Spotlight Success Story: Blinky

Jack Russell Terrier in need of medical assistance
Last Update:	September 12, 2005
Location:	Bradenton, Florida
Dog Name:	Blinky
Sex:	Male
Age:	3 Years
Known Issues:	Ulcerated cornea (requires removal); Heartworm positive
Background
Hi, my name is Blinky, and I am about three years old. I was found wandering the streets of Bradenton, FL. A very kind woman saw that I was injured, picked me up, and took me to a vet. The vet determined that I had an ulcerated cornea and that my eye injury would most likely not heal. I was put on some antibiotics and turned over to Animal Control with hopes that my owner would come pick me up. I sat at Animal Control for a week and no one came to take me home. It was a very frightening experience for me... I know what happens when dogs go to the pound and don't get claimed. The same kind woman who picked me up contacted Jennifer, the FL RRI adoption coordinator, and let her know that I was on the "short list". Arrangements were made and I was transported to Mt. Dora, which is north of Orlando. Right now, I am waiting at the veterinary clinic to have surgery. The trauma to my eye was so severe that the optic nerve and supporting muscles have been torn. This injury could be the result of abuse and it cannot be repaired-- so it will be necessary to remove my eye. It was discovered that I am heartworm positive and will require treatment before being able to be placed in a loving forever home. I know this all sounds bad for me, but I want you to know that I have been very brave through the whole ordeal. I have been gentle with the vet techs as they medicate me and take me for walks. Even though I am in pain, I am still trying to keep my spirits up. Right now, I am safe and know that there are lots of wonderful people out there who will wish me well and help me make a speedy recovery. I do want to say thank you to Jennifer, my rescuer, and also to Marylu who helped transport me to my foster home. Without you both, I wouldn't be here. And I want to say thank you to all the wonderful two and four legged friends who will see me though this. Your compassion for us JRTs amazes me. Progress updates from will be posted as we receive them.
Progress Updates
September 12 - From Blinky Hello everybody!! Did you miss me? I've missed you. I've been so busy, it's been hard to find time to sit, stay, and fire off an email. Guess what??? No, I didn't get a glass eye. Something better than that, I got adopted! I have my forever home. I managed to work my charm on my foster mom, and she finally decided that I was meant to live with them. I have two sister Jacks, one brother black Lab, four cats, two horses, some fish, and some geckos. And of course, there are the foster dogs--right now, it's Mickey, who is being treated for heartworms, and Casey, who has only one eye, too. You can see check them out on the website, and they are both looking for their forever homes. I'm doing great. I'm working out so that I can race again at the November trials in Williston. Watch out, Petey, I'm perfecting my sprints and now run in straight lines so when I'm running, you think I'm lightning. I've become more aerodynamic, my love handles have turned to muscle. I am ripped and ready to roll. And yes, the ladies just adore me!!! Please remember those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Mom says we're going to do what we can to help the homeless animals. Well, I got to run now, getting crates ready for the dogs in need. xoxo Blinky .)
July 5 - From Blinky Hello everyone!!! So, did you miss me? I sure missed all of you! I've been up to a lot lately and have been so busy, I've hardly had time to sit and stay. My foster mom and I have been working with each other a whole bunch. Shes' trying to teach me how to sit, stay, and down on command. Pretty simple, I can do it all, but only if I want. I've been trying to teach her how to do local linearity, approximations, and differentials. Pretty simple for me, but for some reason, she just doesn't get it. Sometimes I think humans are hard to train, but don't worry, I'm not going to give up on her! She's a keeper! I wanted to tell you about the Terrier Fun Day on June 18. The great people of the Sunshine State JRT Club invited the rescue dogs out for a day of excitement. We had to get up early, get all packed, then Maxie, Bonnie and I climbed in our crates for the ride. Foster Auntie Betty and Foster Uncle Robert came along for the fun. The humans had the easy part, they stood in the shade and waited for us dogs to run to them. All they had to do is watch which dog came in first, second, etc., catch us, and hand us over to our humans. I got to race twice, once on the flat and once over hurdles. And guess what? I won second place both times--no I wasn't the only dog racing. I beat another dog. I could have run a faster time if I would have run straight but it's hard for me to keep my one eye on the lure. Thanks to Holly for making sure I got in the right races. Bonnie and Ernie got to race, go to ground, and Bonnie even did a little bit of agility. Both of them got to go to their forever homes. A big thanks to Alyssa, Holly, and Shannon for taking me around the grounds and raising all the money for the raffle. And another big thanks to the SSJRTC for donating to help us rescue dogs! It's been a little quiet around here, or so it was for a couple of hours. The house went from 4 foster dogs to me in less than a week. The same day Harley and Maxie went to their new home (together), Lou came to stay with us for a while. He's only 7 months old and has had a tough life so far, so I'm trying to be the extra good big foster brother Jack he needs. Lou cries a lot when my foster mom and dad go out. He's getting a little bit better but still barks until he goes to sleep. I'm trying to teach him that he's ok, that he can just chill out and that they will come back to give us treats and feed us. Besides, he's got all the good toys in his crate. I fixed that squeaky toy he has so now it doesn't squeak. At least it's a little more quiet without all that racket. hee hee Well, I guess I had better get back to chillin'. Time to go out and play in the doggy pool. Ahhh, what a life. Blinky .)
