Petals The Survivor
*Updates provided every Sunday with new pictures. **Scroll down for details and pictures.
Last update as of December 23rd.
Her story:
My name is Petals. I was found as a stray where I landed in a Missouri city shelter. I arrived in the condition as seen in the pictures dated June 2nd. I was put out on the adoption floor in this way, ready for someone to adopt me. Of course I knew the way I looked I would not be considered. Why would they want me when I look so sick. One would think how many more days do I have left.
A rescue friend of MABTR walked through the shelter and noticed me. Immediately he picked up the phone asking if we would take me in. Site unseen and only with a description one would not want to hear, MABTR said yes, of course.
I arrived in Kansas City, MO on June 2nd where I was cared for at Arrow Head Vet Clinic (total bill $304.48) until I could get to Omaha, NE.
I came in weighing 9 pounds. As you can see I am extremely underweight. MABTR said that I am the most underweight dog they have seen in over eight years.
I arrived with spirit and an appetite. The problem was I could not keep anything in me. I was taken to the vet clinic as soon as they opened on Monday. I stayed there for a week receiving fluids, monitoring and lots of tests (total bill $425). Again to everyone's surprise I was still breathing every day the doors were opened. After a number of tests I have been diagnosed with pancreatitis, diabetes, and loss of bone mass. Now lets not forget extreme malnutrition.
I arrived home, foster
care that is, on June 13th. I am showing progress every day and with my new
diet, medication, and loving care, I am getting better
a little every day. I am no where to being ready to go to a forever home anytime
soon but I also have not given up. Neither has MABTR. I plan on being in foster
care for a few months and then I know that once I am stable and meaty that the
right family is out there waiting for me.
I am scheduled to have blood work and my sugar levels tested every week plus my weight measured to ensure I am moving in the right direction. With my required diet, medication and weekly visits that estimates $55 a week.
A big THANK YOU to Pitman Animal Hospital in Omaha, NE who is taking care of me and working on a price break with MABTR.
Interested in Donating to help cover the medical costs of this Boston click here
Visual Update
Medical funds raised through January 1st is $2570
THANKS YOU for the financial support!!!
Total cost in medical care spent as of December 27th is $2758.36
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June 2
first week in rescue Story above |
June 21
I have gained 3/4 lb in one week. This is good new. I now only poop twice a day. I have a voice. As soon as I hear foster mom coning home from work I am asking for my dinner. I make sure to tell her when I am hungry. I eat well and I eat it all. Of course I have to wait 20 minutes for my meals as foster mom as some preparing to do. I have the strength to walk up a few stairs but it does take a lot out of me. Most of the time I am just carried around. I love the new carrier foster mom has that allows me to stay right by her. |
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June 28
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July 5
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July 12 I am weighing in at 11.4 pounds. Not much of a jump in weight however my doctor says that any increase is better than nothing. I still see four plus months ahead of me for recovery but I can at least say I am still here fighting. I am now starting to stand up on my back legs for attention. I am spoiled as you can see in the pictures. My foster parents allows find me relaxing in their arms. Getting stronger every day. Foster mom just praises me for my strength, will and effort. I want to thank everyone who has helped me with my medical bills. The donations have paid for all my costs so far with $200 left to spend which should cover me in July. |
July 19
 No vet appointment this week. Doctor on vacation. Caught the flu this week. That was not fun. I am feeling better now Eating and getting minimal exercise. I need to gain my strength while gaining weight. Starting to show my true colors as I tend to get cranky when other dogs are getting attention and I am not. I love being the center of attention. |
| July 26
I am weighing in at 12.3 pounds. Moving up. YEAH!! Doctor says that once I reach 16 pounds that I can start looking for a new home. If you are considering complete an app. I know I will require medication for the rest of my life. To what extent I cannot offer that information at this time. I would love a home where I am the only dog or there are older dogs around not looking for a playmate. I live with many now but per the attention from my foster parents. Potty training is coming along but we still have accidents. Though I did not go to the vet this week my expenses did go up due to the purchase of more meds and food. |
August 2
On August 1st I attended the NE BT Club event. This was my first public appearance. I met many people and was able to tell my story. I was carried around in a back pack. I had fun. I continue to do well. I now weigh 13 lbs. I hope you can see the improvement in the picture below. The picture of me in the red harness was on August 1st. The picture next to it was June 21. 6 weeks of care and good food. I am coming along slowly but in a good way. My trips to the vet has been reduced to once every three weeks. YEAH!!!
