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October 2003
Tissue Warning Thursday, August 7th ... first call ....... 'Hannah', an unspayed female Bichon Frise and 'Hoss', an unneutered Bichon Frise, had been dropped at a high kill shelter in southeast USA. One of Bichon Rescue's regional vigilant eyes spotted the friendly, but unkept, bichons and immediately contacted Lynn Ramich, president of Lily's Hope Bichon Rescue, and national volunteer coordinator for much Bichon Rescue work. Lynn quickly went to work finding a foster home in the area where the dogs were. Needed was a safe personalized haven for at least temporarily housing until the bichons could be moved to more permanent foster. Often this type foster is key to saving the lives of bichons in need. Friday, August 8th . . . . Rescue rookie Debbie Garrigus and her husband Mike, pulled the dogs from the shelter and later reported how friendly and sweet they were despite their poor condition. It appeared that both had served as puppymill breeder dogs. Arrangements were made to have full physicals for both and schedule each to be spayed and neutered. Tuesday, August 12th - Dogs were taken to veterinarian for physicals, update vaccinations and Hannah was to be spayed, and Hoss neutered. Shortly after arriving back at her office, Debbie received a phone call from her vet saying he was sorry, but both dogs tested positive for heartworms and he could not do surgery on heartworm positive dogs. Debbie consulted with Lynn who gave permission to schedule the dogs in for heartworm treatment asap. The longer heartworms live in the body, the more potential damage is done.
Tuesday, August 19th
- Both Hoss & Hannah received doses of Immiticide to kill their
infestation of heartworms. Debbie and Mike generously
agreed to keep the dogs quiet at their home the recommended 4-6 weeks. ...
through Sept 30. Though disappointed, Debbie & Mike,
felt obligated to take the absolute best care of Hoss 'n Hannah and
consequently cancelled their reservations to attend the
SE
USA Bichon Bash. Excitement for
Hoss & Hannah during their mandatory low-activity time could have caused
serious life-threatening problems. Monday, September 22 - Hoss & Hannah have been under quiet house rest for five weeks and Deb and Mike have fallen head over heels in love with both. They decided to adopt Hoss, but Hannah is a bit pushy to their Shihtzu so Hannah will go to Lynn in PA soon to be rehomed. However ..... today Debbie noticed Hannah's body experiencing changes suggestive of a possible pregnancy. This is NOT good! Because Mike had surgery this same day, arrangements are quickly made to transport Hannah to Gaile Avent, Bichon Rescue Tennessee, Inc. for veterinary consultation and 24 hour watch.
Tuesday,
September 23 -
3 wonderful volunteers transport Hannah
to Bichon Rescue
Tennessee, Inc., Symphony Hill, TN. Thank you to
Paige Ward, Sandy Postel and Margaret Hunter!!
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Concern: Hannah's x-ray shows clear images of dead
heartworms still in and around her heart .. a reminder that the
fetus was exposed to Immiticide during it's development .... and .....
Hannah's body is working hard at cleaning up dead masses ... as well as
trying to grow that dear little fetus. Please pray folks...
this little dog needs all our support!
One week later ...
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Thursday
morning, October 2 - 'Fluppy is now 12 hrs old.
Hannah quiets considerably and is willing to be with her baby
for as much time as needed, but is adamant that she be with a person
all the time. Given all she's been through, her foster family
calms her fears and allows her to leave her baby on a heating pad
... and go out to pee/poo and get some air. She's been through
so much in the last 7 weeks, maybe she needs extra special time to
make this transition.
Was the cause of Fluppy's deformed intestinal make-up due to the
drug used to treat Hannah's heartworms? We'll never know for
sure ..... but PLEASE keep your dogs on heartworm
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