Postmortem Reflection December 24, 2022 – Adoption Anniversary
Rio was the purest soul I ever met; the most precious gift. He and I were inseparable and in some ways codependent. I assure you, I needed him as much as he needed a mom like me.
Underfed and born in a barn, my baby was setup for hardship before he exited the womb. He came to foster care with every disadvantage— the main being that his body and his neurological system were out of sync.
Rio didn’t notice.
He was physiologically idiosyncratic; there was no formal diagnosis, no “support groups” and there was no roadmap for his well-being. I felt that I was winging it, in an experimental and ever-changing sort of way. The books eventually did me no good, though I studied his whole life to no avail. I’d learn things and then review his X-rays like the detectives do when re-opening a cold case. Only I never solved it.
I don’t think Rio’s life was about his diagnosis or his disabilities at all; it’s what he did in spite of them.
With his failing body and screwy infrastructure, Rio beat life. I’d only had a couple bottle babies before Rio, but because of him and how much he loved nurturing – first, the post-op tripawd, Pip, and second, the Baby Pearl — I took every puppy I could.
Maybe the purpose of Rio’s life was never for me to help him, but that he came to show me, a recovering perfectionist, perspective.
Life dictates that we loathe being dealt the crappy hand, but in the game of Hearts, if you amass EVERY bad card, you get to run the deck and win the round.
This adoption anniversary will see six Crazy Town graduates get their real collars and furever families because of what Rio started.
Not bad for a “busted” little guy.
JULY 20, 2020
Please help me welcome 4 month old Rio to Crazy Town! Rio has spent his short life malnourished and living in a barn without any human interaction. Because of this, he is getting a late start at learning social skills, but early signs are saying it’s not too late. He also has a very weak hind end and is pretty skeptical about the leash as well as people.
We’ve got lots to work on while he’s here, much of which will be taught by resident loons Lenny and Ellen, but I am just certain he’ll come out of his shell and find that this new way of life isn’t so bad.
Stay tuned to watch Rio’s progress from barn puppy to proper (read: ADOPTABLE!) puppy.
JULY 21, 2020
Rio has made more progress than I would have expected in just 24 hours. I’ve noticed his gait is a lot more steady on surfaces where he can get better traction, like the asphalt and in the grass. We have mostly hard (bleachable
) surfaces around here, so my wheels are turning with ideas about how to get him some traction inside.
He had a nice calm day today as the loons were in daycare. I like for my orphans (especially the stressed ones) to get a little time to acclimate to their new space without Lenny and Ellen around. When I came home for lunch, he was stretched out sleeping so hard on the puppy futon he didn’t even wake up when I came in the door!
He spiked a fever last night, but was also really worked up and anxious, so it was hard to know the cause. It came down some after resting, but was still a little high this morning. He’s on an antibiotic now in the (rare) event he has Lyme.
I’ll admit I’m worried about him, but I worry about all my babies. I’ll say he is not acting sick or injured or handicapped in the least. You have to love that about dogs — they never feel sorry for themselves and are so adaptable.
He’s adjusting to life inside a home where people are glad he’s around and there are soft places to sleep. Meals come 3 times a day and the mom adds chicken. There are toys to play with (thank you Shalan!!) and fun things to chew. Rio is learning what it’s like to have someone look out for him — to check for fleas and clean his ears and inspect his skin and think about how to fix those legs. And Rio is learning what it’s like to be loved. He has never known affection so it is unfamiliar and a bit uncomfortable, but we can tell deep down he likes it. Indeed Crazy Town is a tad different than a barn.
Wow! That was a long-winded lead up to the reason I am on Facebook: Rio is learning to play and I happened to catch his very first squeak on camera. 
JULY 23, 2020
I really am running an infirmary right now, you guys.
On the middle floor, the kitten room is occupied by the ringworm sibs who are in isolation in a multi-level kitty playpen to which I have attached and dangled various flashy do-dads and trinkets for some semblance of entertainment. Kirby and Boo are real troopers. They’re getting 2 meds in the morning, 1 at night, eye meds twice a day and a fart bath every 4 days. Today they also learned about the vaccine and deworming service here at the orphanage and although they were great sports, I am confident they hated it. But these poor playful little tigers — they want to run and play and it is killing me to leave them in there. Why do the playful ones always have to get quarantined?
Tex remains in good shape and wishes Ellen didn’t live here so he could leave his safe place in the bathroom. He is still a motor boat and will certainly be a fun companion as he is also very playful.
And downstairs there’s Rio. Oh my sweet baby is a mess. He is happy as hell to be here. Doesn’t really mind taking pills. He’s kind of floating through life. I don’t know if his sight and hearing are 100%. He loves to be where the pack is, joyfully trips and slides all over the place and pants as long as he’s moving. He can tangle the leash in ways I’ve never experienced, and he’s found his special place in the living room. He’s also doing extremely well with potty training and no longer carries himself like he’s scared (although he is easily frightened.) I am gathering supplies for a low tech traction solution, so let us hope this goes better than the (puppy) genital suckling deterrents of 2019.
JULY 25, 2020
First attempt at grippy shoes for Rio is showing great promise. It’s just stylish Coban to which I affixed some of that squishy drawer liner I got from my boss, who, by the way, is the greatest inventor I know of. He approved of this idea when I told him about it AND contributed to it!
Go, Rio, go!
JULY 28, 2020
I took Rio the goofball on a lake adventure yesterday. The point was to start strengthening his legs while also seeing new places and meeting new people.
Well, I didn’t get a video as I was busy with him in the water, but let me tell y’all, Rio is, at this point, more of a floater.
He got a few good paddles in, but otherwise just gave us a bunch of laughs by being so chill in the water. He wore himself out nonetheless.
I just need to say how grateful I am to have friends that keep supporting me and giving me places to socialize and and “swim” with my fosters. It means the world to me.
Promise I’ll get a video next time!
JULY 29, 2020
Just a couple Hump Day updates:
The ringworm sibs got their 5th lime sulfur dip this evening and a thorough decon of their living space. They will get re-cultured tomorrow to see if there is or is not still fungus among us. Cross your fingers for them as they are bored and ready to come out of isolation. Tex still shows no signs and remains pissed off, but friendly, in his special room. He will surely be a family cat.
On the dog front, I have decided that a woman holding 3 leashes does not need to also carry 3 bags of dog crap while she’s walking. Therefore, tonight I introduce you to my solution in this picture. It held all 3 bags of poop and not even one busted on my leg. 
JULY 31, 2020
Tonight Rio proudly poses for the camera from the couch onto which he jumped himself! He can get onto the couch and the futon without human assistance OR his shoes (which he likes to chew off.)
He’s embarrassed to be wearing Ellen’s old girly PINK harness, but I am focused in hard on his upper airway and feel at this time a collar is not appropriate or helpful.
He is walking so much better on leash. I don’t know how I would have trained him without Ellen and Lenny to use as models. He was NUTS; the absolute worst, but I am able to walk all 3 dogs together now with diminishing annoyance.
I am delighted to see so many signs of improvement in happy little floppy oddball Rio. I suspect that he will always be just a little different, and in Crazy Town we support the idiosyncratic marching to the beat of our own drummers, never sacrificing who we are just to fit in. Whatever lucky family adopts my goof will get to live with a spirit that fills a room with utter joy and whose propensity for love is great enough to embrace humans despite their giving him a really awful beginning.
We don’t deserve dogs, but I will do everything I can to ensure the remainder of Rio’s story is worth all his trouble.
AUGUST 2, 2020
I guess we’re all in.
AUGUST 6, 2020
There’s a hush over crazy town tonight as Rio, our star loon, has gone for an ostensibly fun sleepover at the rescue and will be saying goodbye to “the boys” in the morning.
Ellen’s meditating by the fish tank about it.
See you soon, Rio! We love you!
AUGUST 8, 2020
Finally Rio accepts and is interested in a chew! Age-appropriate, DIGESTIBLE chews help save furniture, shoes, cords, and families!
AUGUST 17, 2020
Just a few updates from the nuthouse:
I said goodbye to Tex last week, but had already found him the perfect family, so it was a happy goodbye. It’s easier for an approving heart to let go of a baby, especially one as fun as Tex. I wish him well, but am so sure he’s got it made already.
Rio the conundrum continues to burrow his silly little self deep into my heart. He is one of a kind. He is unique, so special, and the biggest, most perfect mess of a pup. He doesn’t feel sorry for himself at all and he loves life here. I have never met a happier, wobblier, more carefree puppy. He continues to gain strength and is as proud as he is proficient at finding shoes and slippers.
Because of the odd sounds coming from his upper airway, the vet did not feel comfortable anesthetizing him for neuter, so that was a bust. His neurologic deficits have been evaluated and determined to be the result of a birth defect or trauma, but will be getting xrays to confirm, and hopefully get a look at his trachea to boot.
Lenny got into Rio’s food last night, overate, and barfed in the living room. Ellen got in trouble for biting Lenny in the butt to get him to leave the spot she wanted, and then they joined forces to eat the book I had just finished reading.
Rio, their understudy, is taking fastidious notes and really seems to love his pack. It makes me happy that my imperfectly perfect dogs are helping others. There’s a closeness that develops with a long term foster and each pack member falls into their roles. Ellen is the welcome wagon, always playful, wakes Rio up every morning by making a flying leap onto the futon, never failing to land on top of him. She cleans everyone’s ears with her tongue. Lenny has taken on a new disturbing role of being the resident butthole licker, and Rio makes sure there’s ample trouble in the house.
