Thalia was welcomed into the loving arms of her foster family, who rescued her from a shelter, nursed her old wounds, and prepared her to join her forever home. Upon arrival in FBRN, Thalia was diagnosed with heartworm and an old, untreated injury to her spine was discovered. People who know Thalia are touched by her sweetness and spirit, and the resilience she has shown in confronting her health problems. She may have limitations in some areas, but Thalia has an abundance of spunk and energy and a whole lotta love to share.

Because Thalia was quite frail when she arrived in FBRN, her foster family decided to treat her heartworm using a slow-kill method that involves giving her increasingly larger doses of Heartguard over the course of several months. She is currently up to a whole monthly dose of Heartguard, and she also takes supplements and Vitamin C to support her system and battle the heartworms. Thalia’s heartworm treatment began in March 2009, and it is likely that she will test positive for heartworms for another 6-9 months. The Heartguard kills the microfilaria (baby worms) and the adult worms will die off over time. This slower treatment method is much gentler on Thalia’s system than more aggressive and quick intervention. Thalia’s forever home will need to agree to keep her on this heartworm regimen and have her tested in about 6 months (if she tests positive, she will need to be tested again until she tests negative.)

Thalia’s spine turns down a full 90 degrees and then back 90 degrees to continue down her back. The cause of Thalia’s spinal injury is unknown. Thalia experiences trouble in her hind end, and at times walking is difficult for her, but she is not incontinent. While consulting with an orthopedist or neurologist was considered, Thalia’s vets recommended physical therapy as the best option, to help build muscle and improve coordination. This physical therapy treatment has dramatically improved her gait, and her foster family also does stretching exercises and massage with her at home. Currently, she has a weekly physical therapy appointment, and we hope that as she progresses, her appointments will continue every other week, and then once a month. Thalia’s forever home must commit to continue her physical therapy under the supervision of a vet, as well as provide regular massage and stretching exercises with her at home. You can see Thalia at a physical therapy appointment on the FBRN blog: <fbrnetworknews.blogspot.com/2009/06/thalia-aka-pinkie.html>

Thalia (or “Pinkie” as she is known to her BFF's) is a very easygoing little girl. She loves her Frenchie brothers in her foster home—or more appropriately loves their beds and toys—but most of all she wants to be where her people are. Thalia doesn’t necessarily need to be in your lap; she just likes to know you are nearby. Thalia has been around kids ages 7-14, and is very gentle with them. Thalia would do fine in a home with dog-savvy kids who understand that she is to be treated gently. She has shown an interest in cats, but never any aggression or prey-driven behavior, so a home with dog-savvy cats would be fine.

Thalia gets along well with male and female dogs of all sizes. She will bark like crazy at dogs on the street, but is not aggressive, just mouthy. Because of her mobility issues, Thalia cannot walk far, maybe around the block, but as she gets stronger she may be able to go further. She is not a dog that needs to have the energy exercised out of them. By far Thalia’s best quality is her loving personality. Thalia wants so badly to please and to be a part of your life, and is so very appreciative of the attention you give her. She gets so excited when you return home and at dinner time—since she can’t jump up on her hind legs, she jumps around in a circle on all fours about an inch off the ground. It’s precious—she’s precious!

Thalia is about 90% housebroken, and will need to be kept on a schedule to avoid accidents. She is crate-trained, but has not had any obedience training.

Thalia is very content to chew on toys and the Nylabone Corn on the Cob is her favorite. She also enjoys wrestling with her foster brothers, meeting new people and soaking up the attention. And the girl loves her good food!

Thalia would do well with an individual or family. If there are children in her home, they will need to understand her mobility issues and be gentle with her. Because of her limitations, she will not be a frisky family dog. Most importantly, her forever home must understand her health issues and be able to accommodate her specific needs.

It would be great if Thalia’s person or people worked at home, or could take her to work, but she would do fine if left alone during the day as long as she has the companionship of another pet, and a mid-day dog walk.

Thalia could live in an apartment (she actually only ‘does her business’ on concrete) but a house with a fenced yard would give her a chance to explore, something she loves.

Thalia’s foster mom has this to say about her:

“The first part of Thalia’s life will forever be a mystery. Hopefully in time, this part of her past will be just a faint memory to her. Perhaps for the first time in her life she has a bed, toys, good food and people who love her and are committed to her care. Thalia is now ready to go on to her new life with a family who loves her and calls her their own. Thalia’s journey is only beginning and I am so proud that we got to be a part of it. It will be heartbreaking to see her go, but she is ready to write a new page and I look forward to watching her fill up volumes with stories of her new joyful and love-filled life.”

Thalia and her foster family are enjoying lap time in Southern Louisiana. Gas up the car or book yourself a plane ticket, as she will not be shipped.

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