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August 9 Well this week was not a week of good news. I have weighed in at 12.7 lbs. A few ounces down but I am fine. With the increase of my strength and mobility foster mom noticed that I started to hold my back left leg up sometimes. Thought it was a sprain at first since I have found myself jumping off the bed a few times. Well after a few days of inflammation medication and no improvements I was take in for x-rays. To our surprise I have been diagnosed to have a luxatting patella. Just what I did not want to hear. something very common in small breeds. Not all dogs with this diagnosis require surgery. However those that do qualify for surgery are those found walking on three legs. Unfortunately I cannot undergo surgery until I have gained the necessary weight to be deemed healthy and build my bone mass and muscle in my right leg. I will need all my strength for my recovery. So as it appears I will be hopefully undergoing surgery at the end of September. Surgery will cost $713.50 which includes rescue's discount. I have 1.5 months to raise the money. Check out my video For those attending the Boston Bash in Omaha, NE on August 15th I will see you there. Stop by and say 'Hi' to me. I will be at the rescue booth. |
August 16 I did attend the Boston Bash in Omaha, NE on August 15. I had a good time. Met many people and was able to share my story. They had free eye exams which I had to stop by for. Unfortunately not good news. I was diagnosed with premature cataracts as the result of my juvenile diabetes. What does that mean for me? Well I say one thing at a time. I have time before I go blind so surgery to correct one eye will be under consideration however my knee is the first surgery along with my spay that is first in line to be completed. I am working on gaining weight and strength in my legs so I can prepare for my knee surgery. I know I still have about two months to go as weight is coming but slowly. I am now at 13.2 pounds. ------------------------------------------------------------------- August 23 This week I come in weighing at 13.9 pounds. I am doing well. Eating and getting around. Working on building my muscles. Not much more to share at this time. I just need time. Updates will now be given every two weeks. Thanks for checking in on me. --------------------------------------------------------------------- September 6 This week I come in weighing at 14.1 pounds. I am doing well. Weight is coming but slowly. I have a few more pounds to go before I can start up the surgical procedures I need such as a dental and knee surgery. |
September 20 Can you believe these photos. Top one taken on June 21 and three months later on Sept 18 the bottom photo. Unfortunately this week I lost .6 oz weighing in at 13.5 lbs. We tried a new diet and that did not work out for me. I will remain on i/d for the rest of my life. As the result of my damaged pancreas I also require a powder over my food which runs around $100 month. I have 2.5 lbs to go before repairing my leg. From how things are going I estimate that to take place in late October. --------------------------------------------------- October 11 Well a few new things to report. I have maintained my weight around 13.3 lbs. Kid of frustrating as I need more weight to have surgery. Oh well, I will get there. My meals have been increased per serving but I am just not a big eater. Still loving life so my attitude is a positive one. My sugar levels were tested this week and things are looking great there. Have maintained good levels now for over two weeks. YEAH!!!! |
November 1 I
celebrated Halloween for the first time. I was dressed up like a pumpkin
which I did not mind. Do you like my picture. It was taken at the
Boston Boo. They had a great fall back ground that brought out the
colors of my costume. I am going well. I know weigh 14.1 lbs.
I am hoping that by the end of the month I will have my knee surgery. I
cannot wait.-------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 23  Petals is still in
foster care. She can be rehomed any time. Just waiting for the
right family. Petals struggles getting more weight now. Sticking
at around 14.4 lbs. Eating well though and sugar levels are
maintained. We are looking at completing her knee surgery in the
early part of 2010. |
In spite of a slight
set back this week with food which I am now strictly on canned food
only,
I still gained some weight. I now weigh 10.2 lbs. I started at 9
lbs. If I am not eating, sleeping or going to the bathroom I
love to be held. As you can see in the picture this is my
favorite spot. My weekly blood sugar level test cost $35.
Food and medication is running on average $38 a week.
We have gained
another pound weighing in now at 11.2 lbs. YEAH!!! I am
loving life. I enjoy following my foster mom around the yard however
not allowed to walk for too long. The other dogs leave me
alone but I cannot wait to be able to be part of the pack. My
sugar levels we have been able to maintain for two weeks now.