Podo 10-214 [1]

Mark July 28 on your calendars. That's the day Podo arrived at his new foster home and started his new Golden life after some hard years especially in recent months. Podo lived with an older couple who were very reclusive and probably hoarders to boot. Podo lived in the house and the back yard but never went on walks, never played with other dogs or met other people. And never saw a vet! Two months ago, his owners went into a nursing home to stay. For two months, Podo lived in the house alone. Thankfully a wonderful neighbor went over once or twice a day to feed and walk him. She has a toddler and a dog of her own so she was not able to take him in herself. Finally Ragom was able to take him in and now we start giving Podo the love and attention (and medical care) he really needs.
 
He saw the vet yesterday and here's what we know. He is heartworm negative thankfully but that is about the end of the good news.
 
The vet estimates he is 11-12 years old. He weighs 121 lbs. The ACL ligaments in both front legs were probably broken years ago and never treated. Now it is too late to fix. He has arthritis and his legs tremble when he walks. His ears are fairly clean but his eyes are clearly not at their best. And of course he was never neutered or given any shots. When he arrived, his toe nails were about 2-3 inches long.
 
So now we start the great make over. His nails were cut and all vaccinations given.  He is now on Metacam for inflammation and Tramadol for pain.  He is on a quality, low calorie dog food and needs to lose at least 25 lbs. He got a good bath with several more needed!
 
What we have seen so far is a gentle giant with a big blocky head that reminds me of Fabio. He is house broken, good with other dogs if they don't try to hard to engage him in play. If they do, he just tries to walk away. And he is good with little kids having been around the Good Samaritan's toddler. As we learn more we’ll be sure to keep you posted.