May 4 - From Blinky Hello everybody!!!! I have lots of great news to share with you and I'm not even sure where to begin. Wow, things are definitely looking up for a one eyed dog like yours truly! On Sunday, I got to be the official RRI Public Relations dog. It's a very important position to hold and I had to prove how good I am at charming people and letting them see how great Jack Russells are. I traveled to the Equifest event in DeLeon Springs. It was benefit for a museum, which I will never be able to visit, some silly rule about no dogs...oh well. It was great, lots of horses, lots of people to meet, treats to score, and the Sunshine State Terrier Club had a great turnout of Jacks. Of course, the Jack races were the highlight of event, even though it was supposed to about the horses. People just love us Jacks and can't resist us. I walked around the event with my Adopt Me blanket so people would know I was out there for a reason, not just to look good! Lots of people had questions about me, what happened to my eye, and about Jack Russells. I did my best to answer all the questions (and score some treats) and to pass out RRI brochures. The SSTC people were really great..they let me run with the big dogs. I've never gotten to do flat races or hurdles before so it was something new and exciting for me. I wasn't too thrilled when my foster mom put that muzzle on me but she told me we had to do it if I wanted to race. So I put up with it for a little bit. I got to race three times. I wasn't sure about being stuck in that little black box, either, and thought I was supposed to hop out when the put me in. I was looking the wrong way when the front popped open, so once I came out, I had some ground to cover to catch up to the others. I did my best and made it through the hole. People had heard about me being the One Eyed Racer and cheered me on. The second time I got to race, they put hurdles on the course and it threw me for a second. The first jump was nothing, but the rest of the way, I really had to put effort into it to get my rear end up and over...must be all those treats. There was a little smack talk going on in the starting box so I knew I had to show those old dogs that it was time for them to stay on the porch. I was barking so much that I forgot to take off for a few seconds, but once I got going, I was flying. Hey Petey, I want a rematch!!!!! But the best part of the day was when the SSTC and some of the members donated to RRI. Thanks, everybody!!! Your kindness is so greatly appreciated. And thanks, Judy, for loaning me the muzzle. Oh yeah, thanks to Nathan for encouraging me on even though I was racing his dog. See I have a racer side to me, I just never got a chance to show it before. I know he really likes me, I can tell. I had fun seeing all the other dogs. I barked for all the racers, and even tried to encourage the pups to chase the lure. I'm a little bit hoarse today from all the barking. But the best part of seeing the other dogs is that Katie came up to give me a kiss. See, I am so handsome, all the dogs love me. She's a cute tri shortie and she REALLY liked me. I hope Rommel and Chewey didn't get jealous of me since she gave me some attention. Being the PR dog sure was exciting...and exhausting. I know I did a great job, everyone was telling me how cute I am. I slept the whole way home. I had a great time and hope I get to do it again, sometime. I was a little bit tired still this morning when my foster mom woke me up to go outside and to get ready for my big day at the vet clinic. I got my blood tested and guess what? No more heartworms!!!! Yeah!!!! I am better than ever! I am so happy that I'm on the once a month preventative now and will never have to worry about being sick from heartworms, again. Remember, a little pill once a month can protect your dog from ever having to go through such a tough treatment. Thanks everybody for everything. Without you, I wouldn't be here! And thanks for everyone who has wished me well and sent donations to help with bills. I know I'm one lucky dog because you cared enough to help me when I was down on my luck. Please remember that there's lots of other Jacks out there in need, so please help them like you helped me! Gotta run...now I can go play in the big dog pen!!!!
