I hate writing this. I am filled with sadness. Rondo had such a hard night last night, coughing and coughing- and just looked worse. When I brought him in for his xray this morning I could not believe how much more congested his lungs appeared- an ultrasound confirmed my worse fears. We had been hoping and praying that Rondo had a bad case of pneumonia, but his ultrasound showed a large, solid mass in his right lung- a mass that the vet felt had been there, growing, since long before he came to me. Surgery would not be curative. There was only one choice, the right choice- to say good bye. Rondo is now free- running with the other great ones who went before him. He is strong and young again. I loved this sweet boy so much and it was my privilege to care for him at the end of his life. I am at peace, and know that no matter what his prior circumstances were, for the last two months he was warm, safe, loved and wanted. RIP little Rondo.

Rondo's not much of a lap dog, but he loves to cuddle with his friends!

As adorable as Rondo looked in his antler ears yesterday, he also seemed a little mortified! But was a good sport as usual. This was taken at our photos with Santa event at the Warwick Petsmart yesterday- Rondo was an angel as usual. And he is lucky enough to have two women interested in adopting him. One met him yesterday, and both are considering adding Rondo to their family. His health, of course, remains theirs- and my- biggest concern. I am so hoping for good news from his vet tomorrow!

I'm sorry the picture is so dark, but I wanted to show Rondo at a really nice event we attended last night- the wonderful women from the GreaterProvidence/Northern RI Women's Realtor's Association were generous enough to designate the Friends of Homeless Animals as the beneficiary of their annual fundraiser, a casino night at the Dueling Pianos bar in Providence. Rondo was one of the featured dogs in attendance and had such a nice time! He met so, so many people and was calm, gentle and friendly with absolutely everyone.

One of the other dogs in attendance was Ginger, a Boston Terrier girl who is often less than friendly towards other dogs, but she had no issues at all with Rondo- he has a submissive temprament with other dogs and I think she sensed that he was no threat to her at all. He returns to the vet on Monday, and I am so hoping his xray shows more improvement in his lung congestion!

We brought Rondo to the local animal coalition's Christmas bazaar today for pictures with Santa- I don't have any pics of the event because I had my hands full with 3 dogs, but I can tell you that Rondo had a great time and made lots of friends. After my dog Pixie peed on the blanket of the massage therapist doing canine massage, I was so embarrassed that I treated Rondo to a 5 minute professional massage- he was in heaven! His eyes were closed and he was practically purring....and she showed me some easy techniques to relax Rondo, and help expand his muscles. 

I'm embarrassed too to tell you that Rondo hasn't had a nail trim since he's been with me- even with my husband helping, he's too squirmy for us to do his nails. He doesn't nip, but squeals like he's being set on fire and disemboweled at the same time and manages to wiggle away. Dr Lord, the wonderful vet from the Mass. Mobile Vet Clinic was at the bazaar and was kind enough to trim Rondo's nails, which were talons by now, for free. He also examined Rondo and reaffirmed what my vet had told me- that treating pneumonia in dogs usually takes at least 2 months, sometimes longer. He had a good suggestion that we consider adding a medication called Mirtazipine to stimulate Rondo's appetite. It's a med I'm pretty familiar with- an anti depressant called Remeron which I use alot at work. It's not greatly effective anti depressant so it's usually used in combination with other meds, but I can tell you that my patients on Remeron certainly tend to gain weight. I'm going to ask Rondo's vet about adding it to his regime at least as a trial.

Rondo's now doing what he does best- chillin' with his pals Pixie and Salty Dog, a long way from the streets!

Rondo came with us yesterday to my mother's home for Thanksgiving- he jumped up and cuddled right next to her, and was so gentle. I was disappointed though that he didn't eat a bite on his own all day, and had to have AD dog food, a high calorie prescription dog food, placed in his mouth to give him nutrition. We've started him on Pepcid in case his antibiotics are upsetting his stomach, but his appetite really hasn't improved- in fact, it may be a little worse. It's hard to be sick! He gets short of breath and coughs with even minor activity....but I'm in it for the long haul with Rondo, and he'll stay until he's better. His next xray is due on 12/3 and I am so hoping to see continued improvement!

What a roller coaster of a day! We received an email this morning from a lovely woman whose Bichon, Robby, went missing in Providence two years ago- Rondo looked so much like her baby that she thought she maybe have found her Robby! She came to meet him, and I'm sorry to say that Rondo was clearly not her dog- his legs are shorter, and Rondo did not have some of the markings that Robby had. I was disappointed too because she was such a nice person, and would be a good mama for any lucky dog. 

I will tell you too that she had brought her adorable 2YO daughter with her, and Rondo was an angel- so sweet and gentle. My two dogs were just awful, embarrassed me by acting like heathens, and had to be put outside because they wouldn't stop jumping on the guests. I wanted to talk her into taking mine! Rondo's behavior around others is definitely a strength of his. He has gotten along just fine with everyone he meets, without a bit of aggression or rambunctious behavior. I made him a plate of shaved steak and he ate several mouthfuls, which I was happy about. He deserves steak!

