Grizzly Bear (Fabio 10-157)

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Sponsored by:Judith CummingsLynne PloetzErin H. & RAGOM girl Sadie 10-050Lemmon & Tanasychuk, LLCDennis & JoanneLori Kreidermacher-CarterMike & Michelle M.Sharon, Todd & Milo (07-537)Jim & Billie Jeanne GoersCraig, Laurie, & Alasdair (aka Marley 10-014) AndersonThomas Kenney

May 18, 2010: Imagine a tall, broad-chested young Golden Retriever. His eyes are bright. His coat, a rich copper, gleams in the sun, and his feathering streams like fraying silk in the breeze. He is so handsome, his owner names him "Fabio."

And then the man dies, and Fabio's fortunes turn.

He winds up in a substandard breeding operation, where he is confined to a chicken coop, forced to lie hour after hour in his own excrement. He develops a medical condition, which triggers seizures and causes his weight to balloon. He spends so much time lying on a hard, abrasive surface, he grows huge, fluid-filled calluses on his elbows. Staph infection breaks out over his skin, and his once-beautiful coat—now dull and thatchy—begins to fall out, creating stark, hairless patches on his nose, tail and flanks.

Nearly incapacitated with lethargy and the devastating effects of his condition, he loses interest in people, the world around him, even in-season females. Immobile and spiritless, Fabio waits to die.

But just when the situation looks darkest for our down-on-his-luck hero, the plot turns. Fabio and four females are rescued from the breeding facility and taken into RAGOM.

Six-year-old Fabio arrived in the Twin Cities this week. Because he is weak and resists walking on a leash, he had to be carried into the animal hospital. The scale revealed his weight at 132 lbs.

His weight is, of course, a very visible issue, but Dr. G. also expressed concern for his face. The skin over his forehead is so lax and heavy that it slips downward and presses his eyes closed, causing him to live in a world of partial darkness. Between this issue and the fat deposits in his face, this purebred Golden Retriever looks much like a Chow Chow.

Dr. G. suspects that Fabio has hypothyroidism, which would explain his obesity, seizures, skin condition and potentially also the slack skin on his head, as a lack of thyroid can cause skin to lose its elasticity.

Fabio also has a growth on his lip that will need to be biopsied and removed.

The first order of business is determining exactly what's going on with Fabio's body chemistry and getting him on an effective treatment. He is now on antibiotics for his staph infection and receiving drops for his infected ears. He cannot be neutered until his staph infection has cleared up.

If ever there was a Golden Retriever that needed help, it's Fabio. He will require veterinary care and hospitalization above and beyond the typical RAGOM dog. We will always do what we can for a treatable dog like Fabio. But it will be costly.

Fabio will need some angels to help sustain his journey back to health—back to being the dog he once was. Won't you please consider supporting Fabio with a full sponsorship of $325, or whatever you can afford? Donate Thank you!

Be sure to check back here for updates on Fabio, because it will be an amazing journey indeed.

Fabio's poor tail.	Hair loss on his nose.
Pressure callus caused by lying on a hard, abrasive surface.He has one on both elbows.	Getting checked out by Dr. G.
"What's going on with your head?"	Fabio lives in a world of partial darkness, due to the skin sliding over his eyes.He has a growth on his lip that must be removed.
When his skin is pulled back, his eyes can open fully, and he seemsmore alert and interested in the world around him.	Fabio has been uninterested in treats, except for a bit of gooey cheese.
There's a beautiful dog still inside.	And with proper treatment and tender care, Fabio will return to the dog he once was.

At a Glance #10-157

Golden Retriever	Born: February 2004
Male	170 lbs

Status: Deceased

Profile

And then the man dies, and Fabio's fortunes turn.

But just when the situation looks darkest for our down-on-his-luck hero, the plot turns. Fabio and four females are rescued from the breeding facility and taken into RAGOM.

Six-year-old Fabio arrived in the Twin Cities this week. Because he is weak and resists walking on a leash, he had to be carried into the animal hospital. The scale revealed his weight at 132 lbs.

Fabio also has a growth on his lip that will need to be biopsied and removed.

Be sure to check back here for updates on Fabio, because it will be an amazing journey indeed.

Fabio's poor tail.	Hair loss on his nose.
Pressure callus caused by lying on a hard, abrasive surface.He has one on both elbows.	Getting checked out by Dr. G.
"What's going on with your head?"	Fabio lives in a world of partial darkness, due to the skin sliding over his eyes.He has a growth on his lip that must be removed.
When his skin is pulled back, his eyes can open fully, and he seemsmore alert and interested in the world around him.	Fabio has been uninterested in treats, except for a bit of gooey cheese.
There's a beautiful dog still inside.	And with proper treatment and tender care, Fabio will return to the dog he once was.

