I took this picture of Maximus as I was taking pics of all the dogs tonight to send to Kat, and I can't believe the look of contentment on Maximus's face. He bought tears to my eyes tonight. I think he has finally realized he is home. I had to share this pic with everyone. Once again, I thank you all for all the help you have been with him. All of us can take credit for what is nothing short of a miracle for his recovery. He has only TWO scars on his entire body and those can be seen on his nose, other than that you can't tell he has been through anything.....other than the look in his eyes of knowledge. No longer does he look old and worried, he looks like the year old pup he is.

Merry Christmas Everyone! Maximus had a great time with Toys and chews that Michelle Allington and Lari had sent to him for Christmas. Michelle and Lari, not wanting to leave the other dogs out sent extra things for them. No incidents of the Bad Grey Dogs this year...damn was I ever lucky!
From Maximus

Maximus had his stitches removed today. He is doing so wonderful! The vet wants to give him one more month before we start cutting the Ivomec down. His coat is so thick and shiney! He doesn't look or act anything like he was when he came home with us.

She dooed it!! She REALLY dooed it!

I no longer has me jingle bells! I wased soooo pwoud of dem! First, dey don't feed me, dey lockeded me in the bedwoom so ebbybody else could chow down. Den Brian, I fought he was me frwiend, tooked me to see Dr Jim. I knewed, I knewed it, no times to pwepare! Dey did the Star Trek cutting in me and my Jingle Bells is gone! No mores, nada, zip, zero!

Den, mudder has da nereve to comed to seed me! Here I is a foogly headed and I sink I sees her, and just when I knewed it was her...she weft! She teased me dat wench!

Dr Jim tolded me I hadid to stay there for all night so's da udder dogs at me house would not bug me. He said mudder and Brian would be back. I was scareded. I fought dey loved me, I wanted to go home.

I waked up in da sunshine and they told me dere waz a saprize.....ITS MUDDER AND BRIAN! Dey tame bak fors me!!! DEY DOES LUVS ME!!! Me barassed, I whined, me waz sooo happi to sees dem!! I whined fur a wong time! Why did ebbybody waff at me? I KNOW, its cause I gots no mores Jingle Bells!!

Sokay dough....just wait..the BDG duys gots nuffin on me....just wait...me going to maked dis hodiday seazon hell fur dem! Muhahahaha!! Muhahahaha!

Coose me fored now, but I musted works on my diary....mudder said somes peoples wants it. I wuvs all you duys....its mudder I am dispointted in....singed dis wiff me....."All I want for Christmas is my Jingle Bells, My Jingle Bells, My Jingle Bells, All I want for Christmas is My Jingle Bells, then I would feel so manly!"

Happi Howlidays!

Maximoose!

WHEW! He had the laser surgery done and is just fine. I stopped by Tuesday afternoon to see him and I was very pleased to see him sitting up in the cage and wagging his tail! I only stayed a moment because he was waking up and I didn't want to upset him. We brought him home yesterday morning and you can't tell he has had anything done! (other than the stitches) He was a trooper. He also told me he was going to do his own post later. Hide your children, this one may not be nice!

THE BEST NEWS!!! When we take him back to get the stitches out another skin scraping will be done to see if there are any liove mites. If none are found....we are GOING TO CUT THE IVOMEC down!! Our vet is hoping that we can find a low maintainance amount that would greatly cut down on what he is getting now!

Maximus decided to run a fever this morning so his surgery was put off for a week. The vet wonders if he was faking it. haha....we try again next week.

Maximus now weighes 52 lbs, his hair is totally grown back! The vet is even shocked that he has no scarring! He has done so much better than any of us have ever hoped for! His treatments for the mites must continue and hope that there won't be any other illness comming for him. WE are still keeping an eye on his eyes as they continue to weep now and then. Along with the health...come the HORMONES! Yes, everyones favorite mini weim is a RAGING HORMONE! He has an appointment on December 3, to relieve him of his manliness. We were going to wait a couple more weeks, but his behavior forces me to deal with the issue a little sooner. I know, all the men are crossing their legs about now, but face it, it has to be done! Not only is he a rescue, but he is a rescue with demodectic mange that he would pass on to the next generation, therefor there can never be a Maximus Jr. Wish him well, and keep him in your prayers for the 3rd. I can't say I am excited, I am worried about him being knocked out. He will have lazer surgery (thanks to the donations that continue to come in) This will be another stress and shock to his system, and hopefully the mites won't jump in numbers again.

Happy Thanksgiving Maximus!! He has so much to be thankful for! All the wonderful people who care about him, and ask about him! Home for the Holidays is the theme for our Rescue Group this season. Casper is feeling better and has a home waiting for him, Evi is leaving soon, Emmett, and Sir Maxwell go home tomorrow, and Eli has several families interested in him. As for Maximus...he is already home! :o) He has his own stocking waiting to hang by our other dogs on the mantel.

