Martin

by Syd Sullins

There have been a lot of new faces at The Ranch, but one very familiar face has been gone since February.

Our Martin has been with us for nearly 24 years. He started working very soon after we were established. In addition to providing the needed care for the dogs, Martin also did our maintenance work.

Most important, he was our unofficial dog whisperer. He could get our most frightened dogs to come around. When it was time to pair dogs with new run mates, we always went to Martin for his opinion as he just seemed to have a sixth sense of who would do well together.

About a year ago, we noticed that Martin was losing weight and seemed to be getting weaker. He was seeing doctors but didn't seem to be better. Early this year, we helped him get the medical care he needed and what we learned was disturbing. One of his lungs was collapsed and filled with fluid. We booked him an appointment with a pulmologist, but two of our caring volunteers decided to get him immediate health care in Guadalajara. He had surgery in the hospital and they ran tests on him and the doctors determined he had latent tuberculosis. He was in a private hospital for a couple of weeks and then transferred to a public hospital in San Juan Cosala.

His recovery has been slow and he continues to lose weight. He has finished the medications he's been taking for the TB, and the hope is that after he finishes these medications he'll begin to recover some strength and gain weight, but it's very unlikely that he'll ever be able to work at The Ranch again. He's living with his brother in Ajijic now where he's safe and comfortable. He likes to occasionally come see us, usually on Sunday. The Ranch and our dogs have been an important part of his life.

If you see Martin, be sure and tell him hello. He thinks of us as his second family and will certainly appreciate your thoughts and well wishes.