It was a hot day in July, when the shelter gave me a call. Told me of a wonderful sweet male shih tzu that had been brought to the shelter by his owners, to be put down. Because each time he tried to walk, his hind quarters would collapse to the ground. So upon my arrival to the shelter, I was directed down a hallway and there sat a cage with a black and white shih tzu. As I approached the cage he tried to raise himself up to greet me. It was such a struggle for him to move his back legs. As he looked at me with those big eyes, I could just hear him asking me to give him a chance.
The director carefully got him out of the cage and put a lead on him. As we very slowly walked outside to the shade of a huge tree, poor Hobby would take a few steps and down his back end would fall. Then he would look at me with those big eyes again. Oh how this boy grabbed my heart strings. I told the director we would take him and in my mind I was hoping this problem Hobby had could be fixable. Right to the vet we went to get evaluated. After x-rays we were told he needed surgery on both hips.
The vet was so amazed that he showed no signs of aggression, for the condition he was in, Hobby was still the most lovable and sweet boy you would every meet. I had no idea how the rescue could ever afford this critical surgery, but I knew in my heart when there is a need, somehow, some way the money will come. So plans were made and the first surgery was completed with success. The recovery period was extremely hard for both Hobby and his foster mom. It was heart-wreching to hear him when he tried to get up or down. The screams coming from this sweet natured boy was almost unbearable to hear. After a few months, he began to walk and play much better, so we knew it was time to repair the other hip. The second surgery was completed and to our surprise, he did much better in his recovery. After 5 months Hobby was running and playing. Oh what a joy to see this boy running and enjoying the wind in his face, his ears flying like a bird and his tail flying high. Who would have ever thought he would even walk again, let alone, run.
Then came the day Hobby was well enough to find his forever home. After carefully checking adoption applications and thinking we had found the perfect match, Hobby's foster mom calls and says, " I just cannot let him go." We were so thrilled she wanted to adopt him, because he truly loves her so much. If only you could see him take his head and bury into her face, giving her kisses and rubbing her checks. Hobby is so grateful for her, he knows without her help he might not be here today or have the quality of life he now has.
Just to say "Thank You" is not enough to those kind and caring people that saw Hobby's story and donated enough money to pay for both of his hip surgeries. Each time I see Hobby run and dance for a treat, I think, "If only people could see him now." Oh what a success this boy has been!!!
Hello, just wanted to check in and give a report on my success story. I'm Hobby, and if you remember in 2002, I had 2 hips that were replaced. I'm telling you I had given up hope when my owners put me in the shelter to be "sent over the bridge." If you know what that means. I was in such pain that I think I wanted to go. But just when the cage seemed to close in and the time got near some "rescue" people came and saw that I had a heart that transcended the pain. It was a long recovery and sure required patience of me and my rescuers but the light at the end of the tunnel was so bright it almost blinded me. I run the Shih Tzu 500 in my moms back yard now. You should see me go. In fact she said she is looking at the Olympics for me!!! I want to thank my other moms that donated the money to help me get well. Thanks so much. In fact the next turn around the back yard tree will be in your honor.
To see more pictures of Hobby, click on this link!Hobbys' Pictures
