Matthew

Godspeed, My Dear Matthew,...

2007-06-22T01:43:00.000-07:00

This last entry is the hardest post I have ever had to write, . I am stil in shock ,with the news of Matthew's untimely passing,..In speaking with a friend that also knows Sharon and Matthew,.. we both thought that Matthew and Sharon would have many years together,...one day we would see an old dog curled up by the fire,..

Matthew was near death when Sharon found him,... she had no intention of keeping him, thinking that once she got him stabilized she would send him into rescue,....

Matthew won her heart, as well the hearts of many others, in the short 8 months that we knew him.

I can only say that the amount of love that poured from that Setter Boy's heart,.. can only match the amount of tears that have fallen in his passing,...

Godspeed My Dear Matthew

In Memory of Matthew,....

2007-06-22T00:27:00.000-07:00

This post is in memory of "Matthew", a Bird Dog from Texas who was unexpectadly called home, on June 3.

After returning from a weekend in the country, a squirell, or a rabbit caught his eye, something Matthew just could not ignore,....

Sharon heard the tires squeal, and a horn honk,. and Matthew was gone,..

Below Sharon describes her last day with Matthew:

He normally doesn't care about anything ,but running the fence rows but that particular weekend he kept coming to the back door, and wanting in then right back out.

He was extra affectionate to me, and could not get enough attention.

I held him in my lap ,on the back porch for 45 minutes ,just combing out the burs and petting him.

All I can say is in the short 8 months he was with me ,I tried to do everything I could to make him happy, and I think he was, except he need more time to hunt and run.

I also want everyone to know he did not suffer,.... he was running,.. doing what he loved and never knew what hit him.

Matthew and Friends,..

2007-06-22T00:03:00.000-07:00

Matthew is always busy,.. doing SOMETHING,..

Below is Matthew , and his Pals, they enjoyed many weekends in the country together

Matthew's Weekend!!

2007-02-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

It was another fun weekend for Matthew!

He played with his friends from the country and got to point and chase tons of birds.

He loves running down the fencerows and finding the birds.

He darts through them like lighting.

The funniest thing he did was chase a bird around the round pin in a circle. It looked like the bird was playing with him by flying inside the panels.

The other "new thing" he is doing is running by us full speed and cutting in to our legs to knock us down. I couldn't believe he did this to Kyle because he has always been so afraid of men.

He is looking more like an English Setter everyday. I can't wait until the hair on his legs and tail grows out.

He was naked in that area when I found him so I guess that is why it is taking so long. Hope you enjoy the pix. Don't feel too sorry for him with his cut he is playing the sympathy card with everyone and getting lots of toys, treats and attention.

PLAY TIME!!!

2007-01-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

He is so much faster than the two big dogs, but they all have so much fun together.

They are all neutered males but play like they are litter mates.

Matthew Get His Chip!!

2006-12-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

I took him to the vet this a.m. for a microchip so I put him on the scale to check his weight. He is now 41lbs., which is a big jump from the 27 lbs. back in Sept. when I first found him.

He loves to run in country more than anything but has been getting out of my sight for longer periods of time so I thought I bet get him a chip to go along with the tag with my numbers. It scares me to think of him getting lost but this dog loves running more that anything.

I am trying to give him a happy life and I believe that life in a back yard is not fair to a dog like this so we are going to continue out weekly trips to the woods. He has learned to catch balls and is doing better with the cats in the house.

Attached are a few pics with his new id tag and him licking his lips after getting a steak treat - a reward for be good at the vet today (the needle for the micro chip was huge)....sharon

Matthew,.. Extreme Host and Player!!

2006-11-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

Matthew got to dog-sit last week.
He made her feel welcome and was the perfect host sharing all his toys.
They torn up every toy he owned so I ended up giving them old shoes and buying stronger toys.

Matthew would tease her with the rope (see attached pixs). He was too fast for her but she could out muscle him.

Speedy was at my house for a week on her way to her new home. She had a blast with Matthew and he loved playing with her. She is a rescue from South Texas making her way up North to New Hampshire.

