In Memory

Albert
May, 2007
Dave and I got a phone call from our friend Rebecca telling us about a senior dachshund at Chicago Animal Control that was found abandoned and was going to be put to sleep unless they found a place for him. Of course, we opened our home and hearts to this dachshund we’ve never met, not knowing how he would steal our hearts the minute we met him.

When we met Rebecca to pick up our foster doxy she handed us this huge, hairy and disturbingly smelly dachshund who we so kindly named "Fat Albert" Despite his matted fur, poopy butt, and rotten teeth- he managed to wag his tail and give kisses.

Instantly Albert joined our crew of furry friends at the house and became a part of the family. He learned his name, where and when to eat, where to sleep and where the stuffed toys were kept. He was a character with a lot of personality. Everytime you would look at him he’d roll over with his belly up and "beg" for a tummy rub by flapping his front legs- adorable.

We knew Albert would probably have some serious health problems since it was obvious no one had cared for his health in sometime, but little did we knew it would be a catastrophe of problems.

Albert’s initial weight was 26 lbs, he had severe periodontal disease and infection in his mouth so bad that is caused respiratory problems. He had an ear infection and a urinary tract infection. We were happy to find out that his blood tests were normal, but then sadly learned that Al was heartworm positive.

He needed to be treated for heartworms immediately, and it would be a high risk considering his age, obesity and obvious infections. Albert underwent the first heartworm treatment for the adult worms and spent 3 days at the vet clinic for observation. He amazed everyone with his super-fast recovery, like nothing had even happened!.

Two weeks later Albert went back to the vet for his second "baby worm" treatment, at the time which he weights 22 lbs. He spent the day at the vet for the treatment and came home that night a little worn out and groggy.

The next evening Albert seemed very out of sorts, had labored breathing and a bloated belly. Dave and I thought he was having a reaction to the HW treatment, so we called the vet and at his suggestion we took Al to the animal ER. An initial exam followed by X-rays showed to us that Albert was not having a reaction, but rather was having a vertebrae disc problem.

The next morning, Albert was paralyzed in his rear legs. He could not stand or walk on his own. We called the vet and they said because of all the factors of his age, poor health, infection and heartworms- Albert would not be a suitable candidate for back surgery. We were left with very little options, but decided to give Albert a fighting chance and the vet treated him with steroids, cage rest and pain medications.

We also called upon a holistic vet to give Albert acupuncture to help with his healing and pain relief. Dave and I did water therapy with Al in our bath tub, along with other excersises the vets recommended. Albert had some good days, and some bad. MWDR had a doggie wheelchair which a volunteer so kindly brought to us, but Albert was too "chubby" to fit into it. So Dave started to make one just for Al!

Unfortunately, within a few days Albert’s progress had begun to go downhill. He would start to cry out in pain, and pant from distress. His personality changed, and he lost his appetite.

We knew Albert had endured so much pain and he still had so many mecial challenges to overcome, and he tried to hard to make it all work, but in the end he started to act like he just wanted to be alone. Then one morning Claudia noticed a lump under his throat and Albert was turning away yummy foods like bread and cheese.

We knew this was not a good sign, and perhaps it was Albert’s way of telling us he was giving in.

Although it was the hardest decision, we know Albert’s pain is now gone and he can run and play, be skinny and eat as many treats at he wants! We know he’s waiting at the Rainbow Bridge with Charcoal, Buddy and our other furry friends for us.

Albert was part of our family, and we loved him as our own. We will always consider him "our dog" and we wish we could have had more time with him. We gave him a ton of love and affection, a good home, a warm bed and yummy (diet) food! It breaks our hearts, but we just couldn’t make up for all those years of neglect.

Please think of Albert, light a candle or say a prayer. Hold your pups close and never take them for granted.

Thank you for letting me share "Fat Albert’s" story with you.

Claudia & Dave
Gizmo, Fritz & Tiny Girl

In memory of Albert, please consider a donation to MidWest Dachshund Rescue, which supported Albert thru this short time. The costs endured for special veterinary care is extensive. Its because of MWDR and other rescue organizations that dogs like Albert get a fighting chance at a good life (or at least a humane ending). Please send your tax-deductible donation to: MidWest Dachshund Rescue, Inc. "In Memory of Albert" 8073 Stonegate Drive Tinley Park, IL 60487 Or, for your convenience, donate now using PayPal!