Rossa and Bobby were rescued from Hamilton Animal Services after they were found as “strays.” Bobby is blind, Rossa has a bladder issue, and they both desperately need dental surgeries. They also both have a few lumps and bumps that need to be removed.

We got Bobby and Rossa out of the shelter and into a foster home where they’re doing great so far. At their initial vet visit, it was discovered that Bobby has a thyroid issue, so he’s been started on mediation for that, and he’s now on multiple medical drops for dry eye.
Blood and urine tests were normal for Rossa, so we’re planning to do more testing to figure out why she pees so much. Their dental surgeries are booked, and we know they’ll feel (and smell) better once their mouths are free of all those rotten teeth. For now they’re getting lots of love and attention from their foster family, and they’re settling into a routine. Their foster family built a special ramp with a railing for Bobby so he can get into the yard without fear of falling down the steps that lead to the grass. He figured it out the first day, and he’s used it without hesitation ever since. So cute!
We are assuming Bobby and Rossa have been together for some time. They’re very bonded to each other and don’t like to be separated. They’re very happy to curl up together on their bed, and they follow each other everywhere. They’re the sweetest pair.

Welcome to Ladybird, Bobby and Rossa! We’re so happy you’re here!

* scroll down for updates *

* August 13, 2021 UPDATE *
Rossa and Bobby did great for their surgeries!
Bobby had the large lump on his foot removed, and he had three teeth extracted. Rossa had two skin lumps removed, and she had to have sixteen teeth extracted! 😳 That tells you how rotten her teeth were. Poor girl had been suffering for a long time.
They’re now recovering in their foster home and enjoying all the extra attention and pampering. We re-tested Rossa’s urine while she was at the vet, and she has been started on medication for a bladder infection. Fingers crossed it will help her with her inappropriate urine issue.
They have a re-check appointment in two weeks, and we’ll have an update for you then.
Way to go Rossa and Bobby!

* August 31, 2021 UPDATE *
The good news – Bobby and Rossa are both feeling better after their dental surgeries. Rossa is especially happy now that all those rotten teeth are gone.
The bad news – even though urine tests showed that Rossa’s bladder infection has cleared up, she’s still drinking and urinating excessively. Test results show no indication of diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or any other issue that might cause this, so next step is an ultrasound to see if there is something internal going on. The ultrasound is scheduled for later this week.
Bobby managed to slightly open up the incision on his foot where the lump was removed so it has to be wrapped up again., but he’s otherwise doing great.
Send Bobby and Rossa your love and well wishes! We’re hoping we can get their health issues sorted soon so they find their forever home!

* September 2, 2021 UPDATE *
We have a diagnosis! Rossa has a condition called Lymphangiectasia.  Lymphangiectasia is an intestinal disease whereby the lymphatic fluid of the body is leaked into the gastrointestinal tract. The condition results in a loss of protein from the body and can lead to serious illness. Aside from the frequent urination, Rossa had showed signs of other symptoms of this disease, mainly bloating and occasional laboured breathing. We’re sure glad the ultrasound gave us a diagnosis! If left untreated, the complications caused by Lymphangiectasia can be fatal.
Lymphangiectasia can be managed with proper food and medication (which Rossa has been started on), and we’re hopeful her symptoms will lessen. She’ll have a few more follow up vet visits to check her blood levels, and if all seems well, Rossa and Bobby can finally start the search for their forever home. It will be tough to find an adopter to take on two senior dogs with health issues, but we know their perfect person is out there!
Go Rossa!

* November 22, 2021 UPDATE *
Despite being on medication and special food, Rossa is still having issues with Lymphangiectasia symptoms. Her vet is concerned there may be something else going on internally that wasn’t visible on the ultrasound or xrays, so we have a specialist vet visit booked for next week. Rossa is still her happy, energetic self, but we hope to get some answers as to what is causing her bloating and bowel upset.
Bobby recently developed a skin issue that we’re treating, but he’s otherwise doing great. He’s such a sweet, sweet boy. Always a tail wag and wiggly bum from this guy!

You got this Rossa!