April 26 - From Blinky Hello everybody! I just wanted to let you know that I'm doing better and better all of the time. I've gotten both of my shots to get rid of the heartworms and now I am just waiting until I get a blood test to confirm that they are history. Then I'll be better than new and ready for my forever home! I'm still stuck in puppy prison---crate rest. It's tough on a little guy like me. I like to get out and see the world, but right now, I have to settle for a few more days of this. I can't wait til I can go out in the big dog run and just let my fur fly! I've seemed to manage to pick up a little weight and I'm a little bit out of shape, but give me a few days and I'll be in tip top shape again. I'm sending a new photo so you can see how good I am looking. Handsome, huh? Yeah, I know, eye candy for the ladies. See, I have my Greenies toy still. I fixed it so it won't squeak anymore but other than that, it's as good as the day the nice lady gave it to me. I protect it all the time. There's no way I'm going to let Harley or Maxie chew on it. It's mine!!! Tell me the truth, does my collar make me look fat? I didn't think so. I've been getting lots of good food and all the treats that I can eat. And I take my vitamins every day. Like my friends in Texas said, there's just more of me to love. And I have the cleanest teeth of all the dogs here. I've been using the leads as dental floss...so far, the score is Blinky-5, leads-0. Hehehe I've not met a leash I don't like the taste of...bring on the bitters and sprays, they just make the leather and nylon more appealing! Well, I better go back to the crate now. Just a few more days, I can do it.
April 14 - From Blinky Hello everyone!!! Did you miss me? I'm sure you did. I've been pretty busy lately just trying to recuperate from having my heartworm treatment. You'd think that I'd have all the time in the world to sit around and get caught up on my emails since I'm on crate rest. But the truth is, I've been up to a lot. My foster mom tried to get a new photo of me now that my stitches have been removed but I wasn't in the mood to cooperate. I ran around like a crazy dog (must be too much food and not enough exercise) and the photos came out blurry. Then I decided it would be fun to go lick the camera....blah, it doesn't taste like chicken. Then I waited until my foster mom tried to bribe me to be still....ah, treats. I sat long enough to get the treats and as soon as she tried to get the photo, I decided I had better things to do than to sit there. If you know Jacks, then you know that we have much more important things to do than to sit around--things to sniff, treats to eat, and toys to chew. Finally, she gave up and said to wait until my foster dad gets home. Wonder what that means? I hope it means more treats. Dr. P made a housecall to check on me. I think he wanted to see how good I am looking but when he pulled out the stethoscope, I knew it was going to be business. Seems like I've developed a little bit of a cough and we wanted to make sure it wasn't related to my heartworm treatment. Dr. P likes me, I can tell. He tells me all the time that I'm a good dog. I bet I'm the best one eyed Jack he's ever had the priviledge of treating. I think he's alright, too. My new collar has been fitting a little bit snug lately so my foster mom had to let it out a little bit. Good thing it's adjustable. I don't know what happened, I know I didn't get it wet, but it had to have shrunk somehow...can't be all the treats that I'm scoring. Something must be wrong with the scale at the vet's, there's no way I've gained weight. I'm just the right weight, I can't help it if my rear end is a little close to the walkway. Well, it's time for a treat and I'm not one to miss an opportunity.
