Support Lupin's Lifesaving Vet Care

My name is Kristen. I live in Antigonish, NS and I am a graduate student at St. Francis Xavier University. April 2021, my heart dog came into my life. I think the best way to introduce Lupin (Lu) to you is to show you what I wrote about him on an Instagram post from my wedding day: "I remember sitting in the dirt at the rescue just hours after you were surrendered by a puppy mill. You were terrified but I held you close as we started to cut the matts out of your coat, caked with urine, feces, and glue. I brought you home the next day as your foster mom to show you that humans can be kind and prepare you for your future family. The first time you fell asleep in my arms is the moment my heart decided to never let you go. Since then my love for you has grown beyond what I thought possible and I would be content to never love anything as much as you for the rest of my life."

Lu loves every animal he meets. Since adopting him as a five month old puppy two years ago, he has helped me rehabilitate many other animals, from five week old kittens to 100 lb large dogs. Lu does not have a mean bone in his body. It can take time for him to trust strangers, but once you have it, it is a special love he gives you. He is goofy and keeps everyone smiling. Lu and I go everywhere together. He doesn’t own a collar or need a leash but gladly stays by my side no matter where we are. I have been through some of my hardest days lately, and Lu has been my savior, my consistent source of happiness.

On December 23, 2022 at 5 pm, Lu was sitting at my feet while I was at my desk. I got up and left the room for less than one minute and when I returned my sweet boy was unable to move and showing signs of acute tetraparesis. He had been under my supervision and had experienced no trauma or toxin ingestion. Once we got to the local veterinarian clinic, we were quickly referred to the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) on PEI. By 5:30 pm on Christmas Eve, twenty four hours after Lu lost his ability to move, we arrived at the AVC.

Initially, Lu was under the care of a surgical team who preformed a wide range of diagnostic tests (bloodwork, X-rays, CT scan) with no abnormalities found. An MRI was then preformed showing hyperintensity in a region of his spinal cord near his neck but not a cause for it. A CFS tap was preformed and a sample of fluid from around his brain has been sent for testing. Lu had shown little progress and we still had no answers as to the cause of his condition. On December 30, 2022, Lu was transferred to internal medicine in hopes a new approach could find answers and help him recover. He was started on immunosuppressive drugs on top of the other medications in hopes he would respond to one.

On December 31st, Lu showed his first big step towards recovery by pulling himself up onto his belly, and since has continued to show small improvements daily. At this time it still hasn't been determined what part of his care plan is the reason for his progress.

Today, January 2nd 2023, Lu has been discharged from the AVC by the vet’s recommendation. While we are still waiting on some test results, the hopes are these improvements will continue to happen from home with daily phyisical therapy, medication, and 24/7 care. He is also on the wait list for a physical therapy clinic in Dartmouth, NS.

For all those that know Lu, they quickly come to understand what a special pup and companion he is. He is my family and we are doing everything we can to help him. Unfortunately, this comes at a significant cost and our vet bill has exceeded our capacity. This bill does not include hotel costs, travel costs, and the cost of his future physiotherapy.

While it is difficult for me to make this ask, I believe dogs in general deserve to never be given up on. To me, Lu deserves that and more. He deserves any and every chance at a full recovery. Donations will help us pay off Lu’s vet bills and allow us to continue to give him all the care he will need to get back to his goofy, loving self. If you are able, a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. From me, Lu, my family, and everyone who is apart of Lu's life, thank you doesn't begin to express what your support would mean to us.