Buffie (Sierra 09-242)

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Sponsored by:

Cynthia Seger

From Lucy and Timber From Stichez, Madison and Priya  From Stichez, Madison and Priya



August 6, 2012

Sierra has been a cherished companion since being adopted three years ago. Her SO is physically unable to care for Sierra (renamed Buffie) now and has surrendered her back to RAGOM . Thanks to her SO for putting Buffie’s best interests first.

Buffie has the fluffiest, softest hair and sits patiently for grooming. She knows ‘sit’, ‘down’, and – especially - ‘walk’. Just say or spell the word and she’s ready to go! Despite some arthritis in her back legs she sets a good pace on daily walks. We’ve just been going for ½ mile once or twice a day in the heat but she’s used to daily 1+ mile walks. Today she started play bowing and running in the yard after her walk. She takes a med in her food twice daily for arthritis and a glucosamine supplement. She hops the single step into our house or between levels without problem and went down a flight of stairs and came back up with a little help.

Buffie is a golden mix, believed to be GR and border collie, on the petite side at 49 lbs and just turned 11 years old on July 7. She’s housebroken, comes to us and ‘dances’ and pants when she needs to go out. She’s barked at a car in the driveway, or when I dropped a pan lid, but stops when we say “It’s OK, thanks for the alert”! Buffie was panting and seemed a little nervous during a recent thunderstorm. At her previous home she was kenneled during a storm or wore a ThunderShirt.

She lived with a cat, gets along with our small RD and has met dogs of all sizes with tail wagging. She chooses to sleep on the floor, usually on one of her blankets sent with from her previous home. She also brought her own “Princess” food and water bowls J . Buffie is affectionate and l-o-v-e-s to meet people and get pets and scritches. She liked to get up on the couch when left alone at her house – has done that here too, otherwise hasn’t shown interest in being on furniture or people beds.
Buffie’s looking for her forever family to love and enjoy walks and snuggles - contact your placement advisor to meet her.

At a Glance #09-242

Mixed Breed Born: July 2001
Female 49 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:

Cynthia Seger

From Lucy and Timber From Stichez, Madison and Priya  From Stichez, Madison and Priya



August 6, 2012

Sierra has been a cherished companion since being adopted three years ago. Her SO is physically unable to care for Sierra (renamed Buffie) now and has surrendered her back to RAGOM . Thanks to her SO for putting Buffie’s best interests first.

Buffie has the fluffiest, softest hair and sits patiently for grooming. She knows ‘sit’, ‘down’, and – especially - ‘walk’. Just say or spell the word and she’s ready to go! Despite some arthritis in her back legs she sets a good pace on daily walks. We’ve just been going for ½ mile once or twice a day in the heat but she’s used to daily 1+ mile walks. Today she started play bowing and running in the yard after her walk. She takes a med in her food twice daily for arthritis and a glucosamine supplement. She hops the single step into our house or between levels without problem and went down a flight of stairs and came back up with a little help.

Buffie is a golden mix, believed to be GR and border collie, on the petite side at 49 lbs and just turned 11 years old on July 7. She’s housebroken, comes to us and ‘dances’ and pants when she needs to go out. She’s barked at a car in the driveway, or when I dropped a pan lid, but stops when we say “It’s OK, thanks for the alert”! Buffie was panting and seemed a little nervous during a recent thunderstorm. At her previous home she was kenneled during a storm or wore a ThunderShirt.

She lived with a cat, gets along with our small RD and has met dogs of all sizes with tail wagging. She chooses to sleep on the floor, usually on one of her blankets sent with from her previous home. She also brought her own “Princess” food and water bowls J . Buffie is affectionate and l-o-v-e-s to meet people and get pets and scritches. She liked to get up on the couch when left alone at her house – has done that here too, otherwise hasn’t shown interest in being on furniture or people beds.
Buffie’s looking for her forever family to love and enjoy walks and snuggles - contact your placement advisor to meet her.

Updates

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

 

Buffie sure did love the snow! Even the first dusting energized her and she wanted to play and roll in it. We learned from her SO (surrendering owner) that she also liked a ‘snow bath’ – getting rubbed with snow. Until a couple of days ago she was enjoying that, play-bowing and trotting a little outside and ready to go out as often as possible.

Her legs though continued to weaken and didn’t reliably support her. We saw mild seizure activity increase and her activity level decrease. After consultation with the vet, we helped her to the bridge today. Her SO was able to be there too, what a gift for sweet Buffie.

It was our pleasure to love and care for Buffie in her last months. We certainly received love and just a little sassiness from her! And we saw “once a RAGOM dog, always a RAGOM dog” in action. We got a glimpse of how many are involved with RAGOM and follow dog’s stories. Buffie was loved and will be missed by many.

 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Buffie is much the same. Some days are better than others for back leg strength and reliability (especially her right leg). That leg will slip or drag on hard floors; luckily there is very little hard floor here and those have a throw rug or runner. She’s lost some muscle mass in her back end. We’ve noted a few sporadic episodes of facial twitching lasting a few seconds and continue to watch for any changes. The vet agreed at her recent visit that Buffie doesn’t seem to be in pain, so no change in meds.

Buffie’s first in line at mealtime, or any time there might be something going on with food. She’s eager to go on a walk (shorter these days) and likes to play a bit in the back yard with Foster Dad every day. Nothing wrong with her hearing; she alerts us when something’s happening outside, or if a drawer is shut too noisily elsewhere in the house. J

Buffie knew the word “friend” before moving here. Now she associates the word “friends” with the two sheltie mix sister dogs who live behind us. Must be our backyard conversations: “Look, Buffie, your friends are out”, or “What a nice greeting you gave your friends”. Now if she hears “friends” while outside, she looks at their yard and has been known to bark if they’re not out. Some answering barks are usually heard. Often her friends are let out and more greetings, sniffs and tail wags ensue.