Bein' a Bird dog is COOl!!!

2006-11-22T06:09:00.000-08:00

He loves the weekend because he gets to go to the county.

He rolls in "whatever" ,..and I have to ride with him in the car until I get him in the bath tub.

I don't think he remembers life before me.....sharon

Always Somethin',.....

2006-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

I wanted to you to see Matthew sniffing the air. He was growling and barking at my nieghbor this morning (I should not have let him watch Kujo with me this weekend.) He has a tall wood fence but Matthew could hear him in his back yard making noise. When he got quite - Matthew sniffed to make sure he was gone. He really is afraid of men but likes to act tough from a distance......sharon

2006-11-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

See the Beauty of the English Setter

2006-11-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

They will make you Laugh when you don't want to,...

Matthew,... A beautiful English Setter,.....

2006-11-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

I know everyone has their favorite breed,...and they are so special indeed,...
but the depth of the Soul, of an English Setter,..goes unmatched,.. in my book anyway,...
our family has had the pleasure of fostering about 20 or so Setters over the last couple of years, of all ages, with every kind of issue imaginable, and fears to match,...

They would come to us, with their head hung low,.. tail between their legs,. no sparkle in their eyes,...they had given up,...
This beautiful Breed that was put on this earth to Hunt, and play, and most of all, the English Setter lives to please his Master,....
I don't like to use that term , "Master", I guess "Humans" is a better term, but then again, the Master doesn't always live up to those standards either,...

All he wants in return is love,... attention,... and to continue to please,...he never demands anything,...he's always happy just to be near,...

Sharon,..... Matthew's mom, ....who ,when she found Matthew ,was a "cat lady", who woldn't be able to keep Matthew,......
I have to say this beacause I like to Tease Sharon,... about this, as you can see Matthew has stolen Sharon's heart,......and Sharon doesn't mind a bit,....

November 1, Six weeks Ago Today,..

2006-11-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

Today it has been 6 weeks since I found him ,..,....when he finally gave in, and went for the cat food that I was offering him,...

He has been a wondeful dog that didn't do anything wrong ,
but last week he started digging up one of my plants in the back yard that had landscape rocks around it.

I never see him doing it ,so I just ignored what was happening.
The rocks are sill in a circle but now the hole is about 14 inches deep.
I guess he likes to lay in it when no one is looking.
He won't go near it, or even look at it ,when I am in the back yard.

I think he thinks he is being sneaky.
What a nut,.. I didn't like that plant anyway.........Sharon

Sweetie Pie Matthew!!

2006-10-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

Notes From A Proud Setter Mom!!

2006-10-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

I took these pics last night in his bed.
The blanket was a gift from Lois Odom (the lady that took such good care of him at the vets office).

I wish I had taken my camera this weekend when I took him to the country to play.
He had the best time running in fields pointing a things and just hunting.
I was told I was being over protective but I couldn't stand it when he got out of sight so I would call him back.

It was a beautiful sight to see him running in the tall grass like he was the happiest dog in the world.

He met a new friend named Sam (a 95lb. white german Shep) that lives down the road.
The were so cute playing but when Sam got ready to leave he took Matthews pink bear.
I told him to let it go, I will buy him another one because Sam doesn't have any toys and we need to rememeber the less fortunate....sharon

Break Time,....

2006-10-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ya know, I am a pretty lucky fella,....up until a month or so ago, I didn't think I would ever, hear a kind voice,... or feel what it was like to be scratched behind the ears,..... let alone, even feel a nice gentle pat on the head,...
I remember when I was little, I used to get those all the time,.... then as I got older, all the good things seemed to dissappear,...I felt like I was dying ,and getting closer to death as each day passed,...sometimes I even thought of ways to make it come sooner , because I hurt so bad,.. inside and out,...

Just When I thought my prayers had gone unheard, and I had given up, ... I found myself on a busy street,...
Was this the end,.....????

