Glen Highland Team

Relinquish a Dog

Animal Communication

Loving Tributes

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We're glad Norbit is here because his diagnostics told a bigger story than heartworm…

He has cardiomegaly, secondary to heartworm disease. His heart is 60% larger than it should be, making his heart pump harder than usual and often the organs like lungs and kidneys also work poorly. His labwork reveals lots of problems in his body. This all leaves him in a VERY delicate state… he fatigues without much effort… he is generally sedate. He is certainly not living the life of a Border Collie, even at 10.

Norbit’s condition is guarded. At Glen Highland’s Senior Sanctuary, we often have older dogs who are at death’s door and the soft landing we can provide lessens their suffering as well as provides a cocoon of love. Many we have lost had the best week… weeks or month… before they returned to spirit.

While we cannot predict Norbit’s time ahead, we are using an Echocardiogram to assess his prognosis and we’ll update his bio soon.

On arrival to Glen Highland, Norbit kept to himself, assessing his new situation, looking so serious as his entire world had changed. But now he follows our caretaker around, and comes in for hellos and head scratches with a wag of his nub tail. He is enjoying his Border Collie pals, moving easily amongst them and showing interest in simplified ball and toy play, too, pouncing like a cat on his ‘prize’. Norbit also helps our caretaker keep track of mealtimes... he loves to eat! He also recently discovered the comfort of a cushy dog bed - he used to prefer sleeping in the middle of a rug.

Some of Norbit’s new buddies are also on borrowed time so they all are moving at about the same speed…thankfully all of them, Norbit included, have a great will to go on! They love attention, play time and food... All good indicators that more time is possible.

Norbit is a petite 37 pounds. He was discovered on a boat with his deceased guardian. The guardian’s family told the shelter to euthanize him because they didn’t want him. THAT was not meant to be his fate.

A huge thanks to rescuer Chris Mueller who advocated for Norbit to get to
Glen Highland; and to GH adopter Sandy Iglesias who dropped everything
driving a 7 hour roundtrip to prevent his euthanasia. Days later,
Norbit traveled 24 hours from Texas to Virginia. And major kudos to the very
overcrowded Galveston Shelter who refused to put down such a
nice dog when the relative said to do so.

All these heroes are needed as more and more Border Collies,
especially Seniors, truly fight for their lives just hoping for a second chance.

Norbit, like all the Glen Highland Seniors, will receive everything
he needs to be totally cherished until the last breath.

Sending love, positive energy, strength and courage to help you heal. - Cathy & Steve Bouck, Ziggy & GH alum Lincoln

In honor of GH alum Janie's 12th Birthday
- Barbara Erskine

In loving memory of Cooper: You left pawprints on my soul! Forever loved! - Sandy & Mike Fazio

"You are safe now."
- Love Linda, Sky, Jim & Alice the cat

Denise Hocking