February 3, 2018

White Dog signaled a break in the tidying up tasks underway in anticipation of Roman's arrival tomorrow at noon. "Come on everypup, gather around. Roman gets here tomorrow OUR Super Day, and I want to make sure you all know his story so you can be sensitive and know what to expect when he arrives. I am pretty certain he was guided to us by the WDA over the Rainbow Bridge."

Roman, so named to change his Karma from "Roamin'" to something more stately and home centered comes to us from Houston. He was spotted wandering for several days near an office complex; the employees left out food and called the Rescue for help. This was mid-October and began a dance that lasted until Christmas of spotting him, getting close, and having him take off. He was at first badly limping and developed a strange gait as three months went by.

Finally, Roman surrendered and allowed himself to be caught. He was thin, dirty and matted and had an issue with his rear leg. The rescue took him for vetting and cleanup.

At some point, either shortly before he started wandering or while he was on his own, Roman was (we think) hit by a car and his leg was broken. It was not treated and healed with the bones overlapping. As a result his leg is almost 4" shorter that the others.

The vet and specialist who looked at him have given only a 25% success prognosis if he should have surgery to repair, plate and pin his leg. He is using the leg and putting weight on it in a crazy hippity hop movement. We are concerned about down the road issues of arthritis and hip wear and tear. Dr. Julia has already been alerted and we will take special time at his welcome exam to look at the situation and review the xrays.

Houston Eskie Rescue, with a special "thank you" to Mala, his foster mom, has cleaned our newest recruit up and reminded him that a loving home beats sleeping in ditches any day. With his history he will be a flight risk for a long time and we have already taken steps to make sure he is safe and secure. He will wear a GPS collar and a harness at all times and of course White Dog will drill him until his recalls and basic commands are perfect.

We are told we will be blessed with an even tempered, rather submissive boy, who loves to be loved and who wants to be every pup's friend. We have had the joy of daily photos as he healed from his adventure and his neuter in preparation for his trip to Albuquerque. The entire White Dog Army is giddy with anticipation.

Opal, his appointed mentor, and Bailey have been clock watching since we got up this morning. "Only one more sleep, momma," Bailey points out. "I hope the flight is on time. Are we all going to the airport?" Opal wanted to know.

Hurry home, Roman!

"Sweet Love," I held her face. "You do not even like to leave the house for walks...and I am certain the Albuquerque International Sunport is not ready to have the entire White Dog Army parade to the Pet Safe Area to clam Roman. But dad and I WILL bring him directly home."

"In less than SIXTEEN HOURS!"