I heard that kind voice,......was it real?????
not sure, but whoever it was also had a can of something that smelled awfully good,....
my nose took over,..... I went for it, and then,....
I felt the tender touch,...... and a warm blanket,......
I was so happy,..... I cried,......
my empty heart was immediately full again,....as is my new life,..... with an Angel,......
Maybe this is Heaven???? ......But I see no bridge?????

Oh well doesn't matter,..Thank you everyone, for bringing me, "Matthew", home,.....!!!!

My only prayers now, are for all the other Dogs and Cats out there,..searching for thier Fur- ever homes,....
"Hang in There Guys"!!! We're trying!!!!
Love ,Matthew

Yep,... I went to Work With Mom!!!

2006-10-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

Look at My new Coat!!!!

2006-10-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

Check out Matthew's new coat!! Remember when you could see every scratch and scrape, and every bone in his frail little body???

I never will forget Sharon's words, when she reached down to scoop him up in a blanket, to bring him in fron the cold,....
She said, "he wimpered" as I wrapped the blanket around his skinny, little body,..........

Where Ya Been,... Matthew, Boy????

2006-10-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I have a busy week last week and didn't have
much time to spend with Matthew.
I was feeling guilty that he was alone so much so I took him to
work with me Saturday.
He was absolutely wonderful
and had the best time except for a few of the
delivery drivers that he was afraid of.
I knew it was a little soon to take him with me but I think he
had fun for the most part.

The office is closed except for the drivers so it was pretty quiet.

He slept most of the time but would play with his
pink bear if someone would throw it for him.
He even managed to climb the spiral staircase.
Will keep you posted on his progress.......Sharon

PS the last pics are from home with his favorite
pink bear

A Sleeping Angel!

2006-10-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

He was neutered yesterday and weights 10 lbs more than he did 3 weeks ago.

The vet said he was changing mind about his age to 2yrs.
He has made such a huge improvement in the last few days.
This is the first time I have taken pics that he didn't have bones showing through his skin.
It is very hard to get a pic unless he is sleeping because he is always in motion.
I think he is the happiest dog I have ever met.......sharon

PS> Here he is sleeping in his bed.

Yes,... It's ME!!

2006-10-12T00:21:00.000-07:00

Nice Butt, huh??

Look NO BONES!!

Matthew,..? Is That You?

2006-10-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

Susan,
I think that this baby has made a full
recovery! This dog has more love to give than you could
ever imagine now he will have many happy years to
show it. This is a success story.........sharon

To Sharon, ...Love, Matthew

2006-10-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Send a Rescue Person Once I was a lonely dog, Just looking for a home. I had no place to go, No one to call my own.

I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow. I ate what ever I could find, I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain. And no one stopped to give a pat Or to gently say my name.

I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run. For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice So gentle, kind and sweet, And arms so soft reached down to me And took me off my feet.

"No one again will hurt you Was whispered in my ear." "You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear"

"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat" "And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet".

I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear. I can't remember when I let A human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds And bathed and brushed my fur She told me bout the rescue group And what it meant to her.

She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends". "And in the center there is you protected by new friends".

"And all around you are the ones that check the pounds, And those that share their home after you've been found".

"And all the other folk are searching near and far. "To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star".

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently, and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see".

"And then they'll join our circle they'll help to make it grow, so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go".

I waited very patiently, The days they came and went. Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.

Then just when I began to think It wasn't meant to be, there were people standing there just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too. They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you".

Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be. "Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.

But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street. And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet". Arlene Pace September 18th, 1998

Here's Lookin at Ya!!

2006-10-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

Look at the pics of his face I took last night. I could never get mad at a face likethat...sharon

Matthew the Miracle!

2006-10-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

He is doing great except for a rear leg that has some bone damage.

I had to get a new collar because he out grew the he got two weeks ago.

His body is still slim but the bones have meat in them now.
He has been digging up my grass I planted this summer but I don't care- is is just grass and he is the sweetest dog.

Happy Boy!!

2006-10-05T01:06:00.000-07:00

Matthew and Friends!

