Faith Needs a Biopsy

When PALS first saw our sweet Faith, she was in a bad way. She had been dumped, and brought into the shelter, where she tested positive for the Parvovirus. We knew we had to act fast to save her life, so we rescued her, and brought her to our vet for life saving treatment. She was touch and go for a few days, but with excellent care, and a strong will to survive, Faith pulled through and made a full recovery.

Usually, the next chapter is these extraordinary rescue stories features the rescued dog finding their forever home, and living a long, happy, and healthy life with their forever family. Unfortunately for Faith, beating Parvo was just the beginning of her journey to health. As she grew, we discovered that Parvo and malnourishment had affected her health in a variety of ways. Even as a puppy, she was already suffering from mild hip dysplasia, and through further specialist consultations, exams, and x-rays, it was discovered that she was suffering from malformations in both of her rear legs.

Internally, there were issues as well. She had trouble gaining, and maintaining weight. Ultrasounds were performed, without anything conclusive showing, so we worked closely with our vet to encourage weight gain through a specialized prescription diet, combined with supplements, and medications. We tried her on several different prescription foods, grain free, hydrolized protein, etc., along with numerous supplements. Earlier this spring/summer, we thought we'd struck the right combination with a new prescription food and medication. Faith was able to gain weight, and keep it on, and her stool was finally normal! We thought we'd found the answer we'd all been working so hard to find!

And then she started losing weight, drastically. Six (6) pounds in one month; and, eight (8) pounds since her healthiest weight. We've exhausted all non-invasive options, and Faith's veterinarian is now recommending that she go in for a, in laymen's terms, biopsy of her lower intestine; the medical terminology for what she needs done is a Gastroduodenoscopy and Histopathology! 

Through it all, Faith's spirit has never waivered; she is one of the friendliest German Shepherds that we've ever met, and despite so many hardships she's facing, she's so full of love and life, and very generous with her kisses!

The procedure she needs done is not inexpensive, but she desperately needs it so that we can help her regain her health and have a chance at finding a forever home of her very own. We're committed to continuing to provide her with the care she needs, but we do need your help! Please join our cause, and help give Faith a fighting chance! Whether you're able to donate $15, $25, $50, or more, it will go directly toward paying for this much needed medical procedure for Faith. We thank you so much for your generosity, and your continued support of our animals, and our mission!



PALS is a 501 c 3 non-profit animal rescue. The PALS Mission: PALS is dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals in Lodi by increasing the number of animals adopted, reducing animal suffering,  and providing the highest level of humane care, thus ultimately reducing the number of companion animals euthanized in the city of Lodi. PALS is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of local, involved citizens.