Saturday, October 30, 2010

Adopting again!

So I wanted to make a crazy post, about how we were adopting again, and how it was a 2 1/2 year old boy with special needs. But then I remembered that both of my grandmas sometimes read my blog, and I was afraid one of them might have a heart attack from the news.

So instead I will just introduce you to the newest member of the Urban family, who remains nameless at the moment. He did not come to us, we sought him out. The kids wanted a boy to even things out a bit, and to give Nellie a playmate. They also specifically did not want a puppy, "because everybody wants a puppy". They wanted a dog that would maybe have a hard time finding a home. Sound familiar?

He is covered in a rash and his skin is discolored from a severe flea infestation, but we hope to see him blossom into the beautiful yellow lab that he was created to be. He is skinny, and sweet, and so far is getting along fine with everyone. Even Zoya who was terrified of Nellie for the first six weeks she was here, warmed right up to him. He smells 100% better after a bath.


We need some help finding him a name. Any suggestions? Other than Fleabag?

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Thanks for adopting this beautiful soul! He will bring great joy to your family.

June Berger said...

Those are the saddest eyes!! Ohh, poor baby :o(

For some reason the last picture of him reminded me of Jimmy Durante...don't ask why, I'm just strange I guess. So how about Jimmy or Durante? Sorry, I'm really no help, I know, lol

George said...

He looks like a "buddy".

Anonymous said...

Kintaro. It translates to "Golden Boy" He was a Japanese folk hero.

Becky said...

I think he looks like an Oliver. Just like Oliver Twist, he had a rough start but soon blossomed in a loving family.

Deb D. said...

I like the name Berkley.

Rachel said...

What about Prince or something meaning handsome

Leah Spring said...

Carl

These are the days... said...

I love Oliver! I googled the title just to refresh my memory and this is what I found: "the essentially passive Oliver remains pure-hearted; he steers away from evil when those around him give in to it, and in proper fairy-tale fashion, he eventually receives his reward — leaving for a peaceful life in the country, surrounded by kind friends."
Sounds like a perfect name. I can't wait to see how he blossoms in your family.

Lisa said...

Bless him! Poor dog! He couldn't have ended up in a better home! Your children have such good hearts! You and your DH must be so proud of them.
When I looked at him, Sparky popped in my head.
I am sure you will pick the perfect name!

Anonymous said...

that is THE saddest face ever!!! he looks so scared!
im sure he'll warm up quickly.
as for a name? i like the suggestion of oliver, but i like the shortened version "Ollie" or "Olly".

can't wait to see what you guys decide!

Jemma said...

Atticus
Jem
Arlo
Brinkley
Rufus
Max
Chippy
Sam
Jax
Bingo

debi said...

Oh my goodness. He needed you so bad. I am in love with you guys. I agree that this sweety looks like Jimmy Durante but his name should be Lucky. Or Lazarus. Cuz he looks like you brought him back from the grave. He is going to be the best dog ever.There must be a good story behind how he came to be your newest addition. I love him.

debi said...

It's 2Am and I am sitting here crying over the pictures of this poor baby. Has he been to the vet? he's breaking my heart. But in a good way.

Sarah said...

I was going to suggest Oliver (Ollie) too--but then I saw other people had suggested it. So, I agree with their suggestions-- Oliver!!!

Sylvia MiaSara Truewell said...

Baxter.

He looks like a Baxter to me. Or perhaps a Bixby. Or even a Charlie.

Poor kid...he looks like he's had a rough go of things. But it's incredible how quickly they transform once loved!

-Truewell

Anonymous said...

He is a sadsack for sure but it will be no time before he blossoms. I agree with June, he looks like Jimmy Durante. (or the other more recent actor, Big with dark circles under his eyes. can't think of the name though)

Anyway, for names, I suspect one will find him. That's the way it always happens. You start calling him Wilbur just to have a name. Then it turns to Willie or Willis or something like that. The kids will give him the perfect name, just wait and see.

He's going to be a great dog, I suspect.

Jan

Monica said...

Oh, the last picture just shows his sweet soulful eyes. We have two cockers, and I love the fact that kids get to grow up with animals around them. A dog is always understanding,even when the rest of the world is not, and they teach empathy in a way we cannot.

Cammie Heflin said...

He looks like a Dudley to me!

Anonymous said...

i want to see pics in about 6 weeks. how beautiful. he looks like a kind soul. Name should denfinately be "Lucky" no explanatin needed.

Anonymous said...

My MotherInLaw says name him "Lucky".

