Spotlight Success Story: Arby

Jack Russell Terrier in need of medical assistance
Last Update:	February 3, 2005
Location:	Orlando, Florida
Dog Name:	Arby
Sex:	Male
Age:	3-4 years old
Known Issues:	Broken Legs requiring metal plating or amputation
Background
Arby was hit by a car on January 3rd and taken to a kill shelter in Daytona Beach, Florida on the 4th. He is about four years old. Both tibias are broken and the femur bone is fragmented. He must go to a hospital that does metal plating to save him. He is very sweet natured and has been a brave dog with all he has endured. He is about one half hour north of Orlando, Florida. More information will be posted when it is available. Progress updates from will be posted as we receive them.
Progress Updates
February 3 - From Bogie (formerly known as Arby) Just a quick note to let you know that I am doing well in my new home. I have a new Jack Russell brother and one brother and one sister Springer Spaniels to cuddle up with at night, as well as three cat sisters. I am still trying to figure out why I get yelled at when I try to chase the cats. I just want to play, but my new Mom and Dad keep telling me not to run around as my legs are still healing. Speaking of which, my surgeries went well and I am becoming more and more mobile each day. The people at the vet clinic are amazed at how well I can walk, given how bad my fractures were. I am hoping to start physical therapy in the next week or two-maybe that will shorten the time till I am able to play with my new brothers and sister and go for long walks with them. In the mean time, I have to make do with daily car rides to and from work where my Mom and Dad can keep an eye on me and ensure that I take it easy on my new legs while they heal. I like sitting on the front seat, watching everything go flying by, but boy would I really love to just go for a long run! The food at my new place is pretty good, and we get treats all the time. I am starting to put on a bit of weight, and my ribs are much less visible these days. We have a nice big soft bed to sleep in, but I have also discovered the joy of funriture - I really LOVE to curl up on the back of the sofa and dream of running and running and running till I can't run anymore. All in all, not a bad place for a dog to end up! I feel really good when I hear my Mom and Dad say what a good boy I am, while I lie curled up on my Dad's lap at the end of a long, tiring day, with a full tummy, having my belly scratched. Gotta go. Thanks for everything! Love Bogie (The Russell formerly known as Arby!) P.S. I have attached a picture of Baxter and me sunbathing this past weekend.
January 18 - From Arby Hello everyone---I just wanted to say thank you to all of my new friends. I really enjoyed hearing all of the get well wishes from my two and four legged friends. I even got a couple of encouraging messages from one near and dear three legged cat. Jackie sent me some get well wishes and told me to hang in there, everything would be fine. If it weren't for wonderful friends like you, I wouldn't be able to be here to say thank you!!! I had a total of three surgeries in two days. I don't really understand all those technical terms like cerclage wires and 2.0/2.7 plates, but I do know that my left tibia has two plates in it to make it very stable, as well as my right leg has plates on my tibia and femur. Wow, I feel like the 6 million dollar dog! I can't wait til I can try out my new legs. I was recovering so well from my surgeries that I got to go home Friday evening. My new family includes another Jack Russell Terrier, a couple of Brittany Spaniels, and even some cats. I've had to stay quiet so that I'll get to feeling better but I can't wait til I get to play with my new family. Not only am I getting lots and lots of love, but I am also going to get a new name. Mom hasn't quite figured out what to call me yet, but she's thinking real hard, and I'll let you know just as soon as the decision has been made. Well, I promised to stay quiet, so I guess this is all for now. I hope to send a picture soon. Puppy kisses, Arby
January 17 - From Lorri I just got off the phone with the vet's office and they told me that Arby got to go home Friday afternoon. So far, everything is looking good. The Doctor is off today so I didn't get to speak directly to her, but I left my name and number asking for an update. I will ask to get a photo of Arby and will send in updates... I know that the vet will be very busy but I'm sure she will find a few minutes every now and then to let us know how terrific he is!!
January 14 - From Arby's Foster Mom, Lorri Thanks to your generosity, we raised enough money to pay for Arby's first surgery. The vet performed the surgery yesterday to repair his leg. Arby spent the night at the vet and was recovering today. Due to his great luck, his vet will be saving his other leg and would like to adopt him. I can't think of anyone else who would make a more suited forever home for such a wonderful little man! I am so elated, I can hardly contain myself. I'm sitting at my desk and am telling everyone that today is a REALLY good day! Bless little Arby's heart, he's gone through so much and is going to get so much love!!!!
January 12 - From Arby's Foster Mom, Lorri Arby has been examined by one of the veterinarians at VSC and at this time the prognosis for the repair(s) on the tibias looks good. However, there is some not so good news. It appears that the fracture to the femur may be worse than originally revealed on the first set of x-rays. The vet took a second set of x-rays to determine exactly how close the break is to the hip and if it is also damaged. Even if it is possible to repair the breaks, he could develop arthritis. The vet has mentioned that it could be possible to amputate the right leg and set the left. She also said that he may have a tendancy to want to walk on his front legs now that he has figured that out and may require therapy to convince him to use his leg. Thanks again for all of your support. We will have more news soon.
January 9 - From Arby's Foster Mom, Lorri Arby has a wonderful disposition that can't be caught on film. He has been sooooo good... he's not made a noise, took his pills like a pro, and trained me that he wanted to be hand fed. He waited patiently in the reception area with the clinic's cats coming to see who had interrupted their afternoon naps. He was so gentle while I handed each piece of food to him...I wish I could say the same about my little jr terrors! Someone has got to be missing this little guy.