Copyright © 2002 Betty Richardson

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If you are unable to foster or adopt a Rescue Cairn, but you would still like to help, you can!

Become a Foster Grandparent or Guardian Angel to a Cairn in need:


Foster Grandparent Program

Become a Foster Grandparent to One of Our Rescue Cairns

Because many of you are not able to foster or adopt a Cairn rescue, but would really like to help us in our rescue program, we invite you to become a Foster Grandparent.

It's really easy! You can sponsor one or more of our Rescue Cairns by providing a tax-deductible monthly donation until he or she is adopted into a loving "forever" home. Our Foster Grandparent Program will allow you to be an important part of that special dog's life by helping to provide the funds necessary for his or her medical care, food, treats, toys, and other essentials. Joining our Foster Grandparent program is also a wonderful gift to give to a family member or friend who loves dogs. What better way to honor them than to help save a Cairn in need? If you are donating to our program as a gift, please be sure to let us know and a "Gift Card" will be sent in your name.

All donations, regardless of their amount, are gratefully accepted. However, in addition to the warm and fuzzy feelings that go along with helping a Cairn in need, for a minimum monthly donation of $25.00, we will send you a picture and periodic updates on the care, health, and welfare of your GrandCairn. Your name, as his or her "Foster Grandparent," will appear beside its picture on our website. Should you wish to remain anonymous, "Anonymous Grandparent" will be printed. Your monthly tax-deductible contribution can be made via PayPal or by check.

If your generous donation exceeds the expenses of your GrandCairn prior to his or her adoption, we will share your generosity with one of our other Rescue Cairns in need.

To become a Foster Grandparent, please complete and submit the form below.

Your Name:
Address:

  
E-Mail:
Name of Dog:
Amount:
$
Payment Method:
If this is a Gift, please provide the following information:
Gift for Name:
Address:

  
E-Mail:
Gift Message:
Would you like to have your name or the gift recipient's name listed on the web site? Yes   No
If Yes, enter the name to list:




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Guardian Angel Program

Become a Guardian Angel to One of Our "Special Needs" Cairns

Every dog deserves a chance to live a healthy and happy life. However, sometimes the cost to restore a dog's health is enormous!

You might be asking yourself, "What can I do to help?"

Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network recognizes that not everyone can foster or adopt one of our "Special Needs" Cairn Rescues. Therefore, we have established a special, tax-deductible fund to help us provide medical care for specific Cairns whose history of neglect, abuse, injury, and/or severe illness would otherwise prove prohibitively expensive.

CPCRN attempts to treat every dog in our rescue program with all the crucial medical care that they need and rightfully deserve. Because of limited funding and the exorbitant cost of the specialized care that some of our dogs require, this isn't always possible. Such medical bills can be devastatingly high.

You can help us achieve our goal by becoming one of our very special "Guardian Angels." With your help, we can provide the medical care and assistance that some of our most medically compromised Cairns require.

Will you help us help them?

Here's how. Our Guardian Angel program will allow you to be an essential part of the joyous recovery of a Cairn who has touched your heart. By agreeing to donate all or a portion of the anticipated funds necessary to see a little one back to health, your tax-deductible donation will help us help them on their road to recovery! Once you have joined our Guardian Angel program, your name, as his or her "Guardian Angel," will appear beside its picture on our website. Should you wish to remain anonymous, "An Anonymous Angel" will appear instead.

You may choose a specific Cairn to sponsor, or you may contribute as one of our "Archangels," where your funds will be used for any of our Cairns who are in most desperate need of medical care and assistance. Once we have reached our financial goal for a specific dog, the "Guardian Angel" designation will close -- so you can have the satisfaction of being the sole "Guardian Angel" for a needy little Cairn by donating the entire "goal" amount required to restore this little one's health!

