D.J. is a 3 year old Red & White Basset Hound that was brought into Polk County (FL) Animal Control as part of an animal cruelty case weighing only 36 lbs. From what information we were given he came in with 2 siblings who passed away before having a chance to be evaluated by the vet.
D.J. is a special needs boy. We believe D.J. has a broken femur and possible nerve damage to the leg. He is extremely malnourished and is also heartworm +. D.J. got his name from the vet, Dr. Joe, who informed us that with some extensive medical care and a lot of TLC D.J. would be able to have a happy, healthy hound life.
D.J. is in Suncoast Basset Rescue's care and will need to gain weight before he can have the extensive surgery and to be treated for heartworms. He has a long road ahead of him and is a prime example of why Suncoast Basset Rescue exisits.
We feel fortunate to be a part of D.J.'s recovery and will keep regular updates coming on D.J.'s Progress.
Suncoast Basset Rescue THANKS YOU for taking the time to read about D.J.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE MEDICAL FUND FOR D.J. AND HOUNDS LIKE HIM PLEASE VISIT
UPDATE #1
D.J. was evaluated by the vet - his injury is a broken femur, and the injury is about 3-4 weeks old. This poor guy had suffered for quite some time. He is being treated and he sadly is infested with Heart Worm Disease. The main goal is to get him back into a healthier state so that we can treat his Heart Worms. He is coming along and it will be a long process. Fortunately he is in a foster home that has the time and willingness to see him through, no matter the length of time he needs.
8/7/2008
UPDATE #2
"DJ" is doing really good. He is getting around very good considering all he has gone through.
He can get up and move around on his own. He is now growling when he wants to play, where before when we first got him he would not make a sound. He likes to try and follow Judy and I around the house when he is out to exercise. As for his eating, well he is now wanting to eat everything in the house,and drinks plenty of water. "DJ" is a very loving hound, he just wants a friend, someone to bond to.
As of today "DJ" weighs according to my scale 44lbs. Which is a an approx. 8.2lbs weight gain since we got him.
"DJ" still has a long way to go. He is still having problems with his front feet, and we are not sure what direction the broken femur is going to go. He is still in a splint, and we are looking at it being removed here in the next week. Where it will be re-evaluated by the vet.
The first picture is of "DJ's" leg when we first got him. When the splint is removed I will send a photo of his leg and how it is doing....
UPDATE # 3 8/16/2008
DJ went through his surgery with no problems. He has also completed
his treatment for "Whip worms". Also he has just been started on his
heart worm treatment. Dj is doing great he has gained 12.2 lbs. He is really looking good.. His personality is really coming out. He loves to play with our
Phoebe, who is in love with him....... She lets DJ sleep on her bed
with her and eat out of her dish, and that is a first on both counts..
The one thing that we have found to be a bit strange with DJ is his
bark. He has a bark like a screech owl, I am not kidding you have
never heard anything like it.... but that is "DJ". His hind leg is healing well, he is now putting a bit of weight on it as he walks. The Vet said that he will always have a funny little twist to his leg, but it will be use able. His front feet, well we will just have to wait and see how his strength progresses, before we decide what has to be done there.
"DJ" is a wonderful boy, he will make someone a fantastic family
member
I Love Being Loved... D.J.D.J. is doing wonderfully. He very loving and sweet and loves nothing better then being petted and cuddled and with D.J. around you will always have two shadows. He has put on weight and has become a very handsome hound. His leg is healed and he as slight limp but in no way does it slow him down. D.J. is never last in the basset 500 with my pack of hounds. He loves to play and throw his toys in the air and I think everyone in the family had been hit by falling toys. (Smile)
D.J. ‘s name should be changed to bull dozer for two reasons. He is very powerful and strong.
You will build up muscles when he takes you for a walk. We are working on the leash training.
D.J. does not walk around items or walks over things he just plows thru. You never know how he is going to rearrange the chairs in the home. He maybe three years old but his social skills and a lot of his behavior is like having a 50-pound puppy whose is housed trained.
Except for the heart worms (which treatment has started) D.J. is now a healthy big boy who needs some training on social skills and leash walking. You cannot help falling in love with him.
He is so sweet and loves to be petted. Good with children, right now till he gets a little more social skills he will over whelm small children in playing with them because he does not realize his strength so he needs close supervision with the young ones.
November 2008
DJ Continues to make progress. His HW treatment has been completed and he is thriving. DJ is still trying to find his place among a pack. He is now back to a normal basset weight and is making his way in the world. He recently made his first public debut at the Suncoast Basset Rescue Thanks for Giving event held in Ocala. He romped and played and enjoyed the day running about like a mad man. He was showing some real personality and is continuing to make strides after such a rough life.
January 2009
DJ is looking wonderful. He has completed Heartworm Treatment, and has thrived. DJ's knickname of Bull Dozer stands strong. Now that he is in truly good health he is having trouble finding his place amongst groups of hounds. He isnt sure of his position in the order of things. DJ had a very troubled life, and because of that he will need a home where he can be the center of attention. He needs to be the main dog where he can recieve the love and attention he was starved of for so long. DJ continues to make progress, and Suncoast is dedicated to seeing him through to finding his very own Forever Home. Check back on DJ and his progress. For more information on DJ please visit www.suncoastbassetrescue.org
< xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" prefix="o" namespace="">