Indi
The 4th of July was not a day for celebration at the RISPCA this year. Indi, named after Independence Day, was abandoned at our door between the hours of 11:00AM and 5:30 PM. Had it not been for Elaine Puhacz, who passed by the RISPCA to see what our hours were, Indi may not have survived the night. The East Providence Police were summoned to the shelter and whisked Indi to Bay State Veterinary Hospital for critical emergency care. In the end, we hope that justice will be served.
Update Log
*Update* July 7, 2011: Indi is still under care at a veterinary hospital, he has made a slight improvement today and looks a little brighter.
*Update* July 8, 2011: Indi's condition is about the same as yesterday, he is resting comfortably.
*Update* July 8, 2011 - 1:30pm: Indi was able to stand without assitance and take a few steps. He is eating regularly and able to keep his food down.
*Update* July 9, 2011: Today we have some good news and some bad news. Indi lost 15 teeth today due to decay from neglect. His hind leg tendons and ligaments are still very much contracted and he has difficulty using them. An ultrasound of his heart revealed he has heart problems due to chronic heart worm disease. All his mats have been removed from his paws and he has better use of his front legs to the point he can actually walk on them and balance his hind end. He is still very anemic. Despite the above, Indi is much brighter and is eating his 5 small daily meals and drinking. He no longer is vomiting. His IV catheter has been removed and his limb wounds are much improved.
*Update* July 11, 2011: Today I visited Indi at the Dighton-Rehoboth Animal Hospital. Indi appears to be much brighter than when we found him one week ago today. His leg wounds are healing remarkably well and are way ahead of my earlier assessment. He is having difficulty walking but is trying his hardest and will eventfully take his first steps toward freedom after being shackled by neglect for months. His appetite is excellent and as you can see below, he enjoyed some time in the sun while getting a belly rub from Becky. Becky is Indi’s primary caregiver; she is a third year student at Tufts Veterinary School and doing a great job along with the rest of Dr. Bruzzi's staff.
*Update* July 13, 2011: Today Indi's condition is basically unchanged with the exception of an improved blood profile. Unfortunately, he is still having difficulty walking at this time most likely due to some hind limb pain and discomfort. This is being addressed with some pain medication and hopefully things will improve as we go forward. He continues to have a good appetite and as he gets more nutrtion into him his anemia will gradually improve. If all goes well, he will be returned to the RISPCA on Friday for rehabilitation and physical therapy. Thank you all for the cards, emails. phone calls, donations and some very nice children's art work. We have heard from people from all over the USA.
*Update* July 15, 2011: Indi returned to the RISPCA today where he will be pampered and cared for by our staff. He will go home at night with a staff member. He weighed in today at 13 pounds two ounces which is an improvement and is demanding much attention evidently from months of neglect. Despite all he has been through he cannot stop wagging his little tail and has a great attitude. We will keep you informed about his progress as time passes.
*Update* July 18, 2011: Indi had an uneventful weekend in foster care and from what I hear he enjoyed every minute of it. He was brought back today for a bandage change and the wound is healing and progressing nicely. His other wounds are being treated topically and are doing well but unfortunately there will be permanent scaring. Physical therapy is going slow and we are thinking about swimming as a possibility. We want to thank everyone who has followed Indi's journey to recovery, the cards, letters, phone call, emails and donations. Some from as far away as England. At the present time we have funds to cover his medical cost up to date which total $1,257.00. As for funds received over and beyond his costs, they will go into the Marvin Fund for future cases. These pictures taken over the weekend are the results of your support. He looks "Marvelous" if I may say so myself.
*Update* July 21, 2011: Indi visited the RISPCA today for a check-up and weigh in. He has gained two pounds and is appearing chipper. He will be going in for a physical therapy evaluation on Tuesday and hopefully a program can be devised to help with his hind limb problems. Wounds are healing nicely and he has a great appetite. We are all hoping for the best and are becoming more optimistic as each day passes. Thank you all for the support and concern.
