~~ IN MEMORIAM - SIMBA ~~

It is with a very heavy heart that we write to you.

Sadly, our beloved poodle mix, Simba, has passed away at 11 ½ years old. As you know, Simba was battling many medical issues including a severe collapsing trachea, right hind lameness, problem hips and weak ligaments in his knees. After recent repeated seizures that resulted in extended hospital stays in our medical center and left him disoriented and unable to walk, Simba was no longer living the happy life we had hoped for. It was our goal from the beginning, when Simba’s adopters could no longer take care of him, to make him as comfortable as possible and for him to know how much he was still loved. Please take comfort knowing that precious Simba was very much adored and cared for by his foster family. Your Sponsorship enabled him to live the best life he could.

Simba will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Sincerely,

The Sponsor Team

Simba's Updates

4th Quarter 2006

Simba was recently in the League's medical center after having seizures and stayed for six days under heavy observation. The seizures left Simba seemingly confused and unable to walk. He was anxious in the cage and was given a tranquilizer to keep him calm. At 11 ½, Simba is not a young dog … so every precaution was taken. After one week he was stable enough to go home, with necessary medication on hand in case of reoccurring seizures. We will continue to keep you up-to-date with any developments.

3rd Quarter 2006

Simba remains in good shape and we are so glad for that. His trachea problem, which causes the coughing fits, has been kept under control with his combination of medications. Recently, Simba was diagnosed with dental disease, which is not uncommon in older poodles. His teeth and gums will be checked now to make sure nothing is hurting him. The food that he loves so much is soft, so that won't agitate his sensitive mouth. Aside from this, he still enjoys going on walks, and seems to be livelier now that the cooler air is settling in. In the summertime Simba takes it easy as the heat really does affect him. Thank you so much for your continued support of Simba and all the animals in the Sponsor Program.

2nd Quarter 2006

Our old pal Simba sounds like he is doing quite well, all things considered. He goes on his little walks quite happily. The idea is to not take him out for too long as he can tire easily. He is taking his medicine that helps suppress his cough like a champ and that’s probably because he gets to take it with a hot dog or sometimes even cheese! It’s amazing what some dogs will do for a little piece of human food! When it comes time to take a nap, Simba has his own mat that he likes to sleep on in a quiet spot. When he’s up, he loves to be with the family; Simba really enjoys being a part of everything! We are so happy that Simba’s twilight years are so calm and enjoyable for him – we can’t thank you enough for helping give Simba this wonderful life.

1st Quarter 2006
Simba stayed with us recently in the Foster Care department while his mother was on vacation. The techs in the ward just love Simba and were showering him with affection. He seems to be doing very well on his medications that help with his coughing and we couldn’t be more pleased. Simba is also content on his special food which helps with his digestive problems. We are very thankful that Simba is doing so well and is so comfortable. This old timer deserves nothing but the best for his twilight years.

December 2005
Simba seems to have really settled in for a winters rest these days. It’s almost like it’s hibernation time for him! When Simba takes a nap-he really takes a nap, often times resulting in his foster care mom having to come wake him up for a walk or to eat! Simba is getting older but he does need to stay active and his foster care mom will be making sure of just that. Treats are a big motivator and Simba will get up and walk over for one. We will keep you posted on Simba throughout the months. Thank you for your continued support.

November 2005
Simba visited us for a re-check recently – the veterinarian did hear some increased lung sounds, but they were not notable enough to be concerned about. Sweet Simba is showing signs of his age though – he’s slow to get up and move around, and sometimes he doesn’t want to move at all. Fortunately Simba lives in a wonderful foster home where he receives lots of tender loving care. His family gently encourages Simba to get up and walk a bit, and will even carry him when necessary. There is always a lap available when Simba needs a comfy spot to relax, and a hand willing to give him a belly rub when he’s up for it. Thank you for opening your heart up to Simba and the other special needs animals. It is because of your kindness that they have a second chance at health and happiness.

