Scooter's Page

It’s your worst nightmare and it doesn’t go away when you wake up. You’ve lost your job, your home is being foreclosed, and your dog gets sick. In less than a week, a family has guiltily spent $1,000 on emergency veterinary care. X-rays were inconclusive but it was suspected that little Scooter had an obstruction that would require surgery, which the owner could not afford. Desperate, a little girl’s father even considered euthanasia to end their pet’s suffering. When we offered to take custody and continue Scooter's treatment, the man could barely speak. It was heartbreaking to take Scooter from this man who was willing to give up his beloved friend to save his life.

Our vet quickly determined that Scooter's state was critical. His liver values were off the chart and we feared that he wouldn’t survive the exploratory surgery. Scooter did survive but surgery revealed horribly ulcerated stomach and liver and damaged pancreas that was most likely the result of an obstruction. Day two the vet gave Scooter plasma to increase his chances of recovery. He is now facing days of hospitalization with fluids only to allow his stomach to heal.

Scooter's bills will be very high, but this meticulously cared for little Maltese deserves to see another day. Can you help? Please consider sponsoring Scooter! Remember, your donation is tax deductable. We'll keep you posted on Scooter's progress here.

Update 1/30/10 10:40 am: "I just called the veterinarian treating Scooter and found out that he is about the same as yesterday, which is to say he is trying to hold his own. The good thing is that he did not throw up over night. They have described him as super sweet and a fighter. Let's hope he has a strong will as he will need it to bounce back from his critical state." Charlene

Update 1/30/10 7 pm: "I called a bit ago and they said he was super quiet. No worse but no better." Charlene

Update 2/1/10 1 pm: Doing so much better today! Scooter is able to keep down food and his systems all seem to be working. If all continues to go well today, he should be able to leave the vet this evening. It looks like his issue was not caused by an obstruction, but by extreme pancreatitis. This means he will likely have to have a very expensive speciality diet possibly for the rest of his life. Thanks to all those supporting this little fighter. Your support has been and will always be amazing!

Update 2/4/10 11:30 am: While it was looking really good for Scooter to be out of the woods a few days ago, he has continued to have periodic spikes in his fever and the doctors have once again begun to withhold food from from him. He will not be released yet, but through this whole ordeal his personality has shined and he has stolen many hearts. Everyone is still very optimistic and are keeping their fingers crossed. We will get through this thanks to all of your support and generosity.

Update 2/9/10 10 am: We are happy to report that little Scooter is doing GREAT! This little guy has one tremendous will. He is still at the vet and will have to be on special food for the rest of his life but he is healthy and ...oh so HAPPY.

Dr. Rhymes, the vet at Parkway who has been treating Scooter and basically living at the clinic the last few days given the weather has told us that Scooter is one VERY, VERY, SPECIAL little dog!! It seems that not only is Scooter a fighter, but Dr. Rhymes tells us he is as sweet as they come, and super smart too.

For all of you that have contributed to Scooter's vet care, THANK YOU! We still have a long way to go to come up with the funds to cover his vet care so if you have not donated and can afford to help, please sponsor Scooter. If you prefer not to fill out a sponsor form, you can make a general HART donation with PayPal and enter the name and dedication you'd like listed on the website (or Anonymous) in the "Instructions for HART" field.

Thank you also for all of your good wishes for Scooter's speedy recovery!

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