Sioux #04-159

(Fostered in Des Moines, IA)

Sioux is an 11-month old, 3-legged male from a puppy mill in Iowa.  He is very good with kids and ok with cats.

UPDATES:

7/21/04:  It's been a while since I was able to do an update on (a boy named) Sioux, so I better get busy!!  Since his last update he has had a lot happen in his life.  He lost his best friend when his foster sister Wendy was adopted by a wonderful couple in St Paul.  He tried to play with my small dogs, but it just wasn't the same......  He got to go along when we went to the RAGOM picnic in Ames, and he had a BLAST!!  He also met the family that was soon to become his new forever home!!  Happy Day!!

First things first though....  It was determined that it would be in his best interest to have the surgery done on his displaced right hip (same side as his missing leg).  Plans were made, transport was arranged, and BAM! he was on his way to Stillwater to have the surgery done.  He had his surgery on Thursday and was in his new forever home by Saturday!  All the people that were involved with this whirlwind procedure absolutely fell head over heels in love with him (I told you he was a VERY special boy, didn't I??)!!  I went to make sure that he was comfortable in his new home last night.  He has settled in better than I could have hoped for.  He was happy to see me, but I could tell that he was REALLY happy in his new home.  His hip is healing nicely and he is even starting to use his leg to stride when he walks, no more bunny hopping for my boy!!  He has a Golden sister, Cirrus to play with, and a human sister, Casey to take care of him and make sure everyone treats his sore leg gently.  The sad part for me is that he will be moving soon to Alabama, but promises were made to send pictures and updates on email.  I am so happy for Sioux that he has found a loving home that really wants him to a part of their lives.  He is one lucky dog!!

5/25/04:  (A boy named) Sioux has settled in quite nicely, thank you very much!!  Unlike the character in the Johnny Cash song, he does not feel a need to be tough and defend his unusual name.  He's a lover, not a fighter!  It was decided that surgery on his dislocated right hip is not necessary at the present time, as he does not indicate that he is in any pain.  He may need to be on some type of medication, such as Rimadyl as he gets older, however.  Sioux runs and plays with Wendy 04-182, the Lab cross.  He has taught himself the best way to go up and down stairs.  He goes into the crate with a little encouragement.  He ALWAYS needs to be carrying something in his mouth.  He doesn't destroy it, just gets it all slobbered up!!

Sioux loves to be loved (who doesn't?)!!  He bonds quickly with humans, cats, dogs, it really doesn't matter.....he just loves life!!  Because of his missing leg, sometimes he is a little clumsy.  He'll wipe out as he runs around a corner, but he picks himself up, shakes himself off, and starts all over again (I think I heard that somewhere before....hmmmm).  Because of the problems with his legs, his weight will need to be closely monitored his entire life.  When Sioux was at the vet last week he weighed in at a svelte 48 pounds.  This would be a good weight for him to try to maintain.  He is just so darn lovable, and is just about the perfect Golden to boot, that you or he doesn't even realize that he is missing a little ole' body part!  If you are looking for the best companion you have ever had, well, you know what to do!!

5/17/04:  I took Sioux to the vet this morning and now have some good news, and some not so good news.  Considering the puppy mill he came from, he is surprisingly free of all parasites, no ear mites, fleas, lice, or assorted freeloaders in his stool sample.  His little stub of a front leg looks as good as it can and no additional work is needed on it.  It is about 2 inches long and has healed over very nicely on its own.  I felt that he was not as steady on his feet as he should be, so I requested x-rays on his hips.  Now, for the not so good news, his right hip (same side as the missing leg) has luxated.  It is completely out of the socket, and is severe enough that the only thing to do would be to remove the ball.  My vet felt that it has been this way for 3 months or more.  He did not feel that Sioux was in much pain right now, but felt the surgery would be needed in the not so distant future.  He has a WONDERFUL temperament!!  He behaved beautifully all during his bath and comb out, even though the whole ordeal lasted for over 3 1/2 hours.  Not a peep out of him when the vet was messing with him.  He has already met older people, middle aged people, and small children, and loved them all the same.  So far he avoids my cats, and wants to interact as best as he can with my dogs.  I do not need to have a leash on him as he really does not walk well and tires easily.  He also has bonded with me to the point that he does not want to leave my side.  If he does, all I need to do is whistle and he comes back immediately.

(A boy named) Sioux and his foster sister Wendy, the Lab cross

5/15/04:  A boy named Sioux and I arrived home safely this evening.  As he has never been off the farm he is pretty terrified of everything, but true to the wonderful Golden temperament is already smiling, wagging his tail, and giving short, quick kisses.  I can't get him to walk, and he seems to use his stub of a front leg quite a bit, but he does kind of "crawl" to get close to me for more petting.  I will update as I work with him more to bring him up to date with the outside world.