Funds donated to our "Guardian Angel" program are tax deductible, and will only be used for the "Angel" program: for dogs whose medical needs are extraordinary. If expenses are less than projected for a specific dog -- first we will celebrate, and then we will apply any remaining funds to other "Special Needs" dogs in our program's medical care.

Please consider becoming a "Guardian Angel," or perhaps give this gift of life and health to a friend or loved one. What better way to honor someone than to restore a Cairn to health in his or her name? We will happily provide a gift card in your honor.

Your tax-deductible contribution(s) can be made via PayPal or by check.

Below are the Dogs in need of a Guardian Angel. The thermometer indicates how close we are to our goal.

For updates on former featured dogs, see our Guardian Angel Stories page.


Goal:
Donated:
$800
$0

Hampton in BC

Welcome Mr. Hampton to the Col. Potter family! This handsome gentleman was surrendered to a New York police station, then sent to the pound. If no one had claimed or rescued him within a couple of weeks he would have been euthanized. He was clean and wearing a collar, so it is believed that he had a home and family. However, he was in desperate need of dental care and with an enlarged prostate, has been needing treatment. Luckily, he came into the loving arms of his foster family where he is getting much needed veterinary attention. Hampton was recently neutered, and is receiving treatment for his other medical needs. Even through all of this hardship at 12 years young, he is adapting well in his foster home and enjoys the company of the resident furkids and humans. Hampton can often be found rolling over for a belly rub, or watching you intently with his big brown eyes. I'm sure Hampton is confused by all the recent changes in his life, but he is taking it all in stride. Hampton would like to let everyone know how much he appreciates the opportunity to live out his golden years in comfort, as a shelter is not the place for such a distinguished, loving fellow.

For updates on Hampton, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under BC.



Goal:
Donated:
$3000
$810

Gianna in CA

My name is Gianna and I'm a sweet Southern girl. My former owner couldn't keep me anymore, so they brought me to Col. Potter to find a new forever home. I'm spayed, heartworm negative, and up-to-date on all my vaccinations. I'm housebroken, very well-mannered, and basically a quiet, indoor kind of girl. Foster Mom says I'm very ladylike. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like sharing my foster home with other four-legged house mates, but I've decided I like having step-brothers to wrestle with - 'cause I always win!
I also adore going for walks and I'm an excellent traveler.

I was recently diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. Foster Mom started me on insulin injections twice a day, and along with a healthy diet, I'm feeling better already.

For updates on Gianna, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under CA.



Goal:
Donated:
$2000
$0

Benson in DE

UPDATE 1/5/09 : Benson continues to be a sweet friendly little guy. Unfortunately, he suffers from chronic allergies and ear infections. We are working our way through trials of various medications and food changes but it may be that he will end up having to have a skin test to find out exactly what he is allergic too. Because these tests are expensive, Benson sure could use your help. Won't you consider becoming a Guardian Angel and helping Ben on the way to a healthy, itch-free life? All you have to do is click on the link above this write up and fill out the form. I'm sure that if he could, Benson would thank everyone with a big kiss! Despite his allergies, Benson continues to enjoy life in his foster home but I just know that he would love a home and family of his very own.

For updates on Benson, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under DE.



Goal:
Donated:
$1300
$785

Luise in FL

Update 6/28/07: In January 2007 I was asked if I would foster Luise, a Cairn female being surrendered by her owner. My current foster was about to get adopted so I jumped at the chance for another Cairn foster kid to fill that void. Her arrival here was delayed because of weather, so another Col. Potter volunteer graciously offered to keep her for a week.

Col. Potter knew this little girl had allergies to wheat, corn and grass, but I soon received emails from the other volunteer outlining her poor condition and obesity. Our volunteer did a wonderful job of cleaning her up and removing the mats from her coat, but Luise had a raging yeast infection on her skin and the powerful odor filled our car on the drive home. Dealing with a yeast infection was not new to me but the severity of Luise’s was like nothing I had seen before.

