Remembering Milo

We first introduced you to Milo in June of 2012. He was a collie, several years old, broken in spirit and struggling with poor health and lack of care. We were very fortunate that Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue was willing to take him and he went immediately to an experienced foster home.

The first order of business was to shave him down completely to get rid of his mats and allow treatment of sores on his skin. He looked pretty ridiculous, but I'm sure he was feeling better already.

Gradually his coat grew in lush and beautiful and he gained confidence in and out of the foster home. He loved the collies in his home, the cats and all the people he met. He even learned some sheep herding skills.

Andi, his foster mom gave him every medical treatment and loved him until he really was one of her own. She wrote a blog and posted photos regularly just for Milo. He was a very happy dog.

Karen and I got to see Milo again last fall. Sweet Andi brought him to downtown Minneapolis just so Karen, Polly, and Milo could have a reunion.

Unfortunately, despite everyone's best efforts, Milo's bloodwork was never normal and then he started to have increasing problems getting around. It still was a shock when we learned on his blog that he had crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Karen and Andi have been in touch and she has been going through a difficult time, but stepped up again to foster a 12-month-old collie girl on Craigslist that was going to be euthanized. Andi said, "As you know, there is always another that needs help even as we grieve our special friends."

I know that Milo's time in heaven began before he crossed the bridge.

ANDI'S FINAL POST ON MILO'S BLOG:
27 July 2014

On Thursday, July 24 we said goodbye to our dearest boy Milo.

Life had become very challenging for Milo as his mobility had decreased to the point where daily trips out to potty were becoming increasingly arduous for him and he needed assistance not only to rise, but to potty without collapsing.

While logically I know that quality of life over quantity of life is the best thing we can offer our beloved pets, it is a very different journey emotionally. I wanted so much for him to rally and share more time with all of us, but he was existing and not living.

It was a terrible decision to have to make, but it was the kindest thing for him.

I was so grateful to our vet who helped us navigate through the many health issues and, for this final visit, allowed Milo to rest comfortably in the grass outside the clinic and drift off to sleep. No stress from slippery tiles and medicinal rooms.

Milo was so very loved and so very missed by me and by the many who shared his journey.

Sleep well my friend. There have been many tears for you.

VIDEO FROM MILO'S BLOG:

Reunion with Milo!

What an exciting trip to the cities! One of the very special highlights was a reunion with Milo, the collie.

The last time Polly and Karen had seen Milo, then Milan, he was a real mess. He was rescued from being shot and placed in Polly’s holding pen in Red Lake. Polly then took him to the vet and Karen picked him up. Within a week Milo was enroute to the loving care of his foster mom Andi of Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue. Search for his name on this blog and you will find many updates.

We were on pins and needles waiting in the Radisson Plaza Hotel lobby last Saturday, November 2nd as we were going to see the resurrected collie Milo. And what a wonderful reunion it was! Milo was so beautiful and such a nice friendly fellow. It was as if he remembered us from the past which to him was a whole lifetime ago.

We are excited to learn that tomorrow he will go herding again. Milo is living the good life now and we are so happy. These reunions make it all worthwhile.

Sincerely,

Karen & Polly

UPDATE FROM MILO's BLOG:

Milo had a pretty exciting weekend. On Saturday, we were able to make a journey to downtown Minneapolis to say hello to Karen Good and friends from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. These are the folks who saved Milo on the Red Lake Indian Reservation all those many months ago. The reunion took place in the lobby of a hotel. It was an honor to meet Karen who works so tirelessly for the animals. She was in town being honored by MN-SNAP (MN Spay And Neuter Assistance Program). They had a busy day planned and we were thrilled that they made time to see us. Karen told me that Milo was one of the most physically broken and sick dogs that she has ever seen, so that made it even more wonderful to be able to share with them his transformation. He enjoyed the attention!