2006-10-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

2006-10-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

2006-10-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

He ran on his leg and never limped but Monday we
got bad news from the x-ray about the leg. He has
a bone that is splintered and has some floating
fragments. He could get something called a sterile
sequestrium (he has a drain or sore on the inside
of that leg). There are several possibilities and
one is it could heal on his own. The bone looks
terrible and it is amazing he is walking on it so
I am hoping this is a good sign. I am thrilled
with his progress and thankful for all the help. He
is one happy pup but is very afraid of men with
deep voices. I know he has been through hell but
his progress in amazing!!
Sharon

2006-10-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

Matthew Had A Wonderful Weekend!!

2006-10-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, Matthew had a wonderful weekend - he met Casey and Hogan the beautiful dogs in the pics and had the time of his life playing with them. They all retrieved the balls but Matthew was never fast enough to be the first on to get it. He didn't care he was thrilled to have other dogs to play with.

Simply Cannot Imagine,...

2006-09-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

One has to wonder what these poor unfortunate dogs, must think, or just how do they process all the wrong doings that they are forced to endure,....sometimes the story comes directly to you, by simply looking in their eyes,...
These are times when my heart breaks for them,...... then only to have them lick the tears away.

Bottoms up!!!

2006-09-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Horrible smell from starvation, it was sickening,...

2006-09-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

I took these this after we got back from the vet this morning.
I was wrong when I said he weighed 31 lbs when I found him he was only 27 lbs. and today he is 32.4 lbs.

We started his heartworm prevention today but have to wait until he finishes all his antibiotics and other medicine before he gets his vaccinations.

They found buckshot and rats shot in his back legs, bottom and behind his ears. He is going to leave it until he is neutered so he will be out when it is removed.
Not only did someone not help this dog they added insult to injury by shooting him with buckshot (no wonder I had a hard time getting him to come to me when I found him).

I always carry cat food and had some canned food with me when I saw him.
When he smelled the food he finally stopped walking away long enough for me to get him.

He had such a horrible smell from starvation it was sickening.

They tell me it is called the smell of death because their body is breaking down everything to use for fuel before the die.

Anyway, back to a more positive note he is much better and will be neutered when he is fat and healthy enough. Thank you to everyone that has helped on this effort........sharon

2006-09-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know Matthew is playing!
I was going toshow him a tennis ball to see if he had any reaction to it.
Well, not only did he have a reaction - he went nuts.
I rolled it and he ran got it and brought it back to me.
I threw it a few times too and he retrieved it every time.
I think he would have done this as long as Iwould let him but didn't want to over do it.
He didn't act like he was sick at all.
You would have thought he was healthy puppy the way he acted.
It is a strange site to see a pitifu lhairless skeleton act like they feel that good,
but it is wonderful.....sharon

2006-09-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

2006-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

2006-09-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

A New Update!

2006-09-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

I thought I would let the pic speak for themselves - Matthew came to my house this weekend much to the disappointment of my cats.
He has to take 6 types of medicines twice a day and has been a perfect patient. He loves the only cat "Muffin" that will have anything to do with him.
He brings the tennis ball back to you every time.
I thought he would be in at the clinic longer but he is doing so great with me
I am keeping at my house and running back for check ups.
He is much happier at my home.
My kitties are not thrilled but I am hoping this will work out.
Can you believe he is playing!!!!!!
Thank you for all you have done to help him........sharon

2006-09-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

I took these this morning his tail was wagging constantly.She said Matthew got her up at 5:30 a.m. talking!

2006-09-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

He is so much better and I was happy see he like cats too.

2006-09-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Odom (she works @ the clinic) has been taking excellent care of him. Her elderly boxer has been very sick and she has been staying there 24/7 taking care of both of them.

2006-09-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Matthew would not have made it very much longer,...

2006-09-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

He had to be catherized at first so I was also thrilled to see him going on his own.

2006-09-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone ,It's me, Matthew,..I am feeling a little better today,..I am still really hungry,.. and my skin, kinda hurts. Everyone here is very kind to me. They talk softly and pet me real nice,...

