Poe Progress Report - Day 34

Friends of FDF have made inquiries about the status of our new buddy, Poe, regarding his health and how his weight gain is coming along. During these first 30 days, we have worked through 1) thrush; 2) horrible scratches on all four legs which seems to have been an issue for a while since his rear leg feathers were cut and are in the process of growing back; 3) purchase of a new halter that properly fits that no longer pinches his face and rubs off his hair (his head measures 4 ft. 9 inches from one side to the other!); 4) razor sharp teeth have been floated (filed down to be even across the surface) to aid in his absorbtion of the nutrients in his feed rather than going through his system whole; and 5) hoof trims, which appeared to have not been done in a long time.

On Day 10-12, Poe turned up horribly lame and was stall-bound for almost a week. His lameness was caused by an abscess that finally blew out on Day 20, and he has been fine ever since. His body has now seemingly given the go-ahead to begin shedding his winter coat. During this time, he has been seen walking around with half-shedded frogs flopping around which were quickly removed. It looked like shoe soles that came unstitched or unglued from their uppers.

Jessie sees Poe every day and has gotten discouraged because she is not able to see any change for the better thus far. On the other hand, I see him once or twice during the week, and both days on the weekend, so I can see the difference. When I tell her I see improvement, she thinks I'm just saying that to make her feel better.

So, in order to convince Jessie of Poe's progress, I am publishing 30-day Poe Reports. However, I need to take photos in the same position each time to be fair in the comparisons. So tomorrow, I am going to take my typical photographs - side shots on both sides, as well as a backend view to document how his rear is becoming more of an "apple" shape.

If any of you can see any changes taking place, would you please drop us a comment? I would appreciate it ! (That way, Jessie won't think I'm pulling her leg.) Also, if your attention is drawn to a particular area(s) on his body that you believe has improved, or simply looks different to you, let us know that as well!

Getting Poey back on course is a worthwhile project -- he's such a sweet boy who can sometimes act like a grumpy old man. I think that given the circumstances, he's entitled to be a little grumpy for just a little while.

May 2, 2009 - Day 2

June 6, 2009 - Day 34

Jessie's boys, Briar & Wyatt, are even doing their part,

sneaking Poey treats when they think we're not looking . . .