The director of Missoula Animal Control emailed me last week to ask if we could take an elderly, blind dog they had at the shelter. Someone had seen a car pull up to the curb, the door open, and a tiny dog deposited on the sidewalk. Then the car drove off. Fortunately, the person who saw this happen called Animal Control, and they zoomed over to pick up the dog.
He's an itty bitty thing, weighing all of 6 pounds. He's emaciated, with his bones sticking out all over his body. And his hair was so matted the staff at Animal Control had to shave him down. His mouth is awful, too -- it's been a long time, if ever, since he's had any dental work done. The shelter listed him as 12 years of age, which seems right to us.
Animal Control had him for a couple of weeks, and we've had him since last Tuesday evening, so he's had plenty of groceries recently, but this next shot will give you a better idea of how thin he still is:
You really can feel every bone in his body. Literally. Here's the top down view:
Every vertebrae in his spine sticks out. His ribs feel like strings on a guitar. I can only imagine what he looked like when Animal Control first found him.
Despite his condition, he is spunky and vocal and very bright. In less than 24 hours he figured out where everything was. At first I was calling him "Little Man," not being able to decide what to name him, but it finally came to me: Teddy.
So if Teddy's been here since Tuesday, why did I wait until now to post him on the blog? Well, Alayne's been on the road for the past several days, and I hadn't said a word to her about Teddy's arrival. I wanted to see how long it would take her to notice a new minion in the pack. You know, a "welcome home surprise." (I'm allowed to make exactly two 'executive decisions' per year on my own ... unless the first one goes badly. In which case that's the only one I get for the year.)
When Alayne got home yesterday evening, there was the chorus of happy small dogs to greet her at the back door -- Goldie, Daisy, Widget, Bailey, Dexter ... and Teddy. Alayne came through the door, got down to pet them, and it went like this: "Hi, Goldie love! Hi, Daisy! Hey, Widgie! Mister Bailey! Hello, Dexter! Oh, you guys, I'm so happy to see ... [Pause] ... well, hello there ... who are you?"
Elapsed time was about 7 seconds.
As she made her way through the throng to pet Teddy, she looked up at me and said, "Who's this?"
While I starting telling her Teddy's story, he was already making his way towards her, ears up, tail wagging. Alayne began cooing over him.
[I could tell I was going to get an A+ for this particular executive decision. Whew. I've got one left!]
This little tyke moved right in from his first evening here. He gets along great with everyone, seems pretty well house-trained, and is just a doll. Teddy can be an insistent character, too, but only at meal time -- he barks and barks when he knows I'm making his food.
I have a vet appointment for him in Helena on Tuesday -- eye exam, blood work, dental, physical, etc. He has a world-class set of cataracts, but I don't know if that's the primary cause of his blindness or secondary to something else.
Yesterday evening after dinner, Alayne and I were sitting in the living room catching up on things. I was in the big wing-backed recliner when Teddy came over, stood up and put his front paws on the side of my chair. I picked him up and put him on my lap, and within a few minutes, he was lying across my chest, sound asleep and as content as could be.
To all of you who support the ranch with your donations -- well, that's why we can say 'yes' to a little blind guy like Teddy. Thank you.
Teddy says, "You know, I've had a rough life but I think things are going to be just fine from now on!"
---
This is the last week for the contest -- voting ends next Sunday, July 26th at midnight (PST). Please enlist your family, friends and colleagues to join you in voting for the ranch as we count down to the finish line. Remember, you can vote for us every day in The Animal Rescue
Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge.
Enter
"Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana,
and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote.
With one week to go, we're still No. 3, and that means a $3,000 grant if we can hold that spot! Thanks for voting!
What a precious spirit - he has persevered against all the odds and I thank Rolling Ranch for being his sanctuary. The work you do is immeasurable in any terms. God bless the animals.
Posted by: Colleen | September 15, 2009 at 03:37 PM
First the shock of thinking somebody would dump this dog, then the shock of seeing his condition!!
THANK GOD he's at Rolling Dog Ranch. Teddy this is the First Day of the Rest of your Life!!! You are a doll.
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 23, 2009 at 12:09 AM
I just saw this new addition and I can't wait to see how long it takes the two of you to fatten this little guy up. And I vote that Steve should get an added bonus vote for this decision!!
Posted by: karin | July 22, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Sounds like Teddy has a heart ready to love, and to be loved. Thanks for doing what so many of us wish we could do.
Supporting RDR is a joy and its a privlege to be a small part of something so BIG in the lives of these critter's!
Thanks Steve for sharing their stories with us. They are always so touching, inspiring and encouraging. I admire the work you and Alayne are doing. Please don't stop. The horses and dogs fortunate enough to have found their way to RDR have truly found their little pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Bless you all!
Posted by: Lisa Koch | July 22, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I once fostered a wee dog like Teddy. She was found in traffic hardly able to walk because of her matted hair. It was difficult to tell her front from her rear, she had only 1 eye & no teeth. But she had spunk & personality. She was adopted & had a great 3 years as the center of attention of both children & adults.
