TOUGH TIMES

May 2000

Copper came to our local animal shelter 2 months ago "dark brown, starving, terribly filthy & smelly."  He was sent to a groomer (done only in extremely bad cases). Shelter staff were surprised to see him return "all white."  20% of his hair was clipped to remove many thick, deeply tangled mats full of dirt & spruce needles.  I spoke with the groomer afterwards; she'd wanted to remove more fur but was afraid no one would adopt him.  He still had massive mats (golf ball size) behind his ears --- wouldn't let anyone near those ears! Our vet removed one ear mat when Copper was neutered.  After that operation he was still quite groggy.  With much patience & coaxing, & an hour of careful snipping, I was able to finally cut out the other ear mat.  (It was really important to do.)  

He's had food available 24 hrs/day.  Though  he's the same height as a lab or german shepherd, he weighs only 43 lbs (19.5kg).  We hope he'll gain at least another 10 lbs (4.5kg).  But his temperamental tummy & finicky taste buds were a big challenge.  We finally offered him a row of 5 bowls of different natural dog foods (no chemicals because of his easily upset stomach) --- he chose a chicken & rice formula & now wolfs down 3 - 4 1/2 cups a day.  (When we first got him he barely managed 2 cups a day, & that was on a good day!)  (update!)