Sarie

Sarie was found wandering the streets of Fairfax County, Virginia in the Summer of 2004. She was estimated to be 12-14 years of age at that time. She weighed only 3.2 pounds. Her vision was limited because of cataracts and most of her teeth were missing. She was suffering with allergies that caused her to have crusty spots and loss of fur over much of her body. What fur remained was very matted. Also, her toenails were very overgrown. She spent 2 weeks at the shelter waiting for a home. Shortly after she was adopted, she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

Sarie showed steady improvement over her first year. Her initial treatments included steroids, antibiotics, and allergy medications. Though there was much improvement in her condition, they did not totally rid her of her allergy symptoms. She also started having seizures that caused her to shake, pant, and at times, be unable to stand. The seizures were treated with Valium. Around her 1st anniversary, she was started on high quality human grade foods and was supplemented with Salmon oil. She also started having weekly baths with an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal shampoo followed by a colloidal oatmeal rinse. This was the regimen that brought her to be a happy playful 4.8 pound elderly lady! It eliminated the need for all medications except those for her thyroid.

Sarie and her Mom spend a lot of time spreading the rescue message. Specifically, the rescue of senior dogs. She makes public appearances at many dog events and enters every contest she can! Often she wins, but even if she doesn’t, it is still a successful outing because of the impact she has on those that meet her. Sarie and her Mom also volunteer with a rescue group. Her Mom does the web development and photography and Sarie is the mascot. There are calendars, T-Shirts, and greeting cards with Sarie’s photos made to support the rescue’s efforts. All the rescue volunteers look forward to Sarie’s visits. It is not uncommon when Sarie and her Mom arrive at adoption events, to hear a chorus of "Hi Sarie!" Good thing her Mom isn't oversensitive because she isn't even noticed! The spotlight is on Sarie.

But none of this tells of the love between Sarie and her Mom. Their every moment together is treasured and they are inseparable! Every morning as her Mom leaves for work, she slows herself down to say a very special goodbye to little Sarie. She wants to make sure that Sarie feels all the love she has for her. She also wants the memory with her through the day of this special little girl. Sarie’s story will always be told as long as her Mom is able to speak of her! There really is something SPECIAL about Sarie!