April 3 - From Blinky Hello everybody!!! I wanted to let everyone know how good I'm doing and how much fun it was to visit the Sunshine State Terrier Club's trials this weekend. I don't think I've ever seen so many dogs. And I definitely know that I've never seen so many people making so much noise. It was lots of fun, and I even got my foster mom to let me run the oval track. My foster dad said it should be ok since I only had to turn left (my left eye is my good eye--oh yeah, it's my ONLY eye!) At first, I wasn't sure exactly what I was supposed to do. I watched Muffy run the other lure course with all the obstacles and I figured that I could catch that ol' lure. I got so excited about getting to run. I was so fast that my foster dad didn't even get a good picture of me. I know that I was the fastest one eyed Jack there, and if they would have given ribbons for my class, I would have won Grand Champion. Muffy ended up winning a ribbon in her class so she let me share it with her. I not sure what color the ribbon was since I'm color blind!!! I just think it was neat. I want to win ribbons, too. I met lots of real nice people at the trials. Everyone thought I was the best looking dog they had ever seen. I could tell, and they all told me how handsome I am. There was a cute little girl who was showing her puppy and she gave me some of her puppy's cookies. Now we're great friends. A really nice lady said I needed a toy so she got me a Greenies squeaky toy. I am so proud of my toy. I walked around, held my toy up high, and wagged my little tail. I did have to fix that squeaky noise though, but I didn't tear up my new toy. One lady got me out and played with me. She wanted to make sure that I got all the love I needed. Another really nice lady who has a kennel said that they want to do a special play day to benefit rescue and hold a special class for rescue dogs only. The family who adopted one of my foster mom's other rescues sent me a new crate. A lady wtih 15 dogs wanted to adopt me so she had her husband hold me for a while. You know I had him eating out of my paw, I gave him the sad ol' brown one eyed puppy look and melted his heart. I am so impressed with how nice everyone has been. I love being the center of attention! Thanks everybody!! I was sitting up next to the announcer's stand so everyone could see me. When the ribbons were being awarded, I heard lots of rescue dogs' names being called, and they were getting the really big ribbons. I hope I can win one of those big ribbons and a squeaky toy the next time I get to go to a trial. Rescue dogs rule!!! I'm not quite ready to go to my forever home yet. I still have to go for my heartworm treatment. I get my first shot on Monday. Harley will be getting his second shot, too. Harley said it hurts a little the first day but then the worst part is having to stay in the crate to rest. It's going to be tough for me to lay around in my crate and stay quiet, but I know it's for my own good. I think I'll manage just fine if I get lots of treats and toys. I love toys! Well, it's dinner time...and this time change thing has messed up my belly! Time for me to say "chow!"
March 29 - From Blinky Hello everyone! I wanted to let you know that I'm doing better and better all of the time. On Monday, Maxie, Harley, and I all went to the vet for a fun visit--no needles and lots of Milk Bones. We got to stay at the kennel for the day....pretty cool, huh? It gave me a chance to practice my charm on the vet techs. There's a new tech at the clinic and I had her eating out of my paw. She wanted me, I can tell. She asked my foster mom all about me....she didn't ask about Maxie or Harley. Who'd know that having only one eye would make me so irresistible??? I got my e-collar off permanently. I've been so good and haven't rubbed by socket. It's almost healed and the sutures will come out on Friday. When Dr. P said things were looking good, he meant I was good looking...I know these things. People just love me, no one can resist me. And all the girl dogs tell me how handsome I am. I had been looking forward to the ride to and from the vet clinic. Harley and I were going to do an encore performance but my foster mom got smart. She put me on the front seat of the truck, then put Maxie and Harley in the back. Maxie gets car sick so it's a good thing she wasn't up front with me. Harley still had to bark and whine, but just a little, so I suppose he wants to be a back seat driver. I'm content to be the navigator, besides my legs aren't long enough to reach the gas and brakes. I've been doing so good that I can go to the JRT trials this weekend in Williston. I can only visit on Saturday, though. I can't do any racing yet but I'll be at the RRI tent promoting us Terriers that need good homes. You can bring me treats. I love soft treats...and squeaky toys,,,and belly rubs...and visitors. So be sure to look for me, ok??? Oh yeah, about that photo with the rabbit. He was a little rabbit but he sure made me look tall, didn't he? He's a little shorter now, and who'd know that he'd taste like chicken??? Yum! I was just a little bit bad, but it was an accident. And I don't know anything about Muffy's pretty purple slip collar/lead getting all chewed up. Really! Seeya!