Maximus woke up feeling great! No bumps, and ate very well. I think after missing so many meals, he never wants to miss another! I have to watch him for the next few day sand ensure he doesnt "break out" again. If it happens...we have to figure out what else might be causing it.

EMERGENCY CLINIC - HERE WE COME! Once again we burned the roads getting to the AEC in Gladstone. I had relatives in from Canada for the holiday week and got home to feed the dogs dinner a little later than usual. Everyone was fine and ate well. After about 45 minutes I sat down on the couch to relax for a few minutes, when I looked at Maximus and he looked like he had been stung by a hundred bees! I called his name and he looked up at me and his face was swollen, and was breathing a little funny, not distressed but different then normal. We rushed to the Clinic and even though the vet was very busy took the time to give Maximus a quick look. He gave him two injections and asked that I wait there with Maximus for about 20 minutes to see if the injections were going to work. Pood Maximus....he hates cars!

As I was waiting I watched and saw that the bumps were starting to go down and his breathing returned to normal. Whew! Thank God AGAIN! He slept all the way home, and though the night.

We have no idea what caused it, but the only thing different today was that I was asked by KCPD to foster a 12 week old puppy that was evidence in a case they were working. Of course I couldnt say no to a puppy, I hate to see pups in shelters. When the puppy got here, she had a flea collar on her neck which I removed right away and threw in the trash. Maximus played with the puppy and had done his version of an alpha roll when she got too rough, and I think the chemicals from the flea collar was the answer. The puppy "Evi" (short for Evidence) won't be here long, and the other dogs can't quite figure out why there is something other than a weim here. Maximus doesn't seem to mind her being different....although I remind him ALOT that she will kick his butt in 6 months if he is mean to her....she is a Pit Bull...all Maximus knows is he has a new friend...Casper and Evi sleep with Maximus.

Maximus received his second set of shots today. Poor guy I know he is going to start hating car rides! I have a pretty sick puppy here, and Maximus has been so good with him. He lets the puppy (Casper) snuggle up and sleep with him. What a wonderful temperment he has!

Headdo Ebbybuddies,

My phostard mudder has beened rearwy buzy wiff all dese udder dogs in da house. Dere are 3 pupps here dat are drwibing me silwy! Dey wanted to pway all da time! Me wuvs dem dough!

Mudder tolded me a secrwet....she tolded me....I AM HOME! She wassed cwryin and telled me she wuved me and could not let me go anywheres. ME SO CITED!! I dont'ed has to go no wheres no more! ME HOME FUREBBER! Me wucky, me gets to sweeps wiff Brian ebby nite!

I wuvs you's guys, and sanks adin for all da wondurful stuffs you sended me!

Mudder took dis pichure of me tonites....ME ALL HAIRY---ALL OVER!! She sayz she is still gonna take me manliness away nex monf dough. Me gettin kinda used to does tings under dere! Wood if help if me crossed me legs? She boughted me dis Harley hat so's I can feel tuff!

Yous nots doned hereing phrom me!! I be around...like a ball! :o)

Louvs

Maximoose

I am contacted by a person who told me about another dog, a labrador, who is in the same shape that Maximus was in. I went to the site and saw pictures that made me cry. I was reminded of the pain and discomfort Maximus has been in. I amde contact with Kris (rescuer) and offered assistance with the treatments we had used on Maximus. "Lightweight" is going to undergo the same treatments, and schedule that Maximus has, hoping for the same results! For information about "Lightweight" please go here.

Maximus is feeling much better today...whew! We had a rough sleepless night, but well owrth it knowing he is better today! :o)

Maximus received his first vaccinations on Tuesday. He got what was equal to a first round of puppy shots. With a second series in 3 weeks. He has been fine. Acting fine, eating fine, but tonight, he has thrown up a couple times, clear liquid (water) and small bits of food from dinner. I am planning on feeding him a bland breakfast, hoping this is a passing thing and not a reaction to the shots. He is receive his next set in 3 weeks.

Wish Us Luck!!

I am taking Maximus in for his first vaccination this morning. Slow....the word for the day for the vet is SLOW....we are going to vaccinate slowly so we don't overwhelm his system.

He is still progessing fine, and continues to show me that he is a true weim.....if its within teach, its mine, and I WILL chew on it. :o) His temperment is sweet, and humble, not over bearing by any means, and just wants to cuddle.

With the help of the other dogs here, he has learned to socialize and play, and he is now getting to the point that he wants to play with humans a bit! Trust factor, its like he is afraid he will do something wrong and have to leave. Does that make sense?

He is very gentle with puppies, and very submissive to older or larger dogs, loves kids, and his kisses are never ending.

After we get done at the vet, we are taking a trip to the Petco toy isle where Maximus is going to have his choice of whatever toy he wants to bring home. Poor guy the only time we have taken him for a rise is to go to the vet...have to start showing him, rides arent all bad!

