Iago

Here's how I got from "Before" to "Happily Ever After!"

Am I a handsome little guy, or what?! I always have been, you know. Even in my "Before" photos... when you look past the bandages and Elizabethan collar, you can't miss what an incredibly sweet boy I am, loving as can be. Just look into my great big, melt-your-heart eyes and you'll see my heart of gold shining through!

I was turned in to IG Rescue on July 12, 2001. I was 2 1/2 years old and had two very badly broken legs. Niki and Diana, my two rescuers, feared the worst when they took me to the vet to have my temporary splints cleaned. The splints had been on for four weeks, and the vet said that they should have been changed weekly to prevent pressure sores from forming, and possibly even gangrene from setting in.

But I am a miracle dog! When my splints came off, there were only three pressure sores that were all treatable with antibiotics. There was one small patch of tissue that died on my right elbow, but the vet said that it would rejuvenate in just a few months. And thanks to IG Rescue, I had my surgery to plate both of my legs on July 19th!

The only downside to all of this wonderful news is, my surgery cost close to $2500! Although IG Rescue was happy to pay for me to get all fixed up, that set the treasury WAY back for other rescues that might come along and need help like me.

So Niki asked everybody if they could help to raise a portion of the cost, to reimburse Rescue and provide help for other Iggies in need. And as usual, IG people turned out to be some of the most generous in the world!

How can I ever thank all of you enough for your kindness? Take a look at my new, beautifully straight legs... I owe a big WOOF of thanks to Dr. Pardo of Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialists, for the remarkable job he did, and especially to YOU! This is the kind of miracle that you helped to make possible for me and lots of other deserving Iggies!!

Now, enough about the past... let me tell you all about my wonderful FOREVER HOME! I live in Delaware with my new mom, dad, human sister Marisa, and IG brother Donald! I traveled like a champ on the car ride to my new home... I sensed that I was going somewhere special!... and from the moment, I saw my new brother, we were inseparable! We play together non-stop, and from the very first night, we snuggled together in mom and dad's bed, wayyyy under the blankies, and slept the whole night through.

When we wake up in the morning, I go and sit at the door, waiting for my people so that we can take Marisa to her bus stop. I am always so excited to go on our walk each morning... and of course, to show off my beautiful, healthy new legs in the process!

Here I am, relaxing at home with my mom and brother. Can you imagine an Iggy who is luckier, happier, or more adored than me?

By the way, Niki says to remind you that IG Rescue can always use your help. If you would still like to make a donation on my behalf, please make your check payable to IGCA Rescue, and indicate that you are donating on Iago's behalf! You can send it to:

Mary Ann Smart
IGCA Rescue
13493 Henrietta Creek Rd.
Roanoke, TX 76262

I feel like the luckiest dog in the whole wide world. Just a short while ago, I didn't seem to have much of a future ahead of me. Now, thanks to IG Rescue, I am looking forward to many years of good health, and to giving and receiving LOTS of love in my forever home!