I love them all.
AUGUST 23, 2020
Medical update:
Sweet baby Rio has unfortunately regressed in his walking since Friday. He was at the vet all day and I am hoping that he was just sedentary for too long and his already very weak and atrophied back legs got weaker.
He was cleared of any infection and they looked at his cervical spine, lungs and trachea, and no abnormalities were noted. My best guess is a brain or spinal cord injury, but I am no doctor and he needs an MRI to find out what, specifically, is wrong.
Nevertheless, Rio keeps on chugging. He struggles to regulate his body temperature, so I’ve been working to cool him while he rests. He isn’t getting up on his own and he is so weak he falls easily. He is knuckling which means he has no proprioception in his hind end, so in addition to weakness, he also doesn’t know where his little legs are in space.
I am not letting him give it up yet. There are now carpets velcroed to the floor so that he can more easily walk from his bed to his bowl. He absolutely cannot do hard, slippery floors right now. He is able to stand and eat, though he’s unsteady. He needs assistance outside, so I’ve got him a vest with a handle that I can use to help him balance.
We are back at square one hoping to get some strength back in his legs. I am getting him up and having him just stand and balance while I pet him, and keeping his temperature down. The higher his temp, the worse his stability.
Right now it’s relentless focus to keep Rio mobile! He needs lots of love and care. Keep tuned as his story continues to unfold.
AUGUST 24, 2020
I feel like I bummed everyone out yesterday, so tonight I will NOT share that my car crapped out and Pearl missed her first day of work, and instead I shall only mention this: Rio has taken a turn for the better!
This morning his body temp was back down within normal range. He got up on his own. He has been walking, playing, getting into trouble. He is back to his goofy and carefree self!
I now have a few new hypotheses about what’s happening, but I’m going to stop reporting on them because he just keeps giving me new data and changing my mind. A good story teller might wait until she has more facts before adding her own guesses to the narrative. 
For tonight, I just want you to know that Rio has made a turnaround and that I am hot on the trail as to how to manage him and how to support his continued upward momentum.
Special thanks to superstar medical dog mom, Betsy, who has experience in this area and took the time to reach out to me and share her wisdom and ideas and referrals. I don’t claim to know anything here; I am just telling their stories, but there is a reason I call myself a foster MOM — I will bloody well figure it out! I know there’s a vast collection of knowledge and wisdom and experience out there. If you ever feel your experience could help my foster, I would love to hear from you.
Without further ado, here’s Rio!
AUGUST 29, 2020
Wonky Rio, friend of all beings, lover of life, and keeper of my heart wants to show off his running!
He has made a full recovery (back to his norm) and then some, and is so glad to see his little wandering friend Georgie again!
One night while en route to the kitchen for a bottle, I caught George and Rio sleeping snuggled in bed together in the puppy room. I am still lamenting not bringing my phone to capture it!
I love my Crazy Town.
AUGUST 30, 2020
Rio doesn’t get out of bed in the morning until Lenny and Ellen come to wake him.
I have made some upgrades to Rio’s bed so that if my little boyfriend here has a wee in it, all I have to wash is the comforter.
So much better than a barn!
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Evidently a party was held in Crazy Town while I was feeding Pearl.
I suspect the main culprit is Rio, the cutest terrorist ever, hoping the cleanup would make Lenny and Ellen miss the cutoff for daycare drop off.
Don’t think for a second that Lenny and Ellen are innocent.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
When Regal Rio is not doing household terrorist activities, he sometimes takes to one of the tiny beds and asks to hear my woes.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2020
Rio is emphatically ready for dinner.
https://www.facebook.com/AnisOrphans/videos/1579780758869282/
SEPTEMBER 14, 2020
Me and my heartthrob, Rio, almost didn’t make it out the door in time because Peaaaaarl couldn’t get enough to eat this morning. Luckily I am my father’s daughter and the delay caused us to arrive only 10 minutes early for Rio’s initial physical therapy consult!
I got lots of information and help from Sam, our PT, whom we both really liked! After her evaluation, she came in to talk to me and she thinks that there’s a lot of hope for Rio, which made my whole day!! He will always be a little weird (thank goodness!) but there’s lots of progress to be made.
The plan is to start by continuing to strengthen his hind end at home, but this time with targeted exercises, and with Sam to watch over and guide us through.
Rio would also benefit from going in for physical therapy as she believes the underwater treadmill, for one, would be a good source of therapy, and I just think that he needs some time with the professionals. Formal physical therapy will be phase 2.
Fortunately, VVC is undergoing some pretty hefty renovations and this will give me some time to figure out how to pay for Rio’s PT. My brain muscles have been churning all day thinking up ideas, but I need more time to think and develop a solid plan.
For tonight I just want ALL of his supporters to know that I feel confident we are on the right track. We have a great team of people to see us through, and you know I’ll work really hard on my part at home.
Next time maybe I’ll get out of my head long enough to get a picture of Sam and Rio…
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 – DUMPLINGS FOR DONATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT
Mark your calendars, folks!!
I am channeling my inner good southern woman for Rio by holding my first fundraiser. Eek.
The dumplings do contain some meat, so vegetarians and vegans should come for the kissing booth. There’s something for everyone in Crazy Town!
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
I’m not really sure what they say to each other during these exchanges of puppy noises and odd Rio sounds, but as the two least potty trained dogs in the house, I’m fairly confident he’s encouraging her newfound love of pooping under my bed. She did it again tonight!
There is a reason I am invested in everyone having solid poops — it saves me time on the back end (so to speak.)
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
We are off to an iffy but optimistic start to our new home physical therapy regimen.
For starters, I am wondering if Rio The Heartbreaker had any influence on the massage portion of these exercises. He became quite accustomed to the gentle percussion massages I gave him while he was immobile that weekend, and I suspect his dashing looks and his innocent spirit moved Sam The PT to prescribe basically full body massages several times per day. And I will so do it!
As the exercises are new to both of us, and I want to do the best job I can, we are learning one new skill at a time and reeeeally hoping people like dumplings. I guess I am doing the learning and Rio is… just so happy about liiiife!
Hope I have time for my job what with all the massages and planning his fundraiser…
We don’t deserve dogs, but I will do everything I can to ensure the remainder of Rio’s story is worth all his trouble.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
We are off to an iffy but optimistic start to our new home physical therapy regimen.
For starters, I am wondering if Rio The Heartbreaker had any influence on the massage portion of these exercises. He became quite accustomed to the gentle percussion massages I gave him while he was immobile that weekend, and I suspect his dashing looks and his innocent spirit moved Sam The PT to prescribe basically full body massages several times per day. And I will so do it!
As the exercises are new to both of us, and I want to do the best job I can, we are learning one new skill at a time and reeeeally hoping people like dumplings. I guess I am doing the learning and Rio is… just so happy about liiiife!
Hope I have time for my job what with all the massages and planning his fundraiser…
SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
I feel bad for Rio. He absolutely LOVES Pearl and wants to play with her, but she avoids him like the ‘rona.
Today she learned to climb stairs to get away.
This gives me a little chuckle, but it is so telling. Pearl knows that she is not safe around Rio — he is not steady and he wobbles; he makes a loud and abrupt entrance. I have avoided letting the two of them be in the same space alone as we all know Rio doesn’t fall gracefully and I really don’t want to take any chances of an incident.
But Pearl just keeps proving that she’s growing up; she is aware of her surroundings and she knows to ensure her own safety.
I still won’t be leaving it up to chance, but I know I’m on borrowed time. Pearl has made it clear that she’s ready to move out of her cramped sleeping quarters in the bedroom and into the vast expanse of the puppy room.
She’s already claimed her bed there.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
We’re having a sleepover with Thor tonight!
Lenny and Ellen have been gracious hosts, but they don’t understand that Thor is recovering from surgery and can’t play. They are not at all helpful in this foster situation.
You know who understands a lot about leg trouble and immobility?! Rio! He’s the perfect bunkmate for a guy who just had his knee operated on, and although Thor does believe he is cooler than Rio, it appears he took a liking to our special little goof.
And you know Rio loves him, because Rio loves EVERYYYYYYTHING!
SEPTEMBER 26, 2020
Rio is hard at work today helping make the dumplings for his fundraiser.
For Rio, this actually counts as helping.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane tonight, thinking about my journey with Rio. We have come a long way in the just over two months he’s been here.
I had planned to take a little foster break back in July when I saw that some ringworm kittens needed a place to go and no one volunteered, so I took them.
Then, seeing that I was very much not on a break, someone (ahem Ryan K Barker) reached out to ask me if I’d take an under socialized puppy with hind end weakness.
I am having a giggle at that description now because it just seems so straightforward and simple — two things Rio is not!
At first I was honestly more worried about his airway because of all the peculiar sounds coming from it; then I was concerned he couldn’t adequately swallow his food because of some unexplained hacking and vomiting. Xrays showed no abnormalities in his upper or lower airway, I changed how I prepare his food and raised all of his bowls, and many of those issues resolved.
Part of loving Rio is accepting and appreciating him for who he is today. He makes weird sounds. He stumbles around like he’s drunk and knocks things over sometimes. He steals hearts.
