Lil' Bit And His Blanket #2...Tough Three Weeks

Susan Bergstrom

Lil' Bit And His Blanket #2...Tough Three Weeks

Well since we last looked in on Lil’ Bit… he had made a trip to Best Friends Haven For Animals…started going through training to become a house dog and not a wild aggressive little Taco dog!
All was going well and then the little rascal decided to follow his nose one day and disappeared into the desert for over 5 hours. He was gone in a blink of an eye and no way could a person find this foxy little guy…especially in 110 degree heat…needless to say it was a tense 5 hours and we just had to hope for the best…

They told us at Best Friends that it would be hard to break this habit of ranging out, following his nose and neutering was of the utmost priority. It had become a survival instinct even if he had a full bowl of food. He had pretty much gone “Native” during the months he had survived in the wilds of the desert…a huge challenge on our part to take this habit in check.
The very next day he was scheduled to have the neuter opperation..my husband says that he ran away on purpose…wanted to keep his little bag a jewels…LOL!!

Well… he did return but upon very careful inspection…standing back and out of range of his huge teeth…it appeared that he had been mauled by a really big animal or a Hawk had tried to pick him up and carry him away. There were 5-6 puncture wounds across his lower back, hips and thighs.
It was going to be impossible to tend to him..he was in a heightened state of aggression and badly wounded.

So fast forward to today…he has survived (how I don’t know) as he would allow no one to get close to him for the last three weeks…I would set food down and back away and he would eat every last bit…was drinking water and we would see him maybe twice a day come out from under this huge storage chest in our garage. No signs of rabies and no signs of infection …once again it is truly a miracle this little dog has survived yet another monumental life and death event.

He does come in the house now…he still stays well away from myself and my husband…but I will catch him like this capture…from under his blanket just staring at me…
Lil’ Bit and I had became very close…he sat in my lap most every day while I was either at my drawing board or computer.
He his SLOWLY coming around…the pain of what happend to him must have been horrific…I could only offer soothing words and all the water and food (with ground up baby aspirin) he could eat…
Thanks for taking the time to read…send some good thoughts to Lil’Bit…

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Lil' Bit And His Blanket #2...Tough Three Weeks by Susan Bergstrom
Lil' Bit And His Blanket #2...Tough Three Weeks by Susan Bergstrom
  • Appel

    Appel

    Aaaah, poor Lil’Bit!!! I hope he continues to heal both physically & emotionally! You have great patience and I hope it will someday be awarded! Awesome pic by the way!!!!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Ann…one day at a time I guess again…

  • Rita Agostinelli

    Rita Agostinelli

    My goodness….my eyes began to well up as I read your recount of what happened to Lil’Bit and how he is yearning to be close to you and your husband but stays gaurded not to be hurt… He I am sure is becoming aware daily that he is in the most loving and nurturning home that he can be in!!! Slowly, as you say, he will come around… Your capture is sweet and sad at the same time ~ after knowing what Lil’bit has gone through! Susan …you and your husband are amazing and giving people…..my thoughts and prayers are with you both that Lil’Bit finds the comfort zone which he needs with your family, which he so desires and so that you all can enjoy his sweetness. :))

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    It is sad but I know he will heal emotionally and mentally, it will just take time…he comes a little closer each day and I know he is starting to rationalize that I don’t want to or intend on hurting him. I am the giver of food and soft words…Thanks for taking the time to read, I appreciate it…

  • raymondoantonio

    raymondoantonio

    Perseverance and love and patience will bring LilBit around!! Trauma can leave physical and emotional scars that time and the aforementioned can heal! Great shot and he is so CUTE!!!!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks! This shot actually makes it look like he has a sailor hat on…LOL…but thanks for your kind thoughts and yes…Time is all it will take…

  • Lori Peters

    Lori Peters

    Lil’ Bit will have my prayers. My heart just breaks looking at the picture. I can’t imagine how he survived in the desert for 5 days. A coyote could kill him in 2 seconds. I think he wants to trust you but it is just too hard for him right now. He did come back. That is a good sign. xo

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    No Lori it was for only 5 hours that he was gone …this all happend to him within those 5 hours and it has nearly been a month since we have been able to pet him…in time I’m sure…in time…Thanks for viewing and i appreciate your thoughts…

  • WayoftheWarrior

    WayoftheWarrior

    The dude is a Warrior…..........

