"Sonny"

3/28/00 - Update on Sonny: As you can see, Sonny is not suffering too badly in her foster home. Her foster mom, Lisa, and Dad, Michael have made Sonny's stay better than it could have been at the Ritz-Carlton. THANK YOU LISA and MICHAEL!!!!! Sonny also has a foster sister named Tigre and a foster brother (featured in the photo)-both rescues- that she loves very much. She would love to stay in this cozy family, but this is one of very few foster homes in the area, and the space is desperately needed for new rescues coming in. We have had many inquiries from absolutely wonderful people offering Sonny a permanent home. Many are too far away, others do not meet her needs in some way- but we are still speaking with many potential homes, and are still accepting applications regarding Sonny's adoption. So, if you think you can provide Sonny with a home that is almost as cozy as the one she has now, she will lay on your lap for the Saturday night line-up (her favorite activity)! 

Sonny still receives her daily dosage of fluids under the skin (needle with tube connected to bag of special saline fluids) for daily hydration, given amphagel orally 2x daily and periodically given blood tests to check her kidney levels. Lisa thinks that Sonny's incontinence has improved somewhat, but she still needs to wear a diaper or pull-up when sleeping in the family bed (which is every night, of course). There is just so much more to say about Sonny- she is truly a gem. All the work, money and energy given for Sonny's life has been well worth it. Again, thank you to everyone that has shown concern for Sonny. We are truly appreciative. 

3-23-00 Sonny has gotten another blood test. Her kidney levels have risen slightly, but she is still in good spirits. Thanks to all of you, she has now become quite a celebrity...all of your warm words and caring e-mails really mean so much to all of us at rescue. (To Sonny too!)

The Sonny Fund

Her former owner told us that Sonny "leaks" while she is sleeping, needs to go out every 3 hours and drinks lots and lots of water.   Her vet recommended an ultrasound, but Sonny's former owner could not afford to do it. 

As soon as Sonny came to us, she went in for an ultrasound at the Animal Medical Center in NYC and we discovered Sonny had only 1 Kidney!   We also found out that Sonny had a bad infection in that Kidney and would need to be hospitalized for 5 to 7 days in order to clear up the infection by giving her antibiotics intravenously 24 hours a day.

1/27/00 - The test results, in today, show Sonny's kidney levels dropped to 51 from 100, but need to be around 30 in order for her kidney to function normally.  Unfortunately, it doesn't look like her levels are falling any further, which gives her a year or so to live.  The remainder of her life will be that of a healthy dog with the exception of a daily treatment of fluid injections to keep her hydrated.  She is in great spirits, has a hearty appetite and will live comfortably for the remainder of her life. 

We are unsure of whether she is still incontinent (leaking) but if she is, she does not mind wearing a size 5 "Huggies", or Pull-Ups (see photo).  For the few days I had her, she seemed to know that she had a problem, therefore accepted wearing the diaper without any complaints.   Sonny is ready to be released from the hospital today.  I am going to pick her up this afternoon, and will meet with the vet to learn everything about the daily fluid treatment she will need.

The next step is finding Sonny a home in which she can enjoy each and every day.  I can not express how great of a girl she is, except that I've only known her for approximately 2 weeks and I have to say she is sweetest, most gentle and appreciative dog I have ever met.   She gets along great with all of my dogs, 2 females & 1 male, adores children of all ages (actually becomes noticeably happier if children are around), and just wants to cuddle.  She prefers not to be crated, and doesn't get into anything if left alone. 

We have already gone to great lengths financially and emotionally for Sonny.  We desperately need to find her a loving home that is willing to accept her condition and give her the life she deserves.  This is a critical situation - if we do not find a home for her soon, all of our efforts will go to waste.  If you have a special place in your heart for the sweetest girl, she will unquestionably bring your life lots of love and happiness.

If you are unable to take Sonny into your home, but still want to help her, we would appreciate any donations that will go toward the cost of her future daily care.  Contributions towards her care can be sent to the address at the bottom of the page, and checks can be made out to Northeastern Boxer Rescue with a notation that it is for "The Sonny Fund".

For Additional Information on this dog, contact:

NORTHEASTERN BOXER RESCUE
JANE SCOTT
P.O. Box 95
Sunderland Massachusetts 01375-0095
413-367-9292 Voice / Fax

E-mail: scotty@javanet.com

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