On her first visit to the vet, the vet brought up the possibility of Cushing’s Disease because of her appearance. The initial test showed elevated Cortisol but was not conclusive, so Col. Potter authorized the additional test; luckily it was negative. I put Luise on a corn and wheat free diet and started giving her a medicated bath every week. After about 10 weeks on the new diet and bath regimen, the yeast condition improved tremendously and she had hair growth over her entire body. But in late April Luise started to scratch again and she was losing hair around her hindquarters. Her skin became red and very warm, and she licked and chewed at those areas. Col. Potter’s knowledgeable volunteers offered advice for several things to try but I saw no improvement. I was instructed to get her to an allergist to discover what was causing this condition.

On June 23rd, Luise went to her all day allergist appointment. She was on her best behavior for such a long day. Her appointment was at 8:30 a.m. and I received the results at 4:30 p.m. The results were shocking.

Luise’s tests showed she is allergic to 43 - yes 43! - different items; fleas of course, but other insects too, as well as dust, grass, wool and many other things. I was stunned when I received the list. There was a very long list of substances, and most had a numerical level of reaction alongside. I had a hard time finding anything she wasn’t allergic too. Her reaction to many of the items was extremely high.

Can you imagine being allergic to 43 items and how uncomfortable and itchy that must feel on the skin? The vet had never seen such results and Luise's report was a topic of discussion for the entire staff.

The allergist can only place 12-16 different antigens in one vial so Luise’s treatment for the allergies will have to be contained in three separate vials. Her series of injections will alternate between the three vials. She also has a staph infection and still has small areas of yeast on the areas of her body that tend to stay moist. I received a 30 day supply of antibiotics to combat the infection and was asked to give her a pre-wash bath every week with a one shampoo, followed by another bath with the medicated shampoo. This I am more than willing to do for Luise.

However, Luise’s medical bills are tremendous. Col. Potter has been very generous on Luise’s behalf. But some dogs require so much more care than others that I now come to you to ask if you would be willing to click on the Guardian Angel link above and proudly post your name under her photos by making a small donation for Luise, so we can finish up her treatment. All those wonderful small donations add up - and together we can give her a better life!

For updates on Luise, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under FL.



Goal:
Donated:
$1000
$0

Stollen in FL

Stollen is sweeter than the traditional Christmas bread she is named after. As a recent rescue from a commercial breeder, she is still very shy and feels most comfortable in her crate, but she's started to show interest in the household activities. Stollen loves to be held and loves belly rubs. Unfortunately, she contracted heartworms and will have to undergo the difficult treatment to get rid of them. She was scheduled for her first treatment today, but it has been postponed. Her blood work indicated a very low platelet count and we are waiting for the results of further blood tests. Stollen's treatment is very costly so she has been placed in our Guardian Angels program for those that need special medical care. It will take a couple of months to get Stollen through this treatment. Please check back to watch her progress and consider making a donation to help with her treatment. This sweet little girl deserves all the help she can get.

For updates on Stollen, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under FL.



Goal:
Donated:
$1000
$825

Bubbles in MD

UPDATE 12/11: Bubbles has several large lumps on her lower breasts and needs to have them removed. She had an x-ray to verify the cancer had not spread to her lungs, but that same x-ray showed 'something' different near her heart. Bubbles then had a sonogram done to verify there was no damage to her heart. The good news is that her heart has some thickening on one wall, which would be 'normal' for a dog that has been in a high ammonia environment found in a commercial kennel but her heart is functioning very well and she would be fine to have her surgery. She does not need any cardiac medications, she can continue all normal diet and activities. She's now scheduled for surgery on Tuesday to have her lumps removed. They are HUGE so I'm glad that everything else looks so good.

