Skipper is a 2 year old male Golden Retriever that has came into rescue in September '08. After struggling with the diagnosis of digestive issues Skip appeared to be having, the rescue located the problem - a rare condition called megaesophagus. The rescue spent over $2500 in testing to diagnose and determine the cause of this condition. After exploring common causes of megaesophagus (Addison's
Disease, Hypothyroid or Myasthenia Gravis) and conducting scopes and x-rays to check for other potential causes - we came out of everything empty-handed... No conclusive cause could be identified. Skipper was rapidly loosing weight and elevated feeding was not helping. The vets recommended implanting a feeding tube, and Skip has had his meals this way ever since. Skipper has struggled to maintain his weight and with occassional gastro upset. Funds for Furry Friends has struggled to find ways to improve Skipper's confort level and to find new treatments to help - going so far as to even attempt some holistic treatments like acupuncture... However, none of our attempts were making much headway for Skip...
THE NEXT CHAPTER...
On Friday, Jan. 8th, we bid Skipper a bittersweet farewell. Skipper has been transferred to the Canadian Golden Retriever Adoption Services, based in Ontario. Thanks to Theresa vanHoof’s tenacious pursuit to find the best solution for Skipper, he has found a foster placement with this exclusively Golden Retriever rescue. On Jan. 8, he was placed in the care of his new foster mom, Pat. The directors of FFFF would like to thank the Mattsson family who were Skipper’s foster home for the past 6 months. Maureen did tons of research on megaesophagus , always trying to find new ways or treatments to help Skipper. They even attempted the construction of a Bailey chair for him. Skipper’s care can be challenging at times, to say the least, but the Mattssons were real troopers. With their pending transfer to Ontario, we knew we had to find an alternative placement for Skipper.
The Canadian Golden Retriever Adoption Service was discovered as an option, and could offer a wider base of resources and other alternative options for Skipper. With opportunities available that could open more doors for this sweet fellow, arrangements were made with the rescue. Hopefully they will be able to find ways to make Skipper’s life more comfortable for him and easier for the family that cares for him. We also hope he will soon find his forever home through this rescue.
Everyone who met Skipper knew instantly what an amazing dog he is. Although his health was not good, he was always in good spirits. He loves people and is happiest when he can be with them. He is an extremely loving and loveable dog. A truly Golden personality.
So, to everyone who has been following Skipper’s story, send a prayer of thanks and hope that he will continue to thrive in this next step in his life. God bless you, Skippy!
|
