January 25, 2011

MEET NIKOLAUS -- ATDR CHRISTMAS PUPPY

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
(courtesy of Zona)
"Never look down on anybody, unless you're helping them up."
Finally!! Thanks to my dear friend, Zona, and her Mom Jill, I can finish my flower posts. I bet lots of our friends in Blogville wish it looked this a their houses right now. I wish my yard looked like that all the time whether it was winter or summer and Zona was here to play with me. Guess what? Jill sent us a snow picture of Zona too!! My snow posts will resume tomorrow with the handsome Bolo.


Christmas has come and gone but Mommy and I had planned on sharing the pictures of a little puppy rescued by ATDR the week before Christmas. A little crippled boy that we named Nikolaus because of the season. At the time, we was gonna do that post, there was only 2 updates, now a month later, Nick, is adopted and a very happy pup even though he has Kyphosis (hump back) and Scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Here is his story.







January 22, 2011: We have some great news to share! Nikolaus was recently adopted by a previous ATDR adopter!! Now he has a loving family of his own AND an older doxie brother to play with! We couldn't be happier for little Nikolaus!! We're still paying off his medical bills and as always, truly appreciate your donations.




January 11, 2011: Nikolaus went for his follow up with Dr. Caplan today and she is very pleased with the progress he's made. Although he may have issues down the road, there is nothing to indicate surgery or any further tests are necessary at this time. The best thing for him now is to be a puppy and play, play, play so he can continue to build strength in his back legs. He will always walk a little differently, but he has no idea and is one bouncy happy puppy! His foster mom says he's a little ball of energy who has no problem getting around!
Nikolaus' medical bills came to $2136.00. Please consider making a donation to help us pay this off. Thank you all for your support! Without your help we would not be able to help Nikolaus and so many other dachshunds in need!




December 28, 2010: Nikolaus is adjusting to his new surroundings quite well! He has a great appetite, he enjoys playing with the other foster dogs and he LOVES being mothered by his doxie foster mom, Amber Dawn (an older doxie in his foster home). When he first arrived he had a tough time walking on uncarpeted floors, but he's gaining strength and starting to move around better now. His foster mom says his favorite place to be is on his bed right in front of the small heater she set up for him.





Nick will return to Dr. Caplan for a follow up after the holidays to evaluate his condition and find out what the next course of treatment will be. He may need an MRI to determine if surgery will be required to alleviate pressure on his spine as he grows. Please continue to keep Nikolaus in your thoughts, and consider making a contribution to his medical fund if you're able. Thank you all for your support! We could not do what we do without your generosity.





December 22, 2010: Nikolaus is still undergoing diagnostic testing, but we want to share what we know so far. Dr. Elaine Caplan did a CT scan and did not see anything that indicates he needs back surgery. He does however, have Kyphosis (hump-back) and Scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Dr. Levine, a Neurologist, recommended they draw spinal fluid for testing; unfortunately they were not successful in obtaining any and will wait until next week to try again. It was also noted that Nikolaus’ ankles are hyper-extended. Dr. Caplan says this may improve as he grows and is something to watch in the meantime. The next step is for a Radiologist to review the CT results and consult with Dr. Caplan on his findings. Dr. Levine may also recommend an MRI for further diagnosis and if so, Nikolaus will travel to Texas A&M.
In spite of all the obstacles he’s facing, Nikolaus is pure love and happiness. He enjoys giving kisses and snuggling in his foster mom’s lap and is full of playful puppy energy. As you can imagine, these tests are expensive and a real strain on our budget. Why not celebrate the Season by skipping that fancy Latte and contributing to little Nikolaus’ medical fund?




December 19, 2010: Baby Nikolaus was picked up by Animal Control in a DFW suburb and following a whirlwind of emails & phone calls, he is safely in the care of an experienced ATDR foster home, awaiting an appointment with our "back specialist" first thing Monday morning. It is believed Nikolaus may have a congenital defect of his spine and we will have more information on his condition following his appointmnet tomorrow. His medical care will be expensive. Please consider donating to St. Nikolaus' medical fund. No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible!


Mommy got up this morning crying. 6 years ago tomorrow my angel sister, Samantha, crossed the bridge. Mommy had to make the hardest decision of her life to let her go. The night before Samantha died, Mommy spent the whole night praying for a miracle but there wasn't one. Nick's story for some reason popped into her head and made her so happy that there was a miracle for this little one.
Tomorrow Mommy will share some stories about my big sissy and some quotes she got permission to us from Scout & Freyja's Mom, Ms Mimi. It's those stories of Samantha that keep Mommy going because she know someday they will be together again.
{{{huggies}}}...Mona






10 comments:

Mack said...

He is a real cutie!

How Sam Sees It said...

We are happy to hear that things are looking up for him!

Welcome backe! ;P

Sam

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

I am so very much glad that Nick is doing so well.

Oskar said...

We are glad for Nick.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

Scooter said...

Hey Mona!
Wow, I'm sooo glad he is better off now.

BTW: I would like to offer you a position in the Police office as our Civilian Desk Clerk. Wadda ya think? Are you up for that? I think you'd work great with me and Deputy Zona. We'll need your help! Also: Could you please email me at lfurman1987ATyahooDOTcom It may take me a few days to get back to you, but I have an idea to share! :)
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP

Scooter said...

Hey Mona!
Wow, I'm sooo glad he is better off now.

BTW: I would like to offer you a position in the Police office as our Civilian Desk Clerk. Wadda ya think? Are you up for that? I think you'd work great with me and Deputy Zona. We'll need your help! Also: Could you please email me at lfurman1987ATyahooDOTcom It may take me a few days to get back to you, but I have an idea to share! :)
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so happy to hear that Nikolaus is coming along. He's so adorable!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Pepsi the Lazy Bum said...

I'm glad to hear that Nikolaus is doing great! He's very very very adorable!

Welcome back, Mona!!

Woofs,
Pepsi

Two French Bulldogs said...

Glad to hear you are doing okay big N
Benny & Lily

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! I've been away ... still catching up n love the changes you made on your blog. Good to hear good news. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar