Sixpence joined the League’s Sponsor Program in 2000. Sixpence is a precious male shepherd-mix who was born with physical deformities in all four legs. Although he manages to move around relatively well, he will continue to require extensive physical therapy for his undersized limbs. Due to the rigorous and ongoing demands of his condition, he will remain in a wonderful foster care home with the League’s Foster Care Manager, Barbara. As Sixpence ages, the changes in his frame will be unpredictable and can cause any number of problems.

Time will tell how Sixpence's condition will affect him and it is our mission to make him feel as comfortable as possible. The League will continue to reassess his condition frequently and decide whether or not to follow any course of action. In the meantime, he is enjoying all the things that normal dogs love to do and that includes giving and receiving love and affection.

Sixpence's Updates

---

4th Quarter 2008
The change to cooler, dryer weather has made Sixpence (aka 6p) itchy, so he is on medication for that, but otherwise doing well. Two exciting things for him to watch recently, a clogged drain that led to a lot of pipe work and the installation of a new paper towel rack! Dull stuff for us, but really interesting for 6p, and not scary for him because all of the people involved were family - so no seizures. There are the squirrels to watch as they get ready for winter, some pigeons to scare away (pigeons are new to him), and the feral kitten his family found in the back yard...probably the first kitten he has ever seen!

3rd Quarter 2008
The recent bad weather, which included heavy thunder and lightning, brought on an episode of colitis for Sixpence which we believe was the result of stress. With a small amount of medication he got through it and is doing much better. He also experienced pain in his joints, but that has since resolved. In spite of his troubles this past month, he did not experience seizures, which remain our main concern. He’s back to his happy little self - eating and sleeping well, remaining active and begging for dog treats and spoons of rice pudding. Just saying the word “treat” starts him off…barking and hopping around. It is good when he is barking and pesky, because it means he is feeling well and comfortable.

2nd Quarter 2008
Sixpence is always a good boy and we are happy to report that his foster mom says that he is feeling fine too. Whenever the seasons change, he sheds all his undercoat - and some of the outer coat too! So the house is full of fuzz-balls and poor Sixpence is itchy from all this shedding. He takes a medication called Atarax to relieve the itch.

1st Quarter 2008
Sixpence has started to give his foster mother strict orders every evening when she returns home from work. He wants his medication immediately (which he gets tucked neatly in a cheese cube); then, just for eating that, he feels a liver snap treat is in order. And, he’ll bark, bark, bark until he gets his way! Medically, we are happy to report that there have been no seizures, no colitis and no joint pain. His diet has been successfully changed too, and he is adjusting to it well now after a few tummy upsets. His interaction with his friend Roger the parrot is still going on, and is indeed funny. “6P” that is, Sixpence, will bark, complain or cause a fuss, and the parrot will say “Oh, good dog – it’s ok”. Roger the parrot is just echoing what he hears in his household, but it sounds as if they’re having a conversation. “6P” and Roger have a friendly rivalry when family comes to visit too. If guests speak to 6P first Roger complains, and if they go to Roger first, 6P yips and yaps for kisses and treats. All in all, everyone gets along and probably wouldn’t know how to function without each other!

4th Quarter 2007
Sixpence is such a darling little dog. He’s always doing cute and silly things that make his foster mom laugh and adore him more and more every day. For example, every morning his foster mom shares her cereal with him. Together, they enjoy those little mini shredded wheat squares with cream. As she was giving him a little square, a drop of cream fell flat on his nose. Sweet Sixpence didn’t know what fell on him, and he was going cross-eyed trying to see what it was. At the same time, he was trying to lick it away but couldn’t reach it with his tongue! Sixpence made his foster mom laugh so much that she just had to give him a few more treats after that.

3rd Quarter 2007
Sixpence has been doing great. He’s also been very peppy and barking lots of orders. His back legs may be getting a little weaker, but he doesn’t seem to notice. He is so genuinely happy and very loved.

2nd Quarter 2007
Sixpence is loving the springtime. He is doing a lot of barking and pouncing around (he can’t really run or scamper) and seems extra playful. His foster mom had to change his diet recently, and luckily, Sixpence loves his new food. This makes his foster mom really happy, too, as the new food is good for his delicate tummy. His foster mom was concerned that the noisy construction that’s being done in the neighborhood was going to make Sixpence nervous, but it seems nothing can hamper his springtime high!

1st Quarter 2007
Sixpence is doing better than he has in a long time. Recently, his foster mom brought home an infant foster puppy, Grumpy, who has to be bottle fed. It's obvious Sixpence loves little Grumpy and is so interested watching his foster mom prepare and warm Grumpy's bottle. Sixpence seems to think that Grumpy is a gift just for him. If Grumpy should whimper, Sixpence barks to alert his foster mom. He's the best babysitter. And caring for Grumpy seems to have done wonders for Sixpence, too!