Updates

Monday, February 9, 2015

Fabio (now Grizz) came into RAGOM a beaten down and severely unhealthy boy. He was a stud dog in a WI commercial breeding facility. I fell in love immediately with his huge feet, blocky head and beautiful, gentle spirit. Even when he finally felt good enough to have an attitude, (I was so happy to see it), that attitude only manifested itself in a stubbornness and never once was he snarky with any person or dog. He would cry and run away from any dog that wanted to fight.

Over the years, he became healthy but his epilepsy and bad hips and knees took a toll on his body. Recently, he has struggled more with stability on his bad legs and his seizures became more frequent. A month ago he developed glaucoma and it was clear his vision was failing. He was so scared in the dark. As painful as it was, I knew it was time. We make a commitment to our dogs when we adopt them. That we won't let them suffer. Grizz's hard times were out numbering his good times.

Grizz' story was compelling and he had many followers over the year. So many people at Goldzilla would come up to me and ask if this was Fabio/Grizz. We are so grateful for their love!

My gentle boy is at peace now but oh, how we miss him!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I got to go to the biggest Golden Retriever picnic EVER! There were people at Goldzilla too! I couldn't walk more than 10 feet without someone asking if I was the famous Fabio and could they give me a snuggle. I gave out a ton of snuggles that day! And I got a ton of treats too. AND did you hear the people at Goldzilla voted ME the Biggest Golden?? Even though my friend Moose 09 467 is lots bigger than me. Teehee! I shared my prize though.

I went on the 5K walk and did great! Well....ok...somehow we took a 1K shortcut but I didn't mind. We went straight to the lake after that and I ran around with the other dogs. Mom was worried I might swim away but I just got my feet wet. It was a bit overwhelming. But I am glad I got to meet so many people that shared their love with me over the past several months since I was saved--even some of my sponsors were there. Thanks to everyone who stopped to snuggle me! I hope to see you again next time.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

From Fabio's forever family...

I just had to send a note to say that Grizz is now down to 94.5 pounds! He is looking great. No seizures for over a month now and all of his levels are good on the current meds. His coat is very soft now and totally filled in. No bare spots! Grizz runs around with the rest of the pack but he still needs some muscle toning. When he tries to make a quick turn he still stumbles :0 He is such a big dog that I don't think he will ever master the quick turn.

He is much more tolerant of changes in his routine. He has loved all of my fosters and is especially kind and gentle to the puppies. Grizz rarely makes a sound--except for a deep sigh and occasional snore. I really believe he is a happy boy here.

I can't imagine our lives without Fabio/Grizz now. It has been such a rewarding experience to watch him come out of his shell, get healthy and enjoy his new life. His transformation is why we do this. Fabio was on the brink of death and could hardly move when he was first picked up by his rescuers. There was little if any joy in his life. What a difference a little medical attention and love can do for a dog!

Thank you again to all of his sponsors, rescuers, vets, vet techs and fans who followed his story. He truly is living the Golden life that all dogs deserve.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

GOOD NEWS!! GREAT NEWS!! I never have to move again. My Mom says she cannot bear to send me on so I get to stay!! She says I am the biggest lover boy and she can't stand to think of a day without my sweet kisses. She says to me 'Big head, big ears, big nose, big dog' and then kisses my nose every day. It's kind of a ritual for us.

Besides, I am so comfortable here and really starting to feel relaxed. I can even be outside by myself for a few minutes. And did you know I am learning to jump up in the car? I almost made it last weekend. I need some more practice. If I don't make it, Mom gives me a boost. There is much less to boost too!! I am down to 100 pounds!! Now I don't get anymore vegetables--only dog chow. You can see my hour glass figure, feel my hips and also my shoulder bones. My hair is growing in on my TAIL! My doctor said that might not ever happen but guess I showed her.

My hourglass figure

Last Sunday, in the middle of the night, I had 3 more seizures. I didn't know it though. Now I have to go see Dr. Hurley again on Monday. Mom thinks my body has just been through so many changes in the past few months--hello! I lost 32.5 pounds! Maybe my meds need to be adjusted to my new body weight.

We went swimming in the river and I gave Mom a scare. She forgot we were just getting over a flood and the river was really high. I hopped right in and started swimming! Kept on swimming downstream too cuz I was having so much fun. She was worried I would keep right on going but I was just looking for an easy place to get back out! Boy, I like swimming.

