The story begins on January 20, 2010 with an e-mail from Lyn Melin with Dalmation Rescue in New Mexico. The e-mail stated that there were 4 sporting breeds in the Carlsbad, NM shelter. Lyn received the e-mail notice from Lisa with NM Pet Rescue in Roswell, NM. The 4 sporting breeds were one Weimaraner, 2 GSPs and 1 Vizsla.

I called Lyn immediately to get more information so I could verify that the Vizsla referred to was a purebred. Lyn gave me the contact information of the shelter where the Vizsla was. So, I called and talked to Angela, Director of the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Carlsbad, NM. I asked her to send me pictures of the Vizsla so I could verify if he truly was purebred.

She did so by that afternoon and I was shocked at his condition. He is a purebred and was picked up as a stray on Sunday, January 17th. I called her back and told her we would take him I just had to arrange transportation to get him up to Fort Collins. She offered to help with the transport. At this point I decided to name the boy Noah after the shelter that housed him.

By Thursday, January 21st the transport was organized and ready to go. This is how it worked out. Angela drove to Roswell to meet Dick, CWVRG volunteer from Stanley, NM, Carolyn, CWVRG volunteer, from Albuquerque picked up Noah from Dick. Then on Friday, Carolyn drove to Trinidad where she handed Noah off to Roy, CWVRG volunteer, who then drove Noah to Denver to meet Chris, CWVRG volunteer. Chris then drove Noah to Fort Collins to my house. He arrived late afternoon on Friday. I personally had never seen a dog in this condition.


Noah was excited and very happy in spite of the many transfers. Then on Saturday, January 23rd, Rick, CWVRG officer/volunteer, left very early in the morning to drive him to Phillipsburg, KS to be fostered & treated for his condition by Polly, CWVRG officer/volunteer. Noah did not have a chance to get into Polly’s house because it was determined he had in infectious condition.

Now to let you know just what condition Noah was in. It was determined that he had a body score of “1”, which is as close as you can get to death. He was skin and bones. His hips & back bone stood out at least 1”, there was very little flesh on his head, just skin covering his skull. He weighed only 40.4#, at least 15-20# underweight. He had a contagious fungal infection which is why he had to go to our vet right away. Noah’s attitude was fantastic. He was such a happy boy, I don’t think he believed anything was wrong with him. In fact I have never seen such a happy rescue. Oh another thing we discovered, he had 2 breaks in his long tail. And I mean long, his tail had to be almost 20” long. And due to his emaciated condition he broke his tail again on Sunday at the vet’s office. Needless to say, I had already decided to have his tail docked and dewclaws removed. One of his dewclaws was just hanging, old injury had already healed.

On Monday it was determined that he could tolerate surgery and treatment to begin. He was neutered, tail docked, dewclaws removed, wormed (he was loaded w/tape) and his shots given. He turned out to be Heartworm negative, which I found amazing. Noah was able to leave the hospital and go to Polly’s.

Noah is on a strict therapy regime of medication and feeding. He is to have 8-10 small feedings a day along with his medication. He did develop a slight cold, but is improving every day. His attitude has always been positive and he is aching to play with Polly’s dogs as they are with him. His activity has to be restricted so he can gain weight, flesh and muscle tone.

Through all of this Noah's spirit has carried him through. It was determined that Noah is less than 2 years old. When he gets some weight on him and he is ready to be adopted, some family will be might lucky to adopt him.

Thanks to all of you Noah is safe. This is what rescue is all about, rescue groups working together to save a dog’s life. Noah has a life, and that would not have been possible if Lyn had not been able to reach us.

I can’t thank you all enough. There is a special place in heaven for all of you. What a wonderful team effort.

Rita
    

Update: Feb 12, 2010

Good morning everyone,
Yesterday Noah spent the day with Dr Hasch while my husband & were out of town. Noah got a really good examine. Dr Hasch checked everything he wanted to check, plus my long list. Here are the results: Noah now weighs 53# that is a gain of 13# in just 10 days, way to go Noah. Fungus infection on skin is so much better that the spray has been discontinued. He got his stitches out, which Dr Hasch thought he would have to have for 4 more days. Dr Hasch discontinued a bunch of medications, he is down to only 2 twice a day. He is off of exercise restriction---- Hooray Noah

Off leash with Diesel is now OK !!!!!! How cool is that? Meals have been cut back to 3 times a day at 2 cups per meal , and it's Black Gold, not the puppy food. Goes back to see Doc on Feb 12th, WAY TO GO NOAH !!!!!! He also knows sit, has recall on his name, loves car rides, and has learned about snuggles. He has came along way in a short period of time in more ways than one. Polly