Rhett

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Update: 1/29/03

There is no turn of phrase or approach that makes this easy. The sad truth is that Rhett has gone to Rainbow Bridge. We always knew that Rhett’s kidneys would not permit him a long life; in fact, he lived much longer than we expected. But, he didn’t stay long enough, they never do. Despite our hopes and his foster mom’s amazing efforts, Rhett started to fail. His foster family decided it was time to let him go. His last day he felt better than he had for a time. His foster mom let him gorge himself on a bag of his favorite mini-carrots. Then, it was time to say goodbye. Rhett is buried at Springerfarm with several of his favorite tennis balls. We know though that he is sitting at the Bridge waiting patiently, pain free…. Goodbye Rhett, we love you.

Update: 
Rhett continues to do well. He has been in rescue for 6 months and he is going strong. We discovered that bread calms his stomach so he eats better now. His blood levels are as good as can be expected. Rhett has gained three pounds since he has been with us!! We have our fingers crossed. 

Rhett came into rescue with four of his littermates. All of the rest have been placed and are living happy, healthy lives. Sadly, Rhett’s kidneys were damaged at some point. The veterinarian said that the injury is similar to what you would see from anti-freeze poisoning, but not so fast-acting. Rhett was put on a low protein high carb diet as well as receiving prescription food. 

There was a chance that an ultrasound would reveal a treatable kidney disease. Sadly, that was not to be the case. 

We then hoped that he might have some decreased kidney functioning but still be able to live a full if abbreviated life. Our hopes were dashed when we found at the last testing that Rhett’s creatine levels continue to rise – unchecked. Our poor baby has anywhere from 6 to 12 months. 

Rhett will always be a MAESSR foster dog. His foster mom will keep him and continue to provide excellent care to him. MAESSR will pay all of his medical expenses, including his prescription dog food. In addition to the expensive diagnostic testing we have already had done, Rhett will require blood tests and urinalysis every two months. The treatment sheet from the specialist also states that Rhett may need IV fluids, medication to offset the loss of of kidney function and other diagnostic testing as necessary.

We have made it clear to the veterinarian and the specialist that Rhett should not be denied any treatments because he is a rescue dog. We are committed to his full care. The only limiting factor will be Rhett’s comfort.

Having said that, our resources are not unlimited. If you can help support our boy, we would greatly appreciate it. While we don’t begrudge him anything, every penny we spend on Rhett is one we don’t spend on another dog.

Please help if you can and think a good thought for this sweet boy. We will post updates regularly.