Me hunting birds with my sister Scout

Anyway--I want to thank all of my fans and especially all of my sponsors! I hope you all know how much I have appreciated the support. I could feel it and I could not have come this far without it. Please come see me at Goldzilla this September and I will give you some Grizzly Bear kisses!

Look for me on the Happy Endings page!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Fabio wants to thank the sponsors that came out to meet him in person today! He was a bit nervous at the new surroundings but was still his adorable self! Sharon, Todd and Milo (07 537); Billie Jeanne and Jim along with Laurie, Craig and Alasdair (Marley 10-014) all got a few snuggles in. Fabio even got some treats! Don't tell but he tried to steal the whole bag when Billie Jeanne wasn't looking :). Fabio also stopped by VCA Animal Care Hospital in Richfield to show off his nose hair and the beginnings of an hourglass figure to Dr. Geske and the staff who saved his life when he first came into RAGOM. They were quite amazed with his transformation!

I have to report that Fabio has had a few seizures over the past few days. It surprised me since he hasn't had one in the two months he has been here. The changes in his body over the past two months have been huge--32 pounds lost, thyroid nonexistent but now getting normalized. We are hoping that once he stabilizes and maintains for a few months, he won't have them anymore. They were the classic seizures--full body rigors, loss of bladder, blind and stumbling for a short time after. He recovers fully within an hour or so. Still--it is disappointing and down right sad for me to see. Weird thing is they have all happened exactly 12 hours apart--4 A.M., 4 P.M. and then 4 A.M. again. Needless to say I was watching when 4 P.M. rolled around today and thankfully nothing happened. His doctor increased his dose of Phenobarb yesterday so hopefully that will kick in quickly.

Please keep him in your thoughts.

There is something out there.

Can't a dog sleep in peace?

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Growl, grumble, snort--hrumpf!! Mom says I can't trash talk Bubba but--seriously--doping??? Come on, Bubba! Jealous are ya?

I am sooooo happy in my new life. Things are not so scary anymore. Well, I get a little scared since Buckshot 10 199 came to stay with us. He is sooooo scared and he skitters around and dashes from place to place. He makes me nervous. I didn't even want to eat supper but I did after mom put me in a quieter place. Mom says I have to be brave and remember how scared I was when I first came here. I wasn't THAT scared. Get this though--Bucky follows me just like I follow Scout and Skye so I guess I am braver than him.

I am sure you saw the news on the front page that I lost more weight and am down to 102.5 pounds. That is about 30 pounds and I am hoping I am done with this diet but mom says I have to tone up. I had a big surgery and that thing taken off my lip last week. Now my lips are ready to give kisses to all of my sponsors--especially my new sponsor Thomas Kenney. He must be a very nice man to want to help me. Well, Thomas--I spent your money too with my surgery! Thank you for thinking of me :)

I am practicing running every day so that I can beat that Bubba in the half mile challenge. Mom says she doesn't do 'running' but she will just have to keep up with me! I know Bubba is a very nice boy and I can't wait to meet him and give him a kiss too. Check on me later, OK?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Grizz continues to do so well! He is just the sweetest boy! I love to see him prancing around as happy as can be when I get home. He runs out the door and into the yard, following my resident dogs as if to say "Where's the fun? Are we having fun?"

Fabio is feeling more sure of his footsteps. Now he will walk off of the rug path to get where he wants. The rug path used to keep some of my things safe from Fabio chewing but not anymore! So the newspaper recycling basket is moved into the dog food bin room and gated off. Wonder what he will find tomorrow? I place his chew toys in strategic and historic Fabio spots but he must be getting bored with them :)

RAGOM rumor has it we will be having an event in the Cities the weekend of July 17th that Fabio will be able to attend. If you would like to meet him, keep an eye on the events calendar. Fabio hopes to meet some of his sponsors and maybe even one of his rescuers! He also wants to meet his competition on the RAGOM Biggest Loser contest. Fabio is pretty convinced he has Bubba beat!

Come a little closer and I'll give you a KISS!	My favorite shady spot
Now what should we do?

Friday, June 18, 2010

Grizz is doing just great! This week he is learning to walk on a leash. He walks behind Skye and I by quite a bit but not so that the leash pulls tight on his neck. I think he understands the concept! On our walk, he has to go up a steady incline on the hill--not too steep. But still he does occasionally stop to rest. Last evening, he just laid down on the cool grass alongside the road. Just for a minute and then he was ready to go again. He didn't like it when we got close to the busy road with the cars zooming by so we aren't going that far now. Maybe later.

