Video Postcard from Armstrong

A New Beginning, A New Name!

Lately we have been discussing B Man and his adventure with us. Since he has been overcoming so many obstacles and now ready for adoption, we wanted to give him a new name that embraces all of this. First let me explain where the name B Man even came from.
When this little fellow came into our lives, he had no name or place we knew as his home. We took him in and here, all our babies need good names. At first he was Stray but we actually had a doggie in the hospital whose actual name was Stray. Too much confusion when we were trying to work on him.
First came Bullet! It was a strong sounding name and he actually had a bullet in his back. This name was something we came up with quickly just so we could get closer to him. Eventually the name was shortened to B Man. Saying Bullet seemed to be a constant reminder as to what brought him to us. So B Man stuck until now.
Some cultures put a great emphasis on a names meaning. In Hawaii a name holds great meaning and they believe that you take on the character of your name. So what do you name a strong spirited boy that has over come obstacles time and time again. While our staff member was out on the beach with B man and his wheelchair, it dawned on her. How about Armstrong! As she said, he loves his wheels and he is a fighter.

So we would like to introduce Armstrong to everyone. He is starting over and we know he will continue to display the strong characteristics of his new name! Also please remember our little boy still needs a good home. ~AP

Bman Goes on Vacation

051508

Last I wrote, we received Bman's his wheelchair and was zooming around the animal hospital. He is still getting use to life with wheels. We are continuing his physical therapy and trying to get his legs and body stronger and stronger. He is eating well and staying very active. No matter what, he is still a bundle of energy who does anything to get our attention.

This is going to be an exciting weekend for B Man. One of our very trusted staff members is going to the beach for the weekend and asked if she could take B Man along. It was quickly approved and now B Man will be getting some good beach hydrotherapy and hang out with her other doggies. Everyone needs a good vacation and we think this will really lift his spirits. You can't beat physical therapy with the sound of the sea and the wind in your hair.

Bman Gets His Wheels!!!!

Today was a very exciting day for us. B Man's got his wheelchair! Of
course we wanted to try it out right away. It took us a few minutes to
to figure out and adjust this new contraption and make sure we have it
fitting properly. That was a little challenging becauseBman kept
wiggling and wanting to move while we were adjusting him. But once we
had him in it correctly, we let him go. Boy, did he take off! He was
running everywhere! I think the whole hospital staff stopped to cheer
him on. We dubbed him "speed racer" during his first event.

We
took him outside into the parking lot so he was free to move about
without obstacles and let him wheel around until he tired. When an
animal first uses a wheelchair it must be done in small time increments
to get their bodies used to it. He used it for about 15 minutes and
then needed a break. He was pooped! It's a new process for him and he
did wonderful on his first try. Most doggies need encouragement the
first times because its a new way of getting around that is not natural
for them.

His second day we took him outside again to make it
fun for him. He loves being out and about so its all about positive
reinforcement. This wheelchair has been a real blessing for him.

His
physical therapy continues to go well and he is getting stronger
everyday. But now that he has his wheels, the skies the limit! His
spirit has always been strong from day one, but I think now he is
really ready to take on the world again. This time, he is definitely
surrounded by love and encouragement from people all over the world.
His story traveled far and touched people from everywhere. It was
wonderful to hear from loving people all over who wanted to help this
one small dog with a huge heart.

At the animal hospital we
consider ourselves animal advocates, we are their voice and we were all
behind this little dog that was just dumped.

At first we
thought he was sent to us to help and make his life better but in the
end, he has proved that he is their to add joy to our lives. He is our
little miracle and we are just so blessed to help orchestrate him
literally getting back on his feet.
Again, that's to everyone for their support. I will continue to keep you updated! ~ AP