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Pet Heroes Program

Occasionally our clinic cares for a patient who has overcome significant health challenges, has fought hard to survive, and has amazed our staff wth a courageous recovery. We consider this patient to be a "Hero." As a way of honoring these brave animals, we have created a Pet Heroes Program. As a gift to you, the pet owner, we offer you the opportunity for a complimentary pet portrait session and a 5 x 7 inch portrait print from Woodstock Photography. You may call the studio and schedule your pet's portrait session.

Our Latest Pet Hero: A Tale of Hope

Donna and Jenny were supposed to be looking at the house, but they were distracted by the small cries coming from the field.  Three newborn puppies were spread far apart from each other in the autumn chill.  Two of the pups were still attached to their placenta, but there was no mother in sight.  While the neighbors agreed to look after two of the pups, Jenny and Donna adopted the smallest and weakest pup – a charming little girl.

When I first met Hope, she was  12 ounces of pure charm.  Although she seemed strong and healthy, we knew we would have to watch her closely since she probably never received colostrum – the first milk which gives puppies the protection of their mother’s antibodies. 

Donna and Jenny surrendered themselves to the constant care of little Hope, who was still blind, deaf, and helpless.  A few days later, Hope had still not gained any weight and she began to have diarrhea.  After visits to both Gladstone Veterinary Clinic and to the emergency clinic, antibiotics, and force feeding every 2 hours, the diarrhea stopped and Hope finally hit the one pound mark.  However, within a few days she began coughing and had discharge from her nose.  X-rays revealed pneumonia and we initiated aggressive supportive treatment.  While I was able to prescribe the necessary medications, Hope would never have recovered without the love and dedication of her new family.

Donna and Jenny continued to watch Hope constantly and adjusting humidity and temperature to meet her needs.  Along with twice-daily medication, we also monitored her weight, food intake, and breathing status with examinations every few days.  Through it all we celebrated every little step on her path to recovery.  I won’t forget the day her eyes opened and I finally had the chance to return her beautiful blue gaze.  When she took her first wobbly steps we knew she was going to fight the pneumonia with all of her strength.  By the time Hope was four weeks old, her chest x-rays showed considerable improvement and she was gaining weight normally. 

Today Hope is a beautiful, strong, and very spoiled little girl.  From the moment Donna and Jenny saw her, Hope stole their hearts and nuzzled her way into a wonderful home.  In spite of several potentially fatal illnesses, Donna and Jenny never wavered in their dedication to her survival and I think the lesson we can all learn is this:  if you never give up on Hope, she will never give up on you.

Update: At the age of 7 months, Hope was dignosed with sudden kidney failure of unknown origin.  She fought bravely for 5 months, but finally succumbed to the disease 2 weeks after her first birthday.  Although her time was short, Hope was precious to all of us and we count ourselves lucky to have been a part of her life.  She was and always will be a hero.

Special Thanks to Woodstock Photography!

We would like to recognize Woodstock Photography who so generously works with us and provides the free heroes photos. 

Woodstock Photography
4416 SE Woodstock
Portland, OR  97206
503-771-8171    
www.woodstockphotography.com

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