BJ #02-148

BJ is a wonderful little guy who alternates between being a sweet cuddly bundle and a typical puppy terrorist! Unfortunately for BJ, he was born with a condition that caused many of his bones to not form correctly. Right now, it predominantly effects his hip and knee areas. In spite of this, BJ is just one happy boy and he gets around fairly well, not knowing that he's somehow physically challenged. It remains to be seen if there's anything that can be done for BJ long term, so we're taking a "wait and see" attitude on his prognosis and he will remain in long-term foster care for the time being.

BJ could sure use your help with the costs of medications and additional vet expenses surrounding his condition - so if you've got a little spare change in your pocket this week (month, year . . . ) - RAGOM would appreciate any donations to help us with this sweetheart. We'll keep you updated on his progress.

UPDATES:

10/22/02:  BJ had his consult with a wonderful Vet at the University of Minnesota yesterday. He loves new experiences so he was in "7th Heaven", so to speak, about the whole thing. He greeted all the other dogs (and even a cat or two) and charmed most of the Vet students, Vets and other personnel that he met. There weren't too many dry faces when we left - most having received BJ's special kisses! While the Orthopedic Specialist we met with saw some encouraging signs in the latest set of x-rays, she feels that BJ needs to reach maturity before we consider what may be his options for the future. So we will return in 6 months and follow the exercise regimen she outlined for us in the meantime.

Considering that this probably leaves BJ in "limbo" for a permanent home for yet another 6 months, my husband and I have decided that we would like BJ to join our pack permanently. BJ has brought so much light to all our lives since he arrived on our doorstep 5 months ago - I don't think we could ever part with him - even with a good prognosis and treatment plan in place. BJ is Zeke's "partner in crime"; Abby's wrestling chum; and he has gotten a couple of old middle-aged folks feeling younger and happier than we were before his arrival. Even in his most trying moments, he brings smiles to our faces - life doesn't get much better then that.

We want to thank everyone who has taken the time to write expressing interest in BJ and his progress; those of you who have so generously donated money towards his medical bills; and RAGOM for giving a "wobbly" puppy a chance to live his life.

Michele, Randy, Abby, Zeke & BJ

10/17/02:  BJ continues to be a delight with the new added addition of "ATTITUDE" - and yes, that's all caps! Typical of a dog this age, he is continually testing his boundaries (as in "Mom, do you mean no or NO!") He and Dad have a great game going also, Dad fills in the holes he digs in the yard and BJ digs them out again - I'm not sure who's winning at this point. BJ has also decided that what's his is his, what's ours is his and whatever he sees is his - thankfully, we got the "drop" command through his head before he hit this stage!

On the medical front, the x-rays we had taken in late September did show improvement in his knee joints and his front quarters. And confirmed that his hips are still are very bad. His x-rays were forwarded to an orthopedic specialist who feels there is still no surgical solution for BJ's hips. The Vet we've been seeing since BJ came into RAGOM felt that we should get a second opinion, so we have an appointment at the University of MN Vet Clinic next week. We're hoping they will see either a surgical or treatment option to improve his mobility and assure that he will have a pain free future.

8/11/02:  Well, it's been quite awhile since BJ first bounced into our home. Needless to say, a puppy can keep you quite busy!

You'd think the poor boy would be having an identity crisis with all the names he's been called since he arrived. The first few weeks he was "Lil' Piddler", then we moved on to "Little Boy" (once house training was completed) - now he's quite the "Little Man". He doesn't seem to mind, he answers to anything!

His medical condition remains unchanged. There isn't a great deal of documented information about epithyseal dysplasia - which is what we believe BJ has. We continue to get monthly check-ups and vaccinations and watch him grow. The fact that BJ has made it this far and is still managing to support his body weight is a good sign. We will be getting some new x-rays in about a month, so we're hoping that will help us understand if there's anything we should be doing to improve his condition.

As far as BJ is concerned, life is like a "box of Milkbones". He never seems to be in pain, which was our largest concern about his diagnosis. He scampers everywhere - kind of lopsided at times, and even manages games of "chase" with the big dogs around the back yard. BJ is working on perfecting his BIG DOG BARK - practicing on the garbage haulers in the alley, the neighbors next door and anything that goes bump in the night! "Dad" built him a ramp so he can climb onto our bed when he wants - thereby saving both Mom's and Dad's backs lifting him up on the bed! We are letting him work on carpeted stairs now occasionally and he's doing very well with those - he had no idea there were two other floors in the house until a few weeks ago! And SWEET, this boy is just a lover - lots of kisses for everyone. Next to training treats, a belly rub is his favorite thing in the world - he's asleep in seconds.

We are keeping BJ on a daily medication to help improve his joint flexibility and a good diet to promote his bone growth. All this does take money and any donations towards his maintenance would be greatly appreciated by RAGOM and BJ!