UPDATE 12/10: Bubbles is still the sweet soul she was when she first came to us. She loves to interact with my dogs and they love her. She is nervous about people so she prefers to just watch us. Just recently it was discovered that Bubbles has some lumps on two of her breasts. She is going to be x-rayed soon to see if they are suitable for surgery. Until the x-rays are complete we will not know what challenges she faces. Let’s all pray this sweetie can be helped. If you are able to make a donation to help with the medical expenses for Bubbles, please click on the Guardian Angel link at the top.

10/03/2008: Bubbles must be the Mae West of doggiedom. Both male Cairns in her foster home are DELIGHTED she is here - prancing, dancing and showing off. At 26 pounds she waddles with magnificent composure between her adoring fans. Even my most distracted boy is eager to play and romp with her! I have taken her into the yard for some leash work. She was NOT thrilled. With her voluptuous proportions she can be quite an anchor! We worked it out and she got better as the day went on. She is still afraid of the leash when I am holding it though. When I let her run loose in the yard a bit, she went off on trails of discovery, and managed to fall down the 4 concrete basement steps. I've had dogs who didn't know how to traverse steps before, but they just stopped when confronted by them. Bubbles kept right on walking! Needless to say, there is now a gate across those steps. I have a ramp down from the deck and she really appreciates that. Bubbles is a sweet, very overweight girl, who may never be called 'Tiny Bubbles' - at least not ‘til she loses a good bit of weight. Her muscle tone is not good yet - possibly due to confinement in a crate for long periods of time. She's very playful with all the dogs here - boy and girl, but gets tired quickly. This will improve as she loses weight and plays more with her foster siblings. She seems oblivious to toys so far. Bubbles has a mournful howl that only shows up when she is lonely. It’s cute, not jarring, and gives me a chuckle. It’s very effective at getting the boy dogs to go to her. She is a fairly quiet girl other than the one or two howls for attention.

For updates on Bubbles, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under MD.



Goal:
Donated:
$1500
$0

Pebbles in NY

I'm one of the new ladies in the group. I came through CPCRN 5 years ago but I'm back because of my owners health problems. There are 3 dogs and 2 resident cats in my foster home and I get along with everybody, even the cats. I'm still pretty sad about losing my old home, but foster Mom says I'm doing well fitting into my foster home. I'm not quite ready for adoption, but I will soon make a great companion for anyone who would enjoy a nice, calm, middle-aged lady.

For updates on Pebbles, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under NY.



Goal:
Donated:
$2000
$827

Dina in OH

Please welcome Dina to the Col. Potter family. She arrived in serious need of loving care after a hard life. She had surgery to remove dead, infected skin last week and has just arrived at her foster home. Please help us by keeping Dina in your hearts and in your prayers. Dina will be up to date on her shots this week, she is spayed, and hasn't had any accidents in the house. She is quite shy of humans as a result of her past. We're working to win her over with gentle care and food. I have managed to get her to take a bite of scrambled eggs and ham from my fingers, so I'm confident that with the tincture of time and loving care, Dina will be ready to enjoy a wonderful family. She has an amazingly strong spirit to come through years of abusive living conditions and be as gentle and sweet as she is.

For updates on Dina, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under OH.



Goal:
Donated:
$2500
$925

Ellemir in OH

Hello, my name is Ellemir and foster mom calls me Ellie. I am a real cutie, right? Everyone says that I am. I'm mostly really good. I potty outside with all the other furkids. I get along with everyone here and I like the toys that are provided. I love everyone and everything- except when foster mom puts vitamins in my meals, and medication in my eyes.

Foster Mom here: Ellemir came into rescue not because she wasn't loved. She was deeply loved and turned over to us in the hopes that we could provide the eye care that her family couldn't. Suddenly this last spring, Ellie's eyes stopped producing tears, so she has dry eye. She needs meds put in her eyes at frequent intervals during the day. Her former family worked all day and her eyes had to go without meds for long periods which made her very uncomfortable. She's now fostering here with Berwyn , who also has dry eye. Berry does wonderfully with someone to put meds in her eyes and we're seeing improvements in Ellemir's eyes already. She's up to date in every way and if you are the special person who would like to adopt Ellie and take care of her eyes then let us know. Ellie is only a little over a year old, and wouldn't mind being the spoiled princess who gets lots of attention and lots of walks, once again. If you can't adopt her, but would like to help with her expenses, please click on the Guardian Angel link at the top.

