This story of Tippi reminded me so much of Ziggy, my little toy poodle cross I adopted from the SPCA for $200 2 1/2 years ago. I was looking for a small dog and was told he had come in that day. He was supposed to be 3 1/2 years old. He looked like an old man. What a sad sight. To be quite honest I hadn't seen such an odd ugly looking little dog before but he melted my heart instantly. All he wanted was to be picked up and held. My hubby just shook his head knowing my heart had been won over. He had no hair except on his head, his nails were curled around his toes, his skin was inflamed, ears infected, his chest was puffy, inside of his back legs had black patches that looked like elephant skin, teeth needed cleaning and he had been dropped off covered in fleas.

I asked to put a hold on him and was told they didn't do holds but that I could fill out an application and that they would go through all applications as they had waiting lists for small dogs. When I mentioned I'd been looking at a small dog in the states I was told if I could get a small dog from the states (since they have more little ones) I should go that route. Well I did fill out the application on Saturday. I called everyday they were open to check on him. He had gone to the vets for "some" care. On Wedsnesday I was asked when I called if I was interested in him should he have Cushings disease. I told them possibly. I just needed information on Cushings disease and what was involved. Thursday he was tested for Cushings and test came back negative.

Poor little guy had the biggest bruise on his neck. Anyways they actually called me on Friday to say they approved my application if I was still interested. What happened to their long waiting list? Guess they all wanted perfect dogs.

I picked my little bundle up the next day. That was the beginning of a new relationship with my vet. I felt like I was living at the clinic. I sometimes wonder if the SPCA's Biscuit Fund couldn't have helped out here. Anyways there was no follow up and I would hate to think what pain this little guy could have continued his life in if someone wasn't prepared for all his medical care and vet bills. My vet still thought he might have Cushings due to the fact his muscles had atrophied.

Anyway this was the beginning of teeth cleaning, blood work, ruling out different allergies, medications oral and topical for ears and skin.

After a year of getting nowhere with his ears and finding the ear canal was closing with inflamation I made a hard decision to have a total ear canal ablation done. My vet admitted to me at this point that he'd wondered what I'd gotten myself into with taking this dog on. He also said most people would have given up and had him put down. Well those weren't options to me and I was determine to give this little guy the life he deserved when he was born.

Anyway the only option left available to relieve him of pain and free him from the daily flushing and medications to try and clear up his ears was surgery. He was pretty much completely deaf before I made this decision so I wasn't concerned about him losing his hearing after the surgery. My biggest concern with the surgery was pain management associated with the procedure. Once I had that sorted out with my vet and after talking with another client who had this procedure done on two cocker spaniels, I agreed. I can honestly say this was definately the right decision for his ears. This of course didn't solve all his problems but after another half year of oral medications etc. I was able to get him medication free.

I should mention this little guy is probably from a back yard breeder or puppymill. He will never be 100% due to genetics. A punch biopsy came back saying he had follicular dysplasia - colour mutant type - a congenial condition.

He is a wonderful little dog who deserved a chance at a pain free life. He's on a raw food diet and only occassionly now needs an antihistamine for itchy skin and probiotics help with yeast. He has grown some hair which amazes my vet. His muscles are toned, he's at a good weight, loves long walks and can play and beat up his ball for 2 hours straight.

Sorry this is long. This only touches the surface of this little guys life but one thing I've found from the day I met him, he makes me smile everyday. I love him.