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Bella's Story
Bella's Story
Bella grossly underweight
Bella was 96 lbs when the previous owner acquired her in August 2009. We became Bella's new parents November 4, 2009 weighing 101 lbs. Her temporary home listed her on Craigslist because he was getting a divorce and was unable to spend time with her. Daddy Luke agreed to be her foster not knowing the man would never respond to another call, text or email. So we knew she was with us to stay.
She would not eat - didn't like to eat. We tried several foods with her but she didn't like anything. Her nipples were slightly enlarged and she had a small vaginal discharge which could have been an infection, pyometria, or she could be having a false pregnancy both are typical of an unspayed female.
Needless to say, after returning from our Thanksgiving weekend upon rubbing Bella's tummy it shoved back. This was confirmation that there were in-fact pups inside - NO INFECTION. So Monday, November 30, 2009 we did an x-ray in which Brenda counted 13-14 Great Dane skeletons.
She would not eat - didn't like to eat. We tried several foods with her but she didn't like anything. Her nipples were slightly enlarged and she had a small vaginal discharge which could have been an infection, pyometria, or she could be having a false pregnancy both are typical of an unspayed female.
Needless to say, after returning from our Thanksgiving weekend upon rubbing Bella's tummy it shoved back. This was confirmation that there were in-fact pups inside - NO INFECTION. So Monday, November 30, 2009 we did an x-ray in which Brenda counted 13-14 Great Dane skeletons.
Bella and Luke her first day in our home
November 4, 2009 - Our sons were shocked - taken aback when they walked into the room to see Bella, fondly termed "Horse Dog" on the couch with us. This was her first day with us at our home and the first day of the rest of her life. Bella was going to finally be in a home where she was not going to be given away, sold, or ignored. This is Bella's forth home and she was not even three years old yet.
Bella's Big Belly
,Chock full of pups! She loved having her belly rubbed and crashing on the bed to snuggle. She is a great spooner. At her last vet visit in November she weighed 126 lbs. She still had two more weeks to go before the pups were born. We guestimate that she weighed 135 lbs. at the puppies' birth in December 2009. She was HUGE and uncomfortable!
To get her to eat canned dog food had to be added to her kibble. While she was nursing we added meat based baby food and cooked chicken liver to ensure that she would eat to stay healthy and to produce enough milk for the pups. Producing enough milk never did happen but she stayed healthy enough until about week 2 when she refused to eat once again. The pups were two weeks old when we were introduced to The Petway food and she has never turned down her food again. We began to supplement the pups with baby bottles and they never did without nutrition.
To get her to eat canned dog food had to be added to her kibble. While she was nursing we added meat based baby food and cooked chicken liver to ensure that she would eat to stay healthy and to produce enough milk for the pups. Producing enough milk never did happen but she stayed healthy enough until about week 2 when she refused to eat once again. The pups were two weeks old when we were introduced to The Petway food and she has never turned down her food again. We began to supplement the pups with baby bottles and they never did without nutrition.
Puppy Skeletons
November 30, 2009 - Chuck full of pups! 12??? 13 ??? did I see 14? NOPE only 13!!!
After puppies - February 2010 - Updated April 2010
Our goal weight for Bella is in the range of 115 - 120 lbs. At this time we were not sure how much she weighed - but it is much more than 101 lbs. Picture February 2010.
Her new food, The Petway's Holistic Chicken and Rice mixed with VeRus Menhaden Fish and Potato makes her coat is soft and silky. She is no longer underweight, and she enjoys her food. This dog would not eat. She is finally healthy - physically and emotionally.
On April 2nd, 2010 Bella was spayed and weighed 109 lbs. Just the two weeks prior (March 2010) she weighed 114 lbs when I took Gunther, Levi, Blue and Axel to the vet for their eyes. They lose weight fast. She is still slim but nothing like her picture at 96 lbs. She is healthy.
We have since made a change from VeRus Menhaden Fish and Potato to The Petway's Salmon and Rice. I has made a difference for Gunther's sensitive stomach.
Her new food, The Petway's Holistic Chicken and Rice mixed with VeRus Menhaden Fish and Potato makes her coat is soft and silky. She is no longer underweight, and she enjoys her food. This dog would not eat. She is finally healthy - physically and emotionally.
On April 2nd, 2010 Bella was spayed and weighed 109 lbs. Just the two weeks prior (March 2010) she weighed 114 lbs when I took Gunther, Levi, Blue and Axel to the vet for their eyes. They lose weight fast. She is still slim but nothing like her picture at 96 lbs. She is healthy.
We have since made a change from VeRus Menhaden Fish and Potato to The Petway's Salmon and Rice. I has made a difference for Gunther's sensitive stomach.