Fabio is feeling hungry in between meals :) I can tell because when I get home the food bin has been moved. So I started adding more chopped up green beans and carrots. I guess all of his romping and hiking is making him hungry! I sure hope that translates to more pounds lost! We will go in next week for a final check to make sure he is OK to be neutered and have the growth on his lip removed. We will see how much more he has lost.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

This gentle guy is too awesome to describe! He has finally explored every room in the house and is venturing off of the rug trail I have set up for him. Occasionally, he will go slip and go splat, poor guy. That usually happens when he tries to move too fast.

Griz can be declared house trained as he hasn't had a single accident in the weeks he has been here. He loves other dogs and a RAGOM rule has been reinforced. We require that puppy mill dogs have another dog in the home to role model from. Many times the foster will be fooled because the PM dog doesn't really seem to interact or pay attention to the resident. Well, the same is true of Fabio. He does not play yet or seem to pay attention. BUT when I took my boy Skye out with him for another hike in the front yard, Fabio did not run back to his safe spot this time. He explored the whole yard! About 3/4 of an acre. I had Skye on a leash and Fabio wandered away from us to check out every apple and pear tree, not to mention the well! I was very proud of him. It also reinforced the notion that they do better with another dog around. My big hope is that he will someday play with Scout and Skye.

The other big news for my big boy is that he played with a ball today! It is the first time and you have to admit the picture is ADORABLE!! It's not just any old picture of a dog with a ball to me! I don't think it is for you either, dear fans :)

Thanks again to Fabio's wonderful sponsors! I know you are still following him and he appreciates the support!

Look what I found, Mom!

What is it, anyway?

I think I like it!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Today I am feeling pretty good! Check out my new pic running up the stairs! OK--not really running--but running for me anyway. I still have a few pounds to lose before I will actually be doing any marathons. But I feel good enough to trot! It is my way of showing how happy I am when mom comes home from work.

Check out my new nose picture too. I really think it is my best feature since it is no longer green with infection and it is the big square nose of a properly bred Golden Retriever. Let me tell you--I fathered some beautiful kids in my breeding days. Guess those days are numbered.

So now my hair is growing back in too. My doctor called today to say that my thyroid level is back to normal so those little blue pills I take buried in cheese twice a day are doing their job. I don't mind them in the cheese. The white ones I take are preventing seizures too. Those go in the cheese too. But my pain pill--I eat that one straight up--no garnishment needed.

A lot has changed in my life since I joined RAGOM. It is all a bit overwhelming. I love my new place and my new friends. But the big, wide world is still kind of scary. Yesterday, mom and I went out into the front yard and I got scared. It's soooooo big out there and I don't know it like I do the back yard. I headed straight for the gate and wouldn't go any further. Maybe tomorrow I'll check it out a little more.

I have enough new energy to get bored sometimes. So last Friday I ate the electrical cord to the fan. And the heel of mom's tennis shoe. And the edge of the rug. So now I have some new chew toys to entertain me.

Anyway--mom says I will be energetic enough to come up to the Cities for an event pretty soon so if any of my sponsors want to get some Grizzly Bear kisses, keep watching my site and I will let you know where I will be giving those out. Thanks for coming to read about me today. I never knew so many people could love me.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Fabulous Fabio is making so much progress! He was living in the lower walkout level because he was too afraid to try the stairs. I hated having him down there when the rest of us were sleeping on the main floor. So this weekend, we practiced going up and down the stairs. One person pulling him up at the same time another was pushing him from the other end. You already know he does not like being pulled so it only took a few times doing this before he figured out it was much easier to go up on his own. YAY Fabio!! He has slept the last three nights up with the rest of us and is a perfect gentleman. Not a single accident since he has been here. No seizures!

I think he has some pain in his legs and that might be why he was reluctant to do stairs. He is getting Rimadyl for the pain. Grizzly Bear is struggling with the slippery floors so we put down non-slip rugs in a path through the house and he roams freely. Last week, in the lower level all alone, he chewed on the same rugs. Today when I went back to work he didn't. I am thinking he was bored down there by himself. So far, he has free roam upstairs. He's SUCH a good boy! So sweet!

I swear I can feel some of his ribs now and can't wait to hear how much he weighs. I am trying not to get my hopes up because his thyroid levels levels are probably just now getting up to normal. This weekend, friends came up and Fabio got to meet RAGOM boys Moose and Bogey along with current RAGOM girl Rosie. Everyone got along just fine!