There’s a saying in education that has always resonated with me, and one that applies just as much to my fosters: they say, “meet the student where they are.”
Rio is a prime example of that sentiment. You just don’t treat an unsocialized, malnourished, wobbly puppy born in a barn the same way you would any other. He needed individualized care and rules, and minor environmental changes to thrive here. He has more than done his part to adjust to humans and dogs and living inside a home. He is a joy.
Last weekend I got together with people I love and we made 785 dumplings for Rio’s fundraiser. I can’t help but feel that we are rapidly approaching the denouement in his story, and that it will be funded by all of you who have loved every foster, supported me and are willing to pay too much for my food when I need you.
This is exciting, guys! We are about to really help a deserving dog by getting him the treatment he needs.
In the spirit of growth, here’s a video of Rio when he first arrived. He would never attempt this now, but I hope in time he’ll gain some confidence and strength and I’ll have to kick him off the bed!
OCTOBER 3, 2020 – DUMPLINGS FOR DONATIONS FUNDRAISER
Written by
Adora got to meet Rio (and Pearl and Ellen and Lenny) today for Rio’s dumpling fundraiser and wanted all you to meet him too. Ani is a wonderful soul and is helping so many fur babies! See her page in comments for more adventures! Here’s to a sturdy future in the cards for Rio!
OCTOBER 3, 2020
For the first time in my Facebook blogging life I am at once full of feelings and devoid of words to adequately express them.
You guys just bought Rio AT LEAST 12 sessions of physical therapy!!!!!
The final numbers are not in yet as I have some orders outstanding, but I am feeling overwhelmed by your love and generosity.
As you know, Rio came from tough beginnings. His mother was likely malnourished and received no prenatal care, so Rio was an underdog from the outset. He was skinny and wobbly and hadn’t ever met a decent human before SFC intervened. He was timid and unsure, his skin was awfully red and itchy, and he smelled even worse than he looked.
I hate to think about what might have come of Rio if left in that barn, but thankfully he ended up here. I am doing the best I can to help him, but physical therapy is way outside my scope. He needs more than I can give him, and because of what YOU did today, Rio will get the professional help he requires.
But you didn’t just give him physical therapy; you gave him a fighting chance — a chance to be stable, to poop without falling over, to have confidence.
I am so ready to start the next chapter in Rio’s story: the ascent!
For now, my own “dogs” are barking and Rio looks as tired as I feel. It was a wonderful day and I loved seeing so many familiar faces and meeting new ones. You are all my heroes.
From the depths of my soul, THANK YOU for what you did for Rio. I am inspired by your kindness.
OCTOBER 5, 2020
Good morning, everyone!
Beaming with gratitude in the wake of such a fantastic fundraiser, I got up early and did all my chores yesterday, and then I checked out to decompress and reflect at my special place.
When I set out to put together my first fundraiser, I expected there to be some bumps in the road, and sure there were some
minor ones, but I thought I pulled it off without a major hitch…until I went to leave yesterday. At that time I discovered that the freezer hadn’t sealed properly, and every remaining dumpling had thawed and was not safe to eat.
I was pissed at myself. Disappointed, too, but mainly just wicked pissed off.
But as these orphans keep forcing me to grow and change my perspective, I took the opportunity on the beautiful fall drive out to paradise to focus on the lesson. Twice this fundraiser I had to learn not to let bad things overshadow the good. I had to — dare I admit it— compartmentalize feelings, putting some on the back burner to deal with later. That does not come naturally to me, and evidently the universe has decided I need some training.
These were great life lessons.
The fundraiser was still a success despite the remaining dumplings being ruined. Rio still gets to go to physical therapy which he starts ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, and I will remake the dumplings and reach out to each of you to make arrangements.
In the grand scheme of things, I got lucky. They could have all been ruined sooner and sunk the whole event. But it’s salvageable, and I got practice in self forgiveness.
So please, everyone who hasn’t gotten their dumplings yet, bear with me! You will not be checked off my spreadsheet until your orders are filled. I promise!
OCTOBER 10, 2020
Rio finally got her in the sack!
He doesn’t mind that he has to lay in her dinky bed without a proper place to rest his head; comfort is but a trivial matter when it comes to his love for Pearl.
With deafening squeals and avoidance behavior, Pearl taught Rio some important social skills. He had to tame his emphatic and somewhat barbaric approach to befriend and coax her out of hiding, and then he had to build her trust.
Now she’ll climb over him and wedge herself into position in her bed. Rio says, innocently, “just as long as we’re together…”
Teachers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and there’s as much to learn from our youth as there is from the old and wise.
OCTOBER 12, 2020
Aside from a resurgence of my interminable, low grade Facebook annoyance over not being able to add both photos and videos to the same post or photo album, I am elated to announce that, thanks to you kind and generous people, Rio has officially begun physical therapy!
Today was just the first visit where they got baseline information and helped familiarize him with the equipment.
When I entered the room, Rio was in the underwater treadmill with our heroine, Sam The PT, standing in water much more shallow than he will experience in the future. Today’s task was just to ensure he won’t panic because of the water, and I felt obliged to mention how our “hydrotherapy” went over a couple months back. You remember — the one where he enjoyed a relaxing float and let me do all the work.
Things are looking up for our Rio. Please check the comments for video footage.
VIDEO FROM THE COMMENTS
https://www.facebook.com/AnisOrphans/videos/1804667813004572/
OCTOBER 22, 2020
Rio is off to PT this morning with VIP accommodations. He found the sun to be too much for his eyes, so Mama MacGyver fixed him up with a little shade.
OCTOBER 26, 2020
Rio after his morning massage.
I think I’m getting the hang of it.
October 29, 2020
Rio had a great physical therapy session this morning, and I did too!
As you might remember, I am responsible for doing some of Rio’s therapy at home, so I appreciate getting to observe his time with Sam, the pro, and learning from her. The more proficient I am at home exercises, the better I can do by Rio. I’m trying hard.
We are working through some anxiety hurdles that present themselves during PT, and pondering solutions. He had what is called “cerebellar panic” in the water treadmill last week and froze, so this time they just did floor work. When they try the water treadmill again, I’ll be in the room to hopefully be a source of comfort and reassurance. It’s important to keep his stress to a minimum as he cannot cope, and it will quite literally throw his body out of homeostasis if he gets overly worked up. We just don’t want to go there again if we can help it because that setback truly sucked for him.
I’ve been considering getting my sweet fox a weighted blanket to curb the anxiety and perhaps also help his proprioception. As some of you know, I am a vestibular patient, and I am intimately aware of how it feels to be without proprioception, off balance, wobbly, and unsteady. Everything I do, I do dizzy. I am fortunate to be able to function now, and I feel like Rio landed in a particularly kismet, empathetic foster home.
They recommended weighted vests and blankets to me while I was in rehab, but I was so broke from all the medical expenses and without an income, I didn’t have money for luxurious things like that. Rio will get better than I got.
I laid around dizzy for a long time, receiving subpar medical care; my pleas for help went ignored. I was alone in the fight. Eventually I was sure my life was permanently reduced to sitting in my house, holding on to things to get around, cooking from a chair. What drove me to keep researching and fighting for answers was the small though mighty hope that I might one day be able to help another being with similar struggles. I didn’t envision a dog, but I let things come to me and it has worked out really well with canines.
I am so relieved that Rio doesn’t have to navigate his own troubles alone the way I did. He’ll get all the treatment he needs, and anything else that could possibly help him live his best life, because I will make sure of it.
Another heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Dumplings for Donations such a success. So many of you pitched in—in various ways, and even from afar— to make sure Rio didn’t get left in the barn. Your love and care and concern for him healed something in me, and it’s already paying off for him because Rio SAT for the first time today at PT and I didn’t have my phone to capture it.
HE SAT DOWN!! His legs bent and were stable enough to sit. Day made!
Video in comments. https://www.facebook.com/AnisOrphans/videos/1822648137873206/
NOVEMBER 1, 2020
Rio is always making me think outside the box, and his condition necessitates that I feed him differently from everyone else. He cannot handle any store bought treat that I’ve tried, so I make my own. Treats are important here because I use them to motivate Rio through rehab, and also to remind him he’s an exceptionally good boy.
These meatballs are great for hiding pills and will help to firm loose poops. Crazy Town feedback is 5/5 would eat again. The ringworm puppies about bit my fingers off, so their video got cut.
Probiotic Meatball Treats
1 cup Minute Rice prepared according to instructions.
1 (10oz) can chicken breast with juice
1 packet FortiFlora
Instructions
Combine prepared rice and chicken with all its juice in a blender (I use a NutriBullet.) Blend until combined — doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth. Cover container and refrigerate until cool— approx 20 minutes.
Once cool, use a small meatball scoop or your hands to form meatballs. Sprinkle with probiotic and see if your dog agrees with these loons! https://fb.watch/nGy-g8mBuf/
NOVEMBER 2, 2020
Just learning about the concept of holidays and Santa, Rio spent the weekend perusing the Amazon.com catalog and making his first Christmas wishlist.
He was pleased to know that Ol’ St. Nick visits homeless animals, too!
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Rio did well in PT this morning, but he got photobombed!