March 27 - From Blinky Hi Everyone!!! Hope you all had a Happy Easter or Passover. I got my first official Easter basket. I'm still a little suspicious why a rabbit would deliver all these neat things....Jackie and I have a theory on that...but we won't discuss that here. I also saw the Petsmart bag and somehow I don't think that the rabbit has a high enough credit limit to buy all of us JRTs neat things. I got some liver flavored vitamins, some Greenies (well, I will eat one, but it's not ME who needs a tic tac), a squeaky toy, and some soft treats. I set a world record for disecting my toy and removing the squeaker. I'm not so sure that my foster mom approves of my newly acquired skill though. Did you notice something missing in my picture? No, not my eye...the e-collar. I've been really good so I got a temporary reprieve from having to wear it. Now you can see how handsome I really am. As long as I promise not to rub my socket, I can run around without my collar. It's a lot easier to jump on the couch without it. And no, I wasn't picking up any additional cable stations! My foster auntie came to visit me. Well, she also came to see Maxie and Harley, the other foster Jacks, but I know she really wanted to see me. She thinks I am the most handsome Jack she's ever seen. (she didn't say it out loud, but I know she was thinking it) She brought us some treats, too. I hope I have more foster family, I could really get used to all of the attention. I know that not all of my special friends can come and visit me, but I know you'd like to. I want to say a special thanks to Bill B., you're awesome. Your email really touched my foster mom's and my hearts. So on behalf of Pip, myself, and all the other Jacks, thank you for everything you have done for us!!! And thanks to everyone who has sent me get well messages and donated for my medical expenses. Gotta run!
March 24 - From Blinky Hi everyone! Today's been a very exciting day for me. It's the first time I got to get a good look at my foster home. While my suite has been more than adequate, and I like the walks outside, I really wanted to see what else goes on around here. I got a chance to meet my foster brothers and sisters. Let's see, there's four cats--they're cool, they don't mind me being here at all. I'm used to cats that hiss, spit, and growl at me so it's been a very pleasant change. There's five more dogs--there's three girl Jack Russells and they are all pretty, then there's Harley, another Jack Russell who has to be treated for heartworms before he can go to his forever home, and then there's a big black male Lab. They all seem to be friendly enough towards me, even though I got the best room in the house! And then there are two horses--I don't recall ever seeing horses before, but they sure are interesting-and big! It's good to have a big family, you can always have someone to play with. I've gotten some really nice emails... people sending me get well wishes, making donations, and some people offering to give me a forever home. It really makes me feel good to know that there are so many people who care!!! It will probably be 7-8 more weeks til I can get adopted out. I've still got to recuperate from my eye surgery and neuter. Once that's all behind me, I can be treated for heartworms. And after that, I'll be even better than new! So for those who have asked if I am still available, the answer is yes. Be sure to fill out the online adoption form. And don't forget that there are lots of other Jack Russells in our Rescue that need good homes. Probably most of them come with two eyes though. Well, it's dinner time and I am quite the little chow hound.
March 21 - From Blinky Hello to all my new friends! I'm at my foster home, recuperating from all those needles and pills. The vet clinic can be a nice place to visit because all the techs feel sorry for you and give you lots of attention all of the time. I know I'm the "special" dog because everyone came to see me. And they all told me how brave I have been and how I deserve a wonderful home with some great humans so I'll get lots of love. I think I could get used to it being all about me. I had a great time on my ride home, too. Harley, my foster brother, and I decided to serenade our foster mom. Who needs surround sound when you've got two tenor Jacks to entertain you? Mom asked us to stop, I don't know why, unless she wants us to save it until our foster dad gets home so we can do an encore. All I know is that I am looking forward to doing it again next week when we both go in for checkups. I haven't gotten to meet the rest of the family yet. I know that there's at least four other dogs and some cats running around. Right now, I'm spending time in my own private suite, complete with a porcelain drinking bowl. Not too shabby. Someone closed the lid so how am I supposed to get a drink??? You know Skip isn't the only dog who appreciates the plumbing. Well, I promised my foster mom that I would hurry up. Time to take a pill. I'll let you know how things are going real soon.
March 19 - Lorri, Russell Rescue, Inc. Blinky is doing well after his surgeries today. He will be on pain medication over the next several days, which will keep him comfortable as well as keep him quiet. He'll stay at the vet clinic through the weekend and be released on Monday. He will be on antibiotics for two weeks. Once he has recuperated from his eye surgery, he will start on his heartworm treatment. To answer a question, yes, they do make glass eyes for dogs but most dogs don't like them. Blinky wants to express his appreciation for everyone who has sent him get well wishes and for those who have been generous in helping with his medical expenses. He should be up and about in a couple of days and be able to send his own update.
March 17 - From Russell Rescue Webmaster Blinky is scheduled to have his right eye removed on Saturday. He will also be neutered. After he recovers from surgery, he will begin his heartworm treatment. We wish him good luck!