Hero needed to hold my paw

UPDATE on Elmer (10/6/11) -

Message from Dr. Cristy Fisher at Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital:  "WOW!!!!  THANK YOU so much for your blog post.  We all were crying at the hospital when we read it.  AND we have already had several people call to offer their homes.  What an amazing network of people you have."  

Message from NMDR:  Thank you to all who read Elmer's post and for contacting Pine Creek Vet to help him.  It looks like he will be going to a wonderful family by as soon as tomorrow.  We hope that the kind person/family who takes Elmer will choose to keep us updated on how he's doing.  A loyal facebook follower said it best - "NMDR followers are the best!"  You guys shared Elmer's post and found him a home and loving arms to carry him over the rainbow bridge.  Thank you.

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Original post 10/5/11-

Hello there!  I'm Elmer and I'm dying.  Yep, there's no way to sugar coat it, facts are facts and I'm honestly pretty excited to see what's going on the other side of that rainbow bridge everybody's talking about.

The good news is that I'm old.  I've lived for over 15 years and if I could talk, I'd tell you a whole library full of tail-wagging stories.  The bad news is that I have a very serious heart condition that has gone untreated for many, many years.  I am currently residing at Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital in Colorado Springs.  The kind doctors here put me on heart medication and estimate that I may have a few months of life left.  The reason I'm asking for help is because I don't want to die in a vet clinic and I don't want to pass over the bridge alone.

I'm a 20 lb, Sheltie mix who was dumped out in the Colorado woods who knows how long ago.  A good samaritan found me and brought me into Pine Creek Vet.  The folks here have been kind, gentle and providing medication and care.  My past is unknown, but I do know what I want my future to hold.

I'm an incredibly friendly fella who loves all people, other dogs, kids and even cats.  I'd do well in any low-key home.  My heart absolutely cannot handle much stress or exercise, so the quieter and calmer the better. My brain tells me to do things that my body can't tolerate.  For example, I'll go for a walk until I pass out because my heart can't handle it.  I also don't think I'll manage with any car rides or transport for longer than an hour.  My heart is too fragile.

Why am I posting this on National Mill Dog Rescue's blog when I'm not a mill dog or even in NMDR's kennel?  Two reasons:  1)  NMDR loves all dogs, not just the ones in their care.  2) Rumor has it, NMDR's social media followers are an incredibly powerful bunch.  I heard that when they set their minds so something, whether it be transporting dogs, raising funds, or finding homes, this is the group that gets it done.

I don't need money.  I don't need a lot of food, or effort.  I don't need much exercise or excessive attention.

I just need you.

Providing a hospice home for dogs truly is heroes work, and I know that I'm asking for a lot.  You and I both know that caring for me won't be the difficult part; losing me will.  I'm a great dog and I bond quickly with those I love.  I'm sorry that I can't make a long-term commitment to you physically, but I promise you will carry my paw prints stamped on your heart for a lifetime.  No one wants to die alone.  There are reasons people leave hospitals and go to their own homes for comfort and hospice care.  I would do that today, except that I don't have a home to go to.

If you can help me, please call Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital at 719-955-0966 and ask for either Cristy or Erica.  You can also email drcristy@pinecreekvet.com.  

Thank you in advance for trying to help me with the final chapter of my journey.

Love,

Elmer