Its a busy house today as we prepare to accept a litter of 6 week old puppies from a shelter. Hmmm, I hope Maximus likes puppies! I am a bit concerned about Maximus not having vaccinations, but hopefully with the Pro Back he is on his Immune System is getting stronger and will fight off anything. He and Al were up late playing until the wee hours of the morning. I know I should have shut them down for a good nights sleep, but they were having so much fun that I couldnt stand the thought of making them stop. I have never seen Maximus happier, or Al more relaxed!

Maximus is back to full rations and is feeling great...so great in fact that another little BGD trait has shown up.....while walking from the Dog Closet (I have no longer have linen closet anymore its the Dog Closet) with the bowls of dog food, I felt a love nip on my butt!!! I screamed of course and turned around to find Maximus looking more than guilty!! Bet me I wear more in the future to feed him!!

A Foster returned to us tonight, Al. Al is a little boy with a very sad life too. He suffers from Separation anxiety and needs help to overcome the issues the brought it about. He and Maximus had a ball, they are about the same size and played for a couple hours tonight. All the dogs are getting alot great! Maximus is having the time of his life! Wouldn' tit be great if Al and Maximus could go to the same home!

Maximus is back to his slender self! The little bugger! I will tell you the truth though I have never seen so much dog sh*t in my life! How did the poor little guy process it all!!!! I only fed him half rations today, giving his system time to adjust.

You know its going to be a beautiful morning when you wake to the wonderous sounds of the birds singing, the small animals chattering, and a dog vomiting beside your bed. Awwwww, Maximus had held it in as long as he could. He is not feeling well at all today. I took care of cleaning up after him, started to walk down the hall to the kitchen to feed the other three dogs and found that Maximus left me a present in the hallway!!! Yes, the forewarned was here!! I know it sounds terrible, but I was actually happy to see it, it meant his tummy was still where it is suppose to be, and the food is moving through.

I fed the other dogs, and Maximus didn't seem to care that his bowl remained empty. I watched as he walked out side and down the stairs of the deck to the yard. I looked at my deck....PRESENTS!! ALL OVER IT!!

He remains as big as a barn, and feel better that Brian will be here all day to watch over him while I am at work.

OK, I get home from work and Maximus has jumped the baby gate, and gotten into a bag of Dog Food. I look at the bag, it appears theres is not much gone, and return him to Dog Land. (any area not the Formal Living Room and Dining Rooms) I change clothes and go about my regular duties..feed the dogs, answer the phone, fix dinner, answer the phone, check e-mail, answer the phone, and now its time for bed! I call "Time for Nite Nite" and all the dogs come down the hall but one....where is Maximus...he is laying on the couch not wanting to get up! I reach down and go to pick him up and I observe a HUGE BELLY! OH MY GOD! MAXIMUS IS BLOATING!!!

A phone call is made to Laura asking that she make the rest of the neccessary calls for me, we are out the door with Maximus!

After a flying trip to the Emergency Clinic the vet said he wasn't sure, but felt that if it was bloat that he was in the very early stages and that was good. The vet said he wanted to be on the safe side and take x-rays. Of course there was no objection on my part, I was prepared to argue to get them taken!

Maximus did NOT bloat, but is FULL of food! He is very uncomfortable, and will be for many hours yet. The vet said he cannot eat for 24 hours, and during this 24 hours we can expect to see alot of diarehha (oh joy) He wants his tummy totally clear before eating again.

The paper work they gave me for after care treatment stated, "Owner forewarned of impending diarrhea." OK, this was the third time we were warned......obviously this is going to be a bad thing!

He is sleeping on his bed, beside mine.....its going to be a long night.

Laura thanks for the breathing time!! Kat, thanks for contacting Maximus..he was much calmer than I was! Mary Kay...now you know why I didn't call you back.

After receiving several e-mails and calls, I have decided not to allow Maximus to have any vaccinations until he has one full month of "clean" health with none of these little infections etc popping up. I agree that he will get allt he time he needs to heal properly before adding addtional strains to his system. Lets see how the next month goes!

Maximus went back to the vet this morning. Our vet was surprised and wanted to know where the "real" Maximus was because he has gotten so much fuzz!!! He has gained another few pounds. He now weighes 48 lbs, and the doc said he should top out at 52 and be fine.

Maximus now has conjunctivitis, and an infection in his urethra, more anti-biotics, and now eye drops. We have to be careful and watch our selves and the other dogs as we can all start passing the conjunctivitis around. He declared the mites under control, but not cured! Continuing with the dose of Ivermec a day.

He also said that he wanted to start giving him his vaccinations SLOWLY starting in two more weeks. He wants to discuss neutering him in a little over a month. His desire is to have all these little things stop cropping up before putting him under.

I asked if Christmas in his new home was looking like a possiblity. He agrees Maximus may have the best present of all for Christmas....a Forever Home!

