It’s less than a week when Bud comes to us, assuming he passes one more heartworm test on Friday. We are ready – dog beds, crates, all we need is some treats.

Carol Johnson, who has been nurturing Bud back to health, says she is cracking down (dog biscuits only!). I’m dubious, Carol is one big squishy heart, she has a hard time resisting Bud’s imploring us, he loves to snack.

And I don’t blame her, she seems the awful ways in which some of these dogs have suffered, it is hard not to spoil them a bit.

But there is other news today from Carol and South Arkansas regarding Boston Terriers.

Carol says she is going Monday to pick up a female Boston Terrier found a few days ago starving in the woods in South Arkansas, where Carol lives.

Carol works with Friends Of Homeless Animals, a rescue group I support. And it will be a lucky dog if she falls into Carol’s care.

She said it seems the dog was abandoned in the woods – this happens often in Arkansas she says – and was living there for  weeks or months, she is emaciated down to less than 10 lbs, she is all bones and cuts and sores.

Carol says sometimes when she gets to a home where a dog is being held, the dog has already been given away.

But if the dog is still there, she will bring it to the vet for testing, it is almost sure to have heartworm like Bud. And she may suffer from other health issues as well, Carol doesn’t know how old she is.

I must admit when I heard this story, I wanted to adopt the dog on the spot, but there is much to be learned about her first, assuming she falls into the loving and capable hands of FOHA and Carol.

Maria and I are both agree that three dogs are enough for us, given what else is going on. Still, I am a bit wobbly on this. But she will find a home, I’m sure. Lots of people wanted Bud.

The poor dog will be in good hands with Carol and FOHA,  know how to bring dogs back from the edge of life, they are patient and committed and loving.

Carol says she will let me know about the dog when she sees her and  gets her to the vet, if that happens. I’ll follow this story and let people know, this is a dog, I feel, that must get to a good home.

In any case, if all goes well with his tests, Bud will be on a big truck heading to Brattleboro, Vt. at noon Saturday, when we will go and meet him and bring him home. I am excited.

From Gus to Bud, though megaesophagus and loss and Bud’s own struggle, this is a rich and powerful tale. From the minute I saw him on the FOHA website and spoke with Carol, I felt  Bud belong at Bedlam Farm and so did Maria.

I have a strong feeling we shall see him on Saturday. Come on home, Bud.  You’ve had enough trouble and stress for any dog this year, time to find peace and safety and love here at Bedlam Farm. Like Gus before you, you’ll get to meet a lot of people at the Open House, if you’re up for it.

And who knows what the fates have in store? Maybe there will one day be a BT sister.