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Pedro, St. Charles, MO ESRA #2005-704MO 10 JAN 06 Age: puppy Gender: Male Color: Liver/White Weight: 12 lbs. Variety: Field-Bred

Pedro came to ESRA along with 14 other Springers from a puppy mill in northwest Missouri on September 16, 2005. He had no name, only a number and weighed about 7 pounds. He was terrified, malnourished, full of worms, very weak, coughing and his little chest rattled due to congestion. We did not expect him to make it though the night, but somehow he has survived with an amazing power to live. He was immediately taken into care in the wee hours of the morning by Mike Bockhorn, an experienced breeder, who administered care to him and got him started on fluids and antibiotics immediately. Mike nursed him through the next few "questionable" days. Pedro was believed to be about 6-7 weeks old, but his small size was finally attributed to his malnourishment and illnesses. Pedro was found to have a severe upper respiratory infection, roundworms, giardia, coccidia, and also had tapeworms. He was treated with Clavomox, Cestex, metronidazole and Albon. Over the next few weeks, he stayed under Mike's care, but did not continue to improve. He continued to eat well and even started loosing a few teeth, showing that he was older than originally thought. After a few weeks without any significant improvement, Pedro was seen by Dr. Ed Migneco at Hillside Animal Hospital in St. Louis. Pedro's upper respiratory infection appeared to have developed into pneumonia. He was struggling to breathe due to all his congestion. His radiographs showed his lungs were in terrible shape and Pedro was hospitalized immediately. He was kept on IV fluids for the next several days and seemed to improve. He stayed at the clinic for most of the week and then went into foster care with one of the veterinary technicians, Carrie Gravette.

Since then he has had several spurts of ups and downs. He was started on neubulizer treatments four times a day to help clear the lungs. One day he seems to be doing well, and the next he has kept his family up all night coughing. He had to make a trip in to the emergency animal clinic to be kept in an oxygen cage overnight. He has had so many chest x-rays taken, and no real improvement has been seen. He has been on most every antibiotic now, including clindamycin, Baytril, Zenequin, Simplicef, and cough meds as well. He has also had several lab samples tested as well to find out exactly what types of bacteria are attacking him. This poor little guy just breaks your heart! November 2nd, was one of Pedro's worse nights ever. His foster parents did not sleep a wink because he was up all night. Next day his x-rays revealed that one of his little lungs had collapsed. This poor little baby had yet another set back. The lab samples came back to reveal that there were a few different types of bacteria affecting his lungs, there were no fungi found, and his blood work appeared somewhat normal, except for the signs of fighting infection. This past week, Pedro has been doing much better. The cough seems to be subsiding and he is much more energetic! Pedro still needs a lot of care. Because he has been so sick, he has only had one vaccination and he isn't strong enough to get neutered even though he is old enough. Pedro has fought everyday of his young life to stay alive and has proven to be a little fighter. He has a strong desire to live, play, and be loved. He appears to be improving everyday but it is still very slow.

Update 28 NOV 05: Pedro has actually had a good turn this past week and just had some radiographs done this morning and his lungs are improving! Yea! Go Pedro! Maybe we are "turning the corner" on this!

Update 02 DEC 05: Little Pedro is doing much better! He has had an eventful week. His x-rays showed much improvement in his lungs. The radiologist says that Pedro will be at a higher risk for upper respiratory infections and will have scarring from all the damage, so the little guy will need to get the bordetella vaccine every six months for the rest of his life. He has not coughed for a long while. He even got neutered this week and was able to get his DHP and rabies vaccines!

Pedro, the Great Fighter, is now on the road to recovery. Thank you SO much for all the prayers, well wishes and contributions you have made to help get this sweet puppy to being a loving, healthy one!

Update 19 DEC 05: He has taken a wonderful turn, and been off antibiotics for almost 12 days now. His foster family has decided they wish to make their home his Forever Home. They are committed to offer him a life of love and medical care. They also have a big emotional investment in him, which is common with the Special Needs dogs. It really sounds like he is finally well on the road to a pretty normal life.

Pedro has been terribly expensive for our organization to care for. Now he will be able to grow up healthy and strong, too, thanks to the wonderful people below! You are the ones who make small miracles like this happen! Look at that face again. You are the reason Pedro is still alive.

Out thanks, from all of us at ESRA, and Pedro!!

Contact: Denise Garwood Dgarwood37@aol.com

Click Here To Sponsor Pedro

PEDRO'S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE:
Cathryne Slaughter
Katrin Owen
Denise Garwood	In memory of Sweet Charity.
Millie Christopher	In memory of Dottie, who lives forever in my heart.
Renee, Don & The Holmes Fur Kids	In memory of Blossom.
Pamela George	Hurry and get well, little Pedro!
Barbara Lipschuetz	Keep fighting Pedro!
Chris Arenz	This is for Angela, for her love of Springers, and having the biggest heart of all!
Judie & Lee Lemsky	In memory of Penny & Princess, our first Springers.
John and Gloria Kareken
Rise Wagner	In memory of Abigail, the perfect lady.
Ashley Szymkowicz	I pray you get well soon! You are one of the lucky ones. Love, Ashley and Springer Riley.
Lisa Collins	In memory of Maggie and Sam.
Bill Lipman and Gail Chotiner	In memory of our beloved Springers, Rory and Julia. Get well soon, little Pedro!
Bob Knell	In memory of Samantha, Joshua, Rose, & Brady.
George and Sandy Siegel	In memory of Topper.
Ed and Joan Ortmann
Zinat Hooman	A gift from Birdie and Bogey. Pedro, you are so adorable. God bless you!
Kim Morgan	In honor of Katie Morgan.
Michelle Reichlin & Mike Sherrill	A gift for the Special Needs Dogs, so they have a Merrier Christmas.
Susanne Follett	In memory of Jessi, who went to the Rainbow Bridge in September.
Laura Ashlock	In memory of Carmen.
Maggie Ford	In memory of my Dad, one of the greatest lovers of Springers!
Steve & JP Windle	In memory of Opie, who went to the Rainbow Bridge November 9th.
Gary Hanes	In memory of Little Maddie from Texas - never forget!
Lynne, Emily, Katie, & Sean Allison	In memory of Nitschke, a young Springer who fought hard, and will always be loved! We hope Pedro continues to improve and he is still in our prayers.
Kelly Klingman	In memory of my grandfather, who loved all animals!
Nicole Kay	In memory of Steve's Patty.
Deborah & Bob Bessette	In memory of all our Special Seniors who crossed Rainbow Bridge in 2005. We love and cherish you, and will never forget!
Lisa Flood	Happy Holidays to Jenn, Andy, and Katie!
Ilene Johndrew	In memory of Oscar and Copper