A special request was made on behalf of Judy and Dr. Dave Baird of Bloomfield Animal Hospital. They asked REGAP to talk to our contacts and find them a special puppy. They knew that most puppies never make it past their first months, but the Bairds were willing to wait. They already had several rescued greyhounds to keep them busy. A rescuer in Florida began to contact many trainers and breeders as a favor to us. No puppies were available then, but in time, a breeder told her that he would give her Ricky, a 5-month-old puppy.

When Ricky made his way up to Michigan, it was anything but a happy ending. Ricky arrived with a severe case of Ricketts, a condition that results from severe malnutrition. His left leg is severely deformed and will need several surgeries (ulnar ostectomy). His back is severely arched, and his sight diminished. He is bow-legged and his walk is wobbly causing him to frequently stumble. He also arrived with a urinary tract infection, hookworms, ticks, and fleas.

As a result of his neglect Ricky also suffers from behavioral problems. He exhibits very few personality traits, does not wag his tail, excessively eats and drinks (psychological disorder) and shows some aggression. Ricky is under the continued care of Judy and Dr. David Baird. Although he is very difficult to manage due to his lack of any kind of attention span, they love him just the same. His medical care will be extensive and ongoing. However, he has been blessed as a result of being adopted by the Bairds.