October 27, 2011

Silk is a very sweet girl.  She's very affectionate and loves to snuggle on a lap or on the big bed.  During her time in foster care, it has become evident that she is completely deaf.  If she is sleeping, she doesn't wake unless she is gently touched, then she usually is startled.  She sleeps through the noise and activity of the other dogs barking around her.  She loves to be close and snuggle and gets very excited at mealtime.  She would be best in a home with other dogs so she can follow their lead due to her hearing loss.  

Silk is a gentle, happy 4 year-old female who was one of many dogs taken from a mill confiscation in Ohio and surrendered to Lucky Star because of a Grade 3/6 heart murmur.  Her feet were badly infected with inter-digital cysts, which is common with mill dogs.  Her feet have healed nicely with a 3 week course of antibiotics and soaking with a wound cleanser.  Silk had an echocardiogram performed by a board-certified cardiologist to determine whether or not she needs heart medication.  Even though she has a loud murmur, her lungs are clear  and her heart is strong.  No medication is needed at this time and a 6 month follow-up is recommended.  Silk is very hard of hearing and could be deaf.  She needs to be touched to awaken her from sleeping and she doesn't seem to hear the noise around her from the other dogs.  Another dog(s) in her adoptive home would be ideal to help her be aware of the activities around her.  She has some scarring on her cornea and is being treated with cyclosporine for mild dry eye, neither seem to affect her sight.  

  It sounds like she has lots of issues but the expense for her medical care at this time is minimal.  She is just a delight to be around!  She has obviously had several litters in her short life and is gradually losing that baby fat, eating a healthy diet and enjoying life in her foster home.  It is so fun to watch her get excited about running outside and at bedtime when she knows it's time to sleep on the big bed with her foster mom and other dogs.  She just runs around in circles and barks with delight until everyone is settled.  A physically fenced yard (not an invisible fence) will be a must for her until she improves her leash walking skills.  She is somewhat receptive to leash walking and just needs practice.

 She is still working on her housebreaking and needs to learn how to ask to go outside.  A regular routine will improve those skills.   One thing is for sure, she loves to be with people and is a wonderful companion.  Her happiness is contagious!

  Silk is being fostered in the New England area.  Please complete an adoption application first, then contact mary401339@aol.com of your interest and please state your location in that e-mail.