2006-09-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

He never got upset or tried to bite when he was being poked and prodded.
All test have come back negative for heartworms, Lymes Disease and Ehlichea.
He doesn't even have mange, just a sever flea allergy.

2006-09-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

I know he does have intestinal problems along with an infection and anemia but he is eating taking his medicine without getting sick and really wants to make a full recovery!
This baby has heart - pointing at bird in his condition....
sharon

2006-09-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

See the Barbed Wire Sratches

Keeping Matthew In Your Prayers,....

2006-09-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

This clinic is SO nice. I just spoke to Dr. Wright

If you wish to donate an amount by charge card, the phone number for the clinic is
903 734-6845

if you can't get through on 903 734-6846.

Wright Vet Clinic
2423 Us. HWY 271
SouthGilmer, Texas
75645

This vet is in the back of a feed store, in Rural Texas

Any amount helps! Dr. Wright believes this little guy may be a Springer Spaniel possibly and is a real fighter.
He's already tested negative for HW, Lymes, and Erhlichea which is great news.

He's running quite an infection however per white blood cell count that hasn't been pinned down yet and although they first thought he might be so anemic he would need a transfusion, he may be able to get by without this.

Parasites are an immediate issue as is nutrition, since he's so very thin.

Keep Matthew the little bird dog in your thoughts and prayers and if you can afford even a few dollars, every bit helps.

Thanks Sharon, for giving this sweet guy some hope ...

UPDATE

2006-09-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

GOOD NEWS for Matthew!!!

Matthew is much better and tested negative for Lymes Diease, heartworms and Ehrlichea.

It has been wondeful to see so many people concerned and want to help....

Sharon (Matthews Angel)

P.S. He is a talker - not barking ,but bark talking -isn't that just precious!

2006-09-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

He was limping on a back leg ,that has a large gash in it.
He has sores on his pads from walking;
barbwire cuts on his body, hair loss, flea
infestation, and sunburn and is mal-nourished.

I was thinking, I can't afford this but what can you
do when they look at you with those big brown eyes?

2006-09-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

2006-09-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Help me,...

2006-09-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

If he makes it,..

2006-09-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am not sure he will make it because his blood work wasn't good.
I told him to do whatever he needed.
I will get better pics and give you an update.
I know he will be there for a few days if he makes it.

After that I plan to take him to my house.
He is too weak to scare my cats for now but I hope to find him a good home.

If you have anyone that wants to help tel lthem to send a check to

Wright's Vet Clinc
271 South
Gilmer, Texas
75645

2006-09-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Safe at Last!

2006-09-21T07:39:00.001-07:00

He is going to be tested forLymes Disease tomorrow because of his symptoms.
He fever is down from 104 to102, he wages his tail and wants to be petted.

He has to feel horrible but seems to have a great disposition.

His dew claws have been removed and they said something about the tail was docked for hunting???

I guess at one time hewas taken care of but it looks like that was a long time ago.

2006-09-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

2006-09-21T06:30:00.001-07:00

Subject: Starving bird dog I found this a.m.
Pritchett, Texas..
Any ideas what it is?

An Angel writes:

Well, There I am in my car going to work (running late of course),..
this dog walks by my car at the stop sign and across the main Hwy.

He was> limping on a back leg that has a large gash in it.
He has sores on his pads from walking;
barbwire cuts on his body, hair loss,
flea infestation, and sunburn,
and is mal-nourished.
He ran through huge thistles before I finally got him to come to me.
I guess he had been run off by everyone else
and didn't have me figured out yet.

I put a blanket around this stinky flea infested doll
and he put his head on my shoulder and whimpered.

I was thinking, damn. I can't afford this but what can you do?,
when they look at you with those big brown eyes?
He is still not out of the woods, but at least he is off the streets.
The vet said he is around 5 yrs old, and very anemic among other problems.

He looks so much better in the pics than in real life.
If the poor thing stood up you would see how skinny he really is with no hair at all, on the rest of him.

Sharon