Polo, a true survivor.

If only Polo could talk. He has an incredible story to tell.

In late February he was severely burned when a grass fire torched the yard in which Polo was chained to a stake.

Unable to get away, his little paws were badly singed as was his face and fur.

He was so badly burned rescuers didn't even realize he was also suffering from mange -- from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail.

He also tested positive for heart worms and was treated for them as well as for mange. He is a survivor. How else could you explain his remarkable recovery.

Neighbors tell us Polo had been mistreated for months...nearly his entire life. He's only a year old or so.

Thanks to KSAT TV news reporter Tim Gerber, caring staff at one of the area's emergency veterinary clinics brought Polo to the Animal Defense League the morning after he was burned. Talk about one sad looking Border-collie mix.

Loving care, modern medicine and time have healed nearly all of his wounds. And today Polo is just looking for a forever home.

Great news: Just today, May 7, 2008 Polo found his forever home!

(c) Ron Aaron 2008

Blue on blue.

Talk about a miracle cat.

On a cold night in February apparently Blue crawled up into an automobile engine seeking warmth. Not a great place to be. But there he was when the owner came out to start her car. It was February 18.

At first she had no idea what the screeching was all about. But then it dawned on her.

A cat was literally stuck in her engine. He was really stuck.

She lives near the Animal Defense League and so she and a friend rushed over to ADL in her friend's car seeking help.

ADL's vet and lead surgical vet tech went to the woman's house to see whether they could free the cat from the engine. Mr. Cat was truly trapped in a fan belt. Cutting it did not free him. And so they did what they had to do; they amputated his left front leg and brought him back to ADL.

One month later Blue was good to go. His surgical site nearly healed.

He quickly learned how to get around on three legs -- not a difficult task as it turns out for dogs and cats to master.

His blue eyes made it easy to name him -- Blue.

Now he is waiting for that forever home. No doubt someone will adopt him soon. At least that's my hope. And I am sure it is his as well.

And then, great news. Minutes after I wrote this piece, I got word that Blue has been adopted. I love happy endings.

(c) Ron Aaron 2008

Cats eye view.

They were locked in cages for years. Cats forced to breed and breed and breed some more. Mommy factories. Right here in San Antonio. By the time they were rescued, some were in such poor shape it was doubtful they would survive. But of the 100 Persian cats who were free at last, all survived.

What more proof does one need that cats indeed have nine lives?

Most of the Persians were flea infested and so matted that shaving them was the only way to clean them up. Nearly all had other medical issues. Some with upper respiratory infections. Others had worms and more. But cats, like dogs, are remarkably resilient. The guy pictured above was not a big fan of humans when he first arrived at the Animal Defense League. Who could blame him. His litter box was his safe haven.

A little love and attention brought out his personality. We named him Oscar. And within days of being put up for adoption Oscar found his forever home.

It is kitty season in South Texas and babies arrive almost daily. Many too small to be away from their moms. But thanks to volunteers who foster them -- bottle feeding every two hours or so -- they too will survive and soon will be adopted.

It is the cycle of life. Warm weather bringing puppies and kittens. And the need for foster families. And forever homes.

(c) Ron Aaron 2008

Fidelio.

When he arrived at the Animal Defense League he was in terrible shape. His pelvis was crushed. And his back left leg was fractured in multiple places. Cars will do that when a dog or cat is in the wrong place at the wrong time.



A Good Samaritan brought him to ADL. We named him Fidelio. One of the things I have learned since joining the agency is how resilient dogs and cats are. Cats are known for having nine lives. But dogs too are true survivors. Especially with a little help from caring, compassionate humans.



Thanks to ADL's veterinary staff and the incredible skills of our Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Randy Moerbe, Fidelio is well on his way to recovery. His pelvis is repaired. His back left leg amputated. But before you worry about Fidelio missing a leg let me assure you that three legged dogs and cats do just fine. In fact, a veterinary friend assures me that companion animals are born with "three and a spare." Losing a leg is no big deal, although we humans often project our feelings and concerns.



Fidelio will be up for adoption soon. And there is no doubt lots of folks will be interested in offering him a forever home. Dachshund's are in great demand. And Mr. Fidelio is one handsome guy.



My wife Dee and I have often thought about bringing our Great Dane, Milli, to visit wounded veterans who are on the mend at BAMC in San Antonio. Like Fidelio, Milli has only three legs. But that's never slowed her down. I'll share her story soon. She is an amazing girl.

(c) Ron Aaron 2008

Dog day mornings

When you wake up with three dogs in your bed. Plus a wife. You know you are well loved and maybe just a little crowded for space.

Of our three Great Danes, Milli prefers sleeping in our bed. On me. Literally wrapped around my head. Misti, our mini-Schnauzer often sleeps with us too. As does Maggie, our senior Dane who will be 12 on July 4, 2008. Memphis, a Lab/Chow mix rarely joins us in bed. And Ellie, our newest addition to the household, occasionally jumps on board. But more often than not, she prefers the floor.

Ellie goes to work with me weekdays. I don't know if the other babies are jealous. But I do know Ellie loves the routine. The minute I am dressed she prances around the bedroom letting me know she is ready to rock and roll. That's Ellie's photo.

One of the nicest things working at an animal shelter is being able to take a dog to work.

(c) Ron Aaron 2008