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DUNCAN |
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Duncan is ready for a life changing journey. Duncan's life to date has been
riddled with challenges. But lets dial back a bit and let the life of this
young boy unfold. We first met Duncan when his picture flashed across our
screen courtesy of the Cherokee shelter. He was described as a lab mix and
his pictures were primarily headshots - peering out at us through the chain
link was a goofy grin at a lopsided angle. We were hooked! We envisioned
him a bit of a goof - labby looks and demeanor aside - I had already started
an outline in my mind of the bio I would write. So boy were we surprised
when he strutted out! And, we do mean strut! All 44 lbs of him. I'm still
at a loss as to his breed cross, although I imagine he is part lab, part
bulldog and definitely a mix of happy and lucky to me! He has the most
charming underbite and the biggest HEART. In fact, he is all heart and if
we could shoulder the burden and discomfort of all he's been through with
the same grace and dignity he has shown, well we couldn't, but we would. You
see, Duncan's been dealt an unfair hand. He was diagnosed with
Leptospirosis. Long untreated, he has suffered extensive kidney damage.
All of which could have been avoided had his owners bothered to vaccinate
and care for him. Instead they dumped him. They didn't care and now this
young boy, barely two, has had to endure a painful treatment regimen and
sadly will live with the consequences of his owners neglect for the rest of
his life. As hard as we have tried, we cannot reverse it and we cannot
significantly improve his prognosis. His regiment of daily SubQ' s have
abated and he has been taken off all meds. His levels have dropped off to
satisfactory and then surprisingly risen again. His kidneys are
unilaterally damaged and the condition cannot be reversed. A mere pup, he is
the most seasoned patient we've ever encountered and it breaks our heart.
We've never had a better patient. He cheerfully endured the endless SubQ's
- he lay with his foster and grinned up at him. His neck swelled with fluid
daily and our hearts swelled right along with it. We love his enthusiasm for
life, his uber friendly spirit - his loving, good natured way. He is
completely unaffected by his condition, intensely affectionate - giving
freely and without restriction. He has the same loving tendency toward other
dogs and is heady with play - even a rascal at times! He had a blast at the
pet parade last weekend, his spirit intact, barking to the beat of the band
and wagging his tail all the while. He's always on his game! His condition
now stabilized, Duncan is no longer on 'medical hold' and we are beginning
our search for his forever home - third times a charm and we've got our paws
crossed for Duncan.
In general terms, Duncan won't require anything extraordinary on a day to
day basis from a medical standpoint, medication will not improve his
condition or lengthen his life. He will require access to the outside on his
own terms - the damage to his kidneys has resulted in his inability to hold
his potty for long periods. A doggie door would be perfect. Otherwise,
Duncan's only other requirements are EXACTLY the same as any of our other
ALR dogs - a loving home where he is adored and can lead a fun filled life,
one which he has long deserved. He stands waiting, wagging tail at the
ready.
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