What a difference a day – or 130 – makes! Emily continues to recover and amaze us all.  It has been a slow, hard, process for her, but she has proven a tough-as-nails will to live.  One day she would do well, and then another set back would happen and we would be back to square one.

     We spoon fed little Emmy for the first 45 days, then she slowly started to eat on her own.  She was beginning to gain weight and feel better.  We were elated!  On Day 92 of foster care, she wagged her tail for the first time!  The light at the end of the tunnel became visible.

     But then we noticed a lump on Emily’s back leg.  We took her to the vet and because of Emily’s emaciated condition, we decided to wait on surgery until she was strong enough to have it removed.  Emily’s tumor had different ideas.  It grew at an accelerated rate and began to cause pain.  Surgery would have to be done soon, or she would require reconstructive surgery on her leg.  We agonized because she was still at a precarious body condition and health status, but went ahead with the surgery to avoid further complications later.

     Emily came through the surgery fine and the tumor was benign.  That was the good news.  The bad news was that Emily is extremely sensitive to anesthetic, which no one could have known.  Our little Emmy teetered on the brink of death.  We fed her with a syringe, held her in our arms and still she required another hospital stay to get her stabilized.  Once again, Emily’s will to live was stronger than anyone could have known.

     Emily has an amazing group of angels that have been with her since the beginning.  “Emily Angels” all over the country have given her financial and emotional support.  When the bite under her front leg ruptured, Emily had to wear T-shirts.  Packages began arriving with gifts for Emily.  T-shirts, treats, blankets, Emily even has her own bath robe and jewelry!  Emily’s angels have been there to cry, to pray and to celebrate each step of her recovery!

If you would like to be included in regular Emily updates, please contact us at echotransport@satnow.net.

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     Emily is now working on regaining the weight that she lost after her surgery and making progress toward a healthy body condition.  he eats several meals a day and gets Pedialyte™ and Nutrical™ daily to help ensure that she is receiving all the nutrients she needs to become healthy.  She now has a very healthy appetite and it’s hard to believe this is the same dog that had to be force fed for 45 days!

     As she is becoming healthier, her personality is beginning to shine through.  She delights in meeting new people and glows in the rewards of being loved.  Emily is ready to go on a new adventure at the drop of a hat!  She is very affectionate and thinks that everyone wants to be her friend.  She has really learned how to work a room!  She even went to visit Santa Claus!

     Emmy is also proving what we have suspected for some time … she’s really a blonde Border Collie.  Her fur has grown in and is thick and beautiful, with a striking white blaze on her neck.

     She is playful, smart, affectionate, a bit mischievous, strong willed and an independent thinker.  She loves to run in the yard, and to be honest, it always brings a tear to our eyes.  It is hard to believe that this is the same dog that could only stand up for a minute when we got her.  On Day 125 of foster care, she ran full-tilt through the house for the first time!  She loves to play games with us when we want her to come into the house, but she’s not quite ready. We’re not quite certain who’s training whom.

     We still have a ways to go with Emily, but she is approaching the time when she will be ready to transition to a new home.  We need to decide what to do about her dental issues, and we have simply got to get her up to her proper weight.  Her medical bills are mounting, but let me say, she is worth every penny!

     This little angel has captured the heart of everyone that knows about her and she is indeed a very special girl.  We have been so blessed to have Emily be a part of our family, and hopefully soon, she will be ready to go to her new forever family.

Any donations to help defray the costs of Emily’s medical treatments are, and will be greatly appreciated.

Ron and Dee Wilusz
Echo Dogs White Shepherd Rescue
Foster Parents
www.EchoDogs.org