Sparky is a 14 year old border collie/pointer mix who was abandoned by her family at the vet to be euthanized because she was "too old" and they were done taking care of her. Little did they know that Sparky was simply a diabetic and needed insulin, and whatever "old dog" problems they had with her were easily treatable. But when they were alerted to the simple treatment, they didn't care. They were done, and besides, they had two other dogs to keep them occupied. Knowing that it was such a cruel and awful thing that Sparky's family had done, the Smith family took Sparky in to try and find her a new home, and Young At Heart agreed that Sparky should be our next Sanctuary Dog. The Smiths agreed to become a Sanctuary Home for Young At Heart, so Sparky will be able to enjoy her finals years with the people she has come to love and trust. Look for more updates in the coming weeks as Sparky gets the Young At Heart star treatment! Welcome Home, Sparky!

May 24, 2008

Hi Everyone, Sparky here.

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written but I have had a LOT of things going on in my life. Oh, where do I start? I guess the beginning is always good. As you know, I was rescued at the LAST SECOND from being euthanized (and I mean the last second – I was already in the vet’s office! Yikes!) My former people didn’t want to take the time to find out what was wrong with me and let me tell you, I was one sick puppy! After living with my foster family for only three days, my foster mom Pam, figured out that I have diabetes. After several trips to the vet, I got the medicine I needed and started to feel better. My foster mom tried to find a nice home for me because she already had two senior dogs and wasn’t sure she could give me the care I needed. I knew that if I gave her my “sad puppy look” enough times and wagged my tail every once in a while (I wasn’t very good at the tail wagging thing, but now that I’ve had practice, I’m getting better at it), that I could win her over, and just as I knew it would, it worked.

She fell in love with me and told me that I could stay, and here I am! Then she found out how much all of my medicine was going to cost and started looking for someone to help. After searching for a very long time (and I should know because I was the one laying at her feet the whole time!) my foster mom found YAH. They talked many times and then one day my foster mom was reading her computer and got all excited, saying that YAH had accepted ME as their Sanctuary Dog! I couldn’t believe it! Someone I didn’t even know was willing to accept me just as I am! How cool is that? These humans are amazing! I sure am glad my foster mom was there to save me. Everyday I find something new to play with or just have my foster family pet me and give me love. It’s awesome.

Some of you, who have seen me in person, know that I had some really ugly lumps and bumps all over my body. After many months of blood tests and trying different medications, Dr. Flaska (whom I love dearly) finally got my insulin regulated and my liver enzymes under control so that he could remove all those “things” from my body. Four weeks ago I had my surgery and I’m doing GREAT! I have a few large areas with almost no hair but I don’t have anymore lumps and bumps! I think it’s a pretty good trade off, don’t you? Besides, my hair will grow back and hopefully my bumps won’t. I love to go out and chase my tennis balls (I’ve stolen most of them from my “BIG” brother Duke), go for long walks (hey, they seem pretty long to me!) and my very favorite thing is getting loves and hugs and kisses from my foster mom. She tells me everyday that she loves me no matter what! Can you believe that? She says that no matter what I do, she will ALWAYS love me! When I first got here I didn’t really believe that because I thought that my other people felt that way too and look what happened. Anyway, I now know that she means it because I get more love now everyday than I ever got before! I am very happy here in Villa Park with the Smiths.

Yesterday my foster mom told me that we are going to be making some appearances at Young at Heart events that are coming up. I am so excited! I get to show off my new look (lumpless and bumpless) AND I get to meet a lot of new people! I think she waited to tell me so that I wouldn’t get too excited. I love riding in the car and can’t wait for “Ride For Kids” May 31 at Des Plaines Honda, 550 E. Northwest Highway, in Des Plaines. Hey! Maybe I can get a ride on someone’s Harley! Only kidding. I don’t have a helmet or goggles. I am also going to be at Palatine’s Farmer’s Market June 7 and June 21. I will write again to let you know how much fun I have at each of these happenings.

Well, that’s all for now. I hope to see you at some of these great events.

Love,

Sparky

PS: I sent a couple of pictures of me with my toys and one with my two brothers Duke, my “BIG” brother and Dexter my “Little” brother. I sure am glad that they let me join the family. I love my whole foster family sooooooo much!

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come one step closer to our biggest goal- providing a haven where older,
unadoptable animals can live out their days.

Won't you consider sponsoring a Sanctuary Pet so that we can
continue to provide the loving care that these animals need?"

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Big Heart Campaign | Healthy Animal Seminar | Summer 2007 Newsletter | Memories