In Memory of Nelly
Just over a year ago, Nelly (along with her sister Noelle) joined BTRC. While Noelle was adopted to another loving family, it turned out that Nelly was already home.
Diagnosed with Cushing’s disease in March, Nelly became part of our Set for Life program. While her medical expenses remained the responsibility of rescue, all the important things that make someone a beloved family member were provided by her ‘foster’ mom – love, affection, companionship, understanding and an amazing level of care. As far as Nelly was concerned, it was her new mom, and her new forever home, period.
Nelly had a unique personality and was an extremely intelligent girl who blossomed as the one and only dog. She appointed herself nurse as her mom recovered from surgery. She could convey what she wanted with a look – most especially her displeasure at those faulty exploding stuffed toys! Her resting “stink eye” face was legendary. Nelly made it her duty to keep the yard squirrel-free and loved to stretch out to suntan. She enjoyed trips to the cottage and the attention she received from the children she met there. In colder weather, warm blankets and cuddles with her person made each day special.
In November, Nelly wasn’t acting like her usual self. Her Cushing’s was well-controlled, and her symptoms weren’t typical of the disease. Cancer was ruled out; IBD was suggested as a possible diagnosis. New medications and diet were introduced to help Nelly continue to live a good quality of life.
After another recent decline in her health, an MRI revealed a large mass in Nelly’s brain. As she was not a candidate for any further medical intervention, it was time to make the heartbreaking decision to let her pass with dignity.
We are forever grateful to Nelly’s mom for being part of our BTRC family. We know that Nelly spent her sunset year exactly where she was meant to be. And we know, now healthy and without pain, she awaits their happy reunion at the Bridge someday.
We’ll miss you Nelly. You were so loved.
Nelly joined our Set for Life Program in September, 2022
NELLY IS UNDER THE WEATHER
Sweet Set for Life Nelly just wasn’t feeling like herself. She was lethargic and losing weight.
As Nelly has Cushing’s disease, testing was done first to make sure her medication was still working properly. Her Cushing’s remains under control, and all bloodwork came back perfectly normal. An abdominal ultrasound was the next step, but unfortunately the results were inconclusive. Nelly was put on a course of antibiotics, anti-nausea medication and an appetite stimulant. And to tempt her to eat, she was offered a wide menu from special veterinary food to boiled chicken and baby food.
On November 26, Nelly underwent a CT scan to try and find out what is causing her symptoms and find a way to make her feel better.
The results of Nelly’s CT scan show that it’s very likely that Nelly has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because she has Cushing’s disease and cannot take steroids, Nelly will be started on cyclosporine (brand name Atopica – the same drug used to treat skin allergies) to help get the IBD under control. For now, she’ll continue the antibiotics and anti-nausea meds too. And, much to Nelly’s disapproval, her gourmet chicken breast and baby food dinners have been switched to a new prescription diet.
Good news is that Nelly is starting to feel much better!
NELLY IS SET FOR LIFE!
“Am I happy? You bet your paws I am! I just found out that I am staying forever with my foster family, my OFFICIAL family now!
BTRC reviewed my needs in a furever home, and given my health and medical expenses, decided that I was going to become part of their “Set for Life” program. I figure I’m already set for life: I get delicious food, tons of snuggles, I sleep on my mom’s bed AND I even have my own down duvet with a pretty pink unicorn cover. PLUS I am an only dog and I get ALL THE LOVE. All of it! (And all the toys to myself too!)”
NELLY UPDATE MAY 2022
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY NELLY!
WELCOME NELLY!
Nelly, 7 years, with her sister Noelle, 5, came to BTRC when changes in their family situation meant they would be left alone for 12 hours a day. Knowing that this was far from ideal for them, it was decided that finding them a new home where they could get the attention they deserved was the right thing to do.
Newly arrived, their foster is just getting to know the girls and their unique personalities. So far, they are being wonderful house guests, sweet and settling in well. Nelly does have some medical concerns that will need further investigation, and both will receive full veterinary check-ups.
Nelly and Noelle are being fostered in Burlington, ON and are not yet ready to be considered for adoption.