Charley joined the League's Sponsor Program in 2004. Charley is an adorable dog with eyes that make everyone melt with joy. Charley came to the League as a puppy from one of the League's out-of-state rescue efforts. He was suffering from a serious virus that attacked his spinal cord and caused his mobility to become very limited. As a result of this paralysis in his back legs, Charley can no longer walk properly. Although it is difficult for Charley to move around, he seems in good spirits and we are pleased to say that his tail never stops wagging! He has had surgery once already, and we are working to do everything we can to help Charley win his battle. With your help, we can give Charley the quality of life he deserves.

Charley's Updates

2nd Quarter 2009
Our friendly and gentle friend Charley is always eager to go outside now that Spring is in the air. During the winter he didn't mind taking it easy inside with his family; including plenty of rest and some occasional play time. However, he does have difficulty walking up and down the stairs or on the hardwood floors in his home. He usually needs his family to hold up his hind legs as he goes upstairs and he wears booties on his feet to prevent him from slipping on the hardwood floors. Fortunately, in the yard it is easier for him navigate on the grass and it's obvious that Charley loves relaxing in the sunlight while his foster siblings play.

1st Quarter 2009
Our precious Charley is truly loved and continues to enjoy all the affection he receives from his family. Due to the paralysis in his hind legs Charley can't play as much as other pups; he likes to spend a lot of time resting and relaxing at home. Although from time to time Charley will make the effort to play with his fellow canines, Rocky and Oreo, and the medication he receives daily prevents him from feeling any pain in his legs as he moves around. Sometimes they don't always get along, but Charley makes the effort to fit in with them both.

4th Quarter 2008
This fall season couldn't be a better time for Charley. When out in the yard Charley has a pile of leaves to lie in as his foster siblings jump around him. Charley is a sight for sore eyes when red, orange and yellow leaves pop with color as they fall from the trees and land on top of his ebony fur. Although Charley can't hop around in the leaves like his foster siblings, he seems to love his time outside and the fresh crisp autumn air.

3rd Quarter 2008
During the summer months Charley finds it difficult not to get overexcited and playful. Oreo and Rocky – his furry friends at home – love to romp around in the warm weather. Charley is very eager to join in during play time. Because he doesn't go on daily walks due to the strain on the weak ligaments in his legs, he can't wait to frolic in the grass in the yard with his buddies. Sometimes he over exerts himself, and his family makes sure to provide him with medication to help alleviate any discomfort he may have. Then they curl with Charley to rest and perhaps take a nap together.

2nd Quarter 2008
Charley's recent check-up went well, but he continues to have difficulty walking and standing due to the weak ligaments in his legs. His daily medication is increased when his owner sees that he's limping from too much activity to help ease his discomfort.

1st Quarter 2008
Charley has been feeling well and doesn't let the winter chill get him down. He has grown quite attached to a toy that one of his Sponsors sent him this past holiday season. He drags it ALL over the house with him! While his antics sometimes create a little commotion in his home, this clatter only means that Charley is able to frolic and play like any dog deserves. If Charley could, he would personally thank each and every one of his Sponsors for their care and support. It truly allows him the ability to enjoy each day to its fullest.

4th Quarter 2007
Charley is a happy pup. He loves nothing more than playing in the cold weather and acting silly. His health has been right on track, and if you ask Charlie, he's in perfect condition! He's very attached to his adopted mom, and they love to spend time together. She and Charley are very grateful for each other. Thanks to generous supporters like you, Charley is able to have the wonderful life he deserves.

3rd Quarter 2007
Charley is doing very well. He loves to play and his weak legs don't slow him down at all. Despite his challenges, Charley is as happy as a dog can be. We are so thrilled that we, along with his devoted Sponsors, play a role in his happiness.

2nd Quarter 2007
Charley is a very happy-go-lucky doggie. He loves his toys and treats and knows how to get them! His adopted mom loves to spoil him regularly. Charley is a real family dog and loves big get-togethers with the adults. Sometimes he's a little nervous around children, but he adores being the center of attention. He's so naturally cute that it doesn't take much effort on his part to be the life of the party either!

1st Quarter 2007
Charley had a little cough recently, so his adopted family brought him into the League's Medical Center for a checkup. Although Charley did not have a temperature, he did have a respiratory problem which was not getting better from his previous antibiotic. The doctor prescribed Zenequin and Antirobe, and Charley will be re-checked in 2 weeks or so. Medical care like this for Charley and all our darling sponsorship pets would not be possible without the support of caring sponsors like you.

4th Quarter 2006
Charley is the youngest pup in the Sponsor program. Recently he visited the League's medical center for a check up. The little bump on his head turned out to be nothing. His adopted Mom moved into a new apartment and he really seems to like his new home, especially playing in the big backyard! Fortunately, Charley's adopted Mom works close to home and considers Charley her lunch "date"! Charley is still able to visit his old home and play with the two dogs there. Charley LOVES peanut butter and gobbles it up!

