GALTx eNews: Treasure Every Happy Ending!
When we say "no grey turned away," we mean we will not turn away a hound seeking a forever home because of the need for expensive veterinary care. Recently, two greys with significant health issues called on us for just this kind of help.
First, on September 14th, we welcomed Shelby who ran stray until she collapsed in a residential yard. Shelby weighed all of 38 pounds and appeared shockingly thin. We are giving her frequent small meals to help her gain weight. Shelby tested negative for heartworm but positive for Ehrlichia Canis. She may require two to three rounds of treatment for Ehrlichia Canis and each round costs nearly $700. Although she is still a little weak, we anticipate that she will fully recover.
On September 15th, we welcomed Cactus, a three year old retired racer from Florida. She had a high fever and difficulty breathing. Cactus received her preliminary evaluation from Dr. Jeff Ellis of VCA Preston Park Animal Hospital then transferred to an emergency clinic for administration of inter-nasal oxygen over the weekend. She also received plasma and two units of packed red blood cells generously donated by Hemopet.
On Monday, Cactus moved to VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic for further treatment by Dr. Brandy Porterpan. Cactus received the best of care as comfortable as she could be in an enclosed oxygen unit while the vets ran tests, including an ultrasound on her liver and spleen and a test for fungal infection. None of the tests revealed her underlying issue and so her vets planned a biopsy of her lungs. But on Wednesday, before the biopsy could be completed, Cactus lost her fight. We will continue to work with her vets to determine what took her young life. We are left with broken hearts and vet bills approaching $10,000.
Cactus reminds us that happy endings must be treasured as they are never guaranteed and we remain committed to giving each hound the best possible chance. Please help us continue to respond when called by donating to the Miss Mesa Fund in Cactus's honor. Many thanks to those of you who have already donated for her. We are forever grateful for your continued support.
