Help Doberman Dash Dash Fight for Her Life in ICU

As many of you know, Paula Ratoza has been my dear friend for over 20 years. She’s the one who introduced me to the incredible world of Dobermans and Dachshunds and has been my mentor, both as a dog owner and a dog trainer. Her dogs mean everything to her, and now her amazing Doberman, Dash Dash, is in the ICU in Albany, Oregon, fighting for her life.

Paula, who lives in Portland, Oregon, was in Albany judging a Scent Work Trial and had Dash Dash along as her demo dog. On Tuesday, September 10th, Dash Dash wasn’t working with her usual enthusiasm—something that immediately raised concerns. Over the course of the day, she threw up 20 plum pits. Paula always makes sure there are no plums on the ground in her yard, but it seems Dash may have climbed the tree and had her fill the day before heading to the trial. Paula rushed her to River's Edge Pet Medical Center, where Dash Dash was diagnosed with severe pancreatitis from the sugar in the plums.

The bigger concern now is that Dash Dash isn’t responding to treatment, and the vets can’t figure out what’s going on. Her white blood cell count remains at zero, despite multiple plasma transfusions, and several antibiotics have been tried with no success. After over $10,000 in treatment, Paula is out of funds, and Dash Dash is still fighting for her life.

I’m heartbroken that I can’t contribute much financially at the moment, and it’s weighing heavily on me. So I’m doing everything I can to help my friend and her sweet girl. Every dollar raised will go directly toward covering Dash Dash’s ICU stay and treatments. No amount is too small—even sharing this campaign would mean the world to me and Paula. Thank you so much for any support you can give, and we will keep everyone updated on Dash Dash's fight.