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SHINE

We called her Shine, because surrounded by darkness she is a bright light.

Shine was somebody’s dog. A loved dog. A trusty dog. A loyal dog. But then she got sick and her owner did the unthinkable — he opened the door and sent her out to die on the streets.

Today Shine lives at a bus stop and there is a bleeding wound on her lower belly.

People walk past all day long. Some have brought blankets, others throw food. They seem to care, but just not enough — at least not enough to really help an animal with a visibly protruding, painful looking, bleeding growth, who has been in this state for months. We learned about Shine from the first person who cared enough to seek help, and reached out to us.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Shine is in our care now. After the initial examinations the vet team has concluded that the growth is most likely a tumor. A series of Xrays, full panel blood tests, and a biopsy are needed before the diagnosis can be confirmed. Two of the Xrays have already been done, of Shine’s heart and leg. A third one is scheduled for today and will be performed under anesthesia because she is in too much pain. The Xrays aim to investigate for metastasis, looking to see whether the growth is connected to organs or limbs, and will be critical in determining next steps.

The most optimistic prognosis is that the tumor is operable and can be removed. It is has not metastasized to other organs, but stems from the bone of the leg — osteosarcoma — an amputation can be performed and Shine can have a happy life on three legs.

This beautiful girl has a chance to live, to be happy, to have a future. And we will do everything in our power to ensure she gets it.

THE FUTURE

Last night Shine fell asleep like this — alone, in pain and with nobody nearby. Help her wake up to a different world, in which there is hope.

UPDATE | April 13, 2017

There is no metastasis to other organs or tissues!

Earlier today, after more Xrays and a thorough ultrasound examination, which looked into the entire abdomen, it was confirmed that the tumor has not metastasized! This means that it can be operated successfully, and Shine got the all-clear for surgery.

The growth was found to extend into the main muscle which controls the leg, so next step would be for the vets to determine if they will attempt to remove only the tumor or if amputation of the limb is a better approach.

One more diagnostic element left to do is a biopsy, which is scheduled for today and will give us results in a couple of days. This is needed to determine the type of cells we are dealing with and will help understand how aggressive this particular tumor is expected to be.

Shine is safe, warm, clean and even enjoys visits from our local volunteers. We’ve done all we can, now she needs you.

UPDATE | April 19, 2017

Shine’s surgery is scheduled for next week.

After thorough discussions with two surgical teams, and after obtaining a second opinion from a trusted clinic, the decision has now been taken. Amputation of the entire limb will be performed as the tumor has affected the main muscle of the leg. When the tumor is removed the leg will be rendered practically useless because there will only be skin and bone left. Shine may also require reconstructive surgery if there is not enough skin left to close the site.

As the tumor is highly aggressive this approach was determined to be the only option, which gives Shine a chance to live a longer and better life. 

In the meantime we moved the sweet girl to a doggie hotel where she feels much better and has more space to herself, and where prepping for surgery is being done with a course of antibiotics.

Shine is visited daily by her rescuer and our volunteers, and has already had a super special visit from a lady who used to feed her on the street. The two spent a long time like this, just together, Shine’s head resting in the woman’s hands. Truly precious.

We are giving Shine a chance she never had. Join us.

 

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If she survives Shine will need a great home — message our Facebook page or email adoptions@myletsadopt.com if you can provide it! She is in Bulgaria but transport to almost anywhere in the world can be arranged if the right home is found. Share her story, comment and stay with us for updates: Let´s Adopt! Global.

* Let’s Adopt! Global is a 501c3 charity and your donation is tax deductible. All funds will go towards the animal’s care. Any remaining funds will go to support our other rescues and mission.