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    LOL…If you only knew!!! Thanks, most excellent comment…

  • Lori Peters

    Lori Peters

    Thank goodnes it was only 5 hours. My eyes aren’t what they used to be. Our neighbors dog got out and was attacked by a coyote by the school just up the street. There is a paved trail for people to walk and some people saw it and scared the coyote away. Tasha still has 2 bald spots where the bite marks were. We live inside the city. In the desert, there are many things that could have killed him. I sent up a heartfelt prayer for him. xo

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks my friend…

  • BarbaraManis

    BarbaraManis

    Poor baby. My heart goes out to Lil’ Bit.I’m glad he has you and your husband to look after him!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Barbara…the things that the higher power sends us!

  • BarbaraManis

    BarbaraManis

    By the way, really great capture!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks…just could pass it up…

  • Vanessa Anderberg

    Vanessa Anderberg

    I so hope that he heals….gets his surgery, and Calms down some. When we got Lucky “fixed” it was the best thing for his temper and moods…sometimes, it will work…so hoping for your sake, and His, that it does, Susan…:)

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    You and me both…I know it will help some…but dealing with a fear based dog is quite the trial…! Appreciate your thoughts…

  • Hemalata

    Hemalata

    What great hearts you have. I send my love to Lil Bit and hope he comes through this, and that you and your husband do too. xx

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    I feel all will prevail..but it will be a long road for everyone…he is just a couple degrees from being a wild desert Fox…thanks for your thoughts…

  • CarolM

    CarolM

    I think you have had your share of incidences lately. Your hubby and now your Lil’ Bit. The men in your life are falling apart. This is an adorable photo, Susan. I think he is going to be back to his old self before you know it. My husband also had one of these little taco dogs years ago. He was getting amorous and was attached by a dalmation. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it and it took months for my husband to recover from the loss. I’m so happy Lil’ Bit is back safe and sound in you home and loving care. I just feel that everything will be alright soon.

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Yes it has been the trial with this little fellow…a bit like a troubled child…and I feel too with lots if time and work we will get him rehibilitated and he will experience some good life that a happy dog can have. However I do have the journey before me with him…Thanks for your comment!

  • Arla M. Ruggles

    Arla M. Ruggles

    Aw! Poor li’l guy! So glad he has you and Big Swede to nurture him back to health!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Arla…slowly, ever so slowly when an animal is fear based.
    He will be eating directly from my hand for the next week or so…one way to get them to trust and respect you as a sorce of food. He has to break the cycle in his head that he has to go out and hunt….

  • Richard  George

    Richard George

    Love and patience will succeed…

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    ...and we have to trust it will be conveyed…Thanks Richard…

  • Jim Phillips

    Jim Phillips

    Wow, he’s really been through the ringer, bless his heart. His hang-on power is going to end up making him the best pet ever.

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    I sure hope we can all withstand the learning curve and rehabilation!!! Thanks Jim!

  • George Gantt

    George Gantt

    If I had gone through what he has I think would hide in the garage too.

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Poor little guy…I’ll keep you posted! Hey did you see that Josey For George won the challenge??? AND you were suppose to let me know how your dad liked the cards/prints??

  • barnsis

    barnsis

    Awww, if only we could read their minds, they seem to talk to us with their expressions but sometimes we just don’t get the message. You are such an angel to take the time and patience to hopefully help him survive. Good luck

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    I’ll need every ounce of luck I can get my friend…a 3 pound dog that holds the world at bay with the curl of his lip!!! Thanks Byron!

  • maxy

    maxy

    Beyonddd cuteness!!!! what an adorable little pup!!! Absolutely precious catch!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks so much Maxy!!!

