September 15, 2009

Dear Friends:

I am deeply saddened to share the news that Max crossed over the rainbow bridge last night around 10 pm.

Many of you received our emails about Max.  Max was a beautiful 12 year old Border Collie Mix located in Elmwood Park.  Max’s owner was hospitalized in June and would not be returning to her apartment.   Max had been living alone in the apartment since June and a neighbor had been coming by to walk and feed him.  The neighbor was disabled and was only able to walk and care for Max at certain times.  The family also told us that Max had a cyst growing on his stomach.

Monday, September 14th
Mike Monks from Camp Bow Wow and I went to meet Max and his caretaker.  This poor baby was the sweetest dog you could meet.  I got plenty of kisses from him and his eyes were bright and his tail wagging.  He barked to get the attention of another dog passing by.  Unfortunately, the cyst on Max’s stomach was the size of a grapefruit leaving a trail of fresh blood.  We contacted the family and Max was surrendered so he could be rushed for medical care.

Max was taken to Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital and examined by Dr. Pomerantz.  We learned that Max’s cyst was actually a very large tumor leaking blood.  Franklin Lakes kept Max there so he would get 24/7 care.  He was started on antibiotics and a full work up.  Max was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, September 16th to have the tumor removed.

Tuesday September 15th
Tuesday around noon Max was urinating blood.  Max had developed a fever and an ultrasound and found a severe bladder and urinary infection.  This condition was pre-existing and we can only guess how long Max was suffering with this.  Max was not stable enough for surgery.  FLAH was now also treating the bladder infection, but it would now be up to Max to see how he would respond in the coming hours.

As the day went on, Max became weaker and his fever continued to rise.  By 7pm he had a fever of 107.7.  The doctor was called in and the news wasn’t good-- Max was suffering and septic.  All the infection in his body from the tumor and the bladder were attacking his system and taking over.  That combined with his age, his body just didn't have the strength to fight back.  Many tears were shed and we made the difficult decision to ease his pain.   

Max’s fast down-turn was a shock to all of us because he was bright-eyed and doing well on Monday and even Tuesday morning.  If we had gotten to Max days or weeks earlier perhaps we may have been able to save him.  Many of us are still in shock.  But in the end the choice was up to Max.  Maybe he knew his owner wasn’t returning and perhaps he felt his work on this earth was done.   We do feel good that at the least we gave Max a fighting chance.   If we hadn't gotten him to the vet, he may have died alone and suffering, and in the end we helped him cross.

I hope some positive messages come out of Max's story.  The story of how Halfway Hounds, 11th Hour Rescue (foster/adoption) and PetResQ (funding/foster search) all pulled together to help a dog, along with the financial support of Shelter Helper on Wheels and Paramus Animal Welfare Society.  How Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital opened their doors and Dr. Pomerantz was there by Max’s side in the end.  I hope through this we all realize how much assistance is needed for pet owners who are hospitalized, disabled or unable to make decisions regarding the care of their pets.  I hope this also sends a message to all pet owners about how very fragile our pet’s health can be and all medical concerns should be addressed right away.

Please feel free to make a donation to Halfway Hounds or any of the groups below on behalf of Max.  Your email messages are welcomed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and will be posted on this page.

11th Hour Rescue
PetResQ
Shelter Helper on Wheels
Paramus Animal Welfare Society

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who tried to make a difference.  A special thanks to Dr. Pomerantz and the staff at Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital.

We thank you for your prayers and support!


Lynn Gregorski
President
Halfway Hounds

Comments

Max was 12 years old, and although his owner was sick - probably made his owner's life special.  I believe that Max was here for a reason and without his owner here to take care of any more, it was his time.  I think that a dog like Max is the most valuable kind there is - they live their lives for a higher purpose.  Max should be considered a hero.  Unfortunately, the reality is that most pets won't live a life like ours - but I think more than anything they want the love of an owner, and the job of caring for them. 

- Melissa Del Rosso, Halfway Hounds Board