He wants to thank Molly and Paul for giving him a weighted blanket. We tried it in the car today and he was far less anxious! Video of that in the comments. https://www.facebook.com/AnisOrphans/videos/1829699670501386/
NOVEMBER 6, 2020
With Cardinal having departed for neuter and adoption, Sparrow is the last of the four (now former) ringworm puppies left in Crazy Town. Both of his cultures are clear, so this morning we all got Mom up brighter and earlier than necessary to throw a “Coming Out” party for Sparrow the sweet face.
He got a bath and one final lime dip before he even had his first meal on the outside, and when I turned him loose, he was bounding with joy. He harbors no resentment for the dull, cramped, and oftentimes tumultuous month he endured while receiving treatment here, and is instead fully embracing his freedom without looking back.
Lenny and Ellen felt that everyone would have a better day if Sparrow joined in the morning walk, and I was happy to oblige as I take personal interest in activities that unite the pack. He did really well.
The Baby Pearl is a hard act to follow, but Rio has determined he quite likes his new friend Sparrow and has been a kind and playful host. I don’t know why anyone would want to sleep in Rio’s bed, which is largely composed of urine, but Sparrow does, and fresh out of quarantine maybe it smells familiar.
I’m feeling content and relieved that another group of ringworm puppies are recovered and back on track for great lives. Cue the weekend decon procedures.
*The fact that Rio is sitting is an indicator of progress in PT!*
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Last night’s insomnia topic was Rio upgrades. I’ve been feeling guilty that he misses all of our big adventures because he’s not able to keep up. Walks are unifying and crucial to the health of the collective, and Rio is very much part of my pack. I went for the most obvious solution.
I was trying to find a used wagon at three this morning, figuring that once Rio gets tired he’ll just sit in there and experience the rest of the walk from his red Radio Flyer, which Lenny would lovingly and altruistically pull.
I had it all worked out in my head and just needed to execute. There was a Cadillac wagon on marketplace for 75 bucks and it even had a roof for my little fox. I almost bought it, but opted to borrow one from my boss instead. I left work today so excited to get home and take my little friends on this fun and all-inclusive excursion I planned while the rest of the world lay dormant in their berths.
Here’s how it went:
Lenny was a bit frightened by the sound and stature of the moving wagon, so I knew it was a bust from the outset. He was even scared on the trial run walking down the street with me pulling it behind us. Ellen was also uneasy about it, but more so adamant that HER job is to seek out all neighborhood cat turds and she does not think it is feasible to pull a wagon and scout for poop simultaneously. Mom is in charge of pulling the wagon.
We all don our walking gear and hit the pavement. Rio makes it a good way before he sprawls out in the street and I assume he’s ready for a break. In the wagon he goes, and we’re off to give my sweet boy a taste of this beautiful day; to smell its air and feel its sunshine, to bond as a pack.
He made it about five feet before he jumped out and awkwardly strode back home, and I’m feeling really glad I didn’t waste $75 on a wagon for this.
NOVEMBER 13, 2020
Our boy is doing big things! This is exciting because he changed terrain without “biting it” this week.
For comparison purposes, when we went in for the consult, he couldn’t even make it one step on the hard floor without his legs completely giving out.
We are working hard and seeing progress!
NOVEMBER 16, 2020
All paws on deck for my latest initiative to help Rio overcome his fear of water!
I am hopeful that after we do this a few times Rio will start to feel a little more confident standing and being in the tub. He can only benefit from the water treadmill at PT if he can actually use it, and I hope this is a bridge to success.
And if it fails, I still got to take a bath with two dogs on a Monday night!
NOVEMBER 18, 2020
Sometimes all you need is a friend to sit quietly by and believe in you.
NOVEMBER 21, 2020
Rio is having a stellar weekend.
Last night he got to have a bully stick during PT homework and then we fell asleep in the bed together, and today he got to go to the park with Lenny and Ellen. He even did some uphill walking there!
I learned that massaging and stretching a dog in the middle of the park makes people ask questions.
November 28, 2020
Rio awkwardly cozies up to Pip in her bed inside the closet.
I guess he’s over Pearl…
NOVEMBER 29, 2020
We left Pip in charge of Crazy Town this morning so Lenny and Ellen could introduce Rio to the dog park!
He had a ball, and I enjoyed talking to all the dog people who immediately saw his kind soul and asked about him.
Go, Rio, go!!
We do not own the rights to the song, but we hope the Facebook police will let us keep it!
DECEMBER 1, 2020
Rio has extra PT homework these days. In addition to our regular exercises and the massage routine, we are also working on balance and core strength.
I was able to purchase the equipment needed for this new phase of Rio’s ascension with money from the fundraiser, so once again I have you all to credit. Thanks for getting us here — we have come so far, and I’m seeing progress every day!
In this video we are doing weight shifting.
DECEMBER 6, 2020
Not ever burdened with extraneous awareness that they’re a little bit different, Pip and Rio rest in the parking lot after some big fun in the park!
DECEMBER 7, 2020
I sort of forgot we changed our physical therapy schedule while I was letting Rio burn up all his energy at the park yesterday, so this morning he was a little too relaxed for Sam the PT.
He says that’s exactly what happened, and it is merely coincidence I found him with this joint…
DECEMBER 15, 2020
This picture sums up the last 24 hours.
Rio had some diarrhea last week and has been weaker than normal since then. Yesterday we went to Physical Therapy and he was too weak to do any of the exercises. My mom radar has been up since last week, but because he’s so peculiar, there’s not much more I can do but observe and guess and respond when things happen.
Then last night it all took a sudden turn for the worse. Rio expelled a lot of his body fluid and I came home to a really sick pup. His eyes got watery and dark, his raspy breathing became rapid and shallow, his tongue started to have a blue tint, and his extremities were cold to the touch despite having spiked a temp of over 104.
I treated his symptoms as best I could with the equipment I have. I worked through the night to replenish his fluid volume and electrolytes, and to love him as much as possible.
I made a cozy place by my bed and I laid with him there. It’s the same spot where neonatal Pearl and some of her siblings fought to live, and where little Pip awoke to find herself with only 3 legs. It’s the ICU bed, and last night it was Rio’s.
This morning brought another twist: Rio awoke, walked to the door of the bedroom and squatted to pee, he finished it outside on his own, and then barked at me for breakfast (which he did not get) and he stood rather firmly on an unsteady surface and ate his frozen bone broth instead.
He woke up stronger than he was a week ago, proving that we should never count him out! His fight is inspiring.
He got fluid all day today and after work he received his first bland diet paste which has stayed down for about 2 hours and counting!
We got in the bath together and I gently scrubbed him clean, hoping to send this whole event down the drain with the caked on poo.
I am finding myself tired and relieved in the wake of Rio’s magnificent turnaround, and it’s time for me to recharge my mom batteries to be ready for the next time he pulls a stunt.
Side note: I am asking Santa for an oxygen concentrator. If any of you have expertise in this area, I’d love it if you could share your wisdom.
Picture of Rio post-bath in the comments.
DECEMBER 16, 2020
Rio started honking for dinner the moment I walked in from work.
Tonight he got to have a full meal that contained a little of his regular food.
DECEMBER 17, 2020
Rio is grooming mini Rio (Harlem) into a proper pup with toys from Shalan and his dog, Minor.
Big fun!
DECEMBER 23, 2020: ADOPTION LEAD-UP
The Real Story of Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus is no slouch, but she loathes being in the North Pole Workshop. Back in the 1900s she’d had it with the clanking of the machines and the banging of tiny hammers; the interminable elf farts which permeated the workshop turned her stomach. She’d developed a nervous twitch after listening to the high pitched screams coming from the sewing department day after day, and if she wanted to use a standard sized toilet, she had to go all the way to the admin side of the building. One fateful day she told Santa that she was tired of playing second fiddle to the most beloved man in the world and that it was high time she developed a charitable program of her own. She’d had thousands of dogs over the centuries and had always taken a shine to animals. Claims of her aversion to children were proven false when the ladies at the hair parlor divulged that she is indeed a bit jealous that they all like Santa better. Nevertheless, she knew how it felt to be passed over and insignificant, and that’s why she decided to devote her life to animal welfare.
Santa, able to refute all but the workshop effluvia, was proud of Mrs. Claus and quite supportive of her new venture; he even tried to squeeze out a tear about her leaving the building, but he’d just had his new beer fridge installed and was too excited at the notion that he finally might be taken seriously as the boss. He wanted to give the whole Christmas thing a go without his wife always nagging about deadlines and his ever increasing, excessive use of plastic. (Incidentally, the following year, Santa royally bombed Christmas and had to hire an admin staff to replace her, but that’s a story for another time.)
Mrs. Claus, who much preferred tending to Rudolph’s kennel nose and cleaning up his stall to being in the shop, was relieved she didn’t have to endure much pouting, and she was eager to doff that silly hat for the last time and begin her new life in sweat pants. Many a Christmas Eve that ol’ gal sat in the sleigh taking fastidious notes on the goings on in animal welfare, observing that the “Pole people” are much kinder to their animals. One year she was so pissed off about a dog left out on a chain, she lost track of the “hit list” and sent her fat, jolly husband down the same chimney twice. Anyway, on this inspiring and liberating day, she swore she’d never knit another toaster cover as long as she lives and would henceforth be addressed as Mrs. Claws.
