These pictures are thanks to Gloria Kaufman. I've been away all weekend and it has taken me a bit to catch up.

We're having a contest:
Please send in your suggestions for a new name for Chico; click here to email me your ideas.
Don't forget to include a way to contact you if you win.

Judy brought "her dog" Chico over last night and he is looking MUCH better. He is eating raw food and putting on the pounds. His feeding tube is gone and he is relishing the good life.

The grand total for fund raising was over $3500.00 and we are so thankful.

The completed list of donors is coming...I just haven't had the time between lambing (yes! three new lambs born between Friday and Monday!!- our first born) and work.

Chico part one is accessible by clicking the picture below:

Stay tuned more news to come...Remember - deadline for the "Name" contest is coming up...the winner receives a complimentary pass to a Weekend Clinic

March 6th, 2003

You know how you can go all your life and never meet people in your neighborhood? Then once you've met someone -you start seeing him or her all the time?

That's how it has been with Judy, Chico and I.

I stopped in at the vet clinic to drop off a few dogs and cats for spaying and neutering today. While waiting at the front desk I heard, "Hello Gary." I looked around and there was Judy, peeking out from behind a display rack - Chico and his shiny mouthpiece at her side.

I bent down, and said "Hi Pal, how ya' doing?" Chico paid me with a small tail thump and shy look. The dog I had with me noticed Chico's presence and tried to make friendly, from afar.

Chico maintained his shy-boy look and gave the dog I was leading a quiet growl - as much to say, "I'm not feeling good - leave me and my human alone!" It worked, the dog decided that there were more interesting things to see on the shelves.

Chico's ribs are starting to cover up and his face is loosing its skeletal appearance.

As mentioned Monday night, Friday is the deadline for name votes…spread the word and get people to email them in…

There is a real purpose to renaming Chico. He has a "Negative " association with his name, likely from being chased away from food he had stolen or garbage pails he had gotten into. It is apparent whenever you call his name in any tone other than a very mild, soft voice.

We are also concerned that he may have some problem with his vision - but that will have to wait for a while, there is no ophthalmologist for canines in these parts. Rumor has it that there is a retired Doctor that comes around once a year and holds clinics so we will have to keep our ears open.

The second bit of good news: One of the pups of the "Monsters Among Us" story was successfully treated and returned to her newly adopted family after being successfully treated for a disease that killed two of her littermates. Zoey was saved thanks to the CHICO FUND!!

Did I say thanks to all of you? Pat yourselves on the back!!

March 10th, 2003:

And the winner is....

Patience now. The judges arrive at 6:00 p.m. tonight. I'll post Chico's new name and the winner later this evening. He is doing very well I'm told. His Foster Mother reports that he is feeling a lot better and even had to ask for a couple of pointers for correcting some budding behavior issues - That's a Great Sign!! More to come later...

Over the next day or so I'll explain my distracted-ness. for now here is a picture of the newest addition to the "Animal Connect" family of saved souls...

The above picture is of a dog named Ronald. His story will be highlighted next.

March 11th, 2003:

The dog; "formerly" known as the canine Chico has a new name.

Introducing Asa; from Hebrew meaning "healer." Pictures are coming...you won't believe the difference in just a short while. You an't see his ribs anymore and his hip bones are almost covered up. The winner of the naming contest was Liana Lowen. She won attendence during the next weekend clinic. I'll post the pictures as soon as they arrive. Cheers to Asa

Click here for a final cheer for Asa May 2003