Fabio hasn't started to play yet but his happy trot is showing itself more and more. He gives my boy Skye kisses and even Scout has quit growling at him every time he walks by.

He has a lot to learn about being a dog--getting in the car for the vet appointment is the next major lesson. A friend's husband is taking time off work to help me get him in and out. Such wonderful people in Fabio's world!

Thanks again to each of his sponsors. He has a long road ahead of him and your financial support (and your love) will help him get there!

Grizzly Bear

Getting an essential oil rub down

Sacked after the massage

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Fabio has been here a few days now and is starting to figure out the routine. The first few days, he had great difficulty going through the door to come in and out. Now he is folllowing me which makes caring for him so much easier! At times, it would take 30 minutes or more of patiently waiting for him to come in. Even following my dogs was not enough to get him through. Once outside, his steps are not sure--he wobbles a bit. I think that is because he doesn't feel good. But he comes up for pets and kisses on his big old head! He loves that!

Fabio is on a reduced calorie but very good quality food. He gets a cup in the morning and evening along with another cup of fresh green beans to make him feel full. I throw his pills in with the food and he eats them up. Fabio has shown no signs of a seizure here.

It is difficult to tell how well he sees. He clearly responds to voice and noise by turning his head in the right direction. But he doesn't always seem to see me standing a ways away. The extra skin from being obese is clearly causing his eyes to be partially closed. I am really hoping that is all it is and it will get better when he loses weight.

I am sure you are all dying to know if he has lost anything! I haven't had him to the vet again to check. He is due in about a week for some bloodwork and to see if his infections have cleared up. I will let you know how far he has come then!

The wind blowing through my hair

I see the makings of a very handsome boy!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

We picked up Fabio from the vet yesterday--thanks to staff of VCA Animal Care Hospital in Richfield for all of the love and care you gave him this past week! Also-several RAGOM fans were there to help get him in the car and wish him well.

He met my dogs--including puppy Kiana 10-147 with only tail wags. Fabio seems totally nonthreatening. He spent hours wandering around the back yard and trying to figure out where he was. He finally found a patch of shade to catch a nap. Fabio was totally unwilling to try the 7 steps up to the door of the house. Too scared. So we tried moving down the yard to the patio walkout downstairs. Took a few hours to get there. He seems lost and when you put a leash on him, he lays down. We were patient and eventually successful. He loved the cool floor downstairs, ate his supper and then slept the whole night! No accidents in the house.

Today, we spent the morning buffing him up. I got about half a laundry basket of fur out of him. Cut out a bunch of mats especially around his ears. I swear he lost a few pounds just from that! He will need to lose his entire coat because it is not a good fur for him :( Partly due to his thyroid and partly poor nutrition. With his meds and the good food he is getting, it won't take but a couple of months. I can't wait to see the top of his nose fill in! Then it was on to the bath. He did so well! A few rubs of Peace and Calming essential oil and he was out like a light for another nap. Such a sweet boy and not a bad bone in his body. Fabio has not even lifted a lip or made a sound for all that he has been through. Not even when the puppy runs circles around him occasionally running right into him as puppies do. He just lifts his big head and gives her a sniff. She loves him too!

I just melted this morning when he rambled over to me and put his big, old, grizzly head in my hands for scritches. Not to mention the kisses I got for giving him a bowl of water. It chokes me up. It is why we do this.

Fabio has a long road ahead of him to get back to good health. The big grizzly bear would love to give kisses to all of his sponsors and also wants to thank all of the other fans that have donated money for his care! Stay tuned as we get to know him better and figure out what he needs in a forever home.

Fabio and Kiana 10-147

After my bath

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Good news for Fabio today. A report from the vet’s office is that he is “cruising the clinic.” He is up and walking on his own. He appears to be relaxing in his new environment and decided to take a tour.

Dogs that are kept in commercial breeding facilities, see only their small living area, day after day. They are then very scared, when moved to a new environment as everything is new and scary to them. It appears that Fabio is no exception and that part of his immobility was due to fear.

He will need exercise to reduce his weight and build up his muscle mass, along with the meds. More good news to come in his future. He has begun his road to recovery.

A little wobbly, but walking now.	Now that he isn't so lethargic, we're starting to see a glimpse of Fabio the Magnificent.
"Is this my best side?"	"Or maybe you like this side better?"
"How do you like my profile?"	Still not offering to walk on a leash, though.