Mrs. Claws was as efficient as she was shrewd. She got right to work using her North Pole magic to do good, devoting all her time to needy animals. She turns no one away; she nurtures the broken and the unloved, helps the hungry find food, and the sick and injured get well. Occasionally she meets an animal so exquisite and so rare, so pure and so kind, Mrs. Claws hand-selects its human from HER list. She has especially high expectations of these humans because she is giving them a treasured piece of her heart.
She and the old man have come to terms. Rudolph, it turns out, won’t even fly if she’s not in the sleigh, so it is entirely possible that in the sky tonight, we could see Ms. Claws in her oversized hoodie and messy bun come blazing over the hills with work to be done. I sure do hope she starts early as there are a lot of animals in need of a visit.
DECEMBER 24, 2020
Part 2 – The Poem
This poem might make more sense if you first read the post titled, “The Real Story of Mrs. Claus.”
Twas the night before Christmas and Crazy Town was a bustlin’
Mom was planning a dog holiday; she was busy just a hustlin’.
The presents were wrapped and the tree got a spiff.
And three clever canines kept returning for a sniff.
Their eyes said it all; they just couldn’t wait
to tear into the gifts that smelled really great.
Almost Mom caved, but she didn’t acquiesce
despite every single dog trying their level best.
Then off in the distance Mom heard a big spatter
She abandoned her chores to see what was the matter.
Everyone was fine; no one was ill.
So she opened the door and peered over the hill.
Up walked Rudolph, he’d left the sleigh
To “get rid of his carrots” in the middle of her driveway.
“Hey Rudy, my friend,” she said holding her scooper”
“No one will have to know of your pooper!”
There in the distance, the magic sleigh idled
Mrs. Claws got out and over she sidled.
She smiled all big and for Rio she hollered.
She reached in her pocket and presented a collar.
“This is for you” she said with a grin.
She opened it up as he lifted his chin.
“There!” it clicked, and it fit like a glove.
“I see, little dog, you found a home where you are loved!”
Mrs. Claws turned to Mom, filled with delight
“I have never been as sure of a home as I am tonight.”
Both of these women who saw eye to eye
Embraced one another and started to cry.
The exchange couldn’t dawdle, it ended so fast
The old lady had to get back to her task.
Before she departed, she made one last entreaty
“take care of my angel for he is a sweetie!”
DECEMBER 25, 2020
The newest member of the pack may have his trouble, but it is certainly not his nose.
He went straight for the good stuff!
DECEMBER 26, 2020
I’ve been holding out on getting Rio a decent bed because dogs who come from barns never learn not to pee where they sleep.
As an intermediary sleeping space, I got him a Coolaroo which was harder to squat and pee on. It worked to break the habit, and thanks to my accidentally running it over in the driveway, my best boy got his very own orthopedic bed today!!
We broke it in together while I gave him some fluid there, and then the whole pack took a nap. I awoke to his long giraffe neck and most innocent eyes starring me down, and the moment he saw I was awake, he assured me it was time to eat!
DECEMBER 26, 2020
One of my favorite childhood memories is my mom laying in bed with me at night, giving me backrubs until I fell asleep. I don’t know how many cumulative miles I put on her hands, but it was never enough.
I’m keeping alive one of my sweetest memories because – do you know who loves rubs as much as I do? Dogs!
We did some new exercises tonight. Rio is such a good sport and he tries so hard. I cannot put into words how much I love him.
JANUARY 3, 2021
You’ve heard of spooning, but here Rio and Ellen demonstrate the forklift snuggle.
JANUARY 4, 2021
We only have one physical therapy session left and then we are on our own. Well, sorta on our own. I plan on keeping in touch with our beloved PT, Sam.
Since we are nearing the end, at least for now, I have decided to invest in a little extra equipment for the Mom PT program which is a work in progress and not nearly as professional, but always well intentioned!
We have just started working with the big green peanut at home. I’m thinking of using this to correct and aid his stance while he’s eating, so that’s why his bowls are there.
Anyway, we are both committed to working really hard at home, and if anyone wants a good core workout it’ll cost you your old towels.
Yes, that is mood music. 😅
https://www.facebook.com/reel/422959492078723
JANUARY 9, 2021
Rio joined Lenny and Ellen at the dog park this afternoon! He’s still making his comeback, but I believe he should get to experience all this life has to offer a dog. Plus, at the park, there’s so much incentive to keep getting up and putting one paw in front of the other.
The Rio makes friends everywhere he goes. Today he even got invited into the small dog park! He met a little guy who came over to greet us with his tennis ball. Jake was found at a State Farm building at one month old, so he is literally Jake from State Farm.
We made our way to the big dog park so Rio could be with his pack. In all the time I’ve known Rio, not one dog has ever been cruel to him because he’s a little different. They are curious about him, but always kind and gentle.
And their humans? They are curious and kind too. Rio got a lot of pets and massages in addition to getting to make some friends and breathe in fresh air, and these things make me feel so happy.
Ellen and Lenny got hung up with the right crowd and disappeared into the trees. Quite a few dogs went for a big muddy swim, and came bounding out of the woods to celebrate this magnificent January day!
And all the humans shared a laugh as our mission had been accomplished: let the dogs be dogs!
JANUARY 10, 2021
Last PT appointment in the morning. Rio wants to impress his favorite people!
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1013997772344210
JANUARY 15, 2021
“Did we just become best friends?!”
“YEP!”
G is not feeling shy in Crazy Town, and he’s decided to bunk with the coolest guy in the house: Rio. Video of this cute duo in the comments.
JANUARY 23, 2021
Big excitement here tonight! For the first time, Rio ate an entire meal with all paws on the floor, from start to finish, without falling!!
This is thanks to tacky mats typically used in super clean spaces to remove debris from shoes before one enters the room.
There isn’t anything clean about Crazy Town, but we sure have found a way to use these mats for rehab.
3 cheers for persistence, because I’ve been working on solving this problem for a long time!
JANUARY 26, 2021
Rio’s rules for treat time are exactly the opposite of Lenny and Ellen’s. He’s very motivated to use his back legs when there’s food involved!
JANUARY 29, 2021
Mom and Rio reporting in with his latest ailment. We have our first UTI!
Sparing you the description of what I saw yesterday morning while helping Rio get positioned for breakfast, I’ll just say that I called the vet about it. They made us an appointment for Monday but instructed me to call around to other vets to get him seen sooner.
It was a new experience taking Rio to a vet who didn’t know anything about him. We were there for his wiener, but they were laser-focused on his legs. I could just see it in their eyes, “isn’t she DOING anything about this?!” I tried to briefly explain his history enough to convey that I am not as lazy as it may appear, that he has special floors at home and a complex history which includes “episodes” from which he has to recover. I threw in a few hypotheses, really garbled things up, and then Rio wouldn’t even pee.
In their defense, Rio doesn’t present well. He can’t walk at all on their floors and he’s always tense and anxious when he’s there, which makes him appear even more peculiar. I didn’t get to attend the exam, but I’m confident he was stiff as a board on their table. I can see why they’d be so alarmed, but he’s Rio. He’s an enigma. And I just had to laugh at how we must appear. I never considered it until yesterday.
The doc herself brought the urine collection supplies out to my car and personally gave me instructions. She emphatically recommended taking him to a neurologist, which was already in my plans, but now I’m feeling urged to fast-track it. So… neurology consult in the works!
JANUARY 31, 2021
If I had to imagine how Rio would react to his first snowfall, this is exactly what I would picture.
FEBRUARY 5, 2021
My little heartbreaker is going on a road trip tomorrow. Destination: neurologist!
FEBRUARY 7, 2021
We had a fabulous trip to meet Rio’s neurologist yesterday!
No major revelations as we have not yet done an MRI, but she did do some blood work to rule out various parasitic infections that could affect his nervous system. We are going to continue our work on building strength and decreasing his anxiety around equipment and harnesses. We will re-evaluate whether the anesthesia component of the MRI is safe at a later date.
I am glad to have a neurologist on our team. I now have an open line of communication with Dr. Trub (who I LOVED!) and all the other kind folks at Bush Veterinary Neurology Service who were so good to us. They will consult with our regular vet as needed, all ensuring my best little guy gets top notch care.
I will report in if there is anything interesting in the labs, but frankly I already know she’s on the right track. In her FORMAL and very, very OFFICIAL report, Dr. Trub writes, “Rio is the sweetest boy!”
There you have it, folks. She’s confirmed the diagnosis we’ve suspected all along.
Check out his shark bandaid!!
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
Rio communicates in honks and he’s quite expressive about it!
FEBRUARY 26, 2021
As for Rio, he made up a PT move.
FEBRUARY 28, 2021
Every dog has his/her own approach when it comes to deterring nail trims.
Rio’s, as you might guess, is the most creative.
https://fb.watch/nLXsynxecv/
MARCH 14, 2021
Uncle Rio introduced the babies to the outdoors this afternoon!
As you can see, Rio is dedicated to his work here in Crazy Town.
MARCH 26, 2021
Franny and Rio doing snuggles on this pretty day!
MARCH 26, 2021
As we are all aware, Rio has been working hard at getting stronger since we “finished” physical therapy.
He’s nimble; his muscles are strong, his legs can support him going from sitting to standing, he can hold himself up. His body is capable of all the motions necessary to walk.
But Rio doesn’t know any of this. He is adamant that he can’t use his back legs…. until he’s in with the puppies, and then he forgets he can’t walk. 