So her days have a bit less activity but good cuddles, good food and good canine and human friends.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

We’d heard Buffie loved Halloween and greeting all the kids who came to see her. After last Wednesday, we agree, she does! I think she liked the greeting kids part better than the posing for a Halloween picture for FM (foster mom).

Friday, October 19, 2012

 After several conversations between the veterinarian, RAGOM and fosters, it’s been decided that Buffie will stay here with us and move into Hospice Care. We’ve seen rapid progression of neurological signs (some in her face too) and progressive rear limb disability in the 2+ months she’s been here. It’s the vet’s opinion and ours that she doesn’t seem to be in pain. Her prognosis is open. We’ll continue to love her and care for her.

One gift dogs give us is just living in the moment. A couple days ago Buffie showed us pure JOY. After a walk she ran a bit in the back yard (happily, not gracefully), dug in the dirt with wild abandon then looked up at me from under the lilac bush with a mischievous gleam in her eye as if to say “Wasn’t that FUN?” Glad I had my phone in my pocket.

We’ll enjoy these moments with her and help her with steps and whatever else she needs until those joyful moments are too few. Now Buffie hasn’t been affected by this decision – she continues to be one of two spoiled girl dogs here, with someone home most of the time, and that’s the way she likes it! I think she also likes knowing that besides having a sponsor she got a blue paw from Lucy and Timber. She sends love and thanks back, and to all who are following her story.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Buffie went to Goldzilla and, wow, were there a lot of dogs and people to meet and greet! She had a great time meeting dogs and people, and then it was time to chill under a table for a bit. And, yes, she really is that soft and fluffy with a short brushing session a couple of times per week and the occasional bath.

Buffie returned to the vet last week after we’d had some time to observe her back end and right back leg weakness. This has increased over the last two months, and is more pronounced after lying down. The vet’s conclusion is that Buffie has some neurological involvement along with the torn knee ligaments and knee surgery is unlikely to help her. That said, Buffie does not seem in pain with the exam or her regular activity. (We continue her pain med and supplements for arthritis). At 48 pounds she is just the right weight and is easy to boost in and out of the car – she loves car rides.

Buffie is so happy every day to give a Good Morning greeting, eat breakfast and go for a walk. She sometimes hops and reaches behind her to grab the leash in her mouth as if to walk herself! In the house she is content to watch the back yard or TV and have someone home most of the time, a good companion.

Thanks again to Buffie’s sponsor, Cynthia! Buffie sends her thanks and love too.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Buffie here, I need to write my own update today ‘cause - I have a sponsor! I just feel love sent my way and send my gentle kisses back to my sponsor. Thank you, Cynthia! We’re still not sure what medical treatment is in my future but the sponsorship will help with whatever comes my way.

Other news - I had a great time at the meet & greet at Chuck and Don’s, soaking up attention and scritches. Everyone who met me was surprised to hear I’m 11 years old. They said I just don’t look or act my age. As we left I got to pick out my own treat, yum!

Here’s a picture of me watching TV. I’ll admit to a little TV habit. FM will even turn it on just for me. And of course I like listening to my people, and looking out the window, being petted, going for w-a-l-k-s and getting t-r-e-a-t-s. (I really know these words and am not fooled when they spell them out)!

I hear there’s another fun day coming up called Goldzilla. I say if it involves meeting more people I’m there! Till next time, Buffie

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Buffie continues to love her walks. She’s got the routine down and eagerly meets FD at the door when she sees the leash. Then it’s time to watch the yard or perhaps a little TV. She loves to be talked to, tilts her head and perks her ears, so cute! The vet heard a heart murmur at her initial RAGOM check up. We learned she’s had a murmur for several years. A chest x-ray showed clear lungs and normal sized heart, good news. This doesn’t limit her activity, requires no meds or treatment though a follow up chest x-ray is recommended in about a year.

Buffie returned to RAGOM with arthritic back legs. She favors her right back leg and drags that foot when walking. It’s more noticeable when she first gets up from a lying position. Further assessment has revealed torn ligaments in both knees. This sure doesn’t deter her from wanting to go on a walk and we’re told that she’s more aware of her legs being wobbly than of pain. She continues to take a pain med and glucosamine supplements. Treatment hasn’t been determined yet; right now we’re observing and will follow up with the vet. If you’re thinking of sponsoring a dog or donating toward vet care this sweetheart is one to consider. Thanks for following Buffie’s story.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Hi! Buffie Buffie-Girl "da Buff" here!

I've heard FM say I've stolen their hearts. What can I say? I love the daily walks here; FD can be counted on for a jaunt around the block. I relax while FM brushes me, she says my hair is so soft. I like to know where my people are though I'm not always in the same room. FM laughs when I plop my back on her feet for a good belly rub.

There's window watching to be done, I spend time looking out at the yard and watch a little TV too. We've had a couple of storms. I let the people know it was comng by panting and walking around. FD put my Thundershirt on me and I ended up lying on the floor with my face close to the wall or in a corner. FM wondered if I put myself in a "time out" - huh? I just found a good place to ride out the storm.

The little RD and I sit together and put on our cute faces when people snack (sometimes it gets us a treat). I haven't eaten anything that wasn't offered to me though. Oh, and I have free roam of the house. I've met quite a few dogs and gotten along with all. I haven't played with them, my favorite game is to play bow to my people and run around the yard - that's a great way to finish a walk!

Let your placement advisor know if you'd like to meet me, Buffie.