BJ 02-148

back to Memorials

Profile

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.

At a Glance #02-148

Breed not specified Born: January 2002
Male Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

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

Sunday, August 11, 2002

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!