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.