You go, Teddy!
Posted by: Consuelo Larrabee | July 21, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Congrats on your newest addition! I don't know who's luckier-you and Alayne or Teddy. This is DEFINATELY a win/win! Thank goodness Teddy was dropped him off by the side of the road-now he's been given a new lease on life. As always, best regards to ALL the followers of this blog and especially to Steve and Alayne and RDR!!! Welcome home, Teddy!
Posted by: Carolyn Kupferschmid | July 20, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Welcome home Teddy, welcome home!
Thank you Steve and Alayne from the bottom of my very grateful heart for giving these precious animals a forever home....
You're the BEST!!!!!
Lots of love and hugs to everyone at RDR!
Posted by: Beverly | July 20, 2009 at 06:36 PM
33 comments on this little guy!! I'll make it 34. He is a cutey pie.
So are the others, God bless em. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Evelyn | July 20, 2009 at 05:09 PM
I am looking forward to seeing Teddy fattened up and covered with his natural length hair. Steve will have to update his pictures on a regular basis.
Madison has also stolen my heart, and I smile big when I see that funny face.
Posted by: Barbara Crabtree | July 20, 2009 at 02:19 PM
Oh what a cutey!!! Welcome to heaven on earth Teddy!
Posted by: Maree in New Zealand | July 20, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Oh, Teddy, I'm so glad you found your way to Rolling Dog Ranch! I just can't imagine a human doing this to you... it just breaks my heart... but it brings my heart such JOY to know you will now have a happy life with Steve and Alyane and all your new friends. Take care now little one...
Barbara & Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
Posted by: Barbara Techel | July 20, 2009 at 01:54 PM
That second photo just breaks my heart.
It's so sad to realize there are many, many Teddys out there.
But, I will make myself pause and feel gratitude that there is now one less, thanks to RDR.
And may the compassionate person who called Animal Control be granted many blessings.
Posted by: Lynn | July 20, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I have a little 'Teddy' of my own under the same circumstances. Old,dumped off, one eye, feeble, deaf, horrible teeth, incontinent etc, etc. I named him Igor. :) Great little dog. Sending you a donation for Teddy.
I agree, Steve should get a bonus Executive Decision.
Posted by: Amy A | July 20, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Forgot...Please give us all an update on his medical condition after his visit on Tuesday. Y'know, we all worry about these things!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 20, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Hi precious little Teddy -- You have hit the S&A/RDR jackpot - you are in for some sweet living. Can't wait to see some pics when Teddy is a bit plumper - in the meantime these pictures make me happy - to know that this little love is in puppy paradise.
Thanks Steve, Alayne, and all the people and critters who make RDR possible.
Posted by: Angela | July 20, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Give tiny Teddy a kiss for us out here. He looks too fragile to hug! How can people do such things? I'd like to take away his previous owners (they sure were care givers) groceries for a couple weeks and see how they like it. Interesting to note he wanted on YOUR lap. Maybe he is YOUR minion?!
Posted by: Miranda | July 20, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Teddy is adorable. What a joy to know he'll never be hungry, neglected or mistreated again. Hugs to all.
Posted by: Kristi Gross | July 20, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Really, Steve, I don't think this even counts as a decision. How could anyone with a heart do anything but take in Teddy. Alayne, I'm sure, would have done the same thing if you'd been on the road. Once again I'm in tears knowing how cruel some people can be, and so grateful that there are people who will give a little creature like Teddy some good weeks, months, or years in his life.
Posted by: Helen R | July 20, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Teddy is in the right home now! We can't fathom him being left but that's in the past and now...it's good food, good caretaking and clean air for him
and for his humans and RDR lovers? Smiles at a wagging tail, laughs at Teddy boy antics and sheer joy.
Welcome to the ranch Teddy!
Posted by: boundforglory | July 20, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Poor Teddy what a cutie, may he have many long years with you.
Posted by: gayle | July 20, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Welcome Teddy!!Life is going to be great for you from here on out!!!!!!!!Thank you Steve for that great executive decision!!!Thanks Steve & Alayne for all you do!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mary | July 20, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Steve, I think you should get an extra bonus decision for taking on Teddy. With a teeny tiny little guy like that, how could you go wrong? The next time he goes to sleep on your chest, I hope Alayne can get a pic of him for the blog.
Alayne, can Steve please get 3 decisions this year for being so wise as to take in Teddy? Please?
Big hugs for all you do,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | July 20, 2009 at 08:30 AM
I meant "now that he's with you ...".
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | July 20, 2009 at 05:06 AM
Steve, let me thank YOU for having a heart as big as a whale (or even bigger:-))!
I'm writing this with tears in my eyes... It just breaks my heart seeing how emaciated Teddy is, but I know he's going to put some much needed fat on those ribs in no time at all, now that he's with you and Alayne.