Thank you everyone for all your thoughts and prayers....we knew it would be a long road...but I think we are at least over the hill now, and no brakes applied!!!

We made it back from Texas with 5 beautiful dogs to go to new homes. Maximus was fine while we were gone...but has developed a couple bad habits while I was away. First, my loving nephew, decided Maximus didn't like sleeping on his own bed on the floor by my bed...NOOOOOOO, he allowed Maximus to sleep in my bed! You know what happened after that. Every night I have to get Maximus off my bed and put him on his own bed to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night he sneeks back up and I awake to 4 dogs in my bed! I need a bigger bed! The best part (this is no dumb dog!) When he thinks the other dogs are taking up too much room, he runs down the hall barking....knowing the others will follow....then he runs back in before the other have the chance and he can get his own space! He looks at me like, "Hey, its not my fault they fall for it EVERYTIME!"

He is starting to run greater distances now, which does my heart good.Although when he is done, he is done and has to sleep. Weight is now a priority to me. He is eating puppy food, in an effort to gain weight faster. He is still so thin. We go back to the doctor next week to check the mite count, and I am thinking we need to do another fecal to ensure we caught the worms at the right time of their cycle. He thinks he is one of the big boys now, so he tries as hard as he can to keep up.

I am starting to get applications to adopt Maximus. Several people have applied and each has heart. Its going to be very hard to choose which home he should go to. I think I will be letting him decide for me. I can tell, from his reaction who he likes and trusts....which is about anyone who gives him attention! I will be getting pictures of maximus again tomorrow....with a hairy face!!! I hope your as pleased with his progress as I am!!

We are rushing around, picking up a rental cargo van for the Texas dogs, loading crates, water, everything we need, then pack ourselves. Our guys know something is up and are wondering where I am off to now! Aren't they going to be surprised! No Maximus, no treats, new friends! Once again, there won't be any postings for Maximus for a couple days. Know he is doing better and better everyday! Keep him in your prayers. While we are out of the woods as far as loosing him, we still have a long fight to get the mites under control so that he is comfortable. The last thing I will do tonight is give him a nice warm bath, he always appears to be so much more comfortable after a bath. I hate to leave him behind, but I am afraid the stress of the trip would bring out more bugs. I leave you in my nephew hands for two days Maximus. ( along with the hotel number, vets number, emerg vet numbers etc...haha do I sound like a woman leaving her baby with a sitter for the first time?)

Things are a bit hectic here, trying to get things togather to make the run to Dallas Texas for Rescue Dogs. Maximus' crate training has been stepped up a bit, so that he will be comfortable in his crate when the others need their time out. He is doing quite well, he is quiet and calm. He and Lilo appear to be best buds! This is a picture of the both of them after their short session of "Recess!" This picture is a bit deceiving, Max does NOT have this much hair all over! This is his good side! :o) He is getting more and more of the downy grey hair, which in the picture makes it appear to look thick, but I have been told that he will loose this fuzzy hair before the good hair comes in. We will be patient...like Maximus said, we are trying! :o)

Lilo has really brought Maximus out of his shell. No matter the reason, he is up and around more!! Maximus has decided that maybe he is a weimaraner, and its ok to play with the dogs here. All 5 are loose in the house and get along GREAT!! I know, its by the Grace of God that they do! WHEW HOO! Maximus has figured out the Potty Thing...you do it OUTSIDE! No accidents at all today!! Proud Day at this house!!!!

I have to bring another foster into the house today, a 14 week old puppy. I was a little concerned about her sharp puppy teeth and what they might do to Maximus' skin. Even the puppy seems to realize she must be gentle with him. and he with her! It was a riot to watch them play! Lilo (the pup) is more Maximus' speed, and wears out just as fast too! They are buddys!

Maximus went in for his check up today and the Vet is very happy with his progress. Even though it is very slow, it is steady. We are still battling the mites. He has several places that I have to stay on top of or they go from pink to red very quickly. I have started him on Pro Back which is suppose to help boost their imune system. With luck and determination, I am hoping to get him off the Ivemec in a few months. His poor ears are still a bit infected, so more medication for them, and he GAINED ANOTHER POUND! We are to continue the Ivermec, anti-biotics, and the bathes. We dont have to go back for three weeks (whoo hoo, progress!) unless he "blows up" with the mites.

Headoh,

Ids me Maximoose adin. :o)

Me phosturd mudder has not been berry gud at tellin ya I am duding grate!

Me has gained a phew more of them poundages dat she tinks I shud, and me hairs is cumming back on me berry manlee chesty! Me skin do not burn no more, cause mudder Gail is usin this stuff Auntie Mary Kay sended me.

Mudder Gail prumisez she will taken a pichure of me when the yellow ball getz into da sky and she will let youz guys see me!

