4/26/08
Asher has come a long way since coming into the program about a month ago. He's gained 18 lbs and walks about 2 miles per day 3-4 times a week. If you look at his new picture, you can see the difference. He still needs the pancreatic enzymes on his food, but he's down to just one med for this instead of 2.
Asher has been an easy foster. He's a well-mannered and patient little boy. He's housebroken and is learning a few commands. He's good on a leash and has always been well behaved at the adoptathons. He gets along well with other dogs (unless they are too rambunctious and then he tends to stay out of the way). It seems like he knows if other dogs are going to be too overwhelming for him. He has definately grown accustomed to playing with toys and seeking attention. He's a very lovable little guy.
My name is Asher. I am about 2 years old and was found wandering the streets with other dogs and several cats. I am very friendly, get along great with everyone (dogs and catsI am sure I get along with kids, but I havent been tested yet) and I am almost perfect. However, I am a special needs boy and the family that I really need will have to be diligent in taking care of my feeding issues. You see, I have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, also known as EPI. This means that my pancreas can not produce enzymes to digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins. (This actually explains why I was so hungry all of the timethe food I was eating was going right through me!) This results in malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss even though I was eating and eating and eating. When TVGRR rescued me, I weighed in at 40 pounds. In 2 weeks, I have actually gained 4 pounds! I really need to gain about 5-10 more pounds to look my absolute best.
Anyway, getting back to food: I will need to be on a special diet for the rest of my life. I also need to have special enzymes put on my food, which needs to sit on the food at room temperature for 15 minutes before every meal. These special enzymes will help my body absorb the nutrients I need to make me look like the handsome boy I know I can be. I eat twice a day.
I also have entropia, meaning my eyelid folds under my skin onto my eye. Although I had entropia in both eyes, my weight gain has helped with the problem for my left eye. However, I will probably need to have surgery for my right eye.
The bare nose in my picture is because the vet did a nose scraping to make sure I did not have mange, which I do not.
The good news is that I am heartworm negative, neutered and current on all of my shots.
I know this sounds pretty expensive, which it isit is estimated that my medication alone will cost about $70-80/month. My special dog food will cost a little more than regular dog food.
I will not be available for adoption until about April 12th or so. This is because TVGRR needs to make sure that all is going well with me.
Although I am relatively new to TVGRR, everyone has fallen in love with meI know that the nice people who will find me a forever home will make sure that it is the right home for me. Please feel free to ask about me as I know I will make the perfect companion.