Of course we had to take some photos at some local landmarks! We had plenty of attention from the dudes who hang out downtown and "Lassie" seems to have made quite an impression on them. Never thought I would hang out at First Avenue with a collie!

Andi
Milo's foster mom

Milo: Looking beautiful, but his health is still delicate

There have been some updates on Milo's blog, http://milothefostercollie.blogspot.com/

1 October 2013
Caught Milo in a ray of sunshine coming through a gap in the trees as the evening light began to fade.  Hate it that it is getting dark so early! Need to think about getting out the blinky collar lights.

26 September 2013

Milo hit a bit of a rough patch this week.

He had some yeast- like / dirt smell in his ear, so I used Otomax that I had on hand for about a week - standard stuff - in both ears. His chiropractor is the one who really noticed it.

Since then he's been difficult to wake, seems like he can't hear the normal goings on which would cause him to come to dinner or line up to go out the door with the other dogs. I'm a bit concerned as this seems to have had a sudden onset. The infection seemed to be located on the side where his original ear infection/abscess was.

The vet thinks that the Otomax (gentamicin) is the culprit for Milo's deafness. I found this info that I'd like to share with other dog (and cat) owners:

The use of OTOMAX® has been associated with deafness or partial hearing loss in a small number of sensitive dogs (eg, geriatric). The hearing deficit is usually temporary. If hearing or vestibular dysfunction is noted during the course of treatment, discontinue use of OTOMAX® immediately and flush the ear canal thoroughly with a non-ototoxic solution.

The vet did have Milo's ears flushed and called Merck (parent company of Otomax) to notify them of this side effect. He said he felt it was very important to have them to make an official report. Ryan said that in his 13 years of practice, Milo is the 3rd or 4th dog he's come across to have this condition. It is possible that his eardrum may have had a tiny perforation which allowed the gentamicin to seep through.

Milo had gentamicin in the form of Mometamax when he first arrived at Skyline to combat the terrible ear infection he had at that time with no problems. And... gentamicin is in other meds - not just Otomax and Mometamax. However, he will never have it again! Otomax is a very common med for ear infections and I've used it successfully in the other dogs - and cats!

So... we wait a few weeks and hope that Milo's hearing returns.

Just before the ear problem was discovered, foster mom got this video of Milo and the cat. I wonder if the cat could sense that Milo had pain in his head from the infection?
 
Milo seems to enjoy being groomed by the cat. Ramon (the cat) couldn't be more pleased with the opportunity.

Milo's Journey

Milo is a dog that was taken in by Red Lake Rosie's Rescue last June in terribly poor condition. He was so lucky to be taken into foster care almost immediately by Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue where he has received extensive medical care and socialization opportunities.

His wonderful foster mom keeps a blog for him at Milo the foster collie: his new leash on life and she recently posted this wonderful video. It is well worth a few minutes of your time for viewing this happy transformation.

One year anniversary of the rescue of Milo!

One year ago today, a matted sickly collie, originally called Milan, but now Milo, arrived at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue (see initial blog post here and search for others about Milo).

We are forever grateful that Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue was willing and able to take him in to a foster home with an experienced, patient and loving foster caregiver. He had to be shaved naked (see photos below) and has required much medical care and socialization, but he is doing SO well now and makes friends wherever he goes. Check out his blog here!

RECENT UPDATES FROM MILO'S BLOG:

11 May 2013: BEST BUDS

Milo and Leo are best buddies.


15 May 2013: VISIT WITH THE PAST

Milo met up with a former acquaintance this week. While another dog had a vet visit, he just came in for a social call. Heather, a tech at Skyline Veterinary Hospital was in on Milo's first day and had a hand in his shave to the skin and de-ticking ordeal. Heather has not seen Milo in many months and was thrilled to see his luxurious full coat.