They’re helping him as much as he’s helping them.
APRIL 3, 2021
The babies and Rio collectively decided they’re moving in together, but Rio thinks the bed is the wrong size!
APRIL 4, 2021
Rio says Easter is his favorite holiday. Big fun in Crazy Town today!
APRIL 20, 2021
MAY 17, 2021
It’s bedtime in Crazy Town. Rio and Opie are sleeping with extra treats in their tummies which they earned by enduring hygiene measures inflicted by the mom.
Rio is a friend to all creatures great and small, and Opie seems to be following suit. It doesn’t get much sweeter.
JUNE 7, 2021
I caught this middle-of-the-night snuggle pic. Rio was exhausted from hydrotherapy yesterday, and Opie so tired from being scared of the daytime.
Opie’s skin continues to improve, and he’s the sweetest quirky guy I ever knew. I’m glad he came to recover here.
JUNE 12, 2021
Rio took a little road trip to attend my mom’s retirement party today, and party he did! I thought he’d just laze around since it was an unfamiliar place, but nope. He felt confident enough to explore right away, and he maintained his joyful affect despite continually misjudging a (minor) slope in the ground and winding up stuck in the parsley patch.
But, you guys….
Did anyone ever look so dapper in a tie?!
JUNE 15, 2021
Rio: “It’s a good day for a snowcone.”
Opie: “Snowcone?! I love snowcone!”
JULY 12, 2021
Rio is visiting Hope. They have a new game…
JULY 13, 2021
Rio is making big progress in overcoming his fear of water!! I am able to do stretches, massage, and range of motion exercises without his body locking up in panic.
I am hopeful that as we continue, he’ll start to move his legs more, but I can’t really fault a guy for enjoying the simplicity of a good float.
Does he look like a total pimp in his wagon or what?!
JULY 18, 2021
Croix can’t get enough of that Rio lovin’ and I can’t blame him!
Truth be told – Croix welcomes all givers of love (except veterinary, but we’re working on that) and spends a good bit of his time weaseling his way into laps, campaigning for affection. He’s especially fond of belly rubs, but is happy to receive all forms of doting.
He’s about halfway through his second week of treatment for Lyme, and we have an appointment this week to recheck his labs and see how his kidneys are doing. We brought Ellen along on a vet “field trip” last week which went well. They both went in and got a bunch of treats and then we left. Positive experience.
We are working on some other things at home, but I’ll tell you about those another time.
Rio is MVP of my foster program!
JULY 21, 2021
Hope graced us with her presence and had a sleepover with Rio last night. He’s so glad she’s here, he woke us all up before 6! 
JULY 21, 2021
JULY 24, 2021
Rio attended another session of Mom’s amateur hydrotherapy at Hope’s pool yesterday. We’ve been hard at it making progress in the water. The two canine pals had so much fun, they begged for a sleepover.
We brought Hope home with us and it was just as well because last night our Croix Boy started Phenobarbital for his seizures. We needed our girl for support, and she delivered as only The Hopers could.
Croix’s labs this week showed slight improvement in some areas and marginal-to-no improvement in others. He’s anemic; his kidney function is iffy. It is hard to say whether untreated Lyme is the culprit for all or part of what ails him, or just an unhealthy history, but while we work to correct these issues, we are starting the medication to tell his brain cells to stop having seizures, and then we’ll ween him off.
As the former mom of an epileptic dog, I was surprised to learn that it is one “problem” brain cell that causes seizure activity, and if not properly treated, that one cell will light up other brain cells and cause a seizure “domino effect”.
In light of dilute urine, we’ve done (and are doing) a water deprivation test to help to reboot his kidneys and get them to concentrate urine the way they should. Early markers are showing some improvement, but I will continue this work and take samples for testing in the coming weeks. Ironically, the test they’re performing is what’s called a specific gravity. It’s something I learned a lot about in chemistry class, and is a test I used to create some experiments for Rio’s weird swallowing issue.
Dogs with vector-born illness are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease, so I’m trying hard to take exceptionally good care of him. And I couldn’t do it without our friends at the vet, who call me more than anyone else does, because they’re always looking out for us; always there to help me be a better mom.
Everyone send your love to our Croix Boy!! Don’t worry— he’s getting extra, extra pets these days!
AUGUST 6, 2021
Rio says, “Caleb Dressel can eat my shorts. THIS is how you do the swims!!”
Here’s Mr. Handsome doing his events!
SEPTEMBER 19, 2021
Croix thinks it is so much fun to earn treats with his friend Rio, and Rio, despite many sensory adversities, ALWAYS knows when there are treats!
OCTOBER 15, 2021
Hope came home with me last night and wore everyone OUT! Rio didn’t even get us up til after 7 this morning! 
Thanks Hope!
NOVEMBER 2, 2021
As we all know by now, raising Rio is a game of guesswork and trial and error. For the last few months I’ve been treating him for GERD, and like a good pickle chef, recently added kefir to his diet, and today we are trying out thickened water!
To express his unending gratitude, Rio………. revolted.
“What is this crap in my water bowl, Mom?!”
DECEMBER 25, 2021
Wishing all of you love, laughter, and Rio-level peace.
Merry Christmas from Crazy Town!
DECEMBER 28, 2021
Rio wants everyone to know that the Crazy Town foster program is on a small hiatus as the mom needs to focus her caregiving attention on sick humans for a little while.
“Don’t worry, guys, she’s still going to post about Crazy Town, and she’s still relentlessly working on me, cooking my meals, tweaking my meds, and I am successfully driving her nuts while she’s trying to figure me out.”
— Rio
JANUARY 1, 2022
New year; same hot mess!
Lenny wishes you the fulfillment of a thousand treats and the luxury of daily belly rubs. Ellen hopes you prioritize your own joy, don’t take anything too seriously, and choose mud puddles over worry. And Rio… he wishes you the comfort of never having to get in the stupid bathtub for the whole year!
Happy 2022 from Crazy Town!
JANUARY 4, 2022
It was all fun and games until night fell upon Crazy Town and the loonies became retrospectively suspicious that something was amiss.
“Mom did not do any laundry today. She made coffee outside in the snow and she cooked on a Bunsen burner. She made us put on our clothes. No one frickin’ turned on the lights and we were forced to eat our dinner with the thing that Mom uses to see
when she knits! We think … we might be getting evicted because Rio pooped in his bed too many times.”
Lenny, Ellen, Rio
Brownout 2022
JANUARY 4, 2022
It’s dark in the looney bin, but everyone is warm and cozy in their blankets. Lenny has taken particular issue with the temperature inside the house and I was forced to use hand warmers to heat a blanket and cover him with it. Ellen, though quick to point out she is not a wimp like Lenny, does seem to appreciate the extra layer. Rio has sensory issues and hates any kind of covering, but the pack depends on his hyperthermia to increase the ambient temp by a few degrees. We all have a part on this team! The candles I made in the snow today are fueling my radiant heaters (cast iron pots 
) and there’s plenty of chocolate for the overnight shift.
We hope all our friends are warm and safe. 
JANUARY 9, 2022
The lights are back on in Crazy Town and everyone is feeling like they’re back in my good graces. Meal times no longer have to follow the sun, and Lenny has stopped pouting in the bed after dinner. As I know I can count on Rio to have a medical crisis at the worst possible times, he is now stabilizing from another bout of upper GI malfunction.
Maybe it was the novelty of being the one “responsible” in a power outage, or maybe I was just adapting to the situation as any ol’ mom would, but I felt overwhelming gratitude during this whopper of a storm, and I found the challenge of keeping my babies safe and well to be invigorating and fulfilling, if not exhausting.
With the exception of a couple flashlights and a few candles that somehow made the cut through multiple purges, I was not at all prepared for a power outage.
And that’s why I was so grateful.
I was thankful for hats and gloves and coats and socks that I used to bitch made my feet sweat.
I was grateful for the snow into which coolers were buried, and which kept the food cold and convenient in the makeshift outdoor kitchen. I was grateful for what I used to think was a crappy little butane burner until I used it to boil snow to make a double boiler to melt paraffin wax to make candles. I was grateful for the Blackstone which was the MVP of the storm. It allowed for hot meals and few dishes, which felt like LIVING IN THE LAP OF LUXURY. Since I didn’t go grocery shopping, I was thankful for the dregs of French fries I found while clearing out the freezer — chopped up with some onion, they made a damn fine hash brown alongside bacon and eggs and a toasted English muffin with raspberry jam.
I was grateful for the chemistry class I took last year and every dumb hobby I ever tried out because they taught me how to make things, and they brought to my house a collection of items that could be used in such a situation. I was grateful to find an expired gallon of canola oil leftover from an event I catered, and the fire starting supplies I acquired while doing a project for a college class a bunch of years ago. I learned how to make a wick (it’s tricky if your smoke detector still works!) and used kitchen oil as fuel. Thanks to all that time learning to make bread, I had plenty of shallow pans perfect for oil lamps. My cast iron collection along with pavers from the garden proved helpful in building radiant heaters which I used overnight to ensure the room temp stayed above 50, but which were also a fire hazard, so the mom stayed up to keep watch. I was grateful for the shoddy cell service, because when it worked I could lay in the bed late at night and Google all my questions to plan for the day that followed. Every day I had ideas about how I was going to improve on what I did the day before. There was so much to think about and the intellectual stimulation was exhilarating. I am grateful for that.
