I asked the ACCT staff in the Life Saving department if they could spare a minute or two and get me a picture of Hope. They are so busy it is a lot to ask, but I *think* they came through. They have a Flickr account where the newest intake of dogs is uploaded, probably for intern record and for rescue resource. I found this picture there.
Sorry, Hope, but you are looking like last night's party. Can't wait to meet you tomorrow.
xoxo.
Loot achieved! I wanted over to Chewy's Bonetique. They were the listed shop for Herbsmith supplements that was local to where we are staying.
The shop owner was really great - and tearfully shared her story about her own dog, Chewy, who the shop is named after. Chewy also had cancer and has since passed away.
I also found some really great options for food. I ended up deciding to try the Paw Naturaw Bison food. I got two packages - each 14oz. While it isn't cheap, it is organic and full of great stuff.
Now the trick is to find it local.
After doing some quick research on cancer diets and the like, I reached out to my friend, Anna of Calling All Dogs Utah, last night. She is not only a great trainer, but she is someone I consider an expert on canine nutrition and supplements. It is a shame she lives in Utah, I think we could cause a lot of trouble together.
Anna reconfirmed what I had been reading - feed the dog, starve the cancer. For a cancer patient, the worst thing you can do is feed the cancer. Cancer thrives on grains and sugars. A grain-free approach is the best bet for a dog with cancer. Anna is also big advocate of a prey-model type of raw diet. It basically consists of meat, bone, and organ meat. It embodies the "cancer diet" of high fat, high protein, no sugar(think Atkins for dogs). I have fed a raw diet to all of my dogs before, so I am somewhat familiar. I am not sure prey-model will be right for Hope based on my guess of what her teeth probably look like. Anna thought patties or medallions of raw were probably a good option, coupled with some bones if her little teeth are up to it. Raw marrow bones are great for cleaning teeth.
We also spoke a little bit, okay a LOTTA bit, about supplements. The quick retort was that she definitely needed to go through a detox program and then be supplemented with an immune blend to help fight the cancer and add some anti-inflammatory into the mix. A few favorites thrown out were Tasha's Detoxifier Formula and Berte's Immune Blend - both from B-Naturals. Azmira's Yucca Intensive will add to the mix for anti-inflammatory benefit, along with some chinese medicine. Herbsmith's Immunity Support came on the top of the list. Anna was quick to note that fish oil should still be included in her diet - 2000mg per day - which is basically 2 capsules. I was concerned that it was a high dose(that is what I feed my large dogs per days) but for therapeutic levels it is a necessity.
So, the preplanned regiment will be as follows:
Days 1-4 - Detox formula, Yucca, Fish oil
Days 5+ - Detox, Yucca, Fish Oil, Herbsmith, Berte's
I'm looking into raw sources for her. Our local pet supply place, The Hungry Puppy, carries a few brands. At 4lbs she isn't going to cost much to feed so I'm happy to pay for quality. She'll also need drops and smidgens of the supplements so we may be stocked for life around here after this initial buy.
So today's shopping list, as I am still in Denver on vacation, is to find the Herbsmith local(I found a store listing online) and possibly stumble upon the Azmira Yucca Intensive in the same shop.
Thank god for friends.
Actual Hope update: A temporary foster was found for her and so she is OUT of the shelter until Sunday. That puts my mind at ease a lot until I can get my hands on her myself. The PSPCA said she has an eye issue going on and she'll be coming with eye ointment, but I think that's the least of our worries.
I have no idea what I am doing. I have no idea why I want to set myself up, potentially, to fail and suffer horrible heartbreak. All I know, for a fact, is that I was instantly, cosmically connected to a dog via a picture on the internet. I saw her on flickr.
A dog in terrible shape, lacking in fur, and located at the Philadelphia Animal Care & Control.
I later found out she was a senior, she didn't have demodex mange(which would have explained the hair loss), and has "mammary tumors".
She weighs 4 pounds. The shelter is calling her "Skinnie".
I know next to nothing about canine cancer. I do know, however, that where they are located is not good in terms of necessarily being benign. My friend Denise, who I met through rescue, who is also a vet(best friend to have for a rescuer) gave me a "50/50" term when I casually asked her about the chances of benign vs. malignant tumors 'down there'. In gambling terms, those are odds I'd definitely play. In cancer terms, I'd normally fold.
I am attempting to promise to myself that if the problems are fixable that she is adoptable. If they are not fixable, I will give as much hospice care and quality of life as is humane. Don't hold me to either of those statements.
What am I doing?
Right now, I'm reading the hell up on canine cancer. I'm going to keep this blog to chronicle our trials, triumphs, and failures. I'm going to use it as a back reference for myself about this whole process.
I'm picking her up on Sunday morning. I think I'll call her "Hope".