3rd Quarter 2006
Charley recently came to the medical center for a check up and like always everyone recognized him right away. He was vaccinated and had a routine check up. He looks incredible and is walking really well. He had been going up and down the stairs but now, realizing he'll be carried if he doesn't do it himself, has opted for being carried! He's actually quite the smart pooch. Charley really loves his human sister and mother. Watching them interact while they were at the medical center was really very sweet. Charley has this amazing opportunity to live a happy--and despite the greatest of obstacles--a healthy life because of the support he's received from people like you. If he could thank you himself he certainly would. Seeing him wagging his tail with his family is the way Charley says 'thank you' and it makes us all so happy!

2nd Quarter 2006
As you are aware, Charley has had to overcome major physical limitations during his life so far. We're pleased to tell you that he celebrated his one-year anniversary in his forever home on May 13th, 2006, and we're so glad that he is so happy and well adjusted there. He goes to work with his mommy, who is a vet technician and he is a regular star of the show at her clinic. We're told Charley is being a brave boy and trying to master going up and down the stairs. He has even been outside running and playing like a champ. His limitations truly aren't slowing Charley down this spring! Charley continues to be an inspiration to us all, and all of this wouldn't have been possible without the support of caring sponsors like you.

1st Quarter 2006
Despite all of Charley's obstacles in his short life, he continues to amaze his parents and siblings. During the holidays this lucky dog picked his bones out from underneath the tree and even went to the mall with his mom and had his picture taken with Santa! He was a very good boy for the photograph and sat very still. His mom tells us that he takes his medicine like a good boy everyday and never gives them an ounce of trouble over it. He is a bit mischievous with his canine siblings who are much smaller than he is; he likes to steal their toys even though he has plenty of his own! Recently when his mom went on vacation, he missed her very much. In fact when she returned they ran to each other in the driveway; a dramatic reunion! They love each other and we couldn't be happier about it. Charley continues to receive physical therapy but most importantly, Charley continues to be a happy boy who doesn't know he's any different than any other dog.

December 2005
We all know how truly special Charley is. He's a special boy with special needs. His Foster Care Mom does a great job with his physical therapy at home however it's becoming evident that he needs more intense therapy from time to time. He will now come to the Medical Center for physical therapy in addition to what he gets at home. It is very important that he maintains strong muscle tone and flexibility so he continues to be mobile. Charley has come so far because of caring people like you and we want to see him continue to thrive. Thank you for your dedication to Charley's fight.

November 2005
Charley's had a bit of a set back – while he had been walking well, he recently began to limp and was not distributing his weight evenly among his four paws. We are looking into further physical therapy for Charley to help strengthen his limbs and to make sure his muscle tone is as good as it can be, and we will also be altering his medication to see if that helps. Thank you for allowing us to care for Charley and the other special needs animals. It is because of you that they are receiving the best possible care.

October 2005
Charley's recent check-up went very well – he had some lab results that were a bit off, but nothing to be too concerned about, and we treated some minor irritations on his ears to make him more comfortable. When we think about where Charley has come from, we truly believe him to be a miracle dog. Not only can he stand on his own, he's now walking, hopping, even running. Isn't that amazing? One look at him and we know the Sponsor Program works. And we have you to thank – we couldn't care for Charley and the other special needs animals without your help.

September 2005
Charley continues to grow stronger each day, exploring new things and new behaviors. Some of those behaviors are not positive, and he has begun to test his limits with his family. Charley will bark and jump up on people – certainly not a good trait, but it still amazes us that this dog that we thought would never walk is now jumping on people! Charley's family is working with our pet behaviorist on the best ways to correct Charley's inappropriate actions – even though it's impressive what he's doing, he still needs to be taught proper behavior. The Sponsor Program relies on your support. It is because of your generosity that we are able to care for Charley and the other special needs animals. Thank you so much.

August 2005
Charley visited us recently for a follow-up appointment – his improvement never ceases to amaze us. On really good days, he can slowly stand up on his own and hobble around. He's still not too steady on his feet, and any additional weight could be too much strain on his fragile legs. But when we think of where he started from, his progress is nothing less than a miracle. Charley needs to be watched constantly and he will be on medication for the rest of his life, but when you take one look in his sweet puppy-dog eyes, it's all worth it. Charley adores his new family, and they adore him as well – all in all, things are looking pretty good for Charley these days. Thank you for always being there for Charley and the other special needs animals. Your unwavering support means the world to them.

July 2005
Our dreams have come true – Charley has been adopted! His veterinary technician, who helped him through his darkest days of rehabilitation, decided to take Charley home with her. Charley seemed to sense what was going on and was hopping up and down, ready to go, when it was time to leave. His new family has experience with special needs animals, and we will continue to support them in their care of Charley. It has been a few weeks since Charley's been in his new home and he's adapting beautifully – we couldn't be happier for him. He's been getting the one-on-one care that he needs, and can now even stand up on his own – without assistance. That's a huge improvement from where Charley started! Thank you so much for caring about Charley and the other special needs animals. Because of your generosity we are able to provide them with the best possible care.

June 2005
Charley will never walk normally, but he has been showing steady progress. He can now stay in an upright position and saunter – even sort of skip. Charley's back will always be arched and his mobility will always be limited. But with rehabilitation and medication, we can make him as comfortable and agile as possible. For now this young pup enjoys his physical therapy – but is still too nervous to go into the water therapy tank. We will continue to work with Charley and will keep you posted on his progress. Thank you for always being there for Charley and the other special needs animals. Your support allows them a new leash on life.

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