Debbie runs ahead

It is with much sadness that I send out this note. Yesterday we had to make the very difficult decision to let Debbie go. The past couple weeks have been a roller coaster ride. She would have a couple good days and then some very bad days. Only after consulting with all the vets involved with her care - VCA All Care, Dr. Michael Moore, Eye Care for Animals - Dr. Brinkis, Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital - Dr. Gertmanian - and Barbara Davis, did I finally have to make this very emotional decision. This horrible fungus infection had started to take hold again and Debbie was now in considerable pain. We knew we could no more for her and we have let her run free to play at the beach and do all the things she so loved when she was feeling better. We had all so hoped she would have recovered but that was not in her future.

Please take time to read Teri's note about Debbie and download these lovely pictures (click here) of her on Debbie's good days. I want to thank Teri and Jim Butcher for lovingly fostering her all these months. They had gone above and beyond with her care - running her to all her vet appointments, picking up her medicine and spending the better park of most days with her and her care. We all thank you so much. Debbie was well cared for and loved during the time she was with Teri and Jim.

We will always remember this sweet, tail wagging, happy girl that was so gentle and very beautiful. I want to thank our Rescue Organization for their support and for caring. This is what it is all about - doesn't always end like we want it to, but we are still out there trying. Thanks for the donations and it is our fundraisers and supporters that help us keep saving and helping our less fortunate Goldens.

Carole


From Debbie's foster mom: 
Thank you so much for letting me know before Debbie was put down and giving me the option to see her. After we got off the phone I had a good cry for my sadness over losing her. But, I was very happy for her to move out of her pain and suffering. I was driving when we were on the phone so, I kept going and ended up at the Harbor to sit on the bench that Debbie and I would sit on so I could throw food into the rocks. We would wait for the squirrels to surface and then she would scare them off. It was a fun game. Everyday was a new adventure. We would go somewhere new in my car. I opened all the windows so she could say hi to passing cars. People and other dogs would say hi to her from their cars. Debbie was so affectionate. Every night we both would crawl up on her doggie bed and I would hold her until she fell asleep.
 
She brought so much happiness to our home and we will miss her so much.
 
Sleep peacefully sweet Debbie.

Teri

Camille ready for adoption!

I went to visit with Camille today and they have taken out her stitches.  She is now ready for ADOPTION.  Yes, she kind of looks like a sheep right now with the shaved head and ears but that hair will grow back to her gorgeous prior surgery self.  The interesting thing that we have all found out that have worked with her, is that she can truly still hear well enough to be active, playful and knows what is going on around her. She knows when I walk in the room and gets up to greet me. It's amazing but we are all so happy. The thankful thing is that she is no longer is the great pain she had been in previously. We all so happy for her.

Camille doing very well!

I went to visit with Camille today and she is doing great. Yes, she still doesn't have hair on her ears or head but she is perky, happy and loves her walks. Amazingly, she can hear some. Everyone is shaking their heads but she is not totally deaf. On her walk today, she met several men who were working and, of course, she had to mosey over to get some hugs and pats from them. She doesn't even realize she has this cone on her head now and just struts along like she has her bonnet on. The stitches are scheduled to be removed in another week. At that time, she is available to go to a foster home or a forever home. I'll put her on the "available dog site" at that time. Currently she will go to a single dog home as she is not comfortable with other dogs and we have not been able to test her with cats. An adult home with lots of love available would be perfect for her. Stay tuned for her available date.

Good and bad days for Debbie

Debbie continues to have her good days and her bad days. We had to take her back into the vets this past week because of bleeding sessions the previous day. She still has her periods of repeat bleeding from the nasal passage and her affected eye has sunken into the socket. This fungus has eaten the bone in that area and she has no use of that eye now. She continues to be a happy friendly girl and it is so sad to watch what this has done to her. She continues to go for walks to the park and beach, rides in the car and get lots of fresh air with her foster mom who has been so patient with her situation.

Just when we think she will be able to go on the main site as available for adoption, she has a setback. This poor girl needs a forever home that will love her unconditionally even with all the ravages that this infection has done to her.

Camille is pain-free!

I went to visit with Camille and see how well she was doing after her surgery. She was so happy to see me and enjoying going out for her walk. She is finally without pain and healing quite well. Amazingly also, she is able to hear if you make a loud noise.  I had been lead to understand that she would be almost deaf due to the surgery but it had been later explained to me that she will be capable of hearing some and will not be totally deaf.  She's a sweet girl, very easy to take on her walks and being an excellent patient in her recovery.

Camille recovering from extensive surgery

I drove to the vet clinic where Camille is this morning to visit with her.  She was resting comfortably, as you can see, and I did not go in and wake her up.  I will check back later this week to visit with her.  She had a long surgery yesterday that was quite extensive.  I am very thankful for the feedback that I received from both Dr. Scibelli and Dr. Frankel who performed the surgery. They even found a foxtail that had traveled way into her inner ear.  She had experienced years and years of neglect with this outcome.  I am so thankful for GRCGLA Rescue's support in helping Camille receive this operation and a chance at a new life. The public's support is so important in helping our dogs find a new home and a new life.

Camille heads into surgery

Camille is now ready for her surgery today. She has been in quite a lot of pain with the ear condition that she has. It is necessary for this extensive operation to happen so that she will have a life that is pain free. This poor girl has spent many years not knowing what it is like to not have this painful condition that was left untreated for so long.  I will be sending updates as she is in the recovery process and she gets ready to be posted as available for adoption.