4th Quarter 2006
Sixpence's stomach problems started to act up when his loving foster Mom was on vacation recently. He continues to receive his daily dose of Flagyl medication in a piece of cubed cheese and that still works well for him. On the morning his caregiver was returning to work, she was getting ready to leave when Sixpence started to bark. Sixpence noticed she hadn't given him his cheese yet. So basically, he was reminding her to give him his medicine! What a smart dog! Keep up the good work Sixpence!

3rd Quarter 2006
During the warm months our pal Sixpence was not happy with the heat. His foster mom would close the blinds and put the air conditioner on before she went to work so the house would be dark and cool for him. Based on Sixpence's activity level when she would get home, it was apparent he was sleeping all day long in the dark house. He would just be scampering around and barking and having a grand time when his foster mom would be ready for bed! His animation would stir up the Yorkie that lives in the house and the talking parrot would get all excited too. What a sight! Medically Sixpence's colitis has been under control and because of this he hasn't needed his medicine, which is fantastic. He's even been enjoying some dry dog kibble because his stomach has been holding up so well. Thank you for your support of Sixpence and all the dogs in our care here at the League.

2nd Quarter 2006
Dear special Sixpence sometimes has to be on medicine and other times does not depending on how his stomach is holding up. His pills are kept in the spice cabinet and when he does get medicine, he gets a piece of cheese along with it. He’s associated the spice cabinet and the sound of a pill bottle being shaken with getting a special cheesy treat! He gets so excited when his foster mom goes near that cabinet, and it makes her so happy to see him get so excited! He starts pushing off on his back legs and zooming all over the place! His foster mom has to be careful with how much cheese he gets and also how excited he gets since he’s such a sensitive guy. But it makes us all happy to hear that he’s doing so well.

1st Quarter 2006
Work was done on the house that Sixpence lives in recently. Now he’s a real sensitive guy, this slightest change in his routine can really make him uncomfortable. We know that Sixpence has suffered through bouts of colitis and also seizures his whole life, it’s just the way he is. His foster care Mom was worried while the new roof was being put on the house that maybe the noises or the unfamiliar faces would make him upset. We’re really happy to report that good old Sixpence really hung in there and didn’t get sick! He went and hid but didn’t get sick. What a brave boy! Did you know that Sixpence has a very special friend at his foster care home? In addition to his foster care mom being his friend—he’s very close with the parrot that lives there too! The parrot doesn’t bother with the other dog in the house, only Sixpence. If Sixpence ever makes any kinds of noises the parrot will say to him,  "what’s the matter?" It’s ok, it’s alright,” much to the amazement of his foster care Mom.

December 2005
Our friend Sixpence seems to be shedding his summer coat and according to his Foster Care mom he’s looking more and more like a puffy dandelion everyday! His downy undercoat is falling out in clumps and flying everywhere. On top of this Sixpence doesn’t like being brushed except for on his back so his Foster Care mom will do what she can to control the shedding. Needless to say Sixpence partially groomed and partially fluffed up is a sight like no other! In addition to this he thinks all the brushing is a game-making his Foster Care mom chase him around with the brush. Can you imagine? We’re so glad to hear Sixpence is doing so well. Thank you for being such a friend to Sixpence and the other special needs animals.

November 2005
Now that the weather has cooled and the front door is left open, Sixpence enjoys watching everything going on outside – he’s really a very inquisitive dog. Sixpence can be very timid though, and the slightest thing can send him running. So it’s surprising that he especially likes Halloween -- hearing the doorbell frequently ring, and seeing the children in their costumes. Of course, he stays a safe distance away, peeking around the corner, but he definitely wants to know what’s going on. Once the doorbell has rang the last time, our sweet Sixpence, tired from all the excitement, hobbles off to his bed to take a long nap. The Sponsor Program relies on the kindness of people like you. It is your warm heart, your love, and your generosity that gives Sixpence and the other special needs animals a chance at happiness. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

October 2005
Sixpence has got her foster care Mom trained very well. Every night at bedtime, Sixpence’s foster care Mom settles him into his playpen to sleep – he sleeps there so that she knows he is safe, and Sixpence feels secure there as well. Soon though, Mom hears all sorts of rustling and yapping and will check on Sixpence – bringing him a treat when she does. Well, Sixpence is no dummy – he’s learned that if he carries on Mom will bring him a treat before bed, so now each night Sixpence barks for his bedtime snack. Your generous support of the Sponsor Program truly is remarkable. It is because of your kindness that Sixpence and the other special needs animals are able to enjoy each day in health and happiness.

