December 2009

Apollo continues to be the happiest dog ever despite his continued skin problems. His main issue is allergies now...his Dermatologist did allergy testing this fall and he is basically allergic to everything, so the recommendation is to do a series of allergy shots to help his body's immune system build up a resistance/ability to fight against these allergens (or at least that is how I can explain it). This will take a couple months and another big chunk of money but he is worth it and it is suppose to make a BIG difference.

He has had several ear flare ups since this summer, but he is so good about letting me keep them clean and taking his medicine that a good diagnosis from the vet and a good antibotic and they cleared right up. His itchiness is pretty much under control with the allergy meds he is on, so that helps a lot, we just want to get started on the allergy shots so that hopefully his hair will grow back and he will look like a proper dog!

Not that he cares whether he has hair or not, he is such a goofy, happy-go-lucky boy who lives to jump in anyone's lap for a good ear rub and face kissing. His main desire in life is to have someone who wants to throw a ball for him all day. We got a Chuck-It and took him out to the farm my sister lives/works on and just let him run and run in the open pastures...boy did he have a good time. Didn't get any pics that time but I will try to get some soon.....

My Christmas wish for Apollo is that we get some fundraising going so he can get started on those shots, so that hopefully he will get to a place medically for someone to want him and he can have a forever home in 2010! His problems are manageable, he will never be a normal dog, but lots of wonderful dogs have allergies...one of my personal dogs does and I wouldn't trade her for the world. I know there is SOMEONE out there that doesn't mind a few extra baths, meds and maintenance vet visits...the trade off is one AWESOME dog who loves everyone and shows people how to enjoy every moment in life with enthusiasm and happiness!

Wag Shag October 2009

Apollo had a BLAST at the Wag Shag in Sunset Beach, NC...a wonderful fundraising event for rescues in NC and since we have several foster homes in NC we were invited to attend. Apollo just LOVED all the attention and was sure this was all put together for him. We entered the "Best Hair" contest and he got to strut his stuff on the stage...sadly we lost, ironically, to a Chinese Crested Dog. I showed the judges his "before" pics so they would see that the amount of hair he has is a BIG improvement, LOL. He had a lot more hair than the practically hairless dog that one :) I have always joked that Apollo is our German Crested Dog since his hair pattern is similar to a Crested's.

His favorite part was after the event when we drove over to the beach...couldn't be that close and not go. Oh boy did he have fun...ATTENTION anyone who lives on or near the beach that has EVER considered adopting, this is the dog for you! He was born to live at the ocean. He ran around on the beach and fetched the ball until we had to drag him back to the car! And the best part is all that time in the ocean was WONDERFUL for his skin...it never looked better than the days following this trip! I wonder if I could make a case for retiring to the beach for Apollo's best interest? Hmmmmmm