Everything Happens for a Reason by Jaclyn Hall

Colt was a six week old male Boxer puppy who was brought into the clinic by his breeder to be euthanized.  He was underweight, under-developed, and appeared to have some severe neurological issues.  He was about 1/4 of the size that a Boxer pup of this age should be.  His head was dome-shaped and completely disproportionate to the rest of his body.  He struggled to keep his head up and was wobbly on his legs.

We all took pity on this poor little guy and talked his breeder into relinquishing him to the clinic so that we could get some much needed nutrients in him and do some diagnostics to figure out exactly what was going on with him.  If at all possible, we would then nurse him back to health and adopt him out.  The breeder agreed after some coaxing and all legal documents were drawn up and signed. 
 
Immediately following all the logistics of relinquishment, we began syringe-feeding him a high-fat, high-calorie diet every hour on the hour, as he wasn't eating on his own.  His blood work came back normal, but a skull rad revealed an unfortunate truth... this little pup was suffering from hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, is a sad condition which spans across all the breeds, as well as all species (don't ask me about it's effects on people as all my patients have either four feet or feathers).  This diagnosis is not a death sentence in the least, although it does cause severe mental retardation - and therefore - a very special owner.
       
We kept the wobbly pup safe in a kitten condo with padding on all sides.  He required round-the-clock care and so at night when the clinic closed and on weekends, my now soon-to-be-husband (also with veterinary experience) and I cared for him at our home to ensure Colt had the best chance for survival.  We took turns feeding him through the night and cleaning up his frequent 'whoopsies' which were often used as paw-paint throughout his padded kennel.
     
Slowly and steadily, but not without the occasional speed bump', Colt proved to be strong enough and brave enough to make an outstanding recovery.  His weight increased and with the proper nutrition, his natural hunger drive began.  He no longer had to be syringe-fed and with that caught on to the idea that he didn't want to soil where he slept.  He began walking on his own, still with a slight wobble, but with enough neck muscles to hold his head up.  He began growling and playing with the toys we had gotten him, and he even began doing the classic Boxer butt-wag.  We were now faced with an encouraging realization... Colt was actually happy and healthy enough to be adopted!!
      
It was terribly sad to see him go, seeing that we had spent so much time caring for him.  He had become a big part of out hearts while on the other hand it was unbelievable gratifying to know that we aided in his great success and ultimate survival.  My fiancé and I contemplated making him a true member of our family; however our pet situation at that time would not have been the best situation for Colt.  We just would not have been able to continue giving him all the attention he would require as he grew into the adult dog we worked so hard to get him to become.
     
With the help of a local rescue organization, all of us at the clinic, and of course my fiancé; we were able to find this sweet little boy an absolutely wonderful forever home.  His new family had a 3 year old female Boxer that took Colt under her wing and showed him the ropes.  She watched him like a hawk and would rush to his side anytime she thought he needed assistance.  It was amazing!  An assistive dog for a dog!  It was the sweetest and cutest thing to see - truly endearing and awe-inspiring.
       
Colt is now 3 years old and doing great!  He still has
a slight wobble, and often uses people, and his older Boxer sister for support.  His hydrocephalus is till present, but he was able to grow more into his head.  He remains intact as there are several anesthesia risks associated with his disorder.  Despite the fact that his family lives far away from me, they do let
me see him from time to time.  This pic was taken
of him and me on his third birthday earlier this summer.  As you can see, he appears to be very normal and healthy.  Though he does suffer from seizures as well as retardation, he is still extremely happy, healthy, and content.
      
Being given the opportunity to be a part of this fur-kids life is a constant reminder of why I do the work I do.  Despite the fact that not every patient is happy to see me nor easy to work with, and the majority of our patients are sad, sick, and only masking the pain to appease their owners, at the end of the day they go home and they feel better.  That to me is the most gratifying feeling in the world. 
      
Colt knows that he was saved and his personality reflects that knowledge.  He is always ready and willing to be a part of the fun things life has to offer and always wants in on the action.  I understand that he has successfully finished his training to become a therapy dog and frequents Children's Hospital on a weekly basis.  His Mom states that the children are so fascinated with a dog that has physical and mental challenges - proving that he makes a positive impact on their lives.  This just goes to show us that everything does happen for a reason and that Colt has found his reason.