I kept watch over my babies during the night and it brought me a sense of “mom peace” to see them safe and warm, sound asleep without a worry, unaware of the outside forces threatening their comfort and the spoiled nature of their existence.
And I think that’s what it means to be a mom in a storm. It’s working your ass off to keep things as normal as possible so no one knows any different. It’s shouldering the uncomfortable parts in order to maintain stability and normalcy for the ones who don’t understand. It’s keeping up with the routine even when it’s harder. And for the mom, figuring it out gave me a robust sense of purpose and a perspective about life that I will not soon forget.
2022 is hot to teach me, and I am but a sponge ready to soak up every lesson I can get. Sending love and warmth to all of you, hoping all you need is the love.
*Pic description: 2 dogs of Crazy Town chose to leave the shoveled areas and poop exclusively on top of snow banks. Rio thought it was too weird to stand in and therefore mostly pooped inside. 
MARCH 5, 2022
Rio has had a rough few months. His medical story is complex, perplexing, and ever-changing; I can’t keep up. After a bunnnnch of trial and error, Rio is, at least for now, an herbivore. I suspect he’s got food allergies in addition to his other peculiarities, and before I take this to the vet, I’m gathering info.
I lied when I started this post. Rio, aside from all the barfs and mucous that sometimes get stuck in his throat, thinks life has taken a turn for the better in the last few months. It is mine that has been been exhausting. HE’S getting to eat FIVE meals a day which, I’m pretty sure, means I made his dreams come true. I’ve put what I believe is an unprecedented number of hours on the Nutribullet motor making his food, modified his wheelchair so it doesn’t wig him out, and am using it as a way to keep him upright and stationary while gravity works for us after meals. I thought the Bailey chairs for dogs with megaesophagus might be able to help us, but tests for that proved it was good I did the test before spending the money.
We called on Mary Jane and have been trying CBD suggested by his neurologist for anxiety, but prescribed by the mom for what I like to call “squeaky throat.” He’s getting probiotics and digestive enzymes, supplemental calories and nutrition, and today as we hopefully celebrate a plateau in the madness, that little heartbreaker lured me and two tiny teachers into his big bed for a nap. After the last few months in the trenches, I don’t know, this feels like a reward.
The nursery is bustling again in Crazy Town!
Rio has had a rough few months. His medical story is complex, perplexing, and ever-changing; I can’t keep up. After a bunnnnch of trial and error, Rio is, at least for now, an herbivore. I suspect he’s got food allergies in addition to his other peculiarities, and before I take this to the vet, I’m gathering info.
I lied when I started this post. Rio, aside from all the barfs and mucous that sometimes get stuck in his throat, thinks life has taken a turn for the better in the last few months. It is mine that has been been exhausting. HE’S getting to eat FIVE meals a day which, I’m pretty sure, means I made his dreams come true. I’ve put what I believe is an unprecedented number of hours on the Nutribullet motor making his food, modified his wheelchair so it doesn’t wig him out, and am using it as a way to keep him upright and stationary while gravity works for us after meals. I thought the Bailey chairs for dogs with megaesophagus might be able to help us, but tests for that proved it was good I did the test before spending the money.
We called on Mary Jane and have been trying CBD suggested by his neurologist for anxiety, but prescribed by the mom for what I like to call “squeaky throat.” He’s getting probiotics and digestive enzymes, supplemental calories and nutrition, and today as we hopefully celebrate a plateau in the madness, that little heartbreaker lured me and two tiny teachers into his big bed for a nap. After the last few months in the trenches, I don’t know, this feels like a reward.
The nursery is bustling again in Crazy Town!
MARCH 9, 2022
Rio claimed these orphaned puppies. He has so much love to give.
MARCH 12, 2022
Apropos the weather turned cold today and the sky sympathetically shed its tears as Crazy Town bid a solemn farewell to its heart.
Rio has been the backbone of this orphanage and the center of my universe since he showed up in foster care malnourished and neglected, straight out of a barn the summer before last. It didn’t take me long to notice he was as perfect as he was peculiar, and maybe that’s why I fell for him and he stayed.
If I thought Farley Eugene was high maintenance with his piddly little seizures, it was with a false sense of confidence that I found myself Mom to the most magnificent, innocent, pure “broken” dog ever born. I used quotes because Rio was anything but broken— his body was just wonky. He was an angel, a teacher, a mentor, a comedian, a lover, and a friend to everyone he met. As I always said, he loved all creatures great and small.
Rio was often the first dog I’d introduce when bringing in a new foster. Timid dogs found him reassuring, anxious and unsocialized dogs weren’t threatened by him, and he was happy to share any one of his beds with friends old and new. He was such an integral part of my team I don’t know what we’ll do without him.
I spent a lot of Rio’s life trying not to miss the point. I knew he was a gift from the universe, the extent of which I’m not sure I totally understand. His life was precious and I often spent a lot of time trying to fix, trying to “make it better”, coming up with ways to circumvent his ailing body. His spirit was so bright, so eager, unable to see any of his own disadvantage, and I was all in to do my part to keep letting him shine as long as he wanted to. I was in the trenches all the time looking for solutions to the impossible, trying to buy him more time at best and at worst make what I assumed would be a shorter life rich and full and happy. I didn’t know he’d be the one doing those things for me.
What I’m most proud about are not the things I did, but for the moments that I stopped. For all the times I sat with him, dumbfounded, trying to understand him and what he needed out of this life, and what I possibly had to offer his journey. I’m proud of every time I chose to laugh at 6am while he honked at me to speed up the breakfast service, or literally any other time I went into the kitchen. 
I’m proud he trusted me; I’m proud he felt safe in Crazy Town and that he found peace here. He loved his room and all his beds and he loved us all so much.
If any of this is poetic, it is the arrival of Rio’s current orphan pups whom he has turned oveR to me. Nothing made Rio happier nor more content than watching over baby dogs, and on his last days of life, he was smothered by them, kissed by them, slept on by them, and … he got to have a snuggle fort with them.
It will take me a long, long time to walk into the puppy room, the heart of the whole Crazy Town, and not feel completely empty when I don’t see my crooked headed perfect little guy scooting across the floor to greet me. I respect that precious gifts like Rio are fleeting and so special, they aren’t meant to stay. All he taught me and the lessons I have learned by trying and trying and royally screwing up so many times in the name of being the mom and human he deserved will endure deep inside my soul, long after my body gives up too.
I lay here in his “big bed” with his babies chewing on my face, occasionally leaving to take a dump at which I glance and briefly wonder … is it Rio sending us a message?!
I can’t imagine life without him. For now, I’m just going to accept that Rios leave huge holes. I didn’t know how to be his mom, so how the hell should I know how to not be his mom — shouldn’t I be used to this by now?!
Thank you, Rio. Thank you for making me rise up and for putting me to the test every day. Thank you for teaching me what love means. Thank you for picking me. It was an honor to be your mom, your friend, your nurse. I will love you til the end of time.
**And, to end on a better note: There’s more of Rio’s story to tell. This just concludes real-time reporting. **
MARCH 18, 2022
When Smokey’s mom texted and asked if I wanted to keep the former Opie for boarding, I didn’t even check my calendar before I said yes. Smokey is special to Crazy Town, to me, but most of all, he was one of Rio’s greatest friends.
Families who adopt my orphans get the added perk of being able to bring them back here for boarding (or training or play dates or daycare, etc.) It is one small way I can support the wonderful people whom I’ve not only deemed good enough to have a dog, but who seem a perfect fit for the one they’re adopting.
I love to see my former fosters, I’ll admit, and Smokey is one I’m always glad to welcome back to the pack. He came back the first time after adoption, all his fur grown in, and I was amazed by how the once disheveled and very mopey Opie almost sparkled, how I could feel in his spirit how much his family loves him. If dogs are our mirror, I have never seen nor felt a more beautiful reflection of a mom and dad. As I keep telling him, “love looks good on you, Smokey!!”
Smokey’s parents drove from Maryland to adopt him. We did a virtual meet and greet beforehand and Rio attended. Rio attended everything; he’d never miss a chance to support his friend, this equally quirky, bright, kind and goofy soul who was just as confused and lost and busted as Rio was when he first arrived. Luckily for the former Opie, by the time he got here, Rio had experience and confidence and had decided to head up the rehab team. He was juuuust weird enough to put a fellow timid oddball at ease. They were fast friends and Opie joined the pack.
When it came time for his adoption, the wonderful people who were about to become Opie’s family arrived with treats and a gift … and one for Rio too. Rio, no longer afraid of shit, greeted the FaceTime friends and relished in their doting as Opie watched from around the corner. FOMO got the best of him when he realized these humans had food, and out he came, ready to meet his new family with Rio by his side. He left here and started his real life as Smokey, where he visits the dog park every day, where his humans adore him, appreciate him, love on him, and —my favorite— bring him back to Crazy Town —his pack away from his pack — while they’re away.
Welcome back, Smokey!!
MARCH 20, 2022
Crazy Town is finding its new rhythm since our metronome left his post, and I’m only beginning to realize how much I depended on him. I first felt like I lost my baby, this Scarlet Ibis I’d cared for and worried about and tried so hard to nurture. But a mom can’t just stand down right away, not this one anyway, so I’ve stayed in our space for a while after he left. In fact, I think I have a lot left to do here.
