The Opie Fund

On Friday night Opie (our American Bulldog mix) & Ozzy (our Boxer/Pit mix) got out of the yard, we don't know for how long, but sometime in the evening. We received a call and picked them up. Opie was lethargic and his paw pads literally worn off and bleeding. Even at night it is still so hot and they had been running. Dogs perspire through their paw pads and cool themselves from panting. Opie could barely walk. I treated his pads and cooled him with water and tried to get him to drink. He soon began defecating, and vomiting and he was unable to get up. Soon after I cleaned him up he began having a 20 minute long seizure that didn't end until the Vet gave him a dose of IM Valium. We weren't sure if Opie had ingested a toxin or was suffering heat stroke or both. We still don't know. He wouldn't take food or water and his labs weren't looking good. His blood sugar was so low they put him on 5% dextrose. His Blood Glucose levels were not stabilizing and he has been up'd to 7% dextrose. After 48 hours and $2,700 the Vets were encouraging us to to euthanize him. We know Opie is a fighter and we asked them to check his labs and chemistry again. As non responsive as he was just yesterday evening 9/8/13, his liver and kidneys were much better. The big concern was that his platelet count is so low and his blood sugar isn't stabilizing. We decided that he deserved more time. This morning the doctor I formed me that overnight he began eating and his hopes are that by him gaining nutritional value, that his BG and platelets will rise to normal values. Opie needs time and round the clock veterinary care. Now its about prayers, positive thoughts, and raising money. However we can give back, we will. Our dogs are a part of our big family! They have brought joy to Marvel, myself and all our sons, especially after losing our Boxer, Scarlett just 2 years ago. We kindly ask for your prayers, donations, and positive thoughts. Thank you!