Ellemir started developing ulcers due to the abrasion from her eyelids moving across her eyes with no lubrication. She's already had to have a graft on one eye from the ulceration. We need to take Ellemir to a good veterinary ophthalmologist to see what he can recommend to help Ellemir. While her eyes are doing somewhat better with the drops being administered at regular intervals during the day, it's evident that she's still in pain. She spends a lot of time with her eyes squinted almost closed so she's also receiving daily medication for pain. We need to determine if she's a candidate for a surgical procedure to move a salivary gland up to an eye so she can be more comfortable. Specialty vet's are very expensive and her daily meds are not inexpensive either. We would greatly appreciate any assistance offered for Ellemir's extraordinary medical costs. If you can contribute any small amount toward Ellemir's care please click on the Guardian Angel link.

For updates on Ellemir, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under OH.



Goal:
Donated:
$1200
$600

Ivan in PA

UPDATE 12/29/08: Ivan continues to make baby steps of improvement in Medical Respite. His symptoms are currently under control - no liquid stools in the past 3 weeks. He has gained 5.5 lbs in 5 weeks - still skinny, but he's no longer skin and bone. He's gotten four B-12 shots and will get the fifth this week. Next week, he'll have repeat blood work drawn and sent to the Gastroenterology Lab at Texas A&M University. He's still getting 11 pills each day.

The final stool culture result showed he has a germ called E. coli in his gut, but we were thankful to learn it's not one of the strains that produces a deadly toxin. He was started on antibiotics and is so far tolerating it without a recurrence of diarrhea. His first foster Mom said he was quite a talker and he's started that here. He states his opinions in a growly voice and he has an opinion about everything, so he's definitely feeling better!

Thank you to those who have become his Guardian Angels! His next set of lab tests are going to be expensive, so PLEASE consider donating to his fund! Your generosity is helping this sassy little man on his road back to health!

UPDATE 12/06: Ivan came into Col. Potter after going without veterinary care for 17 months when he clearly needed it. Due to that long period of neglect, he has developed a major health challenge. This sweet little man has been diagnosed with inflammatory disease of the small intestine and pancreatic failure. These conditions make him unable to digest or adsorb his food. He developed severe diarrhea and lost 25% of his body weight. His hair is coming out in clumps and he is skin and bone. He was moved from his first wonderful foster home into Medical Respite (with another CP foster mom who has a medical background and access to near-by specialists). In Medical Respite, Ivan is under the care of a specialty vet who is in frequent contact with the Gastrointestinal Clinic at Texas A & M University Vet School . He has required injectable fluids to reverse his dehydration, extensive blood testing, x-rays, and medications. In addition, he was found to have dry eye and will require eye medication every 4 hours for the rest of his life. Current medical expenses total approximately $500. He will require further tests which may include endoscopy - putting a tube into his stomach and small intestine to look around, a biopsy, pancreatic enzymes - which cost $149 for a 4 month supply, medication, and easily digestible prescription food. Over the next few months, his medical costs may reach $1200. The good news is, intestinal disease and pancreatic failure can be medically managed. In two weeks in Medical Respite, his diarrhea has almost completely resolved and he has gained 12 ounces. In the last couple of years, Ivan's life was terrible. Now he's battling to regain his health. At this time, Ivan will continue to need daily and monthly medical attention, and he still has a long road ahead of him. Your being his Guardian Angel would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

For updates on Ivan, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under PA.



