Update:  ADOPTED!!!!

When you look into the eyes of these two beautiful babies, you would never imagine what a difficult life they have lived so far.  They were brought into this world by an owner who refused to spay and neuter the pets he owned.  Along with falling on hard times like many of us, his female Australian Shepherd mix continued to have batch after batch of puppies.  Her last batch of puppies died of Parvo.  In a desperate attempt to keep this litter of puppies alive, he made a decision to call the Humane Society of Forsyth County.  

He knew Lumpkin County Animal Control would destroy the puppies as soon as he walked in the door because they were barely clinging to life.  Laurie called her list of foster homes and had the foster mom get in touch with this individual.
 
The foster mom met with the owner to retrieve the puppies.  It was obvious that these babies needed to go directly to the vet if there was any hope of saving their lives.  Dr. McGruder with Crestview took one look and knew without any doubt that they were dying of flea anemia.  Their bodies were covered with adult fleas, fresh born fleas, fleas being born and larvae, along with flea deposits.  They could barely hold their heads up nor even attempt to walk.  Their blood had been sucked dry from their innocent little bodies.

Dr. McGruder insisted that he keep them and do his best to keep them alive.  After several days in his facility, two blood transfusions, fluids, food and TLC, one of the litter mates passed away.  These two were getting a little stronger -- he was seeing some hope and trying to stay optimistic.  A week went by before he released these "fragile" babies back to the foster mom.   Along with the babies, was their first round of antibiotics -- clavamox, and orders to keep them eating and drinking as much as possible.  

The foster mom was seeing some progress after the antibiotics were finished.  Their behavior was not that of a puppy but desperation to fight for their lives.  So, back to the vet she went.  A round of Cephalexin and Primor for ten days.........then a new antibiotic to treat tonsillitis.........the puppies were growing and playing and acting like real puppies but, their breathing was still very labored and rough.  Their coughing sounded like part of their insides was going to come up.  This week the foster mom returned to the vet.  He decided it was time to run chest and head x-rays.  As feared but expected, the babies now have pneumonia and scar tissue is forming.  They are on Simplicef, Torbutrol, and Prednisone.  
 
The good news is that these puppies are growing, playing, and behaving like puppies!  They love wrestling and chasing each other.  Their personalities are beginning to come out.  They are very sweet and they sure are CUTE!!!   They are very happy puppies who love walking with the foster moms five dogs and cat.  Except for the sound of elephants running across the floor, the foster mom said they are quiet and rarely bark at all.
 
We have extended a great deal of time and money keeping these innocent victims of ignorance alive.  Although they have made it through a very tough situation so far, they may have a tendency to have breathing problems.  Dr. McGruder mentioned that if we keep them healthy long enough, they may outgrow a lot of problems.  They can't be fixed until their lungs heal. 
  
If you would be interested in helping us offset the expenses thus far extended, the puppies and the Humane Society of Forsyth County will be forever grateful!  Let's show that we are willing to fight for them as hard as they have fought to survive!  Yes, I want to Donate to the dog rehabilitation fund now!