The vet looked him over and gave him a pill that that he claimed would kill the fleas. Having never heard of such a thing I was skeptical. After a through exam the vet confirmed that the skin breakout was ringworm(a fungus) and he had some other intestinal worm. More medication was given the expel them through his bowl movement. Topical medicine was prescribed for the ringworm and a prescription shampoo that had to be done daily for him and our existing dog. The vet then said it would be a good idea to try and get some of the cactus off of him and bring him back in ~10 days for his first shots. My response was, "Bring him back in ten days? Are you crazy? If I cannot find his owner he is going to a shelter." Dr. Moyer smiled and said because we were doing a good deed with the dog that he was reducing his bill and giving us a bag of puppy food. It was still in excess of $100 and I left thinking that doing a good deed could end up being costly. About half the way home he fell asleep in the backseat (still in the container).
Upon arriving home I retrieved the dog from the container and believe it or not the bottom was covered in dead fleas. No fleas on the dog. First order of business was to feed and water the little creature. He downed the food and water and sat in front of me looking at me with those puppy dog eyes. My wife came out with a pair of tweezers and said that I should get to work on the cactus. I explained that I had phone interviews scheduled and two clients to call back. She informed me that my schedule was cleared and that she would handle the clients. So there I sat for over three hours trying to remove the cactus. The puppy was resistant at first but soon realized that I was helping him and fell asleep. By the time I was done it was time to feed him once again and this time I took him inside for the first time to eat. He took his last bite and made his way over to my feet and fell asleep. My wife asked my what I was going to name him and I replied that we were not keeping the dog. Needless to say that nursing this dog to better health on Friday and Saturday was not easy without a name to call him.
Calls to the local shelters and animal control facilities turned up no reports of a missing puppy. By Sunday no matter where I went--indoors or outdoors--the puppy was at my heals. I took the path down to the bottom of the property just to see if maybe there was a mother dog with a litter. The little puppy was doing everything to keep up with me. Finding nothing I gave up and made my way back to the top--this time carrying the dog. My wife then told me that since it was apparent that I wanted to keep him that he should have a name. After a brief pause I realized she was right and Lucky joined our pack.
He has gained 10 oz. since Thursday. The ringworm looks like it is clearing up and he still will not leave my side. Integrating him with our Jack Russell Terrier (Jack--see avatar) is coming along and we think they will be fine together in time. Now the question is just what breed of dog is he? His skin and inside his mouth has spots like a Terrier. The markings of his coat remind me of a Border Collie. The vet thought he may have a bit of Shar Pe. Any thoughts on the breed?
Here is a picture I took this morning with my phone:
Click thumbnail for full-size view.
That dog knew he what he was doing. he found a spot to freeload and sponge off of you for the rest of his life!! 
