My husband and I have four teenage children who begged us consistently for years to have a family dog. My entire family has always had dogs and they are just part of our family. We travel to Nantucket every summer to vacation with friends. They purchased a Goldendoodle from a highly reputable breeder several years back. Once I met Tuck, I was in love. This created a yearning for another dog that I had never had since losing my Tugger who was a Cockapoo and died shortly after his 18th birthday. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease as a puppy and caring for his needs was just a part of life. That being said, I had been stalking the Goldendoodle breeder for months on FB and was waiting. Not sure for what, but last June I knew why… On one random day I saw the picture of a 12-week special needs puppy that needed a home. She was returned after being with her first family for less than 48 hours due to illness. She was diagnosed with Megaesophagus and unless someone “rescued” her then she would surely become another statistic of being discarded for being sick. I spoke with my vet and inquired about Megaesophagus and that was the beginning of this new love in my heart. My Mom, daughter and I drove eight hours to meet the breeder half way in Ohio. We picked her up and drove home. Riley is now 18 months and thriving with a very mild case of ME, but we had no idea that this disease would change all of our lives forever. As a new puppy owner, I joined every FB page to get insight, guidance and pure enjoyment from other Goldendoodle owners as well as families living with Megaesophagus. It was not only comforting but educated me on how precious these “special” dogs are who need a little extra support and lots of love. The Doodle Rescue Collective organization really inspired me. The tireless efforts that this group puts forth for ME dogs helped me to understand that not only was I not alone in the love of Goldendoodles, but that I was not alone with having a dog with ME. I had been speaking with Kate Singleton about another ME doodle and inquired on his status. Yes, I was secretly plotting to get another but unfortunately his battle ended far too soon. Then, one day Kate inquired about me fostering another ME doodle that was close to my home. Within a few days we picked up Reese and fell in love. She was so timid and had no socialization. Playing with Riley and even walking on a leash was something we had to teach her. No one had ever loved her and showed her kindness. Reese is now ten months old and has a Bailey Chair that we built as well as takes medication daily to control her ME. Unfortunately, her nights are horrible and she struggles with regurgitation while trying to sleep and today I got a gift that will help change Reese’s life for the better. Once again our DRC came to the rescue with the mention of a family who wanted to donate a neck hug. I knew right away this was meant to be. This FB post led me to Jill Porter of Rehoming Megaesophagus Dogs in Texas who was gifting a brand new neck hug due to Bab’s untimely passing from this horrific disease. The Havranek family is devastated that their Bab’s is gone far too soon, but their Bab’s will not be forgotten. Our family is making a donation in Bab’s memory to the Doodle Rescue Collective organization that fights every day to assist dogs in need of a home and medical attention. They take pride in supporting Megaesophagus dogs as well as provide education and support to those of us who strive each day to better the lives of these dogs. Thank you to Bab’s and the Havranek family. Reese will be able to get the additional assistance she needs and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity. This is a picture of Reese with her neck hug. Its not on completely but the only picture I could get.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 22:38:33 +0000
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