BEFORE PHOTOS OF MILO:

ON ARRIVAL AT RLRR

AFTER SHAVE AND BATH IN FOSTER CARE

Catching up with Milo: Dec. 2012

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MILO'S BLOG:

Catching up with friends

Milo's true calling

8 December 2012

Milo attended Dog Day Afternoon at Macalester College where alumni, faculty and staff bring their dogs to share with students who are entering into finals this week.  I knew that Milo would enjoy this event, but I had no idea how much.  Normally, I stagger my dog's participation so that they don't get overly stressed out.  As the organizer of the event, I am there for the duration of it - typically 2 to 3 hours.

Milo was working the crowd for 2 1/2 hours.  I'll let the photos tell the story:

It's snowing!

9 December 2012

Catching up with Milo

26 December 2012

Last week he spent the day at the groomer for his first official bath and groom.  Reports are that he LOVED the brushing out portion.  He was leaning into the brush and putting out his paw to ask for more.  He even tried to turn around the the table for better access.   The groom really fluffed him up and now he looks so big compared to Leo!  Leo is very long and lean and Milo is shorter and more rounded.  When you feel the difference in their chest cavities, Milo's frame is totally different from Leo. 

Catching up with Milo: Nov. 2012

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MILO'S BLOG:

Catching up with friends

1 November 2012

Milo stopped in to visit his pals at the local pet supply store.

They were very pleased to see him, but I've found that they are enablers of his shop-lifting habit!  You see, they place their bins of treats right on nose level so what's a guy to do?   He even snagged and discarded a few cat toys just to see if they MIGHT be food.  Silly!

Give me some love

Sunday, November 11

Milo had a big week last week.  He appeared as a special guest for Red Lake Rosie's Rescue and Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue at a fundraiser called Pause for Paws.  It was a pretty swanky event with a heavy hors d'oeuvres dinner, drinks, silent auction, music, auction and booths for rescues that were being supported by the monies raised.  The venue was an entertainment center so it was kind of like walking into a nightclub environment.

Needless to say, Milo has never been exposed to an environment like this!  It was kind of crazy.  We arrived to find lines of people out the door, but were ushered in since we are part of a booth.  Milo took the opportunity to nose touch any hand in reach to see if they might pet him so it took a bit of coaxing to get him inside the building!  Once inside it was crowds of people and dogs being walked around.  Milo was a bit nervous so I was relieved when we located the Collie Rescue booth.  Milo was relieved because they had a basket of chicken strip treats on the table for which which he immediately dove and knocked to the floor.  Yeehaw!

Overall he did very well, but he was a bit nervous and overwhelmed with all of the action and distractions so it was difficult for people to get good photos of him.  Here are a few that actually worked:

Milo draws a crowd

Milo visited the Red Lake Rosie's Rescue booth to thank them for helping him.
He checked the table for treats!

Confessions of a post teenage shoplifter

Wednesday, November 21

Every time we visit Chuck and Don's pet food store, Milo visits with all of his friends who have witnessed his transformation over the last few months.  They have commented on how much he has blossomed in both looks and personality.  He is so much more outgoing and happy now that he is more healthy.  It is a delight to hear that testimony from people that have watched his journey.

However, when we are at the pet food store I need to keep a sharp eye on him because he is a terrifically sly thief.

Milo accompanied me around the store greeting people and even sat nicely for a treat from one of the workers.  After we purchased our items and were on our way out the door, I turned away for a second and he snagged a treat out of a bin!  He has very fast reflexes when it comes to treats for sure.

Milo's comment on his pick pocket status? 

photo mash up

November 21, 2012

Here are some photos I took of Milo and friends today.

Give Thanks

22 November 2012

Thanks to all of the people who volunteer, donate and support efforts like Minnesota Collie Rescue, Red Lake Rosie's Rescue and rescues in general which help animals like Milo, Leo and Sabrina find new hope and health so that they may experience life and a find their future full of love, treats, snuggles and pets in a forever home.

You're my best friend...

Leo and Milo.  Leo is the one with the enormous prick ears. 

Catching up with Milo: Oct. 2012

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MILO'S BLOG:

Stock dog?