I can just picture him sleeping contentedly on your chest: he must have thought he had died and gone to (doggy) heaven!:-)
Welcome to the RDR, sweet boy!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | July 20, 2009 at 05:05 AM
Teddy, you are proof unconditional love. Even though someone treated you badly you were able to come into a situation where there was lots of other animals & new people and still able to take a risk and trust enough to finally get the LOVE you so deserve. Welcome home Teddy, welcome home.......
Posted by: Joanne Cottle | July 20, 2009 at 01:56 AM
Teddy! I'm sending a little donation your way from my home in Seattle to help with your veterinary expenses. My name is Huckleberry - I was dumped at a kill shelter in terrible shape, too. You've hit the jackpot - drink in the loving care!
Posted by: Annemarie juhlian | July 20, 2009 at 01:40 AM
I cannot get over how thin he is and what his past life must have been like all of his twelve years. I am always amazed or maybe nieve to think that humans continually do something like this to such gentle creatures without guilt.
Posted by: Cora | July 19, 2009 at 11:11 PM
What a cute old guy. My Lena, now 18, was 12 when I adopted her. So I'm sure now that Teddy has lots of love and attention, he'll have many more happy years. And once those bad teeth are fixed up, he'll eat plenty and gain some weight. I think he's just learning how wonderful a life he'll have. And with other doggies friends! Thanks for taking care of him. (He might like to meet Granny!.)
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | July 19, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Is it possible, maybe, that the person who abandoned little Teddy had rescued him from his owner without the owner's knowledge? Whatever the story, I sure am glad he's at RDR. It will be heaven on earth for this little fellow, that's for sure. Welcome, Teddy!
Hey, Steve, maybe you'll earn an extra executive decision for the year because this one worked out so well! :)
Posted by: Moon Rani | July 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Welcome Teddy!!
Posted by: Wendy, Baron & Stoney | July 19, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Welcome Teddy......can't wait to see you all fattened up with shiny, clean teeth!
Posted by: Marla | July 19, 2009 at 10:17 PM
What a DOLL Teddy is! Glad he is unfazed by the transfer to RDR. He's clearly figured out that he stumbled onto something good. :)
Posted by: Kelly Luchtman | July 19, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Bless the person who saw this happen and took action, and rot the people responsible for his condition. I cannot wait for the updates as he returns to health!
Posted by: Darcie | July 19, 2009 at 09:10 PM
I agree, it is an amazing executive decision! (I'd like to make an executive decision re: the humans who mistreated him.) Teddy, you are now in good hands during your sunset years. Welcome to the ranch!
Posted by: Nina | July 19, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Welcome Teddy! Steve is Teddy your minion or was he waiting for Alayne to return home?
Vicki in Everett
Posted by: Vicki Thauvin | July 19, 2009 at 08:32 PM
I hope the person that saw Teddy dumped was able to get a license plate? I cant believe someone would do such a thing. We've had a rash of animal cruelty here in Oregon and it just makes me wonder what on earth is wrong with people!! Teddy's in good hands now! Hope to hear more about him in the future! : )
Posted by: Christine Baltazar | July 19, 2009 at 08:10 PM
What a little sweetie. It just breaks my heart to see the older dogs tossed aside, but at least he has his forever home now.
Congrats on the great decision.
Posted by: Jenniew | July 19, 2009 at 07:38 PM
OMG! Tears!! But tears of joy, joy, joy for Teddy. What a little Spunkster. And what a perfect name. It suits him perfectly. Perfect. Perfection.
It seems that Teddy has already figured out the "deal" at RDR. Two large suckers, er, people who run the place and a bunch of new friends. It sure beats being starved and left by the side of the road. (Thanks to that kind person who called Animal Control, too.)
Welcome, welcome, Teddy, you little sweetheart! Kisses on your little nose.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 19, 2009 at 07:28 PM
What a great story -- Teddy is so lucky that you saved your executive decision for him. Thanks so much for all you do -- Teddy is destined for a wonderful life.
Posted by: Marianne Hubach | July 19, 2009 at 07:25 PM
God bless you both & God Bless Teddy! This is one of those blogs that makes me laugh & cry before I finished. I love the way he was introduced to Alayne. I bet it didn't take much for her to fall in love. I see those pictures & want to make him mine. Oh, how I wish I could. I have wanted a little lap dog for so long. Teddy is one lucky little guy to have found his way to RDR. He looks so content & I can just tell from his last picture he is happy to be there knowing he is going to be fed, loved & cared for.
Twitter: @CFitz; @Erin_SweetKitty
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | July 19, 2009 at 06:34 PM
I can't tell you how thankful I am that Teddy was not only rescued but wound up with you. (He reminds me a bit of little Ricky, bless his heart).
I hope he has a long and healthy rest of his life at the RDR.
And you are so funny with your "executive decisions" schtick. I have a feeling you and Alayne operate and communicate almost as one.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | July 19, 2009 at 06:18 PM