Goal:
Donated:
$1500
$580

Joby in PA

Please meet Joby. He was rescued from a kill-shelter that was getting ready to put him down because they had too many dogs. He only weighs 10 lbs and you can feel every rib and bone in his little body. We are working on putting a few pounds on this little guy. He is neutered and current on all his shots. Joby is a very, very sweet little boy. He LOVES to cuddle and be everywhere you are. He also loves to play with his foster brothers. He's outgoing and will bark when he wants your attention. He's got tons of Cairn personality, and he's mostly potty-trained. He goes to the door, so if we can get ourselves trained to pick up his signals he should be 100% in no time!

It saddens me to this little guy might not have made it, because as I write this, he is curled up on my lap sleeping. You might have noticed from his photo, that he has a growth in the corner of his left eye. We hope to provide Joby with surgery to remove the growth so it will not get worse and bother him. If you are able to help with his surgery, won't you become a Guardian Angel by clicking on the link at the top of this write up?

For updates on Joby, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under PA.



Goal:
Donated:
$1000
$682

Servus in TX

Servus is one the rescued groups of Cairns called the 9/11 Heroes. He is named after one of the real canine heroes who served after the tragedy of 9/11. He is a hero in his own right, having survived 8 years in a breeding facility, and now looking forward to overcoming the mental, emotional, and physical problems he incurred in his former life.

He will now have the opportunity to enjoy so much more comfort than he's ever known in his previous experience. He can fall asleep in a soft bed, with fresh water available, and cool air. Just being able to give these simple things to such a sweet Cairn brings me to tears. I'm so thrilled to be fostering this guy, knowing that I am making a big difference in his little world. He is quite unsure of everything right now, but he's going to be fine and will be so handsome, once his coat grows back. He was badly matted, and the vet's groomer had to trim off most of his coat, including his muzzle.

Servus has heartworms and so I am keeping him quiet. So far, there are no signs of any complications with the heartworm treatment, but the next two weeks are the most critical as the heartworms start to break down/degrade. Dogs that have been treated for heartworms enter a critical stage as the heartworms die and degrade, to be reabsorbed by the body. We want to keep Servus' stress level to a minimum, as any activity will speed up the heart rate and possibly cause the dead heartworms to move through the arteries into the brain or the lungs, causing stoppage, which could be fatal. We are unsure how long Servus has had heartworms, but after 8 years, it could have been a very long time.

Servus has a heart murmur, which is often a side effect of heartworms. Some heart murmurs will resolve once the heartworms have been killed and reabsorbed. We can only hope that Servus will live through this treatment and will one day become the happy little dog that I can see waiting just beneath the fear.

Servus could use some financial help with his medical treatment. Won't you consider helping him by becoming his Guardian Angel and giving him a chance to know what life is supposed to be like for a good little Cairn guy?

For updates on Servus, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under TX.



Goal:
Donated:
$2000
$1710

Polly in VA

UPDATE 8/16: Polly came home today, but she doesn't have a stricture. The Endoscope of her colon was done and 2 senior clinicians did not find a stricture. What they did find were several ulcerated lesions. They took 8-10 biopsies which will be back in a week. Quite frankly they don't know what is the causing the problem and don't know where to start to fix it until the biopsies come back. At this time they suspect anorectal mucosal disease. They stated they have seen this in German Shepherd's called perianal disease, but it is not normal for Cairns.

I just don't know what to think, and neither do they at this time. She has been put 2 additional medications in conjunction with those she received during her first visit last week. They want to try and clear up the severe dermatitis in the meantime, until her biopsies come back and if her skin infection can be successfully treated, then it’s hoped her immune system can focus on her anorectal disease. We'll just have to wait until the biopsies return and go from there. To say the least we are dumbfounded, as are the Doctors at NCSU. I was hoping for some better news.

