Sarge came to us a little over a month ago, a big beautiful brindle Boxer.

He was a 3-year-old stray and I had high hopes we’d find his owner because I couldn’t believe this boy wouldn’t be missed.

In the meanwhile I intended to soak up as much time with him as I could, he was just a fun loving playful dog that was true to his breed.

Against my hopes, no owner was found but he was quickly scooped up for adoption. Sarge had two problems that needed to be tended to: first, he needed to be neutered and he had an extremely high heartworm infestation.

I expressed to Dana (who had facilitated the adoption) to relate to the owners that I’d be willing to assist with any costs occurring for his treatment. Sarge was special to me because he was nearly a carbon copy of Bruno, my own large brindle Boxer.

Sarge went off to Bonnie Brae to be neutered and upon return Lani, our vet tech, he treated him to keep his strength up.

Lani and I spoke of Sarge often and it was obvious he had won her heart too. Then out of nowhere the roof began to fall in.

Sarge, who had come in at nearly 80 pounds, was beginning to lose weight and my concern piqued.

He wasn’t showing any signs of stress and his behavior remained the same, but then again you could hit this breed over the head with a sledgehammer and they’d dish out love with their last dying breath.

His urine had turned dark brown and he was rushed back to Bonnie Brae for diagnosis.  Dr. Angel Mitchell said he had a condition so rare she hadn’t seen it since med school.

It is called vena cava, where the worms have gotten into his aorta and his prognosis was dire.  Left untreated he would surely die. Trying to treat him now would also most likely kill him.

The third option was to send him to a cardiologist where they would open him up and actually pluck the worms from his heart.  It is rare, super expensive and not guaranteed.

Sarge was back at F.H.S. when I got the call and I rushed over to see him.  On our walk he was as playful as ever and except for his ribs beginning to show a little, you‘d never know he was dying. He was now down to 72 pounds.

Back in the office I asked them to call Bonnie Brae’s, “I’m taking him in to be treated, whatever it costs or whatever it takes, I want to give Sarge that chance.”

I rushed him over to the vet and throughout the trip he had his paws on the front seat and his head on my shoulder without a care in the world.  Before entering we took a little walk, “Listen Sarge, a lot of caring people are concerned about you, just keep fighting and we’ll give you every chance.”

He responded by licking my face. Then like a miracle he lifted his leg and his urine was once again yellow. Inside I learned his blood work and urine were improving but he was far from out of the woods.

Angel (who believe me has the perfect name) was smiling and trying to be professional, but I could tell my tears were affecting her.

We have put Sarge on a regimen of antibiotics to get his strength up and after three weeks we’ll begin a slow and careful regimen to attack the heartworms.

I hate those little creatures, sometimes I think they’re the bane of my existence. There is much more to this story but that will be at a later date and hopefully with a joyous conclusion.

As of now Sarge is in a foster home receiving all the care, love and attention he needs.  So many people are involved and I’ll try my best to tell you of them next time.

I know in all things, “God’s will be done.”  I’ve entitled this tale, “I can’t win them all”, but by God and with His help, I’m going to try my best to win this one.

Thanks for listening.