Sunday, October 21

Milo had a very big day today.  He met sheep up close and personal which was very exciting for him.  He has seen livestock on many occasions, but has never been given the opportunity to work them due to his compromised health.

I kept his session very brief as Milo is still not 100% healthy.  He needed no encouragement to gather up the sheep.  He changed direction and brought them to me several times, which shows natural gathering instinct.  He wasn't confident about going between the stock and the fence, but I think with time he will become more confident about that.  He did some force barking - barking to try to get the livestock to move - but that is common with green dogs when they are trying to sort out what makes them "go".  Milo was very excited about this new opportunity.  He came to me on several occasions to make sure he was being a good boy, but went back to work when I told him he was being a good boy.

I took him out before he got too tired and also for the first few times it is best to quit the dog while they want more - before they get too tired mentally and physically.

 It was a VERY exciting day for Milo!

His fur is beginning to come in nicely.  In the last week I've found 3 ticks on him.  Two were deer ticks and one wood tick so I used Frontline on him yesterday.  I've not found any ticks on the other dogs.

You've come a long way, baby!

October 26, 2012

Big news!  Milo now weighs in at 65 lbs which is 2 lbs more than Leo. 

Milo's check up from his August surgery is looking good. Still has the dis-solvable stitches - which is not normal - but surgery site looks good. Concerned about his cough and heavy breathing although lungs sound clear.  They took blood to do a titer so they could check for tick borne diseases that may have eluded the SNAP test. 

Leo's SNAP 4dx test came up positive for anaplasmosis so he is on a 28 day regimen of doxycycline.   Worrying because Milo recently had 3 embedded ticks on him.  

This is a GREAT reason to ask your vet about the adding the tick test to your annual heartworm test.  It is a little more expensive, but in the long run very worth it to know so you can treat your dog early before they show symptoms.  The SNAP 4dx test will test for heartworm, Lyme disease, erlichiosis and anaplasmosis.  All best treated early in the disease.  Leo is the 3rd dog I've had to have a tick disease show up with an annual test.   Off my soapbox now... 

Milo's fur is coming in lush and thick and he looks and acts like a completely different dog than when he first arrived.  He now can concentrate on playing and learning new skills - like a recall in a situation with distractions(!)    
He is a good boy, but can suddenly disappear only to be found with new "friends" - both canine and human.  

Here are some photos taken today with our collie pals at the park.  

Then... and now

October 26, 2012

Milo in June

Milo in June at 50 lbs

Milo near the end of October at 65 lbs!

Safe haven

29 October, 2012

At about 8 pm Milo disappeared last night.  It was unusual for him not to be in a spot where he could keep an eye on me.  I knew he was in the house somewhere.  I looked in the basement.  No Milo.  I went into the bedroom and there was Sabrina crashed out on a dog bed.

After turning on the light I checked the crate and this what I found:

Milo is on the mend!

RECENT UPDATES ON MILO'S BLOG:

Wednesday, October 17
Transformation

As I knew would happen once Milo was really healing, he is transforming into a different collie.

No longer is he the collie who trots docilely along at the dog park, Tonight not only did I need to intervene during some escalating play, but Milo "forgot" his name and his recall and then needed to be led out of the park by his collar because he wanted to go back in and mix it up! Now he is becoming a REAL collie!

Still has stitches trying to dissolve from the last surgery, so he is not quite there yet, but making good progress!

Thursday, October 11, 2012
Wowsa

This is a FIRST! Milo has never initiated play with Leo in the yard. Cool. I guess someone is feeling more confident and better...

Monday, October 8, 2012
Friends

After a week of human cold/flu illness and subsequent house arrest for the dogs, we went to the dog park where Milo met a little friend with whom he has something in common. Keeyah, a four month old girlie, is also from the Red Lake Indian Reservation.

September 25, 2012

The pillow

Milo is comfortable with cats. And ON cats..... Milo and Mao.