UPDATE 8/15: Polly went in to NCSU Monday morning for testing and I’d love to report they did the procedure Tuesday and all went well, but her intestines didn’t clear out from eating nothing but fluids all day Sunday, so it had to be delayed until today, Wednesday. She’s so tiny it was very, very hard to withhold all solid food, but she’s doing okay just on liquids, and I have heard from NCSU twice today. She is all cleared out now and will undergo the procedure this morning. They said her bloodworm and urinalysis came back fine and she is very healthy. This will aid in her recovery and doesn't pose any new problems to watch for. She's made everyone fall in love with her and ALL the doctors at NCSU are very proud to be working with a rescue group compassionate enough to give this sweet girl a chance at a good life. They are confident this will work - by all they have seen so far. I'll post any new news as soon as I can and hopefully we will be headed home with our healing little girl in tow, but if not, surely by Thursday morning.

UPDATE 08/11: Polly went to NCSU this week for an assessment of her stricture, enlarged secum and infected skin on her rear. It was determined Polly was not a good candidate for the surgical removal of this stricture due to it's location, just on the back side of her anus because it would most likely leave her incontinent. That would make it impossible to find a home for her.

She is returning to NCSU this Monday, August 13th, for blood work and preparation for a procedure called 'Bougienage' , which will be done on the 14th. This treatment involves inserting a tool inside her rectum to stretch the stricture and applying an antibiotic ointment to prevent the stricture from growing back together. Hopefully, this one treatment will solve her problem, but if not she will return in a week to have the procedure done one last time. Once the colon is open and she can drain properly, the other problems created by this condition should resolve on their own. Polly is on antibiotics and we are treating the black, infected skin on her rear with medication. It is unbelievable that this small girl has lived this way all her short life. Polly's cries of pain tear our hearts out. She seems to understand we are making an effort to help her so she runs to us with those big eyes staring up, begging for the immediate help which we can't give. We can only comfort her during these episodes – and feel helpless.

We pray this will solve her problems. It is her only good option. This little girl deserves to have a life free from this misery, and to spend time in the arms of someone who will return all the love she has to give. The soft desperate sounds she makes from the suffering she has to endure make us very, very anxious to see this end for her. Prayers are greatly needed here and any donations would be appreciated because the bills continue to grow as we move forward to help her.

UPDATE 8/6/07: Polly continues to have good days and bad ones, yesterday being a fairly difficult one for her. Her stools always hurt and continue to make us cry as she screams in pain. Sometimes, she just doesn't seem to feel well at all. She moans and whines a bit, pants a lot and seems to alter her breathing as she just lays about and rests. She acts a little more needy, yet doesn’t want to be handled, and she's a bit more unpredictable, and "snippy". We know her moods now and can tell better when she's uncomfortable. She's more trusting of us so we don't worry about her biting, even though we sense she wants to. Her initial vet visit discovered a "swollen appendix" and that may be causing this discomfort but we don’t know for sure, and are hoping this is something that can be easily addressed by the doctors along with her intestinal stricture.

Today Polly seems to feel good, moving about the house more and with a comfortable look about her. We always enjoy these days. They let us see more of her personality, as she is just SO sweet and affectionate when she’s feeling better.

NCSU has passed her case from the Internal Medical group to the Surgical Team. They have moved her appointment up to this Thursday, Aug 9th when they will have all her medical records, X-rays, and the summary from Dr. Wickman. Then NCSU will be able to examine her themselves and give us a prognosis of her condition now and after the surgery, plus an estimate of what her medical bill will run.

We would appreciate any donations for little Polly. We already know this will be expensive, especially if 2 surgical procedures are needed. Wayne will be taking Polly in while I stay home with the other 5 dogs. He knows I will be a basket case during the wait because I want so badly to be with her too. But I know she's in good hands and cares very much for Wayne. We continue to ask for prayers and donations so Polly has a chance at a good life without pain - and full of love. We pray mostly that the vets determine she CAN have the surgery to repair her stricture as well as whatever has to be done with her appendix. Everything depends on the prognosis of what her life would be after she has the surgery if it's even possible.