* March 13, 2022 UPDATE *
Rossa and Bobby have been with us since July of last year. Shortly after their arrival, they both had dental surgery, which they very much needed. While they were under for their dentals, a few “old dog” lumps and bumps were also removed. Some time after they healed from their surgeries, it was discovered that Bobby had the beginnings of thyroid disease, and he was started on medication. These are meds he will likely be on for the rest of his life. Rossa was then diagnosed with Lymphangiectasia (an intestinal disease where the lymphatic fluid of the body is leaked into the gastrointestinal tract, which results in a loss of protein.) It took quite a while to find the correct balance of special food and medication to lessen her symptoms. This is also a condition that has no cure, and will require her to take medication long term.
These two have been doing great in their foster home through all this. They’re sweet, happy dogs who want nothing more than love and attention from their foster family.
Though they do have these medical issues, they are adoptable dogs. All along we’ve known they’ll be wonderful companions for the right home when they’re finally ready.
But…every time we think things are sorted and we are about to make them available for adoption, something else comes up. Rossa had a bout of severe diarrhea, which took some time to clear up. Then, Bobby had a bladder infection, which was resolved with medication. As soon as that was sorted, Rossa had another round of the runs. It’s been frustrating to say the least!
So, we’re now in the midst of treatment for Rossa, and both she and Bobby will have another vet visit once the meds are done. We are keeping our fingers and toes crossed that these guys will stay healthy enough to be able to start the search for their forever home.
We are aware that senior dogs with multiple medical issues will be a bit of a hard sell when it comes to finding the perfect family. Not everyone is in the position to take on the expense of two senior dogs who will continue to require ongoing medication and vet visits, but we know the right home is out there for them.

* April 16, 2022 UPDATE *
A month ago, we were hopeful for Bobby and Rossa’s future. We had hoped we could finally get them to the point that they were healthy enough to find their forever home, but it seems that is not to be.
Since we last posted an update a month ago, Rossa has lost weight. She really didn’t have any weight to spare, and she is extremely skinny now. She’s had severe diarrhea for the whole month, and has recently been vomiting. She’s been to the vet several times and despite having every test and treatment available, nothing is helping. It seems that the Lymphangiectasia is taking over, and her little body is not able to fight it any more.
She’s still eating and being her normal sweet self for the most part, but some days it’s clear she’s having a tough time.
We’ve decided the best thing for Rossa and Bobby is to make them Ladybird permanent residents. This means they will live out their days in the comfort and familiarity of their foster home, and their medical care and food will be continue to be covered by Ladybird.
Bobby and Rossa’s foster family will keep Rossa as comfortable as possible for as long as she has with them. With Bobby being almost completely blind now, and with him starting to show signs of early doggie dementia, the best thing for him is to stay in his foster home, even after Rossa passes.
Our goal is always to find our rescued animals a forever home, but sometimes their health does not allow that. Either way, we’re going to care for these two for the rest of their days and give them all the love and spoiling they deserve.

* September 2022 UPDATE *
We had to say goodbye to our sweet Rossa. Her many health conditions caught up with her and it she told us it was her time to go. Though she was a challenge to care for because of her health issues, Rossa’s foster family loved her deeply and they’re very sad about her passing. Rossa’s “brother” Bobby, has been missing Rossa, but he’s adjusting. He is now more hard of hearing than when he first arrived in our care, and he’s showing signs of doggy dementia, but he’s otherwise doing well. His forever foster family are spoiling him silly, and he is loving it.

* March 2023 UPDATE *
On top of his limited vision, thyroid issue, and doggy dementia, Bobby recently developed laryngal paralysis. This is a condition that causes dysfunction of the larynx causing reduced ability to breathe deeply. It caused Bobby to cough quite a lot before we got a diagnosis, but now the cough is mostly under control with medication. Despite all he’s going through medically, Bobby still has a smile and a tail wag for everyone. His dementia causes him to sometimes forget to go outside to go to the bathroom, but his foster family are utilizing washable pee pads to make things easier.
Bobby is still loving life!

* May 29, 2023 *
We had to let sweet Bobby go. He had been doing well on the medications to control his laryngal paralysis, but his cough returned over the last few weeks, and gradually got worse. When he was having trouble staying steady on his feet and his breathing became laboured, Bobby let us know it was time. He was surrounded by love right until the very end.

Rest in peace, Bobby. You were the goodest boy. Hopefully you and Rossa will find each other again.