Say hello to Hobbes
Intake Date: 5/2015
D.O.B 4/2014
Update 2/22/2023
Currently, Hobbes’ health is stable. We are doing all we can to give him his best chance at a happy life.
Sadly, Hobbes is back in emergency care as of today, 1/2/2023. Currently, we are unsure if it’s the same issue as last time or another issue arising. We will keep you posted once we receive an update. Please keep him in your thoughts.
This is Hobbes’s Story
Hobbes was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
in June 2022.
Cushing’s is a manageable condition, but it is not a condition that we can “cure”. Early testing for Hobbes indicated “Pituitary Dependent (PDH)”. Most dogs with PDH live a long life with Cushing’s and often eventually require treatment to control clinical signs. However, Hobbes’ left adrenal gland (one of the organs responsible for Cushing’s disease) was shaped differently than in the past. This is concerning that his Cushing’s may have an adrenal gland component (vs. just being caused by a change in
his brain). Dogs with adrenal gland masses tend to have a very short prognosis compared to dogs with PDH Cushing’s, which can be managed for years. Therefore, Hobbes’ next ultrasound will be very important to help us prepare for how his Cushing’s journey will progress. (Fortunately, we did not find any evidence of an adrenal gland mass at his recheck ultrasounds.)
Continue reading »Meet the most resilient boy ever, Champ
Intake Date: 1/2022
D.O.B 1/2021
Some of you may remember Champ’s story, if not here it is! You’ll be AMAZED!
Champ was a 2 yr. old terrier mix that came to us as a stray via animal control.
He was super sweet, even with the having a large wound on his left side (our best guess of what caused this would be a chemical burn).
As you can imagine, we were shocked and outraged that someone could do this to a helpless dog. There was no doubt in our minds that we could help Champ get the medical attention he needed.
We consulted with MSU as soon as he was transferred into our care. MSU was moderately concerned that they would find irreversible joint damage due to his knee being immobilized (from skin scar tissue) for what was presumed to be that way for months.
They were confident that their treatment plan would close the wound and that he would recover nicely. However, if the limb ended up non-functional, they recommended amputation.
Warning: by clicking ‘READ MORE’ you will see pictures of Champ’s wound which is graphic. However, there are also pictures included that show is unbelievable recovery.
Continue reading »Our golden warrior, Serenitee
Intake Date: 7/2013
D.O.B. 7/2011
From Serenitee’s perspective….
Before I came to Mackenzie’s, I was abandoned and left tied to a rope with a prong collar digging into my neck. Because of this experience, I don’t like people to touch or pet me too much. Strangers make me feel nervous too. Luckily the staff and volunteers understand and help me to feel comfortable by going at my pace.
Since coming here in 2013, I’ve really blossomed, and I’ve enjoyed learning lots of new things. There’s always someone to teach me basic training and fun tricks. It’s wonderful! I’m excelling at agility, learning how to jump rope and skateboard, how to nudge a ball with my nose, and so much more! When I’m ready to take a break from learning, I like to un-wind with a toy or two or take a relaxing dip in the pond.
My life is night and day from where it was. Instead of living out my days being unwanted and mistreated, I am now surrounded by people who show me that I have worth and that I matter.
