3/13/19 Well, after trying different things to help with my severe malnutrition, it has been determined that I have EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). Basically my pancreas is not able to produce the necessary digestive enzymes that help my body absorb the nutrients in my food. So I need a little help by adding digestive enzymes to all my meals. I have also been put on Hill’s prescription ID diet and a probiotic, Fortiflora, which are also helping my tummy. Since adding the digestive enzymes to my ID meals, I have gained 10 lbs.! While I do need to continue to gain weight, the vet says I am looking really good! My foster mom wants to be sure that I continue to receive the best food and necessary care for my condition so I’m to let you know that this is a lifetime condition and commitment. While I will cost more on a monthly basis than your average puppy dog, mom says I am absolutely worth it! I think so too!

2/18/19. My legal name is Michael Lee. Seriously. My foster mom calls me Coop. Much better. When I became a foster about a week ago I was in pretty bad shape. I’m 7 months old and only weigh 37 lbs. Just skin and bones. I am anemic, have Lyme disease and my poops aren’t pretty. I might not be much right now, but that is ok because I am the sweetest boy around. I know some basic commands, am housebroken and crate trained. What a deal! My foster mom has been feeding me a special fattening, iron-building diet – human food – yum! I love to fetch balls when I’m not chewing them up. However, I’m not allowed to run too much until I get healthier. That is a little difficult since I just got another foster sister, Lee Ann, who is almost my age and we love to play chase, with a ball in my mouth of course. Then I like to come in and curl up on the sofa and snuggle with my foster mom. My foster mom says it will take some time to build up my weight gradually, but once I fill out, she says I am going to be a very handsome boy. Oh heck, I think I am now, don’t you!?