A Better Life - Pet Rescue - A Better Life

A Better Life - Pet Rescue

OPEN YOUR HEART TO A RESCUED PET

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Since January 2005, A Better Life- Pet Rescue has placed 491 animals in loving, permanent homes!

Less than 20% of people who adopt animals get them from shelters or rescues.
Be a part of the solution, not the problem.

Go to our adoption page to view our current dogs for adoption. You can also go to our petfinder page to view our entire selection of rescue doggies and kitties!

In Memoriam

7/14/08
Duncan lost his battle today.
Please read the message below from his foster family... and thank you to all who believed in him,

It is my very sad duty to inform you all that Duncan, the German Shepherd we were fostering, passed away this afternoon.

Although he had rallied in the last several weeks, even gaining 7 and 1/2 pounds and acting very much like a normal, energetic, happy dog, he started to suddenly regress on Friday morning when he woke up lethargic and with no appetite. Over the weekend at the Animal Hospital, he spiked a high fever in response to the blood transfusion they had given him to treat his severe anemia and went on to suffer tremors and finally, today, experiencing severe and chronic pain, despite heavy dosages of morphine, as the infection(s) he was battling moved into his spine and neck.

When I went to see him this afternoon, he was crying despite the medications and the (several) doctors I consulted in addition to the A Better Life Pet Rescue's dedicated team and their consulting veterinarian, all said the same thing: he was already receiving the maximum dosages of antibiotics and other medications used to treat all of the potential infections he might have. His bone marrow was not regenerating as it would need to in order to fight his infections and his red blood cell count was also not coming back, as it should have been. In short, his body was shutting down and there was nothing else they could do to save him. Additional tests would be painful, life threatening, and futile.

So, for his sake, we had to let him go peacefully. To do otherwise, I am convinced, would have been selfish of us and unfair to him.

I stayed with him throughout the procedure and he saw me and was aware that I was there as I stroked his head and told him that he was dearly loved.

As much as it hurt, I am grateful for having known this gentle and loving spirit for the short time he was with us. The consulting doctor told me that the "miracle" of Duncan was not that he would somehow survive the overwhelming odds he faced, but that he experienced the short burst of the normalcy I mentioned above. She said that medically he should not have been the happy seemingly healthy dog we saw at the end. But somehow he was blessed with that short reprieve and I am glad for it.

To all of you who have prayed and cared and donated and assisted: thank you on behalf of Duncan and all of us who knew and loved him. Special thanks to A Better Life Pet Rescue for allowing us the privilege of fostering him as well.

7/13/08
Duncan was doing well on the Procrit injections for his bone marrow. Unfortunately his red bloods cell count continued to slowly drop until it was necessary to give him a transfusion. During the process, Duncan spiked a fever of 104 and developed a muscle twitch in his shoulders and neck. This is a side affect often associate with anemia, so at this time we feel we are still fighting the same underlying problem. Duncan is staying at AVS in order to be monitored until Monday when we can proceed with additional testing. A new doctor has become involved in Duncan's case and has offered some fresh perspective on his symptoms. She has suggested a few other tests that we can easily do to make sure that we are pursuing the most effective treatment for our boy. Duncan is doing his part by eating, drinking, and being lovable! He is not enjoying the time at the hospital and looks forward to going back to his foster home and bed. That is the very least that he deserves and with your support we will work to make that a reality! duncan's bills have exceeded $3000. We don't know what is ahead of us but we do know that Duncan deserves whatever we can spare. This poor boy has been through so much. If you would like to donate, you can send them through paypal or to our PO Box listed below.

**UPDATE** 7/4/08
Say a prayer for Duncan.
Duncan's recheck today was filled with mixed news. On one hand he has gained 5 lbs in the last 10 days and is his energy level and mood are what you would expect of a healthy dog. However, his bone marrow is still not responding to the immunosuppresant steroids and is not making platelets he needs. As a result he has slight bleeding under his skin. AVS is going to put him on an injection that is given to cancer patients in which chemo therapy has destroyed their bone marrow. He will be rechecked on Wednesday. We are asking for everyone's positive thoughts and support as we continue to do everything we can to support Duncan.

