October 6/00

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I have to report that 'Artie' (formerly Mr B) is beginning to fail again.  I have had the geriatric blood profile done to check his internal organs and he spent all day Thursday until Friday morning at the vets having more tests.  He is still badly dehydrated, ravenously hungry and in the 8 weeks that he has been here he has only gained just less than a lb - he hasn't regained any hair at all.

The results of the tests are that he has Cushings Disease - probably caused by a tumour in the Adrenal Gland.  If this disease is caught early enough, then the animal has about a 60% chance of survival and of being stabilized.  Caution must be taken that the animal isn't pushed the other way into  Addisons Disease. Artie has been sick a very long time, he is weak and severely debilitated - the prognosis for him is less than 30% because of his condition and his age.  The treatment is very expensive (chemotherapy) and ongoing.  There is nothing more that I can do for him.

I'm afraid that I am faced with a decision that cannot be made lightly - I will spend the time this weekend making him comfortable and special.  Many thanks to everyone that donated funds towards Artie's large and accumulating vet bills. May the Angels watch over Artie and guide me to the right decision.

Update - October 10/00

Over the weekend, Artie quit eating and became severely dehydrated making it clear that it was 'time to go'.

At 5 pm today, wrapped in a warm towel and cuddled in my arms, Artie left this world that, for him, was filled with pain and suffering to go to a better place - a place without cruelty, without hurting - a place where he will run free and never have to face abuse and starvation again.

For 9 long weeks you fought 'the good fight' little guy - may you now be at peace!!