"Barbarossa" came to DunRoamin' on June 24, 2012 from Carleton County Animal Shelter in Debec where he had apparently been abandoned. Some people tried to catch him for several days because he appeared to have an injured hind leg and was drooling badly. He was eventually live trapped. Barbarossa was an intact male who was born about June 15, 2010.
He was examined and diagnosed with earmites, marked gingivitis, ulcers and infection on his tongue (thus the drooling, and the pain would have made it very difficult to eat). He also had several bite wounds on his head and body and a bad wound on his left thigh. He had most likely been attacked and bitten, perhaps by a dog, fox or coyote. Barbarossa's injuries were treated and he was neutered and he also needed dental surgery to remove infected teeth. On August 13, 2013 he went to a foster home with his friend Dizzy and eventually came back to DunRoamin'.
In December, 2016, Barbarossa was diagnosed with renal (kidney) failure. He was prescribed a Renal diet and sub-cutaneous fluids daily but was otherwise fine. He received a catheter to deliver these fluids in a very fast, efficient and pain-free manner and he was very happy to have the love and support of his friends at DunRoamin'. Other than having a bag of fluids attached to his catheter for five minutes daily, he required no additional medical care or support. His favourite way to pass the time was to chase and carry his toys around our Reception Area and he loved to steal Samuel's bed! Sam finally gave up and shared it with him, as they had become such very close friends. On April 6, 2017, Barbarossa was diagnosed with anemia, so we made him as comfortable and happy as possible. He loved to cuddle and play, so that's what he got to do at every opportunity, thanks to our staff and volunteers who loved him so dearly.
On the evening of April 17, 2017, Barbarossa left us. He is now happy, healthy and playing in the soft green grass at Rainbow Bridge with his other DunRoamin' friends while he awaits the day we will all see him again. Be well until then, Barbarossa. We miss you.