Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc.
sam #2
Sadly, Sam went to the rainbow bridge on 9/22/08.
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Proudly sponsored by
Heidi/HiDee YoYo and her people, Bill & Connie K.
with a generous donation for Sam's medical care and associated costs.
This sweet, red boy was taken to the shelter by his owners. Sam has a medium build and could stand to gain 2-3 lbs. but should probably not weigh more than 55 lbs. He seems to have a calm disposition and traveled well in the car. He was great at the vet's office and let us trim his feet and comb a few matts out of his tail. Ears and teeth looked good and he gave kisses to everyone he encountered at the vet's office today. He is a very sweet and affectionate boy. Sam is 4 years old, current on his vaccinations, microchipped and neutered. Sam is heartworm positive and began treatment on August 20.
Foster update 9/23/08:
I took Sam to the vet yesterday afternoon. We barely got from the house to the car. He had stopped eating and drinking Sunday night. The vet said his muscle tone was completely gone in his legs, back, neck, and head. She thinks along with the chest infection, he also had some type of neurological/
systemic disorder that was making his muscles deteriorate. Basically, she said he was not and could not get any better. The tech and I petted him while the vet gave him the shot. Our family is in mourning. Thanks for all of your prayers and concerns. Foster Update 9/17/08:
Sam had to go to the vet today because he started to limp last night. Since he did not have any other symptoms, I just thought he stepped on something I missed when cleaning our yard. However, when the vet took his temperature, it was 106.5. She said his limping was because of the fever and infection that just won't go away. He had finished both the antibiotics a few days ago, and now his chest infection is back again. He has coughed a few times this evening, but thank goodness, he is still eating. (He had gained 3 1/2 pounds when the vet weighed him.) Our instructions from the vet are to keep a journal of his temperature three times a day, if it does not come down, back to the vet we must go. He is now taking 3 different antibiotics and back on the steroids too. Please PRAY!!!
Foster Update 9/4/08:
Sam came home on Saturday, and we had four good days. Yesterday, when I got home from work, he had thrown up several times. He eats, then gags from coughing The last two nights, his coughing has gotten worse, so back to the vet he went today. She thinks the steroids have worn off, and that may be contributing to the coughing and gunky eyes. We came home with steroid pills and orders to steam him (home made humidifier) in the bathroom a couple of times. The vet was very happy to report he tried to bite her when she took his temperature. lol She had not seen that much energy from him!!
Foster Update 9/1/08:
Just a quick note to update you all on Sam. We have had a quiet few days at home. He is still sleeping, eating some, and just walking to go outside to the bathroom. He is getting on the couch by himself, but needs help getting off. Today he actually ate a tiny bit of dry dog food which was a first... along with a can of puppy food and 2 cheeseburgers! His nose is not dripping now and the coughing is getting better.
Foster Update 8/30/08:
I picked Sam up this morning (after 5 days of being on IV treatment) at the vet. He is very weak and still coughing a lot. He ate several bites of canned food three times throughout the afternoon. This evening, I am so excited to tell you he just ate an entire cheeseburger!
! Hooray!! Most of the afternoon he slept on the floor, but after the burger, he jumped on the couch!! yea!! Thanks for all the prayers!
Foster update 8/28/08:
I talked to the vet this evening, Sam's blood counts looks better, but he is still not feeling better. The distemper test came back negative, but no real name to what is wrong with him. His immune system is down and the upper respiratory infection is very bad. She is trying steroids and hopefully we will see some improvement by tomorrow.
Foster Update 8/27/08:
Cil talked with the Vet this morning and Sam seems to be improving but very slowly. He's still not eating on his own, is on IV fluids and meds, but is showing some signs of improvement. Please continue to keep Sam in your prayers.
Foster Update 8/26/08:
Sam is still in the hospital and is very sick. Please keep him in your prayers.
Foster Update 8/25/08:
Please keep your fingers crossed for our little Sam. He is feeling very puny from his heartworm treatment and upper respiratory infection and is back at the vet today. Keep him in your thoughts today.
Foster Update 8/20/08:
Sam had his heartworm treatment (1st shot) today. I wasn't sure if they would go ahead with the treatment because he still has a slight upper respiratory infection and is anemic.
After the vet confirmed that he did not have pneumonia, she decided to go ahead with the treatment because she thinks the heartworms are a major part of his poor health. She changed him to a stronger antibiotic and said he is going to have a long road to recovery. (sigh) Please add Sam to your prayer list. He will come home tomorrow afternoon. Foster Update 8/16/08:
Sam was neutered on Thursday, but but today he is walking around with the tennis ball in his mouth! He is scheduled to begin his heartworm treatment on Wednesday, August 20.
