Two short months ago, a dog was discovered wandering along a set of railroad tracks in Adrian, MI. When the person got closer, they realized that the dog needed assistance and they immediately called Lenawee Humane Society. Once the dog arrived, his condition was examined by our medical team.
The small terrier mix had a greasy, matted coat, infections in both ears, substantial hair loss on both flanks, and a tumor on the inside of his rear leg. Despite all of these issues that suggested years of neglect, this little guy had been previously neutered, so we're assuming he had been loved and well cared for at some point in his life.
The terrier mix, dubbed Benji, visited Adrian Animal Clinic shortly after his arrival so we could figure out a diagnosis for his hair loss and begin treating him. The news we received broke our hearts.
Benji had a mast cell tumor. He is currently awaiting biopsy results which will answer many of our questions, including the most important one: Can we give Benji a quality life?
Once his biopsy results are back, we will know if Benji's tumor has metastasized. If it has not, Benji will be placed up for adoption and can lead a normal life. If his tumor has metastasized, the future for Benji looks rather grim. Inside a shelter is no place for an animal's journey to end. Benji deserves to live out his final days in the comfort of a loving home with a family dedicated to ensuring that his final needs are met.
Pictured below are before and after pictures of this amazing little guy, taken just one day apart. We want to thank Precious Paws Grooming for giving Benji the makeover of a lifetime. No matter the outcome of his biopsy results, Benji will be loved unconditionally and kept as comfortable as possible while he is with us.
Please consider opening your heart or your home to Benji. Donations can be made in person, by mail, over the phone, or online by clicking here.
UPDATE – July 11th, 2015
Thanks to you, our generous donors, Benji had another visit at Adrian Animal Clinic on July 7th. His mast cell tumor was removed and now we are awaiting his biopsy results. The biopsy will tell us if the entire tumor was removed, how advanced it was, and what his prognosis is based on those two things. Benji's chest x-ray was clear but his liver enzymes were elevated so he's currently on a supplement to help rejuvenate his liver. Luckily for this little fighter, an additional mass on his front right foot was found to be scar tissue. We will know more once we receive his biopsy results.
Benji has had a long, rough journey since the day he came to us, but we are going to do everything we can to give him a future that will make up for his past. Thank you to every single person who has helped Benji through this fight so far. We appreciate you much, much more than you know.
UPDATE – July 17th, 2015
Benji's biopsy reports have come back and we cannot believe our eyes. Miracles really do happen. Benji's pathology report states that his "mass was an inflammatory response, a benign non-cancerous thickening of tissue caused by previous long-term inflammation" (possibly severe fleas for a long time). That's right – BENJI IS CANCER FREE!
Our last hurdle is Benji's liver. He's currently taking a supplement to rejuvenate his liver and has a re-check scheduled soon. We hope everything continues to remain positive for this amazing little dog! Thank you SO much to everyone who has showered Benji with donations, support, and prayers! It's working!
Before:
After:
