Emergency situations never wait for anyone, especially not for Lenawee Humane Society as we continue to be the voice for those who cannot speak.
Tuesday, an American Bulldog named Baby Girl arrived at the shelter, breathing heavily in the back seat of the car she arrived in. The dog's owner had just passed away and her owner's husband was fighting his own battle in the hospital. There was no one left to care for this dog who was struggling to breathe in Tuesday's humidity. Had we known the full extent of Baby Girl's medical issues at this point, we probably wouldn't have taken her. However, in the animal shelter world, fate has a way of making things happen the way they're meant to.
Our shelter veterinarian, Dr. Erin Whalin, DVM, examined the dog on Wednesday. Her breathing was still labored and she had begun turning blue. Because the Hope Clinic is not a full service clinic, Baby Girl was rushed to Adrian Animal Clinic to be seen by Dr. Herr. There was no waiting – she was taken back immediately.
Dr. Herr kept Baby Girl overnight Wednesday and diagnosed her with an airway issue called Laryngear Edema. She was released back to us on Thursday with the recommendation that she see a specialist if we planned on saving her life.
The next day, an appointment was made at a specialist, located over an hour away. When we arrived, the sound of Baby Girl's breathing concerned the hospital staff so much that they rushed her straight back to undergo emergency surgery.
At this point, Baby Girl’s surgery has shortened her palate and opened her nostrils to allow air into her stocky body. The total cost of this life-saving treatment is $3500. Our dedication to our mission, which is to save the lives of animals while enriching the lives of humans, means that we make a commitment to each animal in our care and Baby Girl is no different.
Baby Girl's situation comes in the midst several difficult situations. Between a hoarding case with fourteen chihuahuas (three of which with physical deformities), a multitude of heartworm positive dogs, and an overabundance of cats, our finances are extremely strained.
We’re desperately asking for prayers, well wishes, and donations to help at this time. Whether you’re able to donate a lot or a little, it all counts, and we appreciate every bit of it. Donations can be made online, via phone at 517-263-3463, or by mail at:
705 W. Beecher St.
Adrian MI 49221
Thank you to everyone for your continued dedication, compassion and support! It means much, much more than you know.
On September 2nd, 2015, Baby Girl had her follow-up appointment at Blue Pearl. The veterinarian took one look at her happy smile, pink gums, and her ability to breathe and gave her the all clear to a happy life, as long as no other issues arise!
On October 2nd, 2015, Patty Clark became Baby Girl's Adoption Ambassador. Patty took Baby Girl home where she could escape from the stressful shelter environment, become a couch potato, and eventually find her forever home. Below are a few photos of Baby Girl living the good life in her foster home.
Through her Adoption Ambassador, Patty, Baby Girl soon met the person she would share her future with. The photo below was taken by Baby Girl's adopter, only a couple of days before she made the adoption official.
On December 2nd 2015, almost four months after arriving at Lenawee Humane Sociey and almost losing her life, Baby Girl enjoyed one of the best days of her life. Her forever home finally found her and she couldn't have been any happier!
After a long, tough journey, Baby Girl finally found her happy tail. With perseverance, community dedication and support, an amazing Adoption Ambassador, and an adopter with a HUGE heart, this precious life was saved. Thank you to everyone who helped!!
