Molly – Tampa, FL
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2010-203FL
Age: 5 years
Gender: Female
Color: Black and white
Molly is a lovely little girl with a very sweet disposition and is considered by her foster mom to be "the perfect Springer" even though she was at first a little nervous in her new environment. She settled in after a couple of weeks and was eager to learn the rules of her new household.
The first thing ESRA did for Molly once she was comfortable in foster care was to take her to the vet to be spayed. Although spaying is considered routine surgery, on occasion there can be complications and unfortunately our Molly found all of them! She had a rough couple of weeks!
She was healing from her spay surgery when her foster parents noticed that she was bleeding from the incision site. After multiple trips to the vet, she was finally taken to the emergency vet where she had to undergo a second surgery to stop internal bleeding. After recovering for a week, she had to be taken into emergency surgery for a third time to remove a blood clot. She also had to receive two blood transfusions. We'll say again, she had a rough couple of weeks — there was the fear that we could actually lose her!
That fear now gone, Molly is once again recovering in her foster home. The cost of the vet care has been tremendous on ESRA as well as rough on Molly, but she continues to wag her tail and smile through all of it!
Your donation to Molly's surgical fund will be greatly appreciated. Any amount, large or small, will help. Thank you!
UPDATE 3/31/10 In mid March, we thought Molly was improving but since then, we have almost lost her on numerous occasions. She continues to lose blood despite multiple blood and plasma transfusions and has had to be in the ICU for almost two weeks. Molly may have a blood clotting deficiency which has been seen before in Springer Spaniels, although very rare. Tonight the veterinarians are experimenting with a new drug which may be her last hope. Please support Molly as she fights for her life!
UPDATE 4/4/10 
The last few days have continued to be hard for Molly and those who are caring for her. The vets were giving her fluids which were accumulating in her abdomen adding to her discomfort. She was not eating well and the fear grew that perhaps we were at the end of what could be done for her. The photo shows Molly at her worst. You can see how large her abdomen is and how the bandages covered most of her mid section. She was also extremely lethargic. But by late Friday, March 31, the vet had a positive update, although he warned against getting our hopes up because she is still critical — her red blood cell count was holding steady at 17-18 and there was less seepage from her incision so it may have a chance to begin to heal now.
He also recommended that we gear up the “TLC squad” and bring her some homemade food to coax her to eat. Of course ESRA volunteers responded with special coordinated visits bringing homemade brisket, chicken, rice and liver and lots of devotion! The latest result of this special care—she is finally responding to treatment and is guardedly doing better! Late Saturday she ate a whole bowl of rice and meat on her own! Blood levels are up 20 percent! And she even took a brief walk outside! Molly's companion on that walk says, “She even wiggled her butt at me!”
Good news for now. Please continue to pull for her!
SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR MOLLY'S CAREGIVERS:
We'd like to make special mention, in addition to the medical team and the financial donors listed below, of the many folks who have worked around the clock in hopes of bringing Molly around. Although we know we're not completely out of the woods, ESRA kudos go to the following Florida volunteers:
- Applause for Molly's foster parents, Tara and Julian Monks, for everything they have done!
- Laura Zavatkay was the visitor who was the first to coax Molly to eat and the one who witnessed Molly's grateful "butt wiggle" mentioned in the April 4 update!
- Richard and Lisa Weiss have been fabulous about going to visit Molly and bringing her homemade food
- And Lisa has driven several hours to get the special prescription that is most likely having an effect now
- Debbie Kersey has cooked special foods and visited Molly
- Kathie Milne prepared food for Susan Zuker to take on her regular visits with Molly
- A local artist, Steve Kline, donated a print to auction off to help raise money
- And many other Florida volunteers have been busy planning other fundraisers to help defray Molly's growing medical costs
Saving Molly is definitely a team effort filled with love and hope! We are grateful for the help of everyone!
UPDATE 4/5/10 THE GOOD NEWS JUST KEEPS COMING!
Susan Zuker just spoke to Dr. Dominguez and Molly continues to improve! She is brighter today and her rec blood count is 26! She is still seeping some fluid but not as much and her body is reabsorbing more of it. They are guardedly optimistic that she can go back to her foster home tomorrow.