**UPDATE** 7/1/08
Hi everyone! Well, Duncan's sprits are up as he is eating and drinking just like any fabulous doggie would! His blood levels will be tested on Saturday so everyone keep your paws crossed! New photos to come!

**UPDATE** 6/22/08
Duncan went back for more blood tests and his levels are slighlty better (by two points only but its something!). All test results now point to Ehrlichiosis (which is what we thought) and no cancer was found. Now its just a waiting game to see if Duncan reponds to his many medications. We are hopeful, as always.

**UPDATE** 6/14/08
Duncan goes back to AVS on Thursday 6/19 for another evaluation. Still awaiting test results, after ten days. We will keep you posted!

**UPDATE** 6/12/08
Duncan's bloodwork came back reading the same. EXCEPT his blood chemistry and protein levels were much better! The vet believes this is because Duncan is finally digesting the nutrients from his food! A small step but a huge one for Duncan! We are STILL awaiting the results from his blood marrow and Titer tick test. Thanks for your support!

**UPDATE** 6/8/08
Duncan had a follow up appointment with AVS today. We are still awaiting the results of the bone marrow biopsy, but pretty much know that at this point Duncan's bone marrow is not producing the white blood cells and platelets that it should. AVS believes that Duncan has Ehrlichiosis, which, left untreated, can wipe out the bone marrow. It is transmitted by an infected tick and is treatable though hard to get under control. Had it been caught early he would never be where he is now, fighting for his life. However, as is abundantly clear, Duncan was severely neglected. His illness was left untreated as were the intestinal parasites that likely led to the state of emaciation that we found him in. At the moment Duncan is on eight different medications to try and support his body and fight the ehrlichiosis while at the same time suppressing his immune system to allow his bone marrow to become healthy again. It is a dangerous balance in that any infection or bleeding could be too much for his body to handle. On a lighter note, Duncan has no idea and is happier than ever! Everyday he is more and more like a normal 2 year old dog. He is thrilled to be resting at his foster mom's house on his big dog bed and can't believe his luck that he now gets 4 square meals a day!
So think good thoughts for Duncan. To all of those wonderful people who have donated to his cause, we can't thank you enough! We will keep everyone posted!

6/5/08
Duncan is a young German Shepherd dog found starving in Miami. Unfortunately his ‘savior’ turned out to be anything but and he spent two months tied to a mini-van in the driveway, unable to avoid the Florida sun. We went in with the intention of assessing Duncan. Once we saw the state he was in, we immediately put him in the car and left. Despite his wonderful personality and loving nature, it was clear that he was dying. We had hoped that he would thrive with normal veterinary care. He was’t so lucky. Duncan was hospitalized at the Winter Garden Animal Hospital where they attempted to get his blood counts up. Unfortunately, he was getting worse and was rushed to AVS (Affiliated Vet Specialists) last week in order to determine what he is facing and effectively save his life. We are now awaiting results to see what the outcome is. We hope to raise enough money to help this wonderful boy get whatever he needs and help him live a happy life. Duncan is only a year and half old.
Though we have only known Duncan for a week, at least a dozen people nervously await any bit of information on his condition. These are the people whose lives have already been touched by this beautiful soul. His is the kind of tale that we take home with us and we must do everything possible to give him a chance at a life he has never known and always deserved. A Better Life Pet Rescue will not shy away from the fight that we are facing, but we cannot do it alone. Duncan’s medical bills have approached $2300 and there is no way to tell how much more he will need. We are reaching out to anyone who has ever had or known an animal that has touched their lives. Anyone who has ever wished they could do something to help the suffering, abused animals that are so regrettably prevalent in our society. Duncan needs your support. We are a 501.3c nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. If you know any person or corporation who may be able to help, please tell them Duncan’s story.

Just click on the paypal button below to donate or you can mail a check to our address below.

We are 501 C(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. We will gladly take donations in the form of dog food, crates, collars, leashes, treats and any dog toys. Please go to our page if you would like to join our . Monetary donations can be sent to:

A Better Life - Pet Rescue

PO Box 582

Ocoee, FL 34761

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