Tootsie

Last week I found another dog, a little puppy just sitting on the sidewalk waiting to be taken in and loved. I couldn’t resist. I knew right away it was a good idea because Albi bonded with him, playing the role of big brother and protecting him. Unfortunately “Tootsie” had a flea problem. I took him to the vet and she gave me some medicine for him, and I continued to shampoo him with a special medicine over the next few days.  
Last night, I woke up at 3 AM because I heard Albi barking. I thought someone was in my yard so I took my flashlight and knife and prepared for the worst. Albi was barking at Tootsie, who was hiding under the leaves of one of the trees. I thought maybe Albi was just trying to play, or that perhaps Tootsie was holding one of his toys. Little did I know what would happen in a few hours…
This morning I woke up and Tootsie was outside by his house, sleeping. He seemed very lethargic and when I tried to give him some food he wouldn’t even open his mouth. His eyes were glazed and his gums and tongue were white. I took him to the vet where I have taken Albi for his shots. She just stood there, asked what was wrong, and continued to help other customers. At this point Tootsie’s breathing was short and he seemed very weak. Ervin met me there, and he said he knew of another vet that would help. So we left (and I don’t think she is really a vet btw, because she proceeded to take a book out and try to look up what could possibly be wrong with the puppy), and walked to another vet “farmacie” – that is what they are labeled here, as most of them just sell medicine for animals. The man there told us about a dog and cat specialist in Elbasan that is from France, located near the castle, which was about a 10-minute walk. The clock was ticking.
Upon arrival, the vet was not there. Tootsie was starting to groan, obviously in a lot of pain. The vet’s wife came out from next door, and said that her son would go look for his father. So we waited. About 10 minutes later and after I banged on the window and yelled, “Please help, this dog is dying!!” the daughter of the vet opened the door. I laid Tootsie on the table, and waited yet another 10 minutes for the vet to show up. Unfortunately, it was too late. The poor little pup lost his fight, and died in my arms.

Brothers

Tootsie had parasites, and the first “vet” that I had gone to last week told me to bring him back in a week to get his vaccines. Who knows if he would have made it if he had gotten those vaccines sooner? However, for one week in his short life, Tootsie had a big brother, a yard, and even a little house. He played with toys and drank milk and ate food. He experienced love.

What good comes of this? Well, in talking to the vet from France I discovered that he has written a project to propose for the city of Elbasan to address the treatment of dogs. The project would help to spay female dogs to reduce sickness and help with the large dog population here – the majority of which are not taken care of, and many are eventually shot. He told me that my care for little Tootsie is very admirable and that he would love to work with an American Peace Corps volunteer to help change the views of the people in regards to animal cruelty and help save dogs’ lives. He also is taking care of burying Tootsie in a proper place. RIP Tootsie, you will not be forgotten.