January 17: HI! I am WINSTON and here is my story.

Last Tuesday (1/4) this really big thing with 4 wheels got in my way while I was playing in the street…..I know I know I am not supposed to do that – now I Know why!  Anyway that car did a number on my hip and it really hurt, so if any of you are thinking about running around and playing in the street, take it from me – it is not a good idea! 

Well a good Samaritan scooped me up and brought me to the shelter which is a little bit like being in jail, so avoid that if you can also. The people at the shelter did their best to fix me up, and tried to make my hip better.  They told me I had to wait 4 days for my humans to come and of course I thought they would be there for me right away, but they never came, and I can’t tell you how sad that made me.  Then I had the good fortune of finding out about Forever Friends and the people at the shelter told me that I would be in good hands with them and get the best possible care.  So Monday night I was released from Jail and I went home with a new mom – she has a dog and I was so excited and I wanted to play, and then my new mom stuck me back in a crate – which as far as I am concerned is a little bit like jail too – what gives?!?  I thought I was free.  She keeps telling me it is for my own good and I need to stay off of my leg – she may be right since it does still really hurt. 

Now today my new mom took me to a Dr. and I am scared cuz I heard them talking about surgery.  I think I am having my hip joint removed.  The Dr. insists I will be as good as new after a couple of weeks of rest – but I may have a slight “hitch” in my step – I am not sure what that means.  So my mom left me here to have the surgery and she told me she would be back tomorrow to pick me up – I have to trust her because she is all I have right now.  I am really worried though, because I just found these people at Forever Friends and it sounds like I am going to cost them quite a bit of money.  My new mom says not to worry and that I am worth it….plus she said she believes in all the good people out there and they will come forward to help me. 

So please if you can help Forever Friends with my surgery I and they would sure appreciate it.  My foster mom will send you more pictures when I come home tomorrow.

December 13: HOLLY has come into rescue during the Christmas season.  She needs a Holiday miracle.  Holly was picked up as a stray by the Ventura County Animal Services.  She is seriously overweight at almost 100 pounds and has serious hip dysplasia and probably a torn ACL, which makes it very difficult for her to walk.  Holly also has three serious tumors: one the size of a grapefruit hanging from her abdomen, one the size of a ping pong ball on her butt, and the most serious one, about the size of an orange, on her right front shoulder.  This is the one the vet is concerned might be malignant.  It is also very close to a major blood vessel.

In spite of all her problems, Holly is a sweet girl, probably about 10 years old.  Life has not been kind to her, but she retains that golden spirit, looking for love and a soft place to call home. She has a wonderful foster mom who is determined to see her through all her difficulties and on the road to recovery.

The vet bills for Holly will be considerable. Any financial help you can give to make this season more ‘Jolly for Holly’ will be greatly appreciated.  

December 20th: Holly had her surgery today to remove 3 tumors. She's home in her new bed and sleeping well. I wish the rest of the news was the same.  The doctor said both the shoulder tumor and the mammary tumor were much worse than anticipated as well as difficult to deal with. (The leg was a cinch) He is sending the tissues for biopsy but is certain that the tumor on her chest is malignant.  It was so bad he couldn't get it all.  (very involved with muscle, tendons, etc.)  The specific name of the cancer I won't even try to pronounce.  The important thing he did say is that this cancer does not go away and because he could not get it all, will return.

The timing of the recurrence he can't predict however, he said this is usually a rather fast growing cancer.  He said we would know when it's growing again because we will be able to see a lump forming and obviously growing again.  He said it can be removed again, over and over. He also thinks the mammary tumor is malignant as well and has sent that tissue for biopsy. He is also of the opinion that these have been growing for a very long time. We will update this information as soon as we know. For Holly, it's a matter of time.  Could be a couple months, could be longer. The sutures and staples will be removed in 14 to 17 days.  She needs to stay on the antibiotic, the anti inflammatory and two additional pain medications.

Her foster included the following note: 

“I would like her to stay with us until she's recovered from this round and I think she's going to surprise us all with how well she progresses. She made so many improvements in the short time before the surgery.  I think she has a special 'spark' that wants to 'feel better'.  I will keep you posted as to how we're progressing. I wish I had better news.”

We have a Major Medical Fund called the Scarlett Fund to set aside donations directed toward medical expenses such as these. You can also use our monthly donor plan, the Golden Friendship Program, to direct a monthly contribution to our Scarlett Fund. Even $10 a month will go a long way as more and more of our supporters become Loving Friends.