  • George Gantt

    George Gantt

    Josey is now the new group photo. Congrats on the win . Pop liked his copy. When he opened it he started making quotes from the movie. Thanks again.

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    You need to interview me for your fourm feed…it is good advertizement for the group and for you and me!!! I do a journal entry after the interview with a link back to “The Wild West Forums”...Think of some really good questions about the Josey piece and me as an artist…really anything that would be interesting to others to read…just a suggestion…I just won the challenge for “Man’s Best Friend” and they are doing an interview about the winning piece and my career…

  • Terri Chandler

    Terri Chandler

    It’s so hard to look into this precious guys eyes, especially after reading his story Susan. I can’t help but think that he misses someone or something terribly; given dogs and their sometimes unconsolable love for their masters. I so hope he will soon come to understand and accept the love you and your husband are giving him. You guys are wonderful! xo
    Beautiful capture! xo

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks for your comments…I appreciate them.

  • JuliaWright

    JuliaWright

    Susan I have tears in my eyes for this little dog and the great work
    and time you are both giving to this little troubled soul…..God Bless
    you all and I am praying that all turns out well soon….I think of this
    little fellow often….hugs

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Julia…he has had quite the struggle and I fear it isn’t over yet…but he has a home here and we won’t give up on him…thanks for you thoughtful comment…

  • Jan Landers

    Jan Landers

    oh susan….through tears i look into this little one’s eyes….and i feel his pain….but i have to believe that love is stronger than anything that he has endured and i know you won’t give up on him….bless you all…..he is a precious being and still her for a purpose, that is obvious….much love coming your way, dear friend…

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Many thanks my dear Mountain Lady…Lil’Bit is quite the troubled little guy…he truly is a representation of how humans can create disposable animals…he is so fear based and that is my major hurdle in his rehab. No I am not going to give up on him…and believe me I am up against many who think I should just have him put down and this is from local Vets and animal trainers…I was shocked at how easy these respected professionals were so quick to elimate…thus I have had to seek out a Vet who is nearly 50 miles away…he was the only one who would help me.
    Each day is a new chapter with this little guy…we have some days that we take three steps forward and two steps back. But I always enjoyed dancing!!!
    Thanks again….

  • valzart

    valzart

    Wonderful capture sweetheART delightful ;} happy hippy hugglez

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks my friend!

  • Renate  Dartois

    Renate Dartois

    Amazing this little dog is really a survivor I am sure glad you are not giving up on him but he does not make it easy-lol.

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    No he dosen’t that is for sure…but each day we are farther down the road…Thanks Renate!

  • RajeevKashyap

    RajeevKashyap

    Beautiful work

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Many thanks Rajeev..appreciate your viewing!

  • Scott  d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida

    excellent

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Scott!!

  • gabbielizzie

    gabbielizzie

    !
    soo cute

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks..he is the most photogenic dog I have ever seen!!!

  • Dave  Corn

    Dave Corn

    Excellent Photography and story line…...............good for Lil Bit for surviving a most challenging experience…..........we all love our pets…...and therez not much we wouldnt do for them in a moment of need.

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    We just keep trying with this little one…wish me luck!!! Thanks Dave…

  • copperhead

    copperhead

    Awws such a cutie..glad to hear he’s pulled through. He’ll probably come completely around before ya know it :)

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    One day at a time…I just wish I could get him to a vet…he is still so aloof, but each he gets better…Thanks!

  • copperhead

    copperhead

    Quite a spunky dog to be able to survive a predator like a hawk. My guess is this guy will be just fine as long as he gets to keep a little of his “taco dog” streak LOL

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    I am all for allowing a pet to keep it’s personality…not into breaking spirit…but he has been a 3 pound bully for so long that he now needs to learn some manners and respect…we have quite the journey ahead of us…!!!

  • Dave  Corn

    Dave Corn

    Best of Luck With Lil Bit!