Mudder Gail sayz Crismus is commin and I want to be in my really home for this fat Zanta guy to see me! She sayz I cant go til I am really hairy and the widdle bugs on me are gone. Me pacent, me workun on it :o)

I gots to go, mudder gail is walkin into da woom!
I luvs yous guys!!
Maximoose!

Maximus smells soooo good after his bath! No mangey smell at all. I know it will return in a couple days but he is enjoying it while it lasts! I have to leave early in the middle of the night to fly out to LA for business. Maximus will be in the very capable hands of my son, Brian. Don't worry, I have even left instructions typed out for him to follow, and has Kat and Mary Kays phone numbers in case there is a problem. There will not a be an update until I return Tuesday night. Be patient! He is doing very well!

Whoo Hoo! I got to actually eat my dinner tonight! After dinner, Maximus was feeling a bit frisky...taking advantage of his mood....he had a bath!! First I used the Benziol Shampoo from the Vet, then used the Oatmeal Shampoo Aunt May Kay and Stoli sent to him. Mary Kay, I can't believe how shiney and soft what hair he does have is! I just might have to use it myself!! He loves being towel dried....I'm sure the soft rubbing feels good to him. He decided he was feeling pretty good and he played with Cody for a few minutes, then tuckered out he went to sleep.

Maximus continues to gain strength slowly, and he is becomming a true weim! For those of you keeping track, he decided he liked the steak so well last night that the stole a ham steak tonight! Meat stealin' bugar! Yes, I know I got alot of e-mails after hearing about the beef steak....I guess I will hear it from the pork fans now! haha

On a more serious note: I just received word of the Puppy Mill in Taxas and the 20 Weims in terrible shape! Poor things. I look at Maximus and realize how far he has come in such a short time. I need to give my little buddy a hug!!

One thing is for sure, Maximus does not want anyone messing with his ears! Its a battle to get the medication drops in, but he loves the caress afterward. Yes, America, and everyone else reading this. Our beloved Maximus, the wonderful, pitiful Weimaraner that has touched the hearts of so many is a COUNTER THIEF!!!

I was preparing dinner last night, I had pulled out two nice sirlion steaks for the grill. I turned my back to get the seasoning for the steaks and when I turned back around there was now one! I yelled....looked around, Maximus was to only one in the kitchen at the time. I looked just in time to see Maximus' butt trying in his way to swiftly move out of range! He had this large piece of red meat dangling out the side of his mouth! Like a lion, proud of his first kill, he went to his crate bed and laid down to enjoy his feast!

Did I take it from him, no, he needs the protien, will he ever get the chance to do it again, HELL NO! That was my dinner!

Maximus went to the vet today for his weekly check up. He walked on his OWN from the car into the vets waiting room! I know it doesnt sound like much, but it was for him!! It wore him out! My son had to carry him into the exam room. We received both good and no so good news. He has gained 2 full pounds in the last week and a half! I a a little concerned this is too fast, but will ask Kat about it. The vet is very happy with the progess his skin infection is making. However he is STILL infested with the mites! I asked for a fecal exam to ensure we had the hookworms now under control. The results....hooks gone, stool still full of mites. He looked at his ear and verified he has a terrible ear infection. They have a special instrument they use with warm water to flush out the ear, he was taken to the back room for the procedure. The next thing we hear is, "NO BITE!" from one of the techs. He did not bite her, but mouthed her to let her know he was in pain and wanted them to stop. They carried him back in and his tail started wagging as soon as he saw us. (Yes, I do got to go home!) After talking about what needed to be done for the next week, he raised the level of Ivomec to .7/5 cc a day. He can start getting bathed twice a week to help shed the skin of the flakes sluffing off. He also prescribed a medication for the ear infection and continued the anti-biotics for another two weeks.
We went shopping this afternoon for a little while just for a break. All the stores are getting their Christmas decorations out. I found a beautiful velvet stocking with a home applica' stitched on it with a couple snowmen, and a sign that says "Let is Snow." Call me silly, but I started wondering if Maximus would be able to be in his forever home by Christmas. Just in case, I bought him the stocking. I need to find someone who can sew his name onto the top of it. I figured, what the heck, it will pack well if he goes "home."

Two weeks ago today I first got the phone call about Maximus. While his progress is slow, I am thankful we were able to get to him before he died in the shelter. He is to go to the vet tomorrow and I was thinking eh should have a bath, but changed my mind. I want a true picture of his skin condition and the mite condition. He kept shaking his head like there was something in his ear. I decided, I could clean out his ears. I put a little bit of ear clearner in his ear and he whined, and pulled away. He has never fought anything being done to him! Once again, I know I have done something to cause him pain, the liquid must have burned. (No Mary Kay is wasn't cold! haha) I took the Q-Tip and ever so gently tried to clean out his ear. SIXTEEN q-tips later, bringing out wax and puss, I knew this was a job meant for the vets office and not me.

