Dustin

Oh, boy! I get to show you my rainbow! I so love my rainbow because in the pot of gold at the end of it I found As Good as Gold! Now that was luck!

One year ago, I was discovered on the side of the road by a very kind woman in Turkey. She and As Good as Gold have worked together previously in the rescue of dogs like me.  I’d been hit by a car and couldn’t walk, so was placed on a stretcher and taken to the vet. I healed naturally and could walk again, though I still favored my hind limbs a bit. There were additional internal injuries that will affect me for quite a while.

After arriving in the US, I was taken to the As Good as Gold veterinarian. I heard the vet talk about the issues I was having. Apparently, there is nerve damage that’s affected my bladder and rear limbs. I also had a urinary tract infection, which I still frequently experience, and roundworms.

During the past year, the nerves in my limbs have improved a bit, but any further improvement will take time. I still exhibit posturing to relieve myself and sometimes my gait is a little off.  The neurological damage to the nerves going to my bladder may not resolve. Foster mom expresses my bladder several times each day. (She knows how—she’s a vet tech.) And I wear a belly band for occasional leakage.

Here’s the deal: I don’t really have time to fret about these medical issues. I’m busy. I like to roughhouse with my furry foster brother, Brody. We can often be seen running and tumbling in our big back yard. I have lots of toys with which to play. And I deliver stuffed animals to foster mom.

I offer my paw to mom many, many times each day. I may hold my rear quarters kinda funny, but I still find a way to counter surf and jump onto people in greeting.

Mom says I can be lazy sometimes. Well, I can’t help it she has two soft beds for me. She said one is an orthopedic bed. I don’t know what that means, but it sure is comfy.  A really good way to feel cozy is to put my head on mom’s lap—so relaxing.

The woman who rescued me in Turkey told the As Good as Gold volunteer that I was “the best of best, the perfect dog.” She added, “Dustin looks into your eyes to understand what you want. It is sure that somebody loved him very much once upon a time.” Well, this is my next chapter. I feel cared for, safe, and blessed to be with my foster family.

Dustin is one example of the many dogs who have been rescued by As Good as Gold who have required lifetime care by one of our special foster parents. The care provided for these dogs, including veterinary visits, medications, and testing, is paid for by donations from people who want to assist in providing comfort to dogs who are in pain and/or alone. If Dustin could, he would offer his paw in thanks. To donate, please go to www.asgoodasgold.org