Then came even more good news! Next Susan got a call from one of the critical-care nurses who has been caring for Molly. She asked if she could be considered to adopt Molly! Truly a rescue miracle—from conversations one day with the vet about possibly losing Molly, to a remarkable medical turnaround and the possibility of being adopted by a caretaker who could give Molly the best care possible for the rest of her life!
Stay tuned for the next chapter!
UPDATE 4/6/10 Richard Weiss visited Molly this afternoon and for the first time since he met her, she did not have a bandage! She looked much more comfortable despite needing to wear an E-collar to keep her from licking her wound. And her blood count is holding steady! Her energy level is much better — although the photo doesn't show it — and Richard said "Seeing her move without restriction was fantastic!"
UPDATE 4/8/10 
Well the picture is definitely worth a thousand words! This is our Molly today, out of the hospital and into her new foster home.
The official statement from her new foster family: “Molly is all settled in and doing awesome! Here is a picture of her and my son Joseph with her new bed and princess shirt. We love her!“
Susan Zuker remarked “Every time I wonder why I do rescue, I will remember this picture!” Richard Weiss is sure he can hear Al Michaels' historical voiceover, “Do you believe in miracles?”
Applause to all who have followed Molly's saga and helped to make this chapter a hopeful one.
UPDATE 4/13/10 Molly is again fighting for her life. She responded to treatment and was able to go to her new foster home last week. Then Sunday, her red blood cell count bottomed out again. The vets who have been treating her are not offering much hope at this point. Her foster mom gave her a final transfusion at home Sunday evening and for now Molly is bright and happy, but her fight is not over. Please keep Molly in your prayers.
UPDATE 4/15/10 Well, our roller coaster ride continues! Today Molly is doing better than ever with a rbc reading of 37! This is the highest ever. No one knows what is working, so let's just keep doing what we're doing. It may be the Chinese herb or maybe just prayer, but for now Molly is looking good.
UPDATE 4/21/10
Molly continues to improve every day even though her incision is still not healing. She was sedated yesterday to evaluate the problem and it was determined that a bleeding mammary vein was the cause. That vein has now been ligated, and we are hoping that Molly's body will respond positively and heal in that particular area. She has come so far, and while this seems like a minor concern, she still needs our continued support and prayers. We are hoping that our next update on Molly's recovery will be the best yet!
UPDATE 5/15/10 "Molly the Miracle" continues to astound her doctors who agree her recovery is amazing. Her red blood cell count is holding strong at 38! She is eating and playing and enjoying life as a normal dog. She loves going for walks and riding in the car. And just recently she was guest of honor at a "Yappy Hour" party held in St. Petersburg to help raise funds for her medical care — can't you just see the sparkle in her eyes and the happiness in her pretty face!
Thanks to everyone who has had a hand in helping this little girl find such a happy life!
UPDATE 12/31/10
MOLLY'S HAPPY NEW YEAR! During Molly's medical ordeal and hospital stay earlier in the year, her critical care nurse fell in love with her and officially adopted her! Life was good until Molly was recently diagnosed with cancerous mammary tumors and had to undergo another surgery. Another scare for our miracle girl, but she is recovering well and thank goodness no bleeding issues!
Molly Moo, as she is affectionately known, is a happy dog who will "graduate" from ESRA's Special Needs program today and will look forward to living the good life with her family — a real happy ending and a happy new year!
Contact: Susan Zuker at smitch5@tampabay.rr.com if you want to hear more about Molly.
