Written by Jen Taylor, Pets Alive West Executive Director:
Once in the while people will ask us “how can you justify spending thousands of dollars on just one animal”? Many of you may wonder the same thing from time to time. Of course we all love animals, we all want to save lives, and we all want to end the needless killing of healthy and adoptable animals nationwide. But what truly separates an animal “worth” saving from one that is “not”? Is there ever a difference?
I’d like to introduce you all to an adorable little puppy named Mike. Mike is a six month old Weimaraner mix with stunning blue eyes and hilarious webbed feet on his front paws that are much too big for him. Mike arrived at our Elmsford facility on Tuesday August 28th 2012 in a large transport of 89 other dogs who had travelled over 30 hours from Baton Rouge, LA. This was the second group of dogs from the mass rescue collaboration between the ASPCA, the Companion Animal Alliance and Pets Alive. We had previously received 83 Baton Rouge dogs who were all adopted in just a few weeks after they arrived. We had every hope and intention of placing this second group just as quickly.
Unfortunately when Mike was carried off the truck it was immediately apparent that something was very wrong. The transporter advised that about 15 hours into their trip they noticed this sweet pup was showing some alarming symptoms of illness- but they had no choice but to keep pressing forward and get him to our facility where he could be seen by medical staff. They paid special attention to him along the ride and tended to him as best as they could during the transport, but as soon as they pulled up they rushed him out to us and advised he needed help as soon as possible. Cradled in our arms we rushed him into the medical suite where he was given a full medical exam and started on fluids. As our onsite veterinarian began to pull his blood to run some simple tests she was alarmed at the consistency of the sample. At that moment Mike instantly began to shake and was having a very hard time breathing. We were fearful that he may require a blood transfusion, a procedure we were not able to perform on site at PAW, so we brought him directly to the vet hospital.
After several tests and x-rays Mike was diagnosed with severe pneumonia which was compounded by extreme malnutrition caused by an extreme parasitic infection. At that time we were told they were not confident of his chances of survival. The cost of care would be quite high and the vet hospital wanted our decision on how to proceed. Did we let this sweet baby go simply out of fear of the costs it would take to save him? Without hesitation we decided to push forward with Mike’s treatment and give him a chance at life. In fact, we never really actually considered the alternative. This is what we do. We save lives and we give every animal, every chance at HAVING a life!
Mike was in the hospital for a week, oxygen dependent, and still very weak – however his x-ray’s showed significant improvement and he was eating on his own! When he was finally able to be taken off of the oxygen he was released back into our care for the remainder of his recovery. As I write this he sits at my feet and stares up at me with his piercing blue eyes and I swear I can feel him saying “Thank You”. He is such a happy little pup. So full of life, wonder and excitement. So happy to be free from the IV lines and oxygen mask. He rolls around on his back and rubs with his oversized paws along his muzzle for what seems like hours. We are working on getting him to a more healthy weight and continuing his medications to fight off further infections, and hopefully very soon, into a home of his own!
His week of specialized care came to a total of $5,150! That is pretty much our veterinary budget for the whole month, so we are in a tough spot to pay off this little guy’s care.
Please help us cover the costs we incurred to save this beautiful boys life. If you believe, as we believe, that EACH and EVERY life is worth saving and is worth fighting for another chance, another day, then please consider making a contribution towards his bill – but more meaningful – towards his life!
As a rescue we pull thousands of animals to safety every year. Many of these animals arrive in poor health after narrowly escaping death at overrun, dirty, or poorly managed shelters. We will do whatever it takes to save them, to nurse them back to health and give them a second chance at life and a forever home. But we cannot do it with YOU and your support.
Please continue to help us, to help them.
Help us save another life today, tomorrow and every day.
Thank you!!