(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
A Priceless Gem Named Ruby
Written By: Donn Gash - Friends for Life Forever Farm | Issue: 2018/09 - September
At the Forever Farm, a big part of our mission is care of senior pets.
It might be the thing Friends For Life is best known for. However, another important part of what we do is take care of special needs pets. Young cats and dogs who end up at the farm are usually here due to special medical needs.
A lovely example of our young special needs pets is Ruby, a three-year-old Redbone Hound. Ruby came to us this spring after she was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease, a condition in which the adrenal gland stops producing enough of two hormones called cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a steroid that helps combat stress, and aldosterone helps regulate water and electrolytes in the body. Addison’s is rare in dogs, but left untreated, it’s fatal.
Ruby’s family noticed she was acting different. Normally lively and playful, she became lethargic. It quickly became obvious something wasn’t right. At the emergency clinic, she was diagnosed and the process of regulating her treatment began.
The key to Addison’s treatment is replacement of the hormones the body isn’t producing in sufficient levels. In Ruby’s case it is a once a month shot. If a dog is being treated and stress levels are kept low, it can live a completely normal, active life. The only unfortunate drawback is that the cost of the treatment can be pricey. In the case of Ruby’s family, this cost, as well as the impending arrival of a new child, caused them to strongly consider whether they could provide the stable and low-stress home she needed to thrive.
They reached out to us, and we determined the farm could be an environment where Ruby could thrive. In the couple of months she’s been here, Ruby has made lots of canine and human friends. She’s responding well
to treatment.
We consider Ruby to be very adoptable and she would make an amazing addition to someone’s life. In the meantime, her medication, along with all the medications and veterinary treatment we must provide to our residents, is a significant part of our budget. We rely on the kindness and generosity of people like you to help us meet those needs.
If you’re interested in adoption or in contributing to the mission of Friends for Life, visit our website at friendsforlife.foreverfarm.org or call (828) 508-2460. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 340, Sapphire, NC 28774.
