"Gentle Giant" Randall has setbacks but also a happy change

Last update had both of Randall's splints off his front legs and his hip was getting stronger. While Randall was recuperating at the hospital and on restricted activity, we had noticed tenderness in his left paw and thought it was from a pin working its way out. But, after more x-rays and time, we discovered that the implanted plate had broke. That meant another surgery for Randall to remove the broken plate and replace with a thicker, heavier plate. The bones in that leg were pulled closer together to have a better chance of fusing. We also decided to do a culture because suspicions of an infection. The surgery went very well and his leg was re-splinted but the culture came back positive and there was a very tough/resistant infection. We ordered the proper antibiotics right away and started Randall on a three week course. We are basically back to the beginning with that leg but Randall remains a trouper and carries on. Randall needed to stay at the hospital since the infection was contagious and he would need his bandages changed every 2-3 days for 3 weeks. Thanks to our wonderful, dedicated volunteers who came by and sat with Randall every day, 2-3 times a day, either outside or with him in his kennel. He got lots of love and attention from them and the fantastic hospital staff.

The happy news is that Randall has now left the hospital and is in a new foster home. His foster home is close to the hospital so we can get him back and forth relatively quickly for bandage changes, which is now once a week. We knew that he was anxious about so many things and a car ride is one. But now he is getting accustomed and more at ease even though he is going back and forth to the hospital. Randall has lived at the hospital for so long, he still heads for his kennel when we get there although he will head straight into his foster home when we arrive back.

We are discovering many things about this boy now that he is in a foster home. Randall adjusted so fast to being in a house, his manners are excellent. He is living with a resident cat that we are closely supervising. He has gotten up and hobbled very fast toward the cat but he is easy to redirect before he gets too close. Some noises still startle him but the the cat talking very loudly does not even phase him. He has become a true velcro dog. The foster home had set up a wonderful spot for him in the alcove in the kitchen. A baby gate was put up so it would feel more like a safe, confined space where we thought he felt more comfortable. We learned very fast that he would not have it and needed to be near his people. He would push his head against until the gate gave way. He now will lay near his foster parents and sleep just outside the bedroom at night in the hall where it is cool and he can still see his people. He is not fond of the mailman and has shown his ferocious gruff on the other side of the security screen door. He has also shown his quick mind by figuring out how to eat all his kibble from his bowl. You see, Randall can not bend his front legs like most dogs and especially the leg still in a splint so he will eat what he can while the bowl is elevate on the step and then he will pick up the bowl and move it around to arrange the kibble so it is easier for him to get to. He also will carry it over to the ground so he can lay down with the bowl to eat.

This boy has been through so much after three surgeries, antibiotics, pain medicines, supplements, and still splinted, We are still in need of funds to help with the last surgery and the care going forward with x-rays, medications and rehabilitation. Please consider giving to Randall's fund and continue to follow this boy until we find him his forever home!