Fur Kids Foundation 2018 Success Story: Dosie

This beauty is Dosie, an 8-year-old pit bull, and (truly) her dad's whole world.
 
Earlier this year, Dosie started acting tired and weak—she wasn't eating or drinking, and her dad was so worried. He rushed her to the vet, and they found that Dosie's white blood count was low, and they knew something was really wrong with her. With more tests, they learned that Dosie had an Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), with was destroying her own red blood cells.
 
For dogs (and humans), the red blood cells carry oxygen to the cells in the body and pick up carbon dioxide (waste gas). Anemia is a condition that arises when the number of red blood cells falls below normal values, or the red blood cells function improperly. When your dog has IMHA, your dog’s body still produces red blood cells in the bone marrow to replace the destroyed cells, but once they are released into circulation, the immune system mistakenly recognizes them as something foreign, like a virus or infection, and destroys them, according to the Pet Health Network. Symptoms of IMHA may include:
• Acting tired, weak, or listless
• Black/Tarry stools
• Eating dirt
• Faster than normal pulse
• Lack of appetite
• Pale gums
• Shallow or rapid breathing
• Weight loss

Dosie’s dad was distraught. He's been laid off for a while, and was so worried about what to do for his best friend. When he learned about Fur Kids Foundation, he applied immediately for help with Dosie’s emergency veterinary care.
 
In his application he said, "Dosie is my best friend. I've had her since she was a puppy. We do everything together. She loves walks and fetch. She sleeps under the blankets in bed. She is definitely my best friend." Dosie's dad lives in Wright, Wyoming and drove to the clinic every day to spend time with her and hand feed her, to help her build her strength up. 
 
We were happy to help Dosie and her father out, and make sure that Dosie got the necessary care that she needed. Dosie stayed a few days at the clinic, and luckily they found a treatment that will work for her. Recently, Fur Kids Foundation received this message from Dosie’s dad: “I wanted to thank you again for helping me with Dosie! She is so much happier being home. She has been eating and drinking really good for me and her blood tests had great results yesterday at the vet!”

We’re so happy to hear she’s doing so well!
 
Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.