  • Bellavista2

    Bellavista2

    Lil Bit you remind me of an Aussie Trooper, no matter how many hard knocks of life that hit you your strength and courage win the day, keep battling on mate, your bonza! Thankyou Susan for keeping us up to date, I will keep following his progress through your photos. Sending love, happiness and best wishes for you both:=}xoxoxox

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks so much…it is a continuing saga for sure!!!

  • Sean Jansen

    Sean Jansen

    Awe, poor Lill Bit. The first thing I was going to say is great capture but looks so sad. Then I read what you had wrote. No wonder he looks so sad. He has been through the ordeal. I hope he too has a speedy recovery and gets over everthing he’s been through. I feel for the little fella. : (
    Best wishes to the three of you
    xoxo

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Sean…he is the toughest little guy I have ever met!!! Will keep you posted!

  • catherine walker

    catherine walker

    what a little darling..great photo!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Catherine…he has many looks and moods…I could take pictures of him all day and they would all look different!

  • Linda Callaghan

    Linda Callaghan

    oh poor little thing…he does love you guys as he did come home to you….he has been through such a lot ….it is so inspiring to read this story and your neverending quest of support for Lil Bit! keep us posted.!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Linda…I will for sure as it appears to be a never ending story!!!

  • Alexandra Felgate

    Alexandra Felgate

    Aaww, poor lil bit has had a really rough time hasn’t he? You have made a lot of progress with him already, and he is a tough little survivor, you will win his heart again, of that I am sure. I admire your determination, and I just know he will appreciate it xxx

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    ...he will rebound and we will proceed forward…I don’t give up very easy!!! Thanks my friend!

  • Vicki Ferrari

    Vicki Ferrari

    Sending lots of prayers and love your way Susan, for all of you….. I hope L’l Bit is on the mend now, and he sure is lucky to have found you and your hubby, is all I can say! Thinking of you! Love Vicki xo

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    ...he is and we are progressing as you will see in my new post…it has turned into a bit of a Saga!!! LOL

  • lorilee

    lorilee

    Oh, Susan, this just breaks my heart – - – the poor little creature!!!! I know your love and kindness, however, will heal all his wounds!! Take care. Lori

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks my friend…we just keep going and hope for the best…all will turn around I’m sure…Thanks…

  • BigD

    BigD

    Cute Susan

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks BigD…It is becomming so that I could write a children’s book about this guy!!!LOL

  • Nancy Stafford
  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks so much Nancy!!! Always an honor and that is a pretty cool banner!!! LOL!

  • Nancy Stafford

    Nancy Stafford

    too cute for words..

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Many thanks Miss Nancy!

  • Misti Hymas

    Misti Hymas

    What a cute little guy! You can still see the pain in his eyes in this photo! Sad beginning wonderful ending with your patience with him. Keep at it!!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Yes he has been on quite the journey…but we start a-new each morning…thanks for viewing Misti…

  • Misti Hymas
  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks so much Misti…I appreciate this very much!

  • Rita Agostinelli

    Rita Agostinelli

    Congratulations on your feature Susan!!! Hope Lil’Bit is doing well!! :)

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Rita…we are all hanging in there!!! I will do an update on him soon!

  • Misti Hymas

    Misti Hymas

    Your very welcome! Your photo shows so much emotion!

  • gabbielizzie

    gabbielizzie

    congradulations on your feature,lol…i also have one of these taco dogs,she hides out like this too!

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Funny little guys…but we are making progress…thanks for viewing and I appreciate your comment!

  • Nora Caswell

    Nora Caswell

    He’s so cute! I just love him! Little chihuahuas are so precious. It took us a year before Harley really came around and now he is the biggest little lover we have. I hope that your little guy will get better and bettter every day. I’m so happy for him that he has you.

  • Susan Bergstrom replied

    Thanks Nora…we have good days and not so good days but we are making progress. Fear based dogs are sooo touchy and you need a semi-truck load of patience!!!

  • Tiffany Dryburgh

    Tiffany Dryburgh

    The poor poppet! My heart and all the good wishes and good vibes I can muster all go out to him. I’m so glad he found his way into your excellent ministrations!

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