Polly continues to leak constantly, and we know that if this is not "fixable" with the surgery, we can never expect to place her in a home. We give her as much freedom as we can which means everything in our home is covered with towels, blankets, and pads, changed many times during the day. She loves being with us and can't help that she leaks. It requires extra effort to give her this freedom, but we want to make her life as happy and comfortable as we can. She is only a little over a year old, so we are hopeful there will be a new beginning - the best part of her life - shortly ahead.

Polly is only 13 month old; an owner surrender whose family was unable to deal with her physical problems and was going to turn her in to a shelter to be euthanized. She was fortunate to have had an "angel" who was helping the owners, and contacted Col. Potter to jump in and help. This Angel did all she could to help Polly, but it was apparent her needs were very complicated. Col. Potter quickly stepped in and arranged an emergency transport to get her moved to her present foster home in Virginia.

Polly has an anal stricture which makes all her stools very painful, and apparently she has been sick most of her life with giardia, hook worms, and ear infections. Polly only weighs a tiny 11 pounds , but can never have a normal life until this colon problem is sorted out and the pain is eliminated. Polly holds her stools until she just can't hold them anymore. She seems to understand that food is good, but eventually causes pain. What a way to live!

Because of her health issues, Polly seems unsure as to whether or not you want to fuss at her, or pet her. She has the biggest eyes (although they are sad) and looks at us as though she just doesn't understand why life has to be so hard. She's just adorable and was dealt a very bad hand in life, so we're hoping she can be treated and given a chance at a long and happy life.

She needs our prayers and donations now, to give her the chance that she so desperately deserves.

For updates on Polly, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under VA.



Goal:
Donated:
$500
$0

Mardee in WI

Hi, ebereebodee, my name is Mardee. I iz a berry gud dog. Um, ‘scuse me, I meen, I iz a berry hansum, sweet gentleman! I shure lob my fosser mom an dad. And I lob all ob my fosser brudders and sissers. It’s preddee cold out here, so I reelly jus go outside tu do my duties. I do not like doing dem in da house! Fosser mom says I am a sweetee!

Foster Mom: Mardee is new to Col. Potter. He is currently undergoing treatment for a bladder infection and bladder stones which may require surgery, so Mardee is not ready for adoption yet. He is looking for some guardian angels to help him with his vet expenses. If you would like to be a guardian angel for this sweet boy, just click on the link and fill out the form. Mardee would appreciate it!

Mardee is completely housebroken! Well, except for the leaking due to the bladder stones. I can really tell it bothers him if he leaks a little bit in the house. He is quick to let us know when he has to go outside. He loves to follow us around and just sit on our laps for love, scritches, and kisses. As soon as Mardee is free of his infection and his bladder stones, he will be ready to adopt! He does very well with people and other dogs. He has not been around any children, so I do not know if he would do well with them. If you want some true sweetness in your life, fill out the application to adopt Mardee. He's not ready yet, but once he is, he will not be with us very long. Pictures will be up on Mardee soon.

For updates on Mardee, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under WI.



Goal:
Donated:
$600
$0

Peach in WI

Please welcome Cairn Princess Peach to Colonel Potter. Princess Peach is a tiny little thing, weighing in at 13 pounds. Her little ears do not stand up, but she is cute as a button! Peach loves to be held and given love and attention all day and night. She is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm. This is a very expensive procedure and Peach sure could use some guardian angels to help her with her vet bills. Just click on the link and sign up to be one of her angels! Peach is exactly what her name implies, a thoroughly sweet little Peach. She will be looking for her forever home as soon as she has successfully completed her heartworm treatments. If your home is without a Princess, you may just want to fill out that application so you can have a Peach of your very own to serve!

For updates on Peach, please see the listing on the Available Dogs page under WI.



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Last Update: 24-April-2007
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"Nurse Amy" © Copyright 2002 Betty Richardson
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