DOGTORS

This was their first time together after their surgeries.  Aubrey is reading the book she got from Duke, which was given to the both of them from MedVet. 

"Josh" is the dog that came with the book and is sitting next to Duke.  Josh and Aubrey spent a lot of time together, in and out of surgery, but she is willing to share him with Duke. (Actually, we think she really just wanted a larger audience to listen)   Photo by Shelly Murray

LATEST UPDATE: 29 Aug 08 (Make sure you see the latest news at the bottom of this page!)

Aubrey & Duke have gone from patient / therapist..... to friends.... to survivors.... to their latest adventures - competitors!

The current situation has both gaining back their weight, but that isn't easy.  Because this is a long-term effort, we are calling this series "The Biggest Gainer".

As of last weigh-ins, Aubrey was still weighing in around 44 pounds.  But Duke has taken the lead with his impressive showing of 48.6 pounds.

As the numbers are so close, we will be doing a single weigh-in at Northside Vet Clinic, as they have the scales to accommodate both parties.

On a scarier note, Duke's food was recently in jeopardy because the only distributor for Iams went out of business.  There is only ONE food he can eat, and that is a vet diet called Iams Low Residue.  We had to go as far as Cincinnati just to make sure we had enough food.  But even though supply can now be handled by Petsmart, the cost has doubled, making his food cost $200 a month!  We are telling you this just for information only.  We are NOT asking for money, but prayers are always welcome!  We have contacted Iams to see if there is any help they can provide.  Buffy and DOGTORS has been of service to them in the past and we feel like this is a good time to ask for some support from them.

For now, we can order the food through Dixie Animal Clinic, of which we are grateful for their help.

Even though much of the Iams foods are made close to home, Duke's canned formula is made in New Jersey, so even a local pick-up isn't likely to help.

We will keep you up to date as things progress.....

And now for the latest on Aubrey...

From Shelly Murray, Aubrey's mother and running partner:

"Aubrey participated in the "one mile family fun run" durring the Red Cross  5-k run, in june, at the Next Edge Technology Park.  She did a great job and had a fan club cheering her on that consisted of members of her family, the northeastern cross country team and her teacher. She was beaming as she crossed the finish line and said she wanted to do it again. We are very proud of her accomplishments.  She is doing good with her weight gain.  She has gained 5 lbs. Her last visit to the orthopaedic surgeon showed an improvement in her scoliosis, which was an unexpected and wonderful surprize!  Aubrey will be in 4th grade this year, and is looking forward to working with her buddy Duke at school."

Top Left: Aubrey is petting Micah (who was there for a surprise visit), unaware that Jacob (being walked up by Scott Wright) is her new horse.  Top Right: Still in the dark about everything, Scott hands the lead to Aubrey.  Bottom Left: Shelly asking Aubrey if she likes Jacob.  After Aubrey's immediate "YES", Shelly smiles and says, "He's your horse".  Bottom Right: Aubrey held Jacob's lead for two hours straight, walking him and letting him graze around his new home.

It's a"God thing"...

These were the words of Karen Wright, a DOGTORS Team (with Micah) and our Equine Evaluator in reference to the partnering of Jacob the miniature horse with Aubrey.

Aubrey has been talking horses and miniature donkeys for the past two years, but she never knew that it would be a young girl in Athens, Ohio that would answer not one, but TWO, prayers. 

Because of family hardships, Jacob, and others, needed to find a home.  For Rebecca, the only peace she would have in losing her beloved horses would be that they find loving people to take care of them, and what better home could a horse ask for than with the Murray Family....