August 12, 2004:  Indy --  "Indiana Jones", "Indy 500", "Dr. Chocolate"! Within minutes of meeting this senior charmer, we had all sorts of nick names for him.

Indy is an incredible senior chocolate Labrador Retriever who has come through some really hard times after having a good life with a caring family:  He had just endured the stresses of being at the Fairbanks Animal Shelter without his medication for about a week when a former owner discovered Indy's picture in the Shelter's webpage (www.petfinder.com). We understand that a request was made for Indy to be euthanized rather than suffer the indignities of a shelter. Instead, the Shelter was able to negotiate a rescue through GRRF because Indy simply has too much life and loving in him!  It turns out the former family was broken apart due to divorce and moving.  Poor Indy (estimated age is somewhere between 10 and 13 years old) was simply a casualty, collateral damage.

This dignified elderly gentleman does have special care needs.  He has severe hip displasia which requires twice daily medication with Rimadyl.  Indy is deaf, or nearly so.  He has cataracts, so his vision is likely impaired.  However, he does great with hand signals.  Indy has only smiles and a wagging tail--he has a stoic yet  happy, zen-like approach to life.  Aurora Animal Clinic has done a complete examination of Indy for GRRF and he is up to date on his vacinations.  He is currently undergoing treatment for a bladder infection, which should be healed shortly.

Indy has difficulty with steep inclines and stairs.  His foster mom has been lifting him in and out of her full-size pickup truck.  Indy helps (he has such a great attitude). He is great with other dogs and with cats, and seems to enjoy the company of animals.  His great love and focus however, is humans.  Indy simply shined with all the attention and people at the August 14th Family Pet Day at the Tanana Valley State Fair.