Rondo's new favorite place to hang out is on the bed- he'll go upstairs, stand at the foot of the bed and whine until I put him up! The positive to this is that it's more evidence that his separation anxiety has really improved- when he first came here he would whine, cry and pace around whenever he was more than a few feet away- now, he's able to tolerate being alone without being frightened. He's feeling more secure, especially when he's with my dogs. I've been trying to take him for at least a short ride every day also, as this is pretty much his very favorite activity. He so excited when he sees his leash, wagging his whole body and dancing. I love it! 

His coughing is much better, his breathing is less labored, but his appetite remains a real challenge. He was pretty consistently eating ground beef in good sized portions for almost a week, but has now decided that he doesn't like beef either. He's eating some dark meat chicken and bits of oatmeal cookie, but not enough to keep his weight up.  I'm back to the baby food, AD dog food, cream cheese or nutrical placed on his tongue several times a day. It's much more stressful to have a dog that won't eat than one that will gobble absolutely anything! My own dogs are absolute heathens when it comes to food, grabbing anything in their reach- that can be annoying, but I know it's a sign of health. I would absolutely love to see Rondo start begging for food!!!!!

Rondo went to the vet yesterday for his repeat chest X-ray, and I have to say I'm a little disappointed- the X-ray showed, according to the vet, "slight improvement" in his lung congestion- I guess I had hoped she would tell me that there was more than a "slight" improvement. But the wonderful DVM who has been treating him was very, very pleased- and reminded me that treating pneumonia in dogs takes longer than it does with humans, and the fact that he is so much more energetic and frisky is a great sign. She felt very comfortable in spacing out his next xray to 3 weeks from today, continued his antibiotics and ordered a vitamin supplement, because Rondo's diet consists of hamburgers, with the occasional few bites of oatmeal cookie or noodles. Hardly a balanced diet, but I'm thrilled that he's eating!

And he does seems just to be happier overall- he runs to the door to greet me when I get home, and gets so excited to go for a walk or car ride. He goes right to the back door when he needs to go out, regardless of the weather- mine are such babies when it's raining, but Rondo doesn't seem to mind. I love this sweet boy! He will stay with me as long as he needs to, and will be a tough one to say good bye to when he finds his forever home.

I have to say that Rondo is looking better! He's definitely got more energy, is more interactive with my dogs, and much more alert. I haven't given him any subQ fluids in 3 days because he's drinking plenty of water, and he's pretty consistently eating hamburger at least once a day- but he's picky! I've found that he'll eat a diced, grilled burger just fine while it's still warm- but won't eat sautéed ground beef, won't eat it reheated and won't eat it off a plate or out of a bowl- I have to feed him by hand. I'm happy to see him eating voluntarily, but there's no line at my door of folks wanting to adopt a dog that must be hand fed ground beef every day so it's something to work on. But first things first, my priority now is restoring Rondo to health. I still am concerned about how rapidly he's breathing, and he has a repeat chest X-ray tomorrow. Paws crossed that it shows major improvement!

Rondo has good days and not so good days, and today he's having a pretty good one! He ate some chicken and a few bites of cheese and seems a little more perky. We have a pretty powerful nor'easter going on, with gusty winds and freezing rain, but Rondo is such a trooper- he goes right to the door when he needs to go out and runs right down into the yard to do his business- with his fur blowing in the wind and the rain soaking his little body he does what he needs to and comes right back. My own dogs need to be carried outside when the weather is the bad! I just want Rondo to feel better- I see some hopeful signs in that he's breathing a little slower and deeper, and taking water on his own more consistently. He'll be going for another chest x-ray next week, which will give me a better idea of how he's healing. Until then, we're taking it a day at a time.

Rondo continues to look a little perkier! He jumped up on the couch for the first time since he became ill, and is eating and drinking a little bit more. I'm finding that he consistently won't eat a bite till evening but then will eat most of a burger or some chicken, and a few bites of ice cream. I'm using a lot lesss nutrical but still supplement a bit to make sure he doesn't lose any weight. He needs to gain a few lbs anyway, and if he becomes too frail his chance of survival will be less.
Rondo is such a trooper! He's so sweet and gentle, and lets me do whatever I need to. He seems to understand that I'm helping him!

Rondo went to the vet for his recheck yesterday and I have good and bad news- the bad news is that his chest X-ray did not show much improvement, and his lungs are still pretty congested. The good news is that he's a little perkier and more energetic! My struggle continues to be to get him to eat consistently-bites of burger and ice cream are keeping him alive, but he needs more nutrition than that. We are continuing his antibiotics and chest PT, and giving him lots of TLC. He is not out of the woods but we are hopeful!