*Update* July 27, 2011: Indi visited the veterinarian yesterday to determine the course of action to be taken regarding his physical therapy regimen. Unfortunately, Indi was the worst case the veterinarian had seen in his practice, which was disheartening to all of us. His hind limb muscle contracture is severe and his chances of walking again are 50/50 according to the veterinarian. His care taker will initially implement some simple manipulations that the doctor recommended and he will go for ultrasound and laser therapy two times a week. Indi's spirit remains high but his appetite could be better. A recent blood profile did show some improvement but there are still a number of deficiencies. We have not yet dealt with the heart worm disease. I wish I had better news for you but we will not give up and appreciate all your support. The good news is that he is still bright, loves all the attention he is getting, and has the will to live.
*Update* August 1, 2011: Indy had a good week. He gained one pound and three ounces and is sitting up more. He was able to balance himself on all four feet for the first time but is still unable to walk despite his will. He is becoming more animated and alert to his surroundings and even barks on occasion. He is now on dry food and I hear that his foster caretakers are sneaking snacks to him, including human food which he truly enjoys. We will keep this a secret, however. He attends physical therapy twice a week and all his wounds are almost healed.
*Update* August 9, 2011: Indi is still hanging in there making slow progress but, it’s progress. He has gained some weight and now weighs 15 lbs-2 oz. We have placed him back on some pain medication and a muscle relaxant due to his muscle contractures which are not improving as much as we hoped for. Unfortunately, this situation is very worrisome to us. His physical therapy continues and we will be looking at other treatments as we go forward. His spirit is excellent and he is a very well behaved dog with a tremendous attitude despite all that he has gone through. On another note, the legal case against Mr. Alvarez has taken a new twist. Charges levied against Mr. Alvarez have been dismissed in the state of RI due to legal issues. He still will face animal cruelty charges in Mass. and to be honest with you, the laws in Mass. are light years ahead of those in RI. In Mass. what he allegedly is charged with is a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor in RI. The fine in Mass. could be as much as $2500.00 as opposed to $1000.00 in RI. In closing, I feel justice will be served by the system in Mass. because they look at these cases far more seriously than does the state of RI. The case will be heard in the Attleboro District Court. We will keep you updated.
*Update* August 26, 2011: I know it has been some time since I reported on Indi's progress. The news is not all that promising. Very little progress is being made and his medical issues are still very concerning. Indi is not mobile and therefore he cannot walk or move around without assistance. His condition is such that not even a conventional wheel cart may be able to help him. We are going to try and get a custom made wheel cart made for him in hopes that it will allow him to move about. He has serious orthopedic problems with all four legs not to mention the internal medical issues. At this time he weighs 15 pounds 4 ounces and is comfortable, eating, drinking, alert and believe it or not still wagging his tail. After almost 2 months I wish I could provide you with a better report despite all the efforts and support. In closing we are not giving up but are deeply concerned about the quality of life for any animal. Our promise is to not let any animal suffer. Hi next appointment with the veterinarian is Wednesday at which time we will get an updated assessment of his condition and progress. We thank all of you for your interest and support and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
*Update* September 12, 2011:We appreciate everyone’s interest in Indi and all of your support. Last week, Lisa L. and I brought Indi to visit Dr. Corey for his bi-weekly treatments at Healing Paws Veterinary Rehabilitation Center. It has been two months since Indi was abandoned at the RISPCA shelter. I accompanied Lisa on the visit and felt I needed to address my concerns about Indi’s many medical issues and quality of life. Indi still cannot walk or totally support himself. A recent series of radiographs re-confirmed some chronic orthopedic problems which most likely are contributing to his inability to walk and support himself. His treatments have involved laser treatment, ultrasound and recently acupuncture. Dr. Corey reiterated that Indi’s situation was very challenging and that we still have a long road ahead of us. Our concern, of course, is his quality of life. He is alert and loves all the attention he is getting especially from Lisa and her family who are Indi’s care takers. We feel that if Indi can become mobile with the aid of a wheel cart it will be a positive step forward, no pun indented. The problem is the position of his hind legs, especially his left leg which cannot be extended. Tomorrow Lisa will take Indi to a facility in Shelburne Falls, MA. that constructs custom made wheel carts in hopes that one can be fabricated to meet his unique situation. As for the future, we take one day at a time and will continue to provide Indi with the best care we can provide. Indi’s story has touched the lives of hundreds of people from all over the world and we are grateful for all the emails, letters, donations, etc. In closing, I believe in life but I believe more in the quality of life and will in good conscience not let any animal live just to exist. We have a great group of people who are looking out for Indi’s best interest and will abide by the decisions they make.
