On February 10, 2005, The Greyhound Angel Network named a special fund for advanced aged senior Greyhounds in honor of Old Fella. The fund aply named, The Old Fella Senior Fund, will benefit Greyhounds 10 years of age and older who are otherwise healthy but medical needs over and above the norm which will enhance their quality of life.

Dr. Williams began Old Fella's treatment by taking down his medical history and life before and after he arrived at H.O.T. After taking Old Fella's history, Dr. Williams did a thorough physical examination ending with a full body massage with lots of loving rubs and essential oils. Dr. Williams has requested that a thyroid panel be done on Old Fella due to his failure to gain weight while eating about four cups of food daily. This will be done on Thursday. Old Fella was given aromatherapy and then Dr. Williams was ready to proceed with his first acupuncture treatment.

As Dr. Williams placed the needles in Old Fella, she explained to us that the placement of the needles was very important to work on various areas of his body. Dr. Williams explained that initially she would be working on his spleen, kidneys, liver, heart, and hips. As the acupuncture began, we noticed that Old Fella became a bit agitated. Dr. Williams explained that often happens the first few times as the dog gets used to the positive healing energy flowing through his or her body. She further explained, and we witnessed this as well, that as the dog becomes used to the feeling, it gives them a sort of "high" which results in the dog actually falling to sleep.

The acupuncture was complete. It is hard enough for Old Fella to stand up when he isn't really relaxed, but trying to get him to stand after the acupuncture treatment was like trying to get him to stand and be steady on four limp noodles. Dr. Williams and Casey finally got Old Fella standing, and the chiropractic adjustment began.

Old Fella was not as enthusiastic about his first chiropractic adjustment. As we expected, Dr. Williams said that Old Fella is riddled with arthritis in his hips and back. She explained that when she gently put pressure on his spinal column, it should "bounce back". The only portion of his back where he had any bounce was smack dab in the middle in about a two inch section. Dr. Williams explained we probably would not see much progress until after about three treatments.

Dr. Williams finished up Old Fella's first treatment with an Adequen shot. She told us to expect him to sleep much of the rest of the day (as though he does anything else). Dr. Williams may be prescribing some Chinese herbs to assist with Old Fella. We have set up weekly appointments for Old Fella with Dr. Williams for the next six weeks. Please keep Old Fella in your thoughts and prayers as we continue of this road to better health and painfree living for him.

UPDATE MONDAY, MARCH 14TH:  Well, it's been a full week since Old Fella's first treatments. Scott and I both see some slight improvement already. Although Old Fella still "woofs" at times for help getting up or down, he has become a bit more self sufficient during this first week. He has a skip in his step, and we did catch him doing his skip walk/run outside once this week-end. We were so excited, and Old Fella was very proud of himself! He seems to be going up the steps a bit easier.

Old Fella's second treatment is tomorrow. I look forward to further progress and giving everyone updates on this guy. THANK YOU!