Jordon’s Plea

Hi! I’m Jordon! I’m here to ask you for a favor. It’s a big one, but it’s really important.

Jordan

My Story
Mama remembers the Happy Day. There were humans with big smiles talking to her. They told her that she and her babies were now safe, and would be loved and happy forever. There would be no more sad faces looking at her, no more talk about “what a shame”. The Bad Days were no more.

She went to her new home, where we were born that very night. Eight babies! Mama knew it would be a good place for all of us. We got lots of pets and belly rubs, warm blankets to sleep on, and could play all day. Mama said life was good!

One day we all laid down for a good nap after lots of fun play. When I woke up, I didn’t feel  good – at all! My tummy hurt, I didn’t feel like moving. It wasn’t long before I was throwing up and pooping smelly water stuff. I wasn’t the only one either. One by one each of my brothers and sisters got sick, too.

We had to go to a place called The Vet, where we got a bunch of needles poked into us every day. Other doggies came in, too, just as sick. The humans there were very nice, but with lots of frowns and quiet talk about what was wrong with us. It was really scary and not at all fun and comfy like our new home.

Then my brother wasn’t breathing anymore. He will never wake up again. The Vet people said he died. I cried for him – I just wanted him to wake up and get better so we could play Gotcha again. It was his favorite game. The same thing happened to my sister…then two more siblings. I was so scared; would I never wake up one day? Would I stop breathing and just lie there staring?

Well, I’m here to tell you that won’t happen to me. The Vet says I’m on the mend. And so are my other three siblings. We made it through the No-Good, Icky, Bad Time! If it weren’t for him, though, I’d be sleeping forever, instead of playing and looking forward to my forever home.

And that’s where I’m asking for your help. The smiling humans who rescued us on Happy Day need to pay for our sick care. They need your help! You could buy a good car for the total amount! I’m asking you in the name of the brothers and sister I no longer have. I promise I will be the best dog. I’ll help my foster mom stop getting the leaky eyes thinking of the ones no longer here. I’ll grow up to make humans happy – and you, proud of me!

Please, please give what you can!

Jordon

Canine Parvovirus

Juliane and babies

The eight littermates contracted parvovirus from their mother. Simultaneously, Almost Home Foundation had also taken in more puppies infected with the disease, plus a two year-old Rottweiler – for a total of 19  infected dogs. Five of the dogs didn’t survive. AHF mourns the loss of these precious lives, just as it celebrates the survival of all those that are on the way back to full health.

Canine parvovirus is a highly virulent, contagious disease which is often fatal in puppies. Spread through infected feces, fomites, and contaminated surfaces, it is an extremely hardy virus, surviving in soil and on surfaces for more than a year, even through extreme temperatures. Bleach is the only known substance to destroy this virus.

Vaccinations against this killer are normally given along with the distemper series. As a result, most dogs exposed to the virus are immune to its effects. Puppies are particularly susceptible if they do not receive initial immunities from their mother. Certain breeds appear to be more vulnerable. Found by the side of the road, the Rottweiler’s previous vaccinations are presumed nonexistent.

Parvovirus generally attacks the gastrointestinal system, quickly (and painfully) eroding the lining and leading to secondary conditions. Symptoms begin suddenly with lethargy, followed by severe vomiting and (often bloody) diarrhea. A dog can die within as little as 48 hours after onset if not promptly treated, usually from dehydration or secondary infection.

Treatment often requires hospitalization with round-the-clock IV’s and injections of vital fluids and antibiotics. Anti-nausea and pain-killing medications are often given. Veterinary supervision and care is vital for life-saving results. Due to the intensive treatment and time involved, costs can be high – the care needed for these 19 dogs would be $30,000 for dog owners! Thanks to the generosity of the vets involved, that bill has been cut nearly in half. Still, AHF faces expenses of nearly $16,000.

Please donate – help our rescue cover these worthwhile expenses!

Almost Home Foundation is a 501c3 pet rescue organization in northwest suburban Chicago. With a 100% volunteer staff network and board, every penny donated goes straight to benefiting the animals in need. AHF was founded in 2005, and has placed 7,000 dogs and cats in loving homes to date. Your donation is fully tax-deductible, and enormously appreciated.

4/21/2012 Update:

I’m adopted!! 🙂