OBR's Wheezer celebrated his second birthday on May 24th with cheeseburgers and ice cream. He came to OBR at 16 weeks of age with a collapsed lung and in constant respiratory distress, with way too many close calls. His vet said he has more lives than a cat and a strong will to live. Our wonderful vet, Dr. Buck, was awoken many nights each week with Wheezer in an emergency situation. I live one mile from the clinic, and Dr. Buck lives three miles from the clinic. I remember him saying several times that being able to get to Wheezer so quickly was the only way he was able to be revived.

Personally, I attribute his veterinary skills along with the convenient drive time. Besides meeting during the night, I would often run through the clinic door during office hours, unan-nounced, at any given time, with Wheezer in my arms and me breathing air into his mouth while running to the oxygen as Dr. Buck prepared a Lasix injection. It was to everyone's advantage when I was able to be set up with oxygen at home and a supply of Lasix injections. Wheezer could be treated immediately, and I'm sure Dr. Buck was grateful for a full night's sleep (as well as not having to see me in my pajamas anymore!)

There was always hope that as Wheezer's body be-gan responding to the antibiotics, his collapsed lung would re-inflate. Unfortunately, the lung was too damaged and shriveled into scar tissue. The good news is that his remaining lung is now clear of in-fection, and the respiratory emergencies are kept to a minimum. Wheezer is now enjoying the puppyhood that he missed out on when he was sick. He is always on an adventure, and if there is any commotion going on in the household, you can bet Wheezer is the ringleader. He doesn't realize he only has one lung and will play until he has run out of air. His oxygen tank is always handy for the times he needs a little boost. He also has an inhaler that is used with an adapter made for dogs. Everyone in the household is very in tune to Wheezer's health. With five in our household, there is usually someone home, and if Wheezer isn't feeling well, we take no chances: I get a call to come home from work and check on him. Wheezer loves to chase the laser pointer, who we have named "Dottie." He thinks Dottie lives under the dishwasher and waits for it to come out-what a clown! He lets us know he is waiting for Dottie, and someone has to play. He always went everywhere with me when he was very sick so I could watch him, and now he thinks it is his job to be my co-pilot. He sleeps on my chest every night, with no exception—and he doesn't always share Mommy very well. Many might say he is spoiled, I say he is very loved.

Wheezer will remain a permanent foster. We love Wheezer and hope he has a very long life. We still foster, but have to take precautions for Wheezer's best interest. The worst thing we can do is bring a dog directly from a shelter that will likely have kennel cough. Wheezer's resistance can't tolerate it, and a respiratory infection can be very serious. Wheezer lives every day to the fullest, and you can tell how happy and grateful he is to be given a second chance. He makes me laugh every day, and I consider it a privilege to be Wheezer’s Mommy. -Maribeth Walker
Happy Birthday, Wheezer!