*Update* September 14, 2011:It was a long drive to Eddie's Wheels in Shelburne Falls, MA, but we are all hoping it was worth the effort. Indi was measured for a custom made wheel cart and will return in two weeks to give it a test drive. Some special modifications were needed to meet Indi's needs and the folks at Eddie's Wheels were optimistic that they would have Indi up and about. This was encouraging news. While at Eddie's Wheels, Indi met a friend named Willow, a 2-year old Chihuahua born missing her front legs. I want to thank Eddie's Wheels for the generous discount they afforded us towards Indi's wheel cart.
*Update* September 27, 2011: We have crossed another bridge and the people at Eddie's Wheels have custom made Indi's Wheels. This is the first picture of him at the controls and hopefully when he hears the words, "Indi, start your engine," he will be off and running. This was all made possible thanks to your donations, the Marvin Fund and the good wishes of hundreds of people. Indi's first step was a step of hope into his future. We still have a long way to go and will continue to monitor his quality of life. We assure you that his welfare is our highest concern. I will update you in a few days as to how he has adjusted.
*Update* October 5, 2011: Today in Taunton District Court, Mr. Carlos Alverez was not present for his arraignment pertaining to alleged animal cruelty violations filed by the RISPCA and the MSPCA. The judge issued an immediate bench warrant for his arrest. The officer proceeded to his home in Rehoboth but Mr. Alverez was not present. At this time we do not know the reason for Mr. Alverez’s absence from the courtroom.
Indi is still getting accustomed to his wheel cart. Fortunately, Indi has had the benefit of a massage therapist who is volunteering her time to hopefully make him feel better. A recent blood test revealed that his blood profile has continuously improved over the past 3 months. His spirits are high and at the present time we still remain optimistic.
I want to personally thank Lisa L. and Joan P. for their daily care of Indi and their untiring commitment to his welfare. Without people like them there would be no hope. I also want to thank all his supporters who have followed his story and sent their good wishes.
*Update* November 1, 2011: It has been almost 4 months since Indi captured our hearts after being abandoned at our door on July 4th. His journey up to this point has been one of ups and downs and his progress, although improving, has been a slow process. His disabilities created by his previous owner’s gross neglect are most likely going to be permanent. At this time we feel he has the will to live and his spirits are high. This week he survived his first heartworm treatment and we are hoping it will help in improving his overall health. Our goal is to provide him with all the care he needs and to monitor his quality of life which to us is of utmost importance. It is difficult to express in words our appreciation to those who are caring for his daily needs, especially Lisa and Joan. I want to thank everyone who is following Indi’s story for their continued support.
*Update* January 11, 2012: It has been a long time, July 4th to be exact, since Indi was abandoned at our door entangled in his matted fur with wounds exposing his bones. Today, Indi is still with us; but he no longer has matted fur or open wounds. After months of tender, loving care and medical attention Indi has overcome his heartworm treatment, gained weight and is living in a loving home. He will always need special care as he is still unable to walk due to the months of gross neglect he endured as a captive in his own home. The heroes in this case are Lisa and Joan who have devoted themselves to his care for the past six months and all of you who have helped in some way; whether through your support, letters, emails or donations. It did take a village to bring Indi to this stage of his life. Needless to say, he is totally spoiled but very well adjusted considering what he has gone through. There are many who believe he is content with life despite his many disabilities – including me. The Marvin Fund will continue to provide all the support he needs for the remainder of his life and we will always be vigilant of his quality of life. Indi now remains in safe hands because of all your support and concern. The court case is still pending but we have very good feelings that justice will truly be served and his suffering and neglect will not have happened in vain…