Not much change, I did get a great picture of his progress. Here is is!! Can you believe its the same dog? While he looks better, I remind myself, he still has a ling way go. More things rearing their ugly heads at him. Once again, Mary Kay(Stoli's Soap for Hope) and Kat have been a tremendous help to me! Along with all the moral support from the Weim List on Weimnet. Thank you all, we made it past the danger mark!

Maximus slept most of the day. We had to pick up another rescue dog this afternoon, and I was concerned how the new dog would treat Maximus. I didn't have to worry at all. She didn'tlike his looks much, and my dogs kept her at a distance for the first few hours. Maximus could care less about another dog. Feed Me - Let me Sleep!

Maximus woke feeling a little frisky for a few minutes! He wagged his tail and enjoyed the bright sunlight of morning! He ate a good breakfast, but I don't think I got it to him fast enough. After crushing all his medications, and adding the Missing Link supplement he was more than ready to eat. I was off again this morning and took advantage of the time. His eyes continue to improve as does his skin daily. He is almost to the point that he can have a "real" bath with soap instead of anti-bacterial stuff. He won't know how to act smelling fresh! This is a task I will think about hitting this weekend. Bless his heart, its not like there is alot of hair there to dry!!

Tonight was the first night he has been left alone for several hours since we brought him home. He got a little lonely. He started barking as I opened the front door. I walked into the kitchen and was standing up ready to come out of the x-pen and greet me. I checked his area and NO ACCIDENTS! I let them all outside and low and behold, he did his business, turned around and waited a second for me to praise him! I quickly told him what a good boy he was, and he was ready to come back into the house. He lays at my side now, waiting for me to go to bed. Ok, Maximus, you have had along day too, its time to tuck you in.

We went back to the vet this morning and the vet went over Maximus really close. She did a urine analysis as his urine was very bright in color. Nothing there. While doing the test the Vet Tech noticed she had "forgotten" to document that Maximus is infested with hook worms, noting more than she had ever seen. Poor little guy...again. His anal glands where clogged, and causing him pain. That was taken care of, and he started the cough. Yes, Maximus now has Bordatella. Another type of anti-biotic given. This explains why he is not bouncing around as much, he was feeling better then the other problems reveal themselves. Unless something else pops up, we are to return next week. His nails were clipped, and his ears cleaned a bit. I am leaving for work now, and will note his evening when I get home.

Maximus was sleeping soundly when I got home, and didn't want to be bothered with a visit. Sleep little buddy, you need your rest.

I was warned by Kat, and Mary Kay that there would be set backs. That as the more obvious things started healing that other problems would begin to surface. It started this morning. His stool was extremly loose, then almost to water. When he breathed, he sounded like a child with a running nose, but nothing coming out. He was not near the peppy little guy I had seen the night before. I had to go to work, and would call the vet after Roll Call.

At Roll Call I discovered I would be going to Springfield for the day to pick up a prisoner. Of all the days!!! I was busy on my cell phone with the vet, and Mary Kay before my cell phone went out of range of Kansas City. The vet ordered an additional anti-biotic to fight a possible infection in his intestines. As for the wheezing, he is concerned he either contracted Bordetella, or pneumonia. If he is not better by morning he has to go to the vet, if he shows improvement we are to keep our appointment on Friday. I called Brian to go and get the additional meds, and start them. As I drove my Patrol Car into Springfield, it took all I had in me, and my partner for the day to keep me from driving the three blocks over to the shelter I picked Maximus up at, and giving the "manager" a doggy attitude adjustment!

I got home from work and Maximus seemed a little better, although he is still not up and around much. I placed the bed Mike brought him last night by my bed and he slept there til time for dinner. He ate very well, but again the stool is not right. The wheezing is not there now, I will have to listen to him in the morning and see. I will let him sleep by my bed tonight and listen to how he breathes as he sleeps. He has only been off the bed twice on about 5 hours. Even though its only been for a few minutes, he is usually up several more times than this. My concern grows, what am I not doing that could help him. For the first time since I saw him, I cried. There has got to be something I am missing that would help him.Good Night Maximus...I love you, many people love you...keep fighting little guy.

Maximus had company tonight. Our K-9 Deputy came by with a VERY large bed for Maimus. He liked it! Now he has his choice of where to sleep. He actually pranced for a minute, but it wore him out and he had to go take a nap. He is getting stronger day by day. The spritz of Bedadine seem to help in drying up the sores on his skin, and the scabs have started falloing off. The best news...he has PEACH FUZZ on his chest! His hair is growing back!!

He chowed down for breakfast. He had all his usual meds and even enjoyed a short (about 10 foot) walk into the grass this morning. I can tell he wants to go out farther into the yard with my dogs, but just doesn't have the strength.

