Hobbie is an eight-year-old female who was returned to us when her owners stated that they could no longer care for her. Upon her return, her owners told the vet staff that she had not eaten in three weeks. She was, in fact, in very poor health. Her ears were filthy, she had fleas, and she was loaded with whipworms. Her breath was phenomenally foul. Her teeth were so badly decayed that she had roots exposed and lesions on her gums from irritation and bacteria. In addition, she also was infected with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

News of Hobbie's condition spread through the Rescued Racers family faster than a brush fire. However, nothing could prepare anyone for what they were about to see. We saw a dog, lying on bedding, covered with blankets, ready to die. Her eyes were dilated as she stared blankly at the wall. Her color was very pale. Her body was cool to the touch. Under the blanket was basically a skeleton covered in fur. We were relieved to see her respond to attention and affection. We were hopeful she hadn't given up just yet.

Hobbie was immediately started on antibiotics for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. We also kept a very close eye on her blood counts. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever directly affects the platelets, and red and white blood cells. We all prayed for Hobbie to pull through however, we were careful to keep our optimism tempered.

A few days later, Hobbie's blood counts became dangerously low. She now required a blood transfusion. Tommy one of our greyhounds, once again, found room in his heart to be a hero (read Willie's Story). After her blood transfusion, she was sent home with a foster mom to be monitored. We thought this would be less stressful than spending the night in an emergency clinic.

That night she was started on a high carb, holistic, emaciation diet. She seemed to have enjoyed her home visit. She really enjoyed the extra TLC. She ate more that night than she had eaten in a while. She even let the foster brush her teeth with a veterinarian tooth paste.

The next morning Hobbie was up and exploring her new environment before heading back to the vet's office. She was curious about the outside and the goings on of the house. This gave us a little more hope.

Hobbie spent the next week in the vet hospital. During this time, she was put on Prednisone and had her blood counts monitored. In addition to a high calorie holistic diet she was also treated to massage and CranialSacral therapy sessions.

At the end of the week she was moved to a foster home to continue her recovery. Her new foster mom took her to the vet's office every few days to have her blood levels checked. Hobbie seemed to be in better spirits in her new home, we could see the light coming back.

Two weeks later, her blood levels were still critically low; we scheduled an appointment with a veterinarian specialist. She had a bone marrow tap done to make sure that nothing else was affecting the blood levels. Luckily, her tap came back clean. It was determined that her disease was so far progressed that it was going to take while for her blood levels to improve.

After many, many weeks on antibiotics and Prednisone, we are thrilled to say that Hobbie has gained eight pounds while being fed holistic kibble, cooked meats, and assorted supplements. She just had her dental completed and has only six teeth left! We are confident that she will feel much better and will be eating dry kibble once her mouth heals.

She is a very happy and playful girl. She loves to go for walks and rides in the car. She has been moved to her new foster, which will now be her Forever Home; she seems to be rather taken with the little girl and likes to follow her around.

Hobbie stood at the foot of the Rainbow Bridge ready to cross, but turned around when she heard the voices of so many who cared calling her back.

Rescued Racers would like to thank everyone involved in Hobbie's recovery. You were all very important and essential to her making a full recovery. We appreciate the warmth in your hearts and your on-going dedication.