October 2005
Simba will visit us next month for a recheck. Overall he’s doing well, but must still take two medications to help relieve the symptoms of his collapsing trachea – one controls his cough and the other is a bronchial dilator to help him breathe. Simba will need to take these medications for the rest of his life, but that’s a small price to pay for having our dear Simba here with us. We rely on your kindness and generosity – without you, we wouldn’t have the resources necessary to help Simba and the other special needs animals. You are a vital part of the Sponsor Program, and we can’t thank you enough.

September 2005
Simba visited us recently for a recheck – he appears to have stabilized after his last rough patch and his coughing seems to have improved. Our veterinarian did hear some sounds in his lungs, but nothing to be concerned with at this time – with a history of a collapsed trachea, those noises are not unusual. Of course we will continue to keep an eye – and ear – on him for any changes. Your love and support means the world to Simba and the other special needs animals. You are truly an important part of their lives.

August 2005
Simba wants nothing to do with this hot and humid weather. He doesn’t want to go out at all, and his foster care Mom must put papers down in the house so that Simba can take care of his business. She’s considering bringing out the doggy litter pan again, but Simba isn’t consistent about using it. In the evening Simba and his foster care Mom often go for a stroll, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures. Thank you for allowing us to care for Simba and the other special needs animals. It is because of your kindness that they are receiving the best possible care.

July 2005
In addition to – or because of – Simba’s hearing and vision loss, he’s also changed many of his daily routines. He now sleeps a lot during the day and walks outside are nearly nonexistent. All Simba wants to do is go out in the yard, take care of business, and then come right back in. When it seems like he’s having a good day, his foster care Mom will try and convince him to go for a stroll around town – but very quickly Simba decides he doesn’t want to go any further, and his foster care Mom must carry him home. We of course will continue to do all that we can to make Simba as comfortable as possible. Thank you so much for your friendship, your love, and your generosity. It is because of your kindness that Simba and the other special needs animals are getting the tender loving care they need.

June 2005
Simba is going through a really rough time – now deaf and blind, he’s having difficulty adjusting. His foster care Mom does everything she can to make the home easily navigable, but Simba’s whole routine has clearly changed and it’s going to take some time to get used to – for both of them. Simba’s overall health has begun to decline as well – he’s more lethargic and is having more accidents. We of course will do all we can to make Simba as comfortable as possible during this trying period. Thank you for caring so much about Simba and the other special needs animals. Your continued support allows us to provide them with medical attention and loving homes.

May 2005
Spring has sprung and Simba's got a new bounce in his step - he practically prances when it's time to go for a walk. Like many of us, he's had enough of the cold and welcomes the sun's rays on his face, boosting his mood and his spirit. Best of all, warm weather means no sweaters or coats! Thank you for caring so much about Simba and the other special needs animals.

April 2005
Simba looks stronger these days – the weight loss we were concerned about seems to have instead helped him, and he’s now able to get around much easier. Unfortunately though, his foster care Mom thinks Simba may be losing his vision. In low light situations he seems to be disoriented – so Mom makes sure that lots of lights are always on to help Simba find his way around. So far that seems to be working. We truly appreciate your unending support of Simba and the other special needs animals. It is because of your generosity that they are living happier and healthier lives.

March 2005
Simba continues to concern us with his weight loss. It’s only a few ounces here and there, but it’s been a steady decline. At a recent exam we also discovered some bruising – it may be from the harness he wears instead of a collar, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on him. Simba is getting up there in years, and it’s important that we do everything we can to keep him as comfortable as possible as he ages. Simba and the other special needs animals count on your support and kindness. Your generosity gives them all a new leash on a happier and healthier life.

February 2005
Simba's got us a little worried these days. He's lost some weight and appears disoriented at times. He's also sleeping more frequently and more soundly. Of course, this may all just be due to old age, but we're going to keep a close eye on him just to be sure. He'll be in for a recheck soon, and we'll keep you posted on his condition. Your generous support allows us to give Simba and the other special needs animals the best possible care.

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