In February 2001, Spirit, Barkley then,
came to his foster home with a
fractured pelvis. He had been run over by a car, and a kind passerby
took him
to a shelter. After seven days in the shelter, no one claiming
him as their
own, and less than two years old, he was facing euthanasia. Thanks
to Patsy's
phone call, Spirit became Marsha and David's first foster dog.
Spirit
recovered from his fracture without requiring surgery. He just
needed a little
help... Some pain relief and veterinary expertise provided by
Dr.Laird
Goodman, some help turning over during the night, and lots of
love. Spirit
stole the hearts of his foster parents and 14 yr. old Westie pal,
China.
Spirit went on to welcome and nurture four foster friends. He
so graciously
befriended Kandy, Goldie, Chaz, and Buddy. Buddy and Spirit became
such
special friends that Buddy became a member of the Perkett Family.
Spirit was diagnosed with a rare and extremely
aggressive cancer in April
2002. He was only two years old. Following an amputation, a summer
of
chemotherapy, and several joyful vacations at the beach, Spirit
left us on
November 15, 2002.
Spirit was the most joyful and intelligent
creature I have ever known. He was
voted "happiest patient" by his oncologist, Dr. Julianna
Cyman. Spirit
brought a smile to all he met. Taken from us all far too soon,
he will remain
in all of our hearts always.
