Happy Tuesday to our TSBR Troopies and Harley's fan club!
We know everyone has been patiently awaiting our Sweet Yellow Boy "Harley's" next update.
The weekend we wished for him brought more frustrating news for Harley and us!
However - he no doubt was happy to meet his new TSBR friend Jill who traveled to see him Saturday, and showed his enthusiasm at her visit by sitting and shaking on command, and then promptly plopping his head in her hands and resting.
He was also visited by Lori and Hope Monday who assist with our Animal Welfare team. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who both drove nearly 10hrs round trip to make sure Harley had what he needed and give us a much needed update on his emotional state.
While his body is riddled with unimaginable destruction...a war zone so to speak - it is more and more apparent that beneath his years of suffering lies a genuinely sweet and gentle boy. The clinic staff adore him!
His spirit of course makes the journey along side him really difficult for us humans, that just can't reason with where he is, or how on earth anyone would allow him to get there...but he is there, and the reality of it is painful to watch and painful to contemplate what is exactly the "right" future for Harley.
We have said from the beginning that our purpose first an foremost was to ensure that he does not suffer one moment at our hands. In making that heart felt commitment, we deep down hope that Harley himself will tell us when he is ready to make that quiet journey that we all dread for him, and selfishly...for us!
While his blood values have not decreased, they also have not increased again.
This is not a deal breaker, but caution sign for us to observe.
Unfortunately, what can not be ignored are the test results from the one remaining tick panel that was still out...and it's not good news. Our Sweet Yellow Boy, on top of everything else, has a long standing case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This is a severe illness caused by ticks. However, not the ticks that Harley brought with him on his journey with us. His blood values show that he has been sick for a long time, from what is likely a long term tick infestation and the damaging effects of them. Unlike an acute case, that while serious can be treated, Harley's frail body makes for an almost impossible prognosis. His poor kidneys deprive him of the ability to regain the severe muscle mass he has lost at the hands of his abusers, and what he needs most to combat these diseases is muscle!
After conferring with our team of veterinarians, TSBR has decided that it is time to move Harley north to DFW. Members of our Animal Welfare team and our Chair of Animal Welfare will make the trip tomorrow (Wed 6/18) to get our Sweet Yellow Boy.
Harley has been readied for his journey in the San Antonio end, and our team on the Dallas end is ready for his arrival.
Due to the time and logistics of what will be a long trip for Harley, his first stop will be an overnight at the Denton Animal Emergency Hospital where Dr. Polly and Dr. Pearson will ensure his comfort and continue his care.
The following day he will move to Rickord's Animal Hospital in North Ft.Worth where Dr. Rickords and Dr. Bellard will assume his ongoing care and we hope to address his anemia and kidney functions further.
The really good news is that Harley's kidney values that were almost off the chart have reduced to nearly half what the were, and this is an important improvement for him. He is also gained a whopping 5+ lbs...GO HARLEY!
Lastly, we will begin discussing a hospice home for Harley and talking with the prospects.
As you will surely know, this is no easy decision! While we remain guardedly optimistic, we ask for your prayers and support that the team caring for Harley and tasked with making the tough decisions, will have the wisdom and courage to know what is right in this situation.
As always we are grateful for your support in all forms.
One thing is certain...if Harley is to be given a chance to live out his days no matter how few they may be...he must have a compassionate and willing foster who will commit to his course of care, and put his needs, including when it is his time, first! If you truly believe that you can, and would like to provide this to Harley please private message us so that we can discuss options with you.
His current care bills are approaching 4k. Thank you to those who have donated to help Harley!
If you feel moved to support Harley - NO amount is too small. We invite you to use the link below to view donation options.
Thank you from the bottom of our paws!
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| http://www.retrieveafriend.org/donate |
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