Bocephus

A little late announcing, but this month’s Mutt of the Month for April is Bo! I just love his ears!! This poor boy has been through a lot and as we know, a dog in pain can have the potential to react to that pain. With frequent vet visits and new introductions, Bo will definitely benefit from having a more comfortable muzzle than what he’s currently using!!

Here is a little background on Bo from his current rescue, Anna’s Angels Dog Rescue :

Handsome Bocephus aka “Bo”, is a 3.5 year old, 60 lb , bully breed mix, rescue dog from Texas. He ended up in a shelter in Texas after he was tied to a tree and left for dead. He was pulled from that shelter at risk of euthanasia. He made the journey from Texas to Canada, where he was welcomed into an incredible foster home. Sometimes the adjustment for these dogs after such a long trip can be so challenging. Unfortunately due to unknown traumas suffered before intake into rescue, Bo does exhibit fear reactivity and aggressive/ protective behaviours when meeting and being in proximity to strangers and other people.

He was bounced to an another foster, and shortly thereafter to another foster with whom he is currently residing.

This poor boy has had a lot of changes, challenges and uncertainty in his short life. His current foster is dedicated to helping Bo work through and overcome the challenges his reactivity presents and help him feel safe and supported throughout his journey.

To complicate the matter, unfortunately, is the victim of some poor health circumstances. Shortly after arrival to his current foster, Bo developed concerning bleeding from his right nostril. He was assessed by a local vet clinic and his results were staggering. He is known heartworm positive which is being treated, but he was diagnosed with a heart murmur, he also is suffering currently from thrombocytopenia (extremely low platelet count) , anemia (low hemoglobin) and an infection of unknown nature.

As a result he must be referred to the care of Cardiology and Internal Medicine specialty practices to help get him the help he so desperately needs medically. His road is long and challenging, with multiple consults, procedures, and tests already booked.

Bo has been successfully muzzle trained using a Baskerville size 5, however, the fit is so poor and uncomfortable for him and alternative sizing options are nil. We need to use the size 5 so Bo maintains the ability to be able to open his mouth enough to be safe, but it is far too long, it jams up into his eyes causing him discomfort, visual disruptions and to be unable to probably accept treats. It continues to squish the sides of his face despite attempting to reshape the muzzle to fit more comfortably. And ultimately his current muzzle rubs him in many places, and because of his significant thrombocytopenia, poor Bo is developing quite a lot of bruising and subsequent pains because of this poor fit as well.

Bo requires a muzzle for all new introductions to people. As well as outings in public when he will be in the company of other people he does not know. He will also need to wear his muzzle at all his subsequent vet appointments so he can safely receive appropriate care. This is for safety as we work to understand his triggers and help him learn better situation management strategies.

Bo currently resides with 2 resident pups and a dog selective/ reactive foster pup ( named Gracie ). Bo is dog friendly but is a gigantic puppy and can be a bit much for some dogs to handle. A muzzle has been used for safe introductions while the dogs build trust in each other.

Bo is an incredibly, loving, snuggly, goofy, one of a kind pup. Once he trusts you, he loves with everything he’s got. Bo is an incredibly special guy who has been dealt a difficult hand in this life. It’s incredible to see opening up and learning to trust his people.

With the help of a Mia’s Muzzle muzzle, I know that we could make incredible strides with continuing to improve our muzzle training, allowing him to comfortably wear a muzzle, without irritation, bruising, and discomfort. We are confident that with a properly fit, safe and comfortable muzzle, and a little bit of consistency and patience and support, Bo will thrive! The muzzle would allow him to safely receive veterinary care he so desperately needs. And allow him to safely learn to navigate this world and hopefully soon be able to begin his search again for his forever family.