I got home from work, and decided today was the day! Maximus is going to get a bath! After hooking up the shower hose..(thank you Brian)...Maximus got his first bath here. He didn't try to fight me at all. I don't know if he knew it would do no good, or if he felt the warm water felt good! I gently rubbed his skin and watched as several of the nasty looking scabs fell off and went down the drain. This has GOT TO BE GOOD FOR HIM! As I was washing him, I noticed something I hadn't before...FLEAS!!! No wonder I itch!! Back to the Holistic list to ask waht I can use for fleas, He is too sick for chemicals of any kind. Another day, another problem...he has got to be miserable!

Maximus is holding his own. His attitude continues to improve. He didn't eat one of his meals as well as he has his others, but I have been told to expect sit backs a bit from time to time. He ate a good dinner. His walk seems a little better, he is getting stronger! I held him on my lap for a bit this evening, he loves to be loved!! I know its my imagination, but I itch!! These are pics from today.

My alarm went off way too early, and my guys were ready to start their day! We went to the kitchen, and were met with bright eyes of Maximus! He sat up in the bed and WAGGED HIS TAIL HARD! His eyes are 100% better, they looked younger than the old ones I had seen a few days ago! His legs don't seem as red, he moved around a little, and they returned to the bright red they have been. I let my 3 out and fed them. I then put them in my bedroom, while I took care of Maximus.

First outside....nothing...ok, maybe he's hungry. I fix his breakfast, complete with antibiotics, and Ivermec. He gobbles down his food. I sat beside him as he ate and talked to him. I took him out again...nothing. I checked the time. Damn I'm going to be late for work. I started getting ready, and knew I needed to get him outside one more time to try! Whew!! Brian is up now. Yo Brian give Maxmimus about 30 minutes and take him outside. Look at my watch, I'm going to make it on time! I need to get up a little earlier tomorrow! I leave for work and am paged a little later, Maximus has gone outside and done his business.

I put in a call to the vet. There is still that one spot on his neck that is wanting to start oozing puss again. Can't I clean it out with something? I get the OK to clean it twice a day. OK, I will clean it when I come home for lunch. Still not having time to make the chicken and rice Kat told me to, he is on canned food. Knowing that cans of food make Brian gag, I have to come home for lunch. We know what happened now don't we? Yes, being a cop on duty, never count on any time being your own. I can't come home for lunch, too busy! Ok, call Brian, BEG him to feed Maximus, year dear, I know you gag, feed him anyway. He does. haha gagging all the way, but knows Maximus needs to eat.

I get home after having to work an hour and a half over, told you we were busy! I was met by my three, and went to the kitchen to see a face that appeared to be happy to see me. I went over and gave Max a few minutes before having to leave again to go get a few more items I needed to take care of him.

Its time for Maximus to eat again, he tried to stand up and eat, still a bit weak, he laid down to finish it off. He loves canned food....I have GOT to get three hours to make chicken and rice. He ate dinner, had no desire to go outside. He must have work himself out trying to stand too long. He is so sweet, his temperment is starting to reveal itself. Good Night Maximus.

The vet said that he will get to come home late this afternoon. He seems to be feeling better, having been on IV's for the last two days his hyration level is much improved! He is still refusing anything hard in texture to eat, but Kat gave me a receipe for chicken and rice that should more than please his palet! He will be on several medications for a long time (hoping that once his immune system kicks in we can pull some off)He will be making frequent trips to the vet to monitor his progress, and make any adjustments in his treatments.

Friends are bringing a home made bed, made special for him, and of course the satin like sheets should feel cool and soothing to his body.

Brian and I brought Maximus home this afternoon. Everyone at the Vets office had to come by and say good bye and good luck to him. He had won their hearts too!! If your in the Kansas City area, Eagle Animal Hospital is WONDERFUL and VERY KNOWLEDGABLE about Weims. Once we were home, the reactions of my own three weims was interesting. First there was Iceman (the old man) he looked, smelled and said, OK, another sick one,a nd walked the other way. Cody, the one year old "barn rescue" pup decided this was his house and he barked to let Maximus know it! Then there waw Bartles (2 year old) once again he proved himslef to be everyones buddy!! He walked up to the open bed of Maximus sniffed him, and promptly gave him a kiss!! Maximus liked that! More attention!

After a couple hours, Sarah and Vivien came by with his new beds. Vivien did a great job on the beds. Soft, easy to clean, and bright colors! Thanks Vivien! He was to be fed dinner, and Sarah felt obligated to hold his bowl as he was still very weak. He ate it all!! Then he had a drink of water, once again, Sarah held the bowl...who cares at this point as ling as he is eating and drinking!!

It was time to go outside and see if he would do his business. Sarah carried him to the front door and set him down on the sidewalk. He turned walked back to the porch and decided thats where he wanted to leave his mark! and on the sidewalk! Again, who cares, his body is functioning! Except he is still so weak that we thought he was going to fall over on his head as he tried to squat! He walked a few more feet out into the yard, and seemed very pleased with himself! We came back into the house he went to the hallway bathroom and laid down. Thats as far as his legs would carry him. We changed his bedding and put him back in the half crate to rest.