I began to go through all my media for a trip down memory lane, and I was surprised Rio’s album grew to well over 1000 pictures and video, and that’s when I saw Rio’s life for all it was. He didn’t miss a moment. He was part of everything; he was always there. He helped a lot of dogs. I began to worry about my foster program. Can it sustain its mission without its heart?
As the seasons begin to change, I am feeling grateful and humbled by the lessons, inspired as I look back at Rio’s magnificent existence, this life I couldn’t appreciate or understand in its totality until it ended. It was a life of contradiction saturated by the unexpected; short, but robust. Rio was a sage who occupied a broken body; the consummate wounded healer.
If he felt sorry for his circumstances, he never showed it. He was happy every day. Rio didn’t know how to pity himself. He was able to use his legs in the beginning and this afforded him the experiences of every other dog — he learned to worm onto the couch, he went on play dates and walks and adventures, and he enjoyed the dog park. He even got pup cups in the drive thru and floated with Mom in the lake.
When his condition deteriorated and he began to intermittently and very awkwardly use his back legs, he still went places. I just carried him more. The parents at the little dog park invited him in one day as we passed by, even though he technically was too big, but he always went with his pack to the big dog park where every dog parent loved on him special and every canine treated him the same, even if perplexed. The humans never looked down on us. They were kind and reassuring.
Despite PT, “Mom’s amateur hydrotherapy,” and umpteen abysmal fails at using the wheelchair I bought him as a last ditch effort, it became clear that Rio was gonna do what Rio was gonna do, and he was NOT going to be walking back into VVC for a victorious reunion with his physical therapy team as I’d secretly hoped. I think I started being a better mom when I accepted that, but it felt neglectful and a lot like failure.
Nevertheless, I felt it was my job to ensure his life was meaningful, whatever his physical ability, and until he died I thought I wasted too much of his short life trying to change him, fix him, give him the existence of every other dog, and missed what was most important. Rio WASN’T every other dog! His journey was unique. He was extraordinary and being his mom meant I had to respect it and support him even when it got me judged. How insulting to Rio to think I should give his life meaning when all he needed from me was acceptance.
With the arrival of the tiny but mighty Pearl — the first baby dog Rio ever laid eyes on — he found his love of puppies. She catalyzed the establishment of the critical care bay next to my bed where Rio laid beside her and fell in love.
Pearl was the first pup Rio raised, but some might say the reciprocal is true too. The baby Pearl was tenacious from the outset, perhaps the perfect introductory mini friend for Rio. Just looking at her, I was pretty sure she’d need to start on the syringe. Her mouth was smaller than small; she was premature. Still I offered my pinky and without missing a beat, she opened up her impossibly tiny lips and practically swallowed my finger. We went straight to the bottle. She had a fierce suckling reflex at a size the books say should have required tube feeding. I often joke she raised herself, but the girl was destined to make it. Rio visited her every day while she grew, and he found it hard to contain his excitement when Pearl graduated herself out of the playpen and demanded to live as a big girl in the puppy room —the space that would ultimately belong to Rio.
Despite having formed a relationship through the “crib” walls and having solidified their bond during her small
excursions around my bedroom where Rio taught her to poop under my bed, Rio didn’t know how to be her friend when she came out to the puppy room. He was ecstatic and came on too strong. His breathing was loud and he was awkward, wobbly and much bigger than the fierce yet tiny girl, and although she was rightfully fearful, she was confident, intrepid, and knew how to keep herself safe. She made it clear she did not need me to be a helicopter. Fine, Pearl. 
Rio wasn’t deterred by her rejection, he was determined. Ellen, his social mentor, helped him learn the skills he needed to be friends with such a tiny pup. Rio changed his behavior and followed what Ellen modeled, and this helped earn Pearl’s trust. They became the best of friends and got in so much hilarious trouble — antics I felt Rio deserved to participate in. Parasitic and starving in the barn, Rio didn’t get the luxury of a mischievous early puppyhood like Pearl, but when she came along with a bunch of terrible ideas made possible by his giraffe-like neck, Rio was happy to oblige. Everyone needs to get in some trouble in the name of friendship and curiosity, and he never would have thought to empty the trash can on his own— a pot of gold that Pearl couldn’t quite reach—but that Rio could tip over with his chin! Pearl had panache and he was enamored with her.
When he got her in the sack, it was the beginning of Rio taking over my foster program and the establishment of his post in the puppy room—a space which evolved for him, where he never missed a beat, knew who was coming and going, and kept meals on time; the place that’s become the heart and soul of what was once merely a structure, but now exists for dogs and doesn’t blink an eye at their excrement.
Rio’s the only one who could have known of his promotion or that I was being abdicated because I was ignorantly and maybe selfishly trying to fix him, this beautiful being who was not ever broken, who came here and supported my mission to the extent that I worry if Crazy Town has lost its magic, its secret weapon, in his absence.
I’m feeling the void in general, but genuinely wishing he could have stayed around to help with these puppies. Rio was the surrogate who provided warmth and familiarity to tiny dogs who couldn’t be with their moms. He was a babysitter, playmate, teacher, friend and their protector as they grew up.
His last babies are 5 weeks old now. They’re curious and playful and inquisitive, as funny and cute as it gets. They’re spending more time awake, alert, and they are requiring more stimulation outside of the playpen — with the pack — to keep them content. Every day their world gets bigger and they need to explore and interact with it.
Rio’s bed has been relocated to the opposite side of the puppy room so the babies don’t ruin it. It’s a big snuggly place with lots of pillows. Rio loved his comfy spots! I go there and sit and let the puppies discover me as they learn what to expect from humans. Ellen has gladly and graciously stepped up to do her part, but I have to remember she’s not Rio and I cannot ask her to be. She can’t lay around and babysit all day because she has her own journey and different needs. Her mission is to maintain her status as fastest girl at the dog park, to lurk in the muddiest mud and fake out all chump dogs who think they can catch her. She is happy to welcome all who enter this Crazy Town and show them how to dog, especially when it involves taking them to the park!
There’s a vacancy in Crazy Town. My pack loved a homeless dog so hard, Rio created a role that only he could fill. Mama was watching. I’ve been studying too. This time I step up and put to practice what he taught me, and I think I’m just wonky enough to have a chance.
MARCH 27, 2022
“6 weeks old and our deadbeat mom finally decided on our names! “ 
In my defense, there’s been a lot going on around this nuthouse and we’ve already established that giving puppies their identities, for me anyway, is a tall order that needs time. I’ve been calling them Mr. Brown and Mr. Grey for so long the names started to stick, but (cue the mom guilt) these are Rio’s LAST babies; no future orphaned puppies will ever know him as their surrogate, and naming them with a nod to my very best boy feels, well, appropriate.
Fitting to the identity with which he arrived, my “semi-continent” sage had a spirit the size of the Amazon. Rio held unexpected wisdom beneath a turbulent surface, he was everywhere, omniscient; he saw and heard everything.
And he peed a lot too. No – he peed a lot in places which were inconvenient for me. He was very much conceptually and intellectually house trained, but he was equally neurological. Never missing a beat, Rio knew when it was potty time, and like an overachiever started peeing while I carried him outside, every morning nailing the door, my robe, slippers, the mat, and anything else in the various trajectories of his, you’d never guess, multidirectional stream.
And the tiny tributaries at 6 weeks old are following in his footsteps. There’s nothing in Crazy Town that can’t be cleaned, or that Rio didn’t already pee on, and that makes for happy puppies. These guys hang with the big dogs and know the rhythm of the house, and just like Rio, sometimes pee at random or poop in their bed, but they would never let me sleep through breakfast nor stop long enough for a good picture.
Since this is Crazy Town and we usually don’t follow convention, this post will not introduce Beck and Brook by face. Instead, I present to you a mashup of their hilarious introduction to Crazy Town and all the ways I tried to support Rio’s staunch commitment to protecting them.
MARCH 29, 2022
Only a couple more weeks until these 2 handsome lads are ready for their furever homes.
They have found every bed and water bowl in the house, love to work on a good piece of cardboard, are learning about sharing and boundaries from the big dogs, and feel strongly they no longer need to reside in their silly playpen while the rest of the pack is TOGETHER.
Here they are in Rio’s bed where they’ve chosen to sleep every night. It’s a good spot.
APRIL 2, 2022
Beck has mastered “outlet pose,” Brook slays toy box dragons, and one of the two Mensa pups pooped a snow boot.
These champion wrestlers are hound mixes, not expected to be very big, got a robust start with Rio, and thanks to all the mentor dogs in Crazy Town, are far less annoying (and more advanced, they say) than other puppies their age.
They are confident, playful, homeless, and 7 weeks old today, so everyone remember the Easter bunny comes to adults too!
Please get in touch if you want to meet them!
APRIL 10, 2022
Brook found a spot where he can keep tabs on everything, just like Rio did.
APRIL 15, 2022
Beck & Brook sailed through neuter today, and tomorrow they’re off to start their lives in two wonderful families. I am excited for everyone!
Goodbye, little babies, goodbye.
Here’s a little recap of their life in Crazy Town.
APRIL 2, 2022
They all prefer Rio’s bed…even when it’s occupied by the nursery.
Puppers, puppers everywhere! How many can you find?!