Jan

Anonymous said...

I'm totally weirded out, because I was going to say he looks like an "Ollie." I see lots of other people think so, too. Weird! We adopted an old golden retriever who looked like a completely different dog within 6 months. I think he'll be very handsome very soon. Just needs some TLC!

Good Goats said...

Aww, your kids are so sweet. I'm sure he'll get better quick.

Mamapierce said...

He looks like a good ol' soul. I would recommend the name Gage.

Anonymous said...

Aw, how did you find him? We are looking to add an addition of the canine variety to our house too and want to give an older dog a home but need to find the extra sweet kind. He has the saddest eyes. :(. he will be so happy with you all!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Merany :) said...

My vote for a name is Redemption and call him "Dempy". :) He will be an example of redemption in a few weeks! My mom always had to have a meaningful name for our animals and I guess I've inherited that! :) He is such a sweet looking baby.

MoonDog said...

poor thing. you cant even tell he is a lab! lets see. buck! buck is a good name! or how bout Albert? or Willie? Nellie and Willie? of course your kids probly dont watch little house on the praerie and wont get that reference. you are so special Charissa. Im so glad you chose him, I cant wait to see how he blooms into a lovely boy.

Stefanie and Bill said...

Bless your heart Charissa. Didn't you say your hands were FULL???!! You have a way of nourishing life, so I am sure he will be chipper in no time!!! You are one amazing person!

Anonymous said...

How about naming him Lucky b/c he sure is lucky to have a family like yours.
Jen's mom, Nancy

debi said...

Me again. I had my daughter(she's a vet tech) take a look and she can't be sure but thinks he may have Mange.This sweet boy has been on my mind all day.

Isra said...

How about Noble ? "Belonging to a kind that is considered exceptionally fine; possessing outstanding qualities as of eminence and dignity" He's lucky all right to have a welcome place in your home. Goodness knows with your love, he will BLOOM to become a truly wonderful companion for you all. Congratulations!

Sylvia MiaSara Truewell said...

Re: "I had my daughter(she's a vet tech) take a look and she can't be sure but thinks he may have Mange."

That was my first thought as well (sarcoptic mange, not demodectic).

Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange (better known as scabies to us humans) is --not-- detectable in skin scrapings (the most common diagnostic test for skin parasites) until the infestation is severe. The scabies mites don't spend a lot of time on the skin's surface; they spend most of the time *in* the skin.

So if you haven't already, I'd get him treated for mange. By the time it's detected, it will have already spread to all the human and canine/feline members of your household. (That is, if it hasn't already. It's --extremely-- contagious.) It cost us over $3,000 for one round of de-infesting for all of the affected humans and animals in our home.

The dog who brought it into our home (a special needs rescue -- we do a ton of rescue and fostering work) had --13-- negative skin scrapings over the course of 6 weeks (we were going on bi-weekly vet visits for the mysterious skin problem!) before it was diagnosed. It was only on the 14th visit when we started mentioning that all the other animals were starting to itch (and so were we!) that they performed scraping after scraping until they finally found a mite!

Treatment is really simple and fairly inexpensive; they give you a super-powerful dose of Revolution (I believe it was Revolution -- it's one of those flea/tick meds.) Unless you have a herding breed dog -- herding dogs require a different and extremely expensive treatment as they are notorious for adverse reactions to high doses of the medication.

This article explains a bit more:
http://www.suite101.com/content/scarpotic-mange-in-dogs-a105396

Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange is often present alongside severe flea infestations and other issues. And it's often mistaken for flea allergies, dermatitis, food-related skin allergies, etc. And by the time the infestation is severe enough to be detected in skin scrapings, it's too late for all the humans and other pets in your household -- you'll all have it! (I don't wish scabies upon anyone. It's absolutely MISERABLE!)

So proactive treatment is the way to go! It's now a requisite for all fosters/new animals that we take in. Not going through that again!

-Truewell

Debbie S said...

I so love your family!! Always helping in some way, thanks for taking in that beautiful dog. I've worked at shelters and have adopted 2 dogs myself, and totally love them, they so needed a home as it looks like your dog does. I can't wait to see him blossom. I named my 1st adopted dog Murphy and think that would be a great name for him.

Debbie S

Stephanie said...

WHAT?!?!?! No Halloween pictures?!?!?! slacker.... :)

Sarah said...

I agree with the scabies comment. I got scabies from my hamster...it was horrible and took FOREVER to get rid of. I had to wash and disinfect everything, I even had to get my car detailed!! I def wouldn't wish that upon anyone.