Petunia PUPDATE
Here's Julie's pupdate....
Petunia is doing very well since her surgery. She seems to have developed a spring in her step and I do believe it is because both those tumors are no longer causing her discomfort. Her ears are much better and the vet reported they looked fantastic. Mark, Petunia's foster dad, did a great job caring with them and clearing up the infection that has left Petunia virtually deaf. Prior to surgery her Mark reported that she slept around the clock. She seems to spend more time awake now and playing as well a Petunia can.
This morning was Petunia's follow up at with her surgeon for suture removal and her consult with the oncologist.
The way the oncologist explained everything to Mark, is that with no radiation and chemo, the tumors will be back in six months. This type of cancer does not spread quickly at all, so the tumor will likely be in the same place as before. We can keep cutting it out, but after a bit it will seed in other areas, If she has radiation and chemo, it will likely not grow back again and she should be able to live out her life.
We are told she should have at least four healthy years and being that Petunia is about ten, we think that is pretty good. It is a significant difference. But more importantly the radiation and chemo would make those QUALITY years. The board of TSSSR have all been in agreement that we want quality, not quantity for Petunia. If she is given more years with radiation and chemo, what good is it if she is sick. But she won't be! She should have no ill effects from either. Side effects during treatment would be localized skin irritation and hair loss in the area that may or may not grow back.
Petunia would need 8 treatments over two weeks and would stay in the hospital during the week to have them because she would have two a day and have to be sedated. Once home she would be on a pill form of chemo. After that hopefully, cancer free and able to live out the remainder of her life happy, healthy and save, as her entire life should have been lived but unfortunately was not.
The cost of the radiation and chemo therapy is $4500. That is with a sizable rescue discount.
Petunia has two very nice homes offering to give her a forever home where she will be spoiled and have all the supportive care she needs. So the good news she will not have to remain in forever foster care when her treatment is complete!
A few people have offered to sponsor her monthly if she remained in forever foster care and some have offered to send in additional donations if needed. Whatever anyone can send in so we can complete Petunia's care would be greatly appreciated.
We do not have the funds to do this, but we are going to try our best to raise them. The oncologist was adamant that she has to start her treatment within two weeks from today in order to have the best outcome. We have to pay her bill then.
We have have gotten in 5 seniors this month, none of which have had vetting in a very long time. Ayla, our 10 year old girl who came in with maggots, tapeworm and a huge tumor on her neck that was open, bleeding and pus filled, was completely vetted with a bill of $1100. Doozer and Romeo's (11 & 9 - dad and daughter) bill was equal and currently Chase and Maddy, (13 & 12), are staying with my vet for the week. They had no vetting in over three years. Both have uti's, Maddy had Lymes, Chase has low thyroid, possible kidney failure and either pancreatItis or an intestinal issue which we are trying to get to the root of. They need dentals, all vaccinations, heartworm, tick bourne disease and fecal testing.
We are trying so hard not to turn any dog away or take any short cuts with out seniors care. We feel their lives are just as precious and worth while as a two year old. The major problem is high veterinary bills for them and little or no adoption fees due to their age and health. We cannot do any of this without all of you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have already done.
If you are in a position to help Petunia any further, it would be appreciate so much! She has already come so far! Please feel free to share this with your friends, crosspost or add to your Facebook pages.
If you wish you donate, you can visit out website atwww.tristatesheltierescue.org where you can find a Paypal button.
Or you can mail a check to:
TSSSR
PO Box 422
Malverne, NY 11565 Remember, all donations are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. Make sure to ask at your place of employment if they have a gift matching program. Anyone wishing a letter of donation, please contact me
atsheltielove94@aol.com.
Lastly, we'd like to add those of you to our email list who wish to receive update emails on our dogs and event information. If you wish to not be added to our list, please email us
atsheltielove94@aol.com and we will make sure you are not added to the list.
Thank you again for your support of Miss Petunia and our rescue who loves her so very much!
Sincerely, Julie Canzoneri, The Board of Trustees of Tri-State
Shetland Sheepdog Rescue, Inc. and Miss Petunia