At about midnight, I was more than ready to get to sleep, I had to work the next morning early. I thought I better take him out one more time. He did the same thing, once for the porch and once for the sidewalk! OK, we need to work on this! I bought him back to his crate and tucked him in for the night......Shhhhhh, its time to sleep.........BARK BARK!! He doesn't want to be alone! I thought it was a good sign!! As weak as he is, I knew it wouldn't last long, and wasn't going to start a habit that I KNOW is hard to break. Shhhhhhhh.....its time to sleep. Good Night Maximus.

Maximus slept well last night after receiving his anti-bacterial soaking bath. The IV's continue as he is not hydrated to their satisfaction yet. The really bad spot on his neck that was oozing puss looks "100%" better today. :o) He is eating well, but is not drinking as well as they would like to see. They are a bit concerned that he is so "depressed" They are sure it is due to his feeling so lousy, but also want to get him home as quickly as possible to start his emotions healing also. He will be taking ivermectim and anti-biotics daily until the mites are under control. He is resting on a soft dog bed, covered with blankets for extra cushioning as his wounds are still very sore, and split open under pressure.

We will hopefully be bringing him home late tomorrow afternoon for 24 hour care, and observation. My thoughts at the moment are this (and if anyone has other suggestions PLEASE let me hear them!) I will place an x-pen in my kitchen (we know he won't be jumping anytime real soon, and think I am going to need the space to work with his skin and wounds rather than putting him in a crate right away) I need to get a LARGE dog bed, with an additional cover so they can be washed daily, and also have a few blankets covering the bed as they are doing at the vet. Kat I am very interested in your thoughts after your dealing with Barney.

I know several poeple are concerned with his taking so much ivermectin AFTER the mites are under control. I agree with all of you, and am willing to try any supplements etc to get him off the ivemectin as soon as possible.

After a rough nights sleep, my son and I went to Springfield MO to pick up Maximus. After meeting Judy Asher for a quick lunch, and discussion from Judy preparing me for what I was picking up. We went to the Shelter where I began filling out the paper work to "adopt" Maximus, while Judy and my son went to carry Maximus to our car. We completed the necessary paperwork, and I walked to my car as Brian (my son) was attempting to place this little weim in the crate in the back seat. My heart fell as Brian backed away and I looked into the eyes of what should have been a very old dog. He looked so sad, and pitiful. He's stench was that of rotten, infected flesh, HOW could anyone allow him to stay like this? Not even a whimper came out of Maximus the entire two and a half hour drive back to Kansas City.

We went straight to our Vet who actually became angry when he saw the shape he was in, asking where he had come from. Keeping mind mind he is only a year old, with a long life ahead, we began to discuss a course of tests and treatments. First, and foremost, he would be tested for heartworms. We agreed if he tested positive, he would not survive the treatment, and the harsh decision would be made for us. If he tested negative, we could start treatment for the other problems he was suffering. HE TESTED NEGATIVE FOR HEARTWORMS!

Now for the list of what problems we are now dealing with. He has severe Demodectic Mange. He is emaciated, septic, and severly dehydrated. The shelter had said they didn't know if he had eaten anything or not....did he have an appetite? A can of warmed dog food was offered, and he ate like he hadn't eaten for a month! He has the desire to live! He is to be placed on an IV of strong anti-biotics, and fluids to hydrate him. He will be treated with Ivermectin for the mange for the rest of his life (to keep the mange in check after its under control) After he heals up from all this, the poor little guy needs to be neutered! The vet feels he has a VERY LONG road to go, (several months) but with medical care, TLC, and our prayers Maximus will live a long life. Brian then carried Maximus to a cool bath waiting just for him...the vet tech told Brian she was going to leave him the the relieving bath until he "pruned!" He was going to feel better! For the first time in a long time, Maximus felt loving hands on his body.

I was contacted yesterday about a rescue dog at a shelter in southern Missouri. They told me over the phone that he was about a year old and had mange. I called a friend, Judy Asher with WCA, and asked if she had the time to run by the shelter and verify that it was a weimaraner. As luck would have it, Judy was traveling "into town" yesterday and would call me after she saw the dog.

I received the call back from Judy and heard something in her voice I had not heard before in checking dogs for me. She told me he was a tiny little thing, lucky to be even 20 inches tall, he indeed had mange, leaving his little paws and legs "fire engine red." He has suffered from starvation so long that he is also emaciated. Judy said when they took him out of the kennel he could could only walk about 4 or 5 feet and collapsed to the floor. She said while she has seen dogs in bad shape before, in her 30 years of dogs, this was by far, the worse she has ever seen.

I immediately called the shelter back to tell them I would be on the way to pick him up, but was told we couldn't have him until tomorrow. He had been in the shelter as a stray for 8 days and has not seen a vet, nor received any treatment for the mange! They call themselves a "Humane Society?"