to get Ke-ola the care he so urgently needed. Our GPS sent us to the wrong "Animal Hospital" and it was closed. Once resetting the information and receiving the correct directions we found not one but two road blocks and could find no way around them. We decided to call Crossroads and ask for help. They were wonderful with us. They kept us on the phone while they looked for alternate routes on their computer. We finally found our way to them but what should have been a 10 minute trip had more than tripled. We were now more concerned than ever for Ke-ola's life.

Ke-ola with his foster brother, Kadante.

Once we had the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Moscony our fears were greatly relieved. We knew Ke-ola was in great hands and would be provided with the care he needed to make it through the night. Kadante and I looked forward to a quick trip home and getting a few hours sleep before coming back to get Ke-ola. The universe had other plans. We came across more detours and closed streets on the way home. Needless to say another 10 minute trip turned into 45. And to welcome us home in the wee hours of the morning, we found giant machines, road lights and a construction crew working diligently in front of our house. It was a special treat for me as my bedroom slider was directly above the activity. Thankfully they were done by 5am and I was able to catch an hour before heading back to Crossroads.

It was quite an adventure but in the end I received the ultimate reward, Ke-ola was alive and on his road to health and my son took me out for breakfast to celebrate. In my book, it really doesn't get much better than that.


Wishing you and your pack Peace, today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.


POI

Ke-ola Day 2

Last night was a long one. Ke-ola had fever, chills and a runny nose all night.  My youngest son was sick as well so we decide to set up Ke-ola's recovery suite (the den) to accommodate the three of us. Ke-ola and I cuddled next to the fire as he laid his sweet head in my hands. He was such a love. He'd start to fall asleep so I'd try to pull my hands away, hoping for some much needed sleep of my own, and he'd open his eyes and softly nuzzle me asking sweetly and politely please keep loving me. It just melted my heart! I couldn't believe with his fever and shaking all he wanted was to be loved. We all finally fell asleep together.

This morning his shaking had almost completely subsided. He got his antibiotics and ate his breakfast with gusto. After breakfast I took him outside and let him walk on the grass and enjoy a bit of sun. He was great. We have a street full of trucks and men trimming trees and fixing water lines and he didn't even bark! He just looked at them as they worked or walked by and then returned to my lap for more pets.

He is a very good boy and wants to please but hasn't had much basic training. He is still quite sick so we are starting slowly. This morning we worked on learning to wait for my command before he goes outside and to wait for my command before he goes inside. He is starting to understand.

My two girls, Sky and River, are still quite standoffish with him. So we have't wanted to introduce them yet. Our girls were both adopted from the Dover Shelter in San Bernardino as a bonded pair. They were both very underweight, had Kennel Cough, UTI's and Pneumonia plus both had bite marks on their heads. They are the sweetest pups imaginable and changed our lives from the start but are quite scared of our boy, Ke-ola. I think with love and time they will learn to be friends.

Here's a picture of our girls in the Dover Shelter and their first day at home. (They didn't know what a bed was so they slept on the floor next to their beds. In the bottom picture we had to physically place them on a bed. As you can see, they didn't know what to make of it.)

Ke-ola spent most of the day sleeping as he still has a long road to recovery but he found time to bond some more with his two human foster brothers today and enjoyed all the love and attention.

Below is the video that started me on the Rescue Path. I watched this poor pup barely able to stand work so hard just to find human comfort. It broke my heart and the tears wouldn't stop flowing. Warning: This boy looks very sick and hurt in the video, it may be disturbing to some.

Thank you Denise Carta for the permission to use this video of Ke-ola.

For more information about I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue, to find your perfect new pack-mate or to see how they are saving lives please use this link. I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue


Wishing you and your pack Peace, today and everyday. Thank you for visiting.

You can find us on Facebook:
Page https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs
Our page hopes to encourage more people to adopt not shop by sharing stories of successful shelter/rescue dog adoptions & useful info for a healthy dog.
Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1405355683042930/
This group is an open group for rescues, fosters, shelter staff, volunteers to post dogs in need of adoption, transport or rescue. Our group’s admin is not affiliated with any posts or posters nor do we have any further information about a post. We are merely offing another place online to help get dogs seen, safe and in their forever homes. 
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109405533286226395235


POI