This case has been very challenging, physically, emotionally, and financially for Pit Crew Pit Bull Rescue. In the two weeks before our January fundraiser we lost three puppies. We had planned on the fundraiser being a dog wash as well as an adoption event for Lily’s puppies, but after the loss of the third puppy, our vet recommended keeping the puppies isolated until the cause of death could be determined.
While our fundraiser was successful, it was also bittersweet as we were waiting on the results of the necropsies on the puppies that had passed. To this date, the cause of death cannot be determined, but before moving the puppies to the next rescue, we insured that the proper diagnostic tests were run to eliminate the possibility that the litter was affected with anything that could pose a risk to the health of other dogs at the next rescue.
Pit Crew PBR did all we could to give Lily’s puppies the best chance they had despite the disadvantage that malnutrition put them at when they came into this world. As we saw the puppies fighting for their lives, we did all that we could to help them. The loss was particularly hard for Cat Renner, who personally housed them, witnessed their birth and supervised their medical care, at times using her own personal money for unexpected costs. The loss was also hard for me, as I also had a large role in their care. In addition to regularly visiting with the puppies and financially sponsoring their care, I also personally administered enemas at all hours of the night and gave their first two series of DHLPPCv vaccinations.
As is often nature’s course, the smaller and sickly puppies in the litter did not make it despite our best efforts. However the remaining puppies were transferred to Faith Rescue, and as of now, three have been adopted and are currently in loving “fur-ever” homes.
We had a small scare with the mother Lily, who days before her scheduled spay at the SPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic developed a life threatening condition called an open pyometra. Our valued and always accommodating friend at the SPCA Clinic, Kristin Foley, was kind enough to move Lily’s spay to the earliest date possible, treating the open pyometra before any serious health risk occurred. Lily has made a full recovery and is thriving in her permanent home with Cat, who decided to adopt her after all they have been through together.
Despite my reservations about taking such a challenging case, I am very glad that I chose to because I met my partner Cat. This case has taught me the value of friendship between partners in a job that can be emotionally taxing at times. Cat and I both leaned on each other when we were at our weakest points and help each other to make better decisions when our judgment becomes clouded by emotion. In the end we were able to save Lily’s life and provide five of her puppies with the opportunity to thrive.