I haven't updated Rondo's blog in a week- and I'm sad to say that Rondo is sick, very sick. You see, the day after our Halloween even Rondo didn't eat, not even a bite- and he began coughing and coughing later that night. He saw my vet on 10/23 and was referred to the ER- there, he was diagnosed with pneumonia- a severe and rapidly progressing one. He has been on 2 antibiotics since, and I'm giving him subQ fluids and trying to get him to eat. He has a VERY poor appetite and is so tired and weak. We are really worried about him. He could use some prayers.

Rondo went to our Halloween Event at the Working Dog Supply in North Smithfield- a wonderful store with generous owners who are great friends of rescue. Rondo had a ball! He made so many friends, and was a perfect gentleman with everyone he met. His anxiety has been soooo much better, and I think that the fact he's feeling better physically has really helped. He runs around the yard with the others looking frisky and spry, and doesn't need to be as close to me. I've found that he loves chicken, and cooked up a big batch of chicken thighs in the crock pot- I'm adding some cooked brown rice and wild salmon oil and he loves his meals! I know he'd probably eat the cheap dog food, but I'm not going to break down and buy it because it's so full of junky things that most dogs are allergic to. I'd rather cook him healthy meals to get his skin and coat in better condition. 

Right now he's sound asleep on the most comfortable bed in the living room, a long way from the streets!

Great news for Rondo! He had a follow up visit with the vet today and I'm happy to say that he is gained a pound and a half-And that his skin looked much less irritated then it did last week. He was given all of his shots and his antibiotic was discontinued. The best news is that his adopter came by to meet him and was able to spend some time with him. He was very very happy to leave however and was an angel in the car on the way home. I can tell you that he is off hundred percent calmer that he was just 10 days ago, and relaxes a little more every day.

Here are some things I've learned about Rondo- first, he hates baths, but is very stoic, and just gives me a "do ya really have to?" look- nails are a different story- he ran and hid when he just SAW the nail cutter! He looked so scruffy after his bath, but after drying off he settled right into a warm and cozy spot. He'll be seeing the vet for a re-check this week, so I'll get his nails done there- I don't have the heart to chase him and hold him down for a nail trim.

Also, he's a picky eater- he won't eat a bowl of dry dog food unless I doctor it up with some wet food too. However, he ALWAYS has room for treats and "people food". He needs to gain weight, so I'm cooking ground chicken mixed with rice, with a little fish oil to get his skin in better shape and he LOVES it and gobbles it right down.

And his separation anxiety is much worse when he's crated, so I'm letting him have the run of the house- he's not at all destructive and is fully house trained so I can trust him. I'll work with him around making his crate a safe and comfortable place for him to be, but I know it will take some time- so I'm not going to force him into his crate if it increases his fear.

Dogs like Rondo are such a pleasure to work with! I really get the feeling that this is all new to him, that his previous life was not stable or consistent. Seeing him make progress has been a great feeling.

Rondo has a new best friend, my other foster Little Man- and he's feeling much better! His cough has greatly improved, his overall demeanor is more relaxed, and he's eating like a champ! He's been through a lot in the last few weeks, and I can only imagine what his life was like before he was rescued- and a stable routine, healthy food, and some friendship has made a world of difference. He will remain here with me at least until he gets up to date on his vaccines, by late next week- and then he will be fully ready for a new home.

I could not resist getting Rondo his own jersey! I don't think he's all that wild about wearing clothes but is such a good sport. I am feeding him I mix of wet and dry dog food, and he loves it. He eats very slowly which drives my dogs nuts because they are gobblers! He needs to put on another pound or two but that should be easy because he has such a good appetite.

Rondo has settled in beautifully, and I've learned a little more about him. I can tell you that this boy loves affection, and loves to be held and cuddled. He follows me everywhere and seems to get nervous if he's alone- He also squawked a little bit when he first went into his crate last night, but he did settle down and get a good nights sleep. He is getting along beautifully with my dogs and I haven't seen a bit of aggression of any kind. He is a lover not a fighter! I could not resist getting him a jersey with his name on it... I think he is just gorgeous, and such a nice, nice boy. He is also gentle, and takes treats very nicely. He will be a wonderful best friend for a lucky adopter.

Rondo has arrived at his foster home after a quick trip to meet his foster dad and my first impression hasn't changed- this boy is sweet! Very gently and affectionate, both with humans, cats and other dogs. He is in tough shape right now with kennel cough and some skin issues- believed to be the result of the many fleas on him when he was found- but I suspect he'll clean up well in short order. He appears to be house trained, and wants to be right by my side or on my lap. He's welcome to stay here until the perfect home is found. For information on how to adopt Rondo please visit his profile

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/24296165

Meet Rondo! This swwet little boy is believed to be a poodle mix, around 6 YO- he was found wandering alone, coughing and covered with fleas, on the streets of Providence. We saved him from he shelter and he will be in foster care with me tomorrow. I met him this afternoon and can tell you that he is anxious, with some sores on his skin from apparent flea allergies. He craves affection and attention and wants to be held and touched- and he's great with kids and cats! He has been started on 2 antibiotics to treat his cough, and I'm confident that he'll clean up nicely and be a wonderful companion for a lucky family.