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PJ has been with us since mid-December, and we finally are able to post this magnificent 5-year-old dog. When he was found, he was wearing pajamas, so we thought that was the perfect name for him. We quickly discovered he had very advanced heartworm disease and immediately began working with a cardiologist at the Care Center in Centerville. It’s been a very long journey and fortunately, other than time in the hospital, he has spent the majority of the time with his devoted foster family.
PJ has truly become the Poster Dog for heartworm disease. Because of the advance stages of the disease, he developed complications, which are being managed with medication. In a few months, he will have another echocardiogram to determine if things have been reversed and hopefully eliminate some of his meds. When he arrived, he was extremely malnourished and only weighed a pathetic 55 pounds, fortunately, his fosters have added a good 15 pounds to his frame. He also needs to be medically cleared by the cardiologist before he can safely have anesthesia for his neuter. We are hoping that can be performed in approximately 3-4 months.
FROM HIS FOSTER FAMILY: Pj has displayed a comfortable energy level in the house and is house trained, crate trained, (with a treat), and happiest sitting at your feet chewing his bone. He loves to be with you all the time and will follow you wherever you are. He has become very attached to us, so he’ll require time and patience transitioning and adjusting to his new home. Given time, YOU will become his new love.
Going for a car ride is one of his favorite things. He loves the outdoors, but he has the potential to be a flight risk, so training him on recall is important. A fenced yard would be ideal for him. He enjoys his walks and continues to improve with his leash walks. He has met several other labs on his foster journey and generally gets along fine, but occasionally he will be slightly reactive, so like all dogs, it’s important to be vigilant and aware, and to properly approach other dogs. Considering his lonely past, he can also display some anxiety when left alone. He may bark a little, then settles, and sleeps quietly until your return. We can help you understand how to best manage this. Fortunately, he is never destructive when alone. He is only crated at night and sleeps through the night. He sits on command and loves mealtime! He has a soft mouth and takes his meds and treats like a gentleman.
PJ requires a little extra TLC while he continues to recover from Heartworm for the next few months. Otherwise, he truly is a great dog with an excellent temperament. Once he is medically cleared, his needs will be very normal. He is basically seeking a loving home when he can return the affection with devotion and loyalty. PJ will be perfectly content just being in your presence. The list of people who have fallen in love with him is long and we hope to add one more name to the list- his forever family.