Animals First Foundation has been caring for Louie since he was abandoned at the vet’s office a few months ago. He was malnourished, couldn’t walk, was partially blind and had seizures. He recovered well and quickly became a beloved rescue for our rescue family and the fosters he befriended. We have been very fortunate to have foster parents who gave well beyond expected and where many would have found the effort too demanding. When dealing with an animal with special needs such as our Louie, the challenges require all of your strength, patience, compassion and love.
After an MRI and spinal tap revealed brain lesions, we proceeded to monitor and medicate him accordingly. All hoped that his lesions would remain controlled but that was not the case. This week our boy suffered multiple seizures. Another MRI and spinal tap revealed the lesions had grown and now require surgery to be removed. Louie’s emergency fees so far total $1,543.20 and the estimated surgery cost to remove the lesions will be another $6,621.00. We need your assistance to give Louie a chance at life that he has so enjoyed when he was well.
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As much as I think that every dog deserves a chance at a happy home and a long healthy life, I believe there comes a point where aggressive treatments and surgeries such as the one Louie is facing are too much to ask an animal to endure. They don't have our capacity for understanding what's happening to them, and we don't have any accurate way of measuring the pain and suffering they experience. Louie has been nursed back to health once already, and he's had a period of time where he was healthier, nurtured and loved. That's a chance so many other sick and suffering dogs don't get. As sad as it is to consider, maybe this is his time to go, and the six thousand plus dollars that would be spent to possibly save one dog will save a dozen or more instead. Every life is valuable and we are obliged to make all reasonable efforts to save those we can. We also have the unpleasant task of making the distinction between what is best for the animal, and what course of action we can live with.
He is a beautiful dog, noble and proud, just like my big pittie Tyson. He deserves better than to be sick, in pain, and unable to do anything a dog lives to do. Having said that, you all know him better than I do, maybe he's a real fighter, and maybe he's young and strong enough to handle the stress of surgery. Whatever happens, I send my best wishes to you all, and good luck wishes to Louie.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Wandalee. We have done quite a bit of soul-searching on this decision and it is not an easy one. We do have another meeting with the neurologist coming up this week. The question we had to ask ourselves was what would we do if it was one of our own dogs, not just one of our rescues? Our answer was that because Louie is 3 years old and has proven to be such a fighter and just an inspirational, amazing boy, that we have to give him every chance we can. However, if it is determined that it's in Louie's best interests to let him go…then we will hold him as he is put down and he will know that he has been loved, at least in the last 4 months of his life – if not in the first 2 1/2 years.
good boy…keep moving forward 😉
If I had the money, no animal would ever be sick or homeless. Times are hard and so many people with jobs and homes. I hope whatever you all decide will be the right one and just think he's had the best life since he was in your care. Not many animals will ever be that fortunate. My prayers are with both you and Perry.
Any udpates on Louie?
Any udpates on Louie?