September 2005
We’re delighted that Sixpence is now eating well and has had no recent bouts with colitis. Because of Sixpence’s history of seizures though, his foster care Mom has been keeping him inside during this very hot weather – if he’s outside, Sixpence gallops and races around the yard and she doesn’t want him overexerting himself. Thank you for giving Sixpence and the other special needs animals a new lease on life. Your generous support makes all the difference in the quality of their lives.

August 2005
A pug that lived with Sixpence died several months ago, and Sixpence is still grieving. Often his foster care Mom will see Sixpence dragging his soft chew toys to his buddy’s bed (Mom hasn’t had the heart to put it away just yet) in the hopes that the little pug will return to play with them. Sometimes Sixpence will nap in his lost friend’s bed, savoring the scents he left behind. His foster care Mom has been making sure that Sixpence gets lots of tender loving care during this difficult time – both from her and from family that stop by. You are an integral part of the lives of Sixpence and the other special needs animals. It is because of your generosity that they have warm beds, a roof over their heads, and plenty of love. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

July 2005
Sixpence received some presents from a special sponsor friend recently and he couldn’t be more thrilled about them. He especially likes the squeaky toy – we know this because Sixpence immediately dunked it in his water bowl and he only dunks his favorite playthings! Sixpence’s foster care Mom thinks he learned how to bark from a squeaky toy since Sixpence “squeaks” when he wants to go out. June 5th was a special day for Sixpence – he turned 5 years old. Unlike many of our animals, we know Sixpence’s exact birthday because he was born at the Medical Center. Given his physical deformities present at birth, we’re delighted that he’s reached this milestone, and only wish Sixpence many more happy years to come. Thank you for opening your heart up to Sixpence and the other special needs animals. Your love and support goes a long way towards providing them with comfortable homes and needed medical care.

June 2005
Poor Sixpence has had a rough time recently – first he lost his beloved foster care Grandma and then, just a few weeks later, one of his canine housemates passed away. Sixpence truly enjoyed spending lots of time with this particular dog – he was the only one quiet and calm enough for Sixpence to tolerate. As a result of all these changes, Sixpence’s colitis has returned. He is now on medication and getting lots of tender loving care from his foster care Mom. Hopefully Sixpence will be back to his happy-go-lucky self soon; we hate to see our sweet Sixpence down. You are a hero to Sixpence and the other special needs animals. It is because of your generous support that they are experiencing healthier and happier lives. Thank you so much.

May 2005
Sixpence has begun to get back into his old routines and appears to be feeling a bit better - the death of his foster care grandmother really hit him hard. His family - out of synch the entire time grandmother was ill - has settled into a steady - but different - rhythm. While Sixpence has adjusted to the changes, he still misses his grandma. But he takes comfort in the fact that he holds a very special place in the heart of his foster care Mom, and she in his. Sixpence and the other special needs animals are living healthier and happier lives because of your kindness.

April 2005
Sixpence’s foster care Grandma passed away recently and Sixpence misses her tremendously. The two of them “talked” to each other all day long and were the best of friends. Sixpence is a bit unsure of things these days, and it’s been more difficult for him to settle down at night. Luckily he’s got a very loving family, and they’ve been doing their best to comfort Sixpence and assure him that everything will be okay. Isn’t it amazing how attached our animals become to us and vice versa? They really do become part of the family. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity. With your help, we are able to give Sixpence and the other special needs animals the best possible care.

March 2005
When Sixpence first came to us, he was very timid and would not take anything from anyone’s hand. But with time he has become more trusting – especially of his foster care Mom. These days Sixpence gets so excited about the treats in his foster care Mom’s outstretched palm that he practically nips at her to get them. But Mom doesn’t mind – she’s just glad that Sixpence feels comfortable – and safe – enough with her to take the treats at all. Sixpence also has a new toy. Now usually Sixpence takes any new toy he gets and immediately dunks it in his water bowl – strange, huh? But not this toy – it’s a squeaky turkey leg and Sixpence loves it so much that he keeps it nice and dry. You can hear him squeaking it at all hours of the day! Thank you for being such a friend to Sixpence and the other special needs animals. Your support makes all the difference in the quality of their lives.

February 2005
Sixpence has been doing really well these days. His colitis hasn't bothered him much, and he's getting around - hopping - easily. Sixpence has also been much more calm and relaxed lately - he's even made quite a few new "people" friends. We couldn't be more pleased with Sixpence's progress. It is because of your support that Sixpence and the other special needs animals are getting the care and medical attention they need.

« back to main sponsor page