The Arrival of a Girl Named Reggie

We have a new addition at least for now, that arrived on Monday.  At the beginning of June I was asked by the rescue if I would consider taking a 13 year old senior girl named Reggie. At the time, Hamlet was doing okay, and after really thinking about it I agreed. Because of some 'issues' and because she was 6+ hours away, it took some doing to bring her in this direction.  I was contacted on Sunday and told that everything had been arranged and she was on her way to me.  With everything that has been going on, I didn't think it was such a good idea for her to come here.  But with no place for her to go I agreed to take Reggie and see how it went.  I know that with Rudi not feeling well and the puppy arriving in a few days, the timing for this gal to become part of our household is not the best.  I think that she needs to perhaps go to another foster home.

Reggie was confiscated from her owner by Animal Control in the county where she lived because she was found lying on her owner’s porch with a ruptured dinner plate sized mass on her back that was infected with 'fly larva.'  Other sores on her body were infected as well, and understandably she was not feeling well and was having problems walking.  The owner was charged with animal cruelty and neglect and
had to surrender Reggie.  While the case is pending, the judge is NOT tolerant of animal abuse and neglect and they most definitely will be held accountable for their actions--Thank-goodness!!   Reggie has had the surgery to remove the mass.   Because of the condition of her coat and the other sores, she had to be shaved down to the skin.  She has a large mammory tumor but the vet felt it was too close to her heart to risk removing it. She is also thought to be in the early stages of heart failure. 

Reggie gets along nicely with our crew who don't mind her at all because they are seasoned veterans with dogs coming and going from our household.  Rudi is also un-phased by her and ignores her.  Reggie does seem a bit bewildered by what's happened to her.  I don't think she understood my taking her on a walk with us yesterday morning.  She was tenative and nervous the whole time and kept looking back towards the house.  When we let her into the backyard she hurries back onto the porch and stands with her head pushed into the door to be let back inside.  She is following us everywhere and I don't think her tail has stopped wagging.  I think she's grateful and happy...Yes, there is no question about it, she's a sweet old girl!  But as I mentioned, the timing of her arrival is not the best and she may have to use her charm to win a place in someone else's heart besides mine, which she has already done.