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Written by: Mark Bernazzoli
We at Last Day Dog Rescue have some more sad news about a whole litter of dogs that need our help…ours and yours.
Let us introduce some adorable Labrador/Shepherd mix pups, all babies of LuLu, and named after singers: Elton (John), Elvis (Presley), Dusty (Springfield), Olivia (Newton-John), Ringo (Starr), Petula (Clark), and Tina (Turner).
This whole family was about to be euthanized when it was rescued, in total, by a Foster. Mother and pups arrived in a crate, as sweet as could be, and completely unaware of what danger they were in for.
It was discovered and quickly announced to the Foster that one dog in the group transferred tested positive for the dreaded and indiscriminate Canine Parvovirus -- a disease that turns the gastro-intestinal tract into a liquid quagmire of pain and suffering.
The babies were quickly quarantined and vaccinated with hopes that it would be enough, soon enough. In fact, everything looked so good for them, and they were so irresistible, that they all had applications in place and were set for adoption! But, their last visit to the vet for worming and a final check-up was the day that they began to sicken. At first, everyone chalked it up to a reaction to the wormer, but a few hours later they received the diagnosis – Parvo.
One by one they began to falter. A desperate scramble to get them on Tamiflu (which is known to help with complications from the virus) and an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic ended with Elton, Olivia and Tina being the sickest, with white cell counts as low as 400. Dusty and Petula have pulled through, but Elvis and Ringo are fading fast. They are all being monitored very carefully. Thankfully, LuLu is healthy, but very concerned over the whereabouts of her babies. There will be transfusions and medications and slow recoveries in store for all these poor babies. And prayers. Many, many prayers for each of them and for their team of veterinary professionals.
Unfortunately, in all our efforts to save dogs from shelters, we always run the risk of finding one infected with Parvovirus. In fact, the high contagion rate of Parvo is one of the prime reasons that shelters will not keep dogs for very long – puppies are frequently killed upon arrival. Frighteningly, just one week’s exposure can result in a full-blown case, which will spread from animal to animal with lightning speed.
Too many shelters lack the funding necessary for the highly expensive course of treatment for Parvo, and the cost of saving just one litter of pups can close a rescue organization down.
That’s what sets Last Day Dog Rescue apart. Because of our relationship with our veterinary team, we are able to take in animals no one else will, get them treated, and still have the unbelievably compassionate luxury of paying later. But the bills still come, thousands of dollars worth, and if those expenses mount too high we fear that even the best of intentions and relations may cost the lives of so many other dogs in need.
What will set you apart? Are you as concerned as we are? What can you do to help? What can you spare to save a life? Every donation, no matter how small, helps to chip away at our obligations.
Consider joining forces with a group of friends, relatives and co-workers to sponsor even one pup’s treatment. Ask your employers if they have a matching gift program in place. Start a fund-raising effort in your office or neighborhood, not just for these dogs but for ones past and future who still and will need whatever you can offer.
Most importantly, please do something. If all you can do is to pass the word along to someone who can help, then that will set you both apart. And as your efforts expand, person by person, we’ll be able to say that we made a difference, together; that our love and compassion help saved these puppies, and however more may follow.
Thank you today, yesterday and always, and remember that you are in our hearts and minds and prayers. Please, in kind, remember us and Elton and Elvis and Dusty and Olivia and Ringo and Petula and Tina and………
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