70-Pound Shelter Dog Milo Is Convinced He's a Lap Dog
Meet Milo: The 70-Pound Lap Dog
Milo may tip the scales at 70 pounds, but in his heart, he's a tiny lap dog. This 5-year-old gentle giant is currently in the care of Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where staff describe him as a "cuddle bug" whose true calling is being someone's companion. Despite his size, Milo is convinced he belongs in your lap—and he's hoping to find a foster or adopter who agrees.
Milo's story is one of resilience and affection. He has previously lived happily with five cats and has enjoyed playdates with other dogs, proving he's a social butterfly with a lot of love to give. But Milo also faces a medical challenge: he has Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM), an immune-mediated disease that affects the muscles used for chewing. Despite this, APR says Milo can still enjoy a happy, loving life with appropriate care and management. In fact, he qualifies for APR's Medical Adoption Program, which will provide his veterinary care through its clinic for the rest of his life. Now, all he needs is a family to call his own.
Milo's Personality and Ideal Home
Milo is a dog who loves the simple pleasures in life. According to Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR), when he isn't playing with plush toys or chasing balls, he enjoys car rides and will follow people around the house like a furry shadow. His affectionate nature and playful spirit make him a delightful companion for the right home.
APR describes Milo as a "cuddle bug" whose true calling is being someone's companion. At 70 pounds, he may not fit in a typical lap, but that doesn't stop him from trying. His previous experience living with five cats and enjoying playdates with other dogs shows he can coexist peacefully with other pets, though the rescue's recent foster plea says a home able to focus just on Milo is ideal for him right now. This suggests that while Milo is friendly with other animals, he would thrive in an environment where he can receive plenty of individual attention and care.
Milo is neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and the rescue describes him as otherwise happy and healthy. He is still waiting for a foster or adopter in Fort Lauderdale. If you're looking for a loyal, loving dog who will follow you from room to room and shower you with affection, Milo might be the perfect match. His ideal home would be one where he can be the center of attention, with people who understand his needs and are willing to provide the care he requires.
If you're considering adopting Milo, it's wise to prepare for the first 30 days after adopting a dog. This guide helps you understand the transition period and set realistic expectations. Additionally, asking the right questions to ask a foster before adopting can ensure a smooth process. Since Milo's medical care is covered, you might wonder about the average adoption fee for a dog at a local shelter—but APR's program removes that financial burden.
Understanding Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM)
Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM) is an immune-mediated disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks specific muscle fibers found in the muscles used for chewing. According to Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR), Milo has been diagnosed with this condition, which can affect a dog's ability to eat and open their mouth comfortably.
The symptoms of MMM can vary depending on whether the disease is in its acute or chronic stage. In acute cases, the chewing muscles can become swollen, and dogs may have difficulty opening their mouths. In chronic cases, muscle loss, difficulty eating, and weight loss can occur. These symptoms can be concerning for any pet owner, but with proper management, many dogs with MMM can live fulfilling lives.
MMM is not fully understood, but it is known to be an autoimmune condition. The immune system, which normally protects the body against disease, mistakenly targets the muscles responsible for chewing. This can lead to inflammation and damage to those muscles. Early treatment is particularly important because prolonged inflammation can eventually cause scar tissue in the affected muscles, which can lead to permanent dysfunction.
Despite the challenges of MMM, APR says Milo can still enjoy a happy, loving life with appropriate care and management. His condition is manageable, and with the right support, he can continue to be the affectionate, playful dog that his caregivers know and love. Understanding MMM is the first step toward providing Milo with the home he deserves.
Treatment and Prognosis for MMM
Treatment for MMM commonly involves corticosteroids to suppress the inappropriate immune response, sometimes alongside other immunosuppressive medications. According to Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR), early treatment is particularly important because prolonged inflammation can eventually cause scar tissue in the affected muscles. This means that timely veterinary intervention can make a significant difference in a dog's long-term comfort and quality of life.
The good news is that the long-term prognosis for MMM is generally favorable. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, most dogs respond well to treatment, although some may experience relapses and require continued veterinary management. This means that with ongoing care, Milo can look forward to a happy future.
APR is committed to ensuring that Milo receives the care he needs. He qualifies for the rescue's Medical Adoption Program, which means APR will provide his veterinary care through its clinic for the rest of his life. This is a tremendous benefit for any adopter, as it removes the financial burden of managing a chronic condition and ensures that Milo will always have access to the treatment he requires.
With appropriate care and management, Milo can enjoy a happy, loving life. His condition does not define him; rather, it is just one aspect of his overall health that needs to be monitored. Potential adopters can feel confident knowing that APR will be there to support them and Milo every step of the way.
APR's Medical Adoption Program: Lifelong Veterinary Care
Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR) understands that adopting a dog with a medical condition can be daunting. That's why they offer the Medical Adoption Program, which provides veterinary care through their clinic for the rest of the dog's life. Milo, with his diagnosis of Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM), qualifies for this program, ensuring that his ongoing medical needs will be met without additional financial strain on his adopter.
This program is a lifeline for dogs like Milo, who require continuous management for chronic conditions. MMM treatment commonly involves corticosteroids to suppress the immune response, sometimes alongside other immunosuppressive medications. These treatments can be costly, but through APR's program, adopters can focus on providing love and a safe home rather than worrying about veterinary bills.
APR's commitment to Milo's health is a testament to their dedication to the animals in their care. By offering lifelong veterinary support, they ensure that Milo can live a comfortable and happy life. This also gives potential adopters peace of mind, knowing that they have a partner in Milo's care.
Milo is neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and the rescue describes him as otherwise happy and healthy. His MMM is manageable, and with APR's support, he can thrive. The Medical Adoption Program is just one of the many ways APR goes above and beyond for their animals, and it's a key reason why Milo's future looks bright.
How to Adopt or Foster Milo
If you're interested in adopting or fostering Milo, you'll be happy to know that he is still waiting for a foster or adopter in Fort Lauderdale. Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR) is seeking a home able to focus just on Milo, as this is ideal for him right now. While he has previously lived happily with five cats and enjoyed playdates with other dogs, a home where he can be the center of attention would be best for his current needs.
Milo is a 5-year-old, 70-pound dog who is neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. He is described by APR as a "cuddle bug" whose true calling is being someone's companion. He loves plush toys, chasing balls, car rides, and following his person around the house. Despite his size, he is convinced he is a lap dog and will happily try to snuggle up with you.
His medical condition, Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM), requires ongoing management, but APR's Medical Adoption Program will cover his veterinary care through their clinic for the rest of his life. This means that as his adopter, you won't have to worry about the cost of his medications or regular check-ups. APR says Milo can still enjoy a happy, loving life with appropriate care and management.
If you have room in your heart and home for a big, affectionate dog who thinks he's a lap dog, consider giving Milo the chance he deserves. Contact Abandoned Pet Rescue in Fort Lauderdale to learn more about fostering or adopting Milo. He's ready to be your furry shadow and your best friend.
Even if you can't adopt, you can help dogs like Milo by donating supplies needed most by animal shelters or learning signs a stray dog is friendly and approachable. If you're under 18, you can volunteer at a local animal shelter under 18. And when you adopt, be mindful of transitioning a stray dog to living indoors and how to stop separation anxiety in dogs.
Source: iHeartDogs