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR MOLLY
| MOLLY’S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
|---|---|
 Shirley Copley |
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| Richard and Lisa Weiss |
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| Ray and Monica Smith |
Bailey, Chance and Ben hope you feel better soon, pretty lady. |
| Kathie Lima and Bill Powell |
In memory of all our babies at the bridge |
| Tara and Julian Monks |
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| Laurel Hunt |
In memory of my beautiful black and white Springer Emily |
| Marsha Schoenblum |
In memory of Java and Scully |
| Paula Levine |
In memory of my best Springer girl, Ruby, and with thanks to ESRA — you are all heroes for the work you do! |
| Susan and Rick Zuker |
A gift for Todd and Miggs Barry in memory of Apollo Barry |
| Barrie Monks |
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| Cheryl Harrison |
A gift for Susan Zuker and Rook — for all you do! |
| Jackie Roberts |
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| Shana and Jamie Bryant |
In honor of our ESRA rescue, now K9 Officer Bo—so thankful he is in our lives! |
| Millie Christopher |
In memory of Lucy, Holly, Emma, Dottie, and Freckles |
| Linda Parker |
In memory of Micah, Molly and Bailey |
| Todd Barry |
In memory of Apollo Barry |
| Maureen and Paul Williams |
In memory of Chester |
| Catherine, Sidney and Wallis Jones |
In memory of Ashley and Emma |
| Rise Wagner |
In memory of Abigail, the perfect lady |
| Nancy and Greg Gosline |
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| Alisa Runyan |
In memory of our loving baby boy, Scooter |
| Karl and Linda Lintz |
In memory of our beloved Benny. Molly, we're pulling for you here in NY! |
| Fredda Fox |
In memory of all my wonderful dogs |
| Nancy Simoni |
In memory of all my wonderful dogs |
| Marlene Murrah |
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| Paula Koepsel |
In memory of dogs who are children in fur coats |
| Anonymous |
In memory of Bert and Bogey |
| Kristin Foree |
In honor of my Ladybug whose health I take for granted |
| Sandra Dvergsdal |
In memory of my best friend, Mazzi |
| Don McConnell and Sharon O'Flaherty |
In memory of our best Springer Chelsea's Firs Noel, my best friend |
| Nita Watson |
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| Karl and Linda Lintz |
A gift for Eric Hammond, for all of his work with ESRA — and ESRA volunteers everywhere |
| Linda Zalkin |
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| Craig and Brenda Clark |
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| Marlla and Clifford Reuter IV |
In memory of Lexee Queen of My Heart |
| Martha Denton |
Praying for Molly's full recovery |
| Richard and Lisa Weiss |
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| Lawrence and Shirley Copley |
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| Terrie Silverman and Tony Casper |
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| Linda Zalkin and Max Zalkin |
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| Dana Kollmann |
In memory of our beloved Springys, Mandy, Sasha and Jade |
| Paula Levine |
Im memory of my best Springer girl, Ruby |
| Deborah Allen |
In memory of Buffy, my wonderful Springer girl |
| Paula R. Howard |
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| Gerald P. Ademy |
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| Sandra Storm |
In memory of Buck, Hannah and Miss Katie/td> |
| Mike Lipsey |
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| Duarte and Beth Velosa |
In memory of our beloved Aggie Bea, our bliss. We are so touched by all the love, dedication and devotion to Miss Molly. Thank you for giving her a reason to keep fighting! |
| Kathy and Bill Voegeli |
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| Carolyn Molloy |
In memory of my sweet Cassie |
| Bill and Kathy Powell |
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| Susan Mapen |
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| Anthony Weiss |
In honor of Susan Zuker's work with ESRA |
| Laurel Hunt |
In honor of my mother, Betty |
| Marlene Murrah Rouco |
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| Susan and Rick Zuker |
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| Mr. French and Billie Cary III |
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| Leslie Belcher |
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| Martha Denton |
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| Ron and Meredith Press |
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| Sean Phalen and Kenneth Cossin |
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| Millie Christopher |
A gift for Susan Zuker in memory of Rook Zuker |
| Kathie Milne |
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| John Mueller |
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 Billie and French Cary |
In honor of of Bella's adoption |
| Kathie Lima and Bill Powell |
In memory of sweet Rook, missed by Susan and Rick Zuker |
| Anita Carlson and family |
In honor of Doc for Special Needs dog Molly |
| Elizabeth Earle |
In memory of Buster Earle |
| Lee and Judith Lemsky |
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| Antiques on Main |
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| Robert Knell |
In memory of Samantha, Joshua, Abigail, Rose and Brady |
| Janet and Denny Burkenpas |
In memory of Mandy |
| Kathryn Langdon |
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| Wilbur and Virginia Milhous |
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| Anna Morin |
In memory of Coco, my beautiful rescue Springer |
| Laurie M. Carmody |
In memory of Cody Farklepus, my forever love |
| George and Elizabeth Wortley |
In memory of Jordan |