Luca

Update 12-15-19

Time for us to recognize an amazing organization that we have used multiple times. They are called Muffin’s Halo For Blind Dogs and they provide halos (see photo!) to blind dogs. We can’t tell you what a game changer this has been for some of our doggies, most recently Luca. Luca came to our hospice program as a scared, old, mostly deaf, completely blind dog. He would shake and spend most of his time rolled up in a dog bed.

Good Morning Silvie and The Angels and thank you for your patience. Luca had been very concerned when the foster first introduced his new Muffins Halo. With very slow care and support she has been working a lot with him to ensure he was comfortable and had a positive interaction every time the Muffin Halo was put on him.

I am so happy to report that he is getting much more comfortable and is now cruising around the house well and loved the dog park this weekend. Thank you for helping him stay safe and excited for life’s adventures. He sure is loving life, seeing with his heart that’s to your wonderful donations to dogs in need. Thank you again for all you do and your support. ~Eileen Hill

Backstory

Luca is a 14 y.o. Mini-Schnauzer. He came from a shelter in Arkansas. He was shut down, shaking and covered in infection. Rescue partners helped get him safe up to Minnesota where he lives with his forever Foster now apart of the Hospice program. This is the description from his Hospice Foster, his forever Mom: Luca came up to Minnesota in February 2019, from Arkansas, listed as 11 but more than likely 14 years old. He had a very bad yeast infection over his body and ears and had scratched and chewed himself raw. That has since healed but he has numerous other issues. He is completely blind and deaf, most likely the result of too many untreated infections. All his teeth have been removed. He was also diagnosed with the beginning of canine cognitive disorder or doggy dementia. The dementia causes him anxiety and when stressed he paces in circles, cries, panics and potties. Despite all his ailments, he is making progress and finding joy. He is starting to find his way around and learning to navigate stairs. He paces, cries and panics less. He still potties inside but I am going to start him in diapers and see how that goes. Small steps but they are something.

He enjoys his foods and makes quite the mess of it. He like being outside and sniffing. When he is being walked, he doesn’t walk – he prances, proudly, like a show dog. I think in his mind, he is a show dog. He usually can find his doggy bed to nap in or make it down the hall to the bedroom at night. I wasn’t sure about him sleeping in my bed, but I gave it a try. Luca does not move, he curls up as close to me as possible, puts his head on me and sleeps. I know this is him letting me know he loves me and is thanking me for taking care of him. That makes all the messes worthwhile. I will do everything I can to make sure his remaining time is the best as it can be, while showering him with love and affection. Thank You!
Eileen Hill~ Forever Love Hospice, MN