UPDATE: We just heard from the veterinarian and he said Magic is doing well and the surgery had no complications. Magic is resting comfortably but he wants to keep him overnight. We are so happy and relieved our sweet boy is doing well. Thank you everyone for your prayers and good thoughts.

Today was a difficult day for Magic. He has continued to have trouble with healing from his neuter. Even with limited exercise, his testicles have continued to grow. After coming home I was about to let Magic out for a break and saw several large pools of blood on his bed. We got him to the car quickly and off to the vet. Walking into the vet office he was dripping blood. After making an examination the vet determined that the best course of action would be to perform a scrotal ablation, which essentially is to remove his testicles that are about the size of a softball. Not wanting to put Magic through another surgery so soon, but he was in great discomfort. The vet was going to perform the surgery right away but Magic had eaten. Magic is at the vet and will be operated on first thing in the morning. Although this is not a life threatening surgery it is a difficult one, so please hold Magic in your prayers.

When you've been involved in rescuing dogs as long as I have, you know there are times when you just have to say "no." And there are other times when you say, "we'll figure out a way." Sometimes, you hope for a little magic to make things right for a dog in need. That's exactly what happened to us at Blue Moon Shepherd Rescue just about a week ago.

You see, Blue Moon is one of the rescues that the shelters call when they've run out of options. Sometimes other, larger German shepherd rescues are full. And sometimes these dogs are sick. Or have been horribly mistreated. Or will just take more time or resources than most rescues can afford to spend to get the dogs ready for adoption.

So last week, I was working with some of my shepherds when I received a desperate message from a crowded shelter. "You've got to help this pup," the animal control officer said. "He's in rough shape, but he's an amazing boy." There was something in her plea that told me that I had to see this dog. And she began to tell me his story. About a year or two ago, unwitting relatives gave a tiny puppy to an elderly person as a gift. This act of generosity soon turned awry. The owner left the dog outside, unfed and without water, for days at a time, often forgetting that he even had a dog. As time went on, a caring neighbor noticed the situation and called Animal Control. When they arrived, the agents couldn't believe their eyes. They saw a dog that appeared to be elderly -- emaciated, unstable, weak. Closer inspection revealed that they were mistaken. This was a pup that was probably just over a year old! He was less than 50 lbs (versus the 80 lbs. he should have been!) Pine sap covered his body, pine needles stuck to his skin. He was starving, dehydrated, and in desperate need of medical attention. But they also saw something special in his eyes -- a connection, a gentleness, and a desire to live.

When we saw the pup, we knew we had to get involved. He was broken... sad... and lonely. We're a small rescue, and our resources are tight. Stretched as we were, we saw that look and we couldn't look away. We decided to name the pup Magic, because that's exactly what it would take to make him whole again.

Our first job was to get Magic to the vet. While the vet knew that Magic's previous life had contributed to a host of medical issues, he also knew that the most important step was to nourish his starving body. So we began a regimen of homemade dog food, bone broth and other easily digested food, along with fish oil, supplements and antibiotics. At the same time, we began to soothe his red scabby and itchy skin with medicated baths. His medical future holds some uncertainty, but we know he will need heart worm treatment and neutering, at the very least.

And slowly, ever so slowly, the magic began to appear. We saw a dog that wanted to be loved more than anything else. To have someone to follow around. To give a thousand kisses to. To greet with a wag of the tail and an amazing smile. Through it all, as he gains strength, the sadness in his eyes is starting to fade and he is demonstrating a sweetness and gentleness that just melts our hearts. He appreciates any kindness, care and love we give him. Despite everything he has endured, he is a truly amazing and gentle soul.

Now, we need you to become part of the magic. The costs of Magic's medical care, special diet and longer-term fostering to become adoptable will tax our already stretched rescue. His heartworm treatment and his neutering will cost over $1,400; and his special diet and supplements cost hundreds of dollars a month. Can you help ensure a happy, healthy future for Magic? Our goal is to get Magic well enough and strong enough to be able to be adopted by a loving forever family.

We at BMSR believe in magic. Do you? Please give what you can today.