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May 12, 2016

We are deeply saddened to share the news that our sweet Jakie has crossed Rainbow Bridge. He became ill a week ago and was diagnosed with pneumonia, which he has been susceptible to before, but had recovered from in the past. However, this time he was also diagnosed with pancreatitis. Sadly, combined with his chronic cushings disease, he was not able to overcome these illnesses.

We give our deepest, and most sincere thanks to his foster family for loving him, and giving him a wonderful life. We know he was well cared for and happy because of their efforts.

Profile

I’m Jakie. You may have heard of me. I’ve been around all the nice folks at GRRNT off and on for several years. I’ve had a hard time finding the right family for me. I’ve got a few problems. I have been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease and severe allergies, including a skin fungus. It takes a lot of money to keep me well.

The Cushing's causes me to act on impulse. I feel like I’m starving. I just can’t resist snatching food. I’m also very smart! I can figure out how to open any cabinet!

I’ve been staying with my new foster mom, dad and their other golden retriever. He is 8 years old. They also have a human child, but he lives in someplace called New York.

My foster mom saw me bumping into things, and called the GRRNT folks. We have just learned that I’m going blind. That’s very scary to hear. My foster mom cried. I was sad. Then the wonderful GRRNT group decided that I would become a permanent foster; that means I get to live with my foster parents forever! This is happy news for all of us! Now I’m spending my time trying to see everything before I’m completely blind.

My foster family will check in from time to time to let you know how I’m doing and what antics I’m up to!

Monthly Medical Cost Estimates

• Cushing's Medication - Apoquel = $35.00
• Cushing's Medication - Trilistan = $184.00
• Supplement - Dasuquin = ($93.00 for 3 months) $31.00
• Bloodwoork - ACTH Stim Test = ($300.00 per test. Every 3-6 Months) $100.00

We realize that the costs of pet medications can sometimes be daunting. We've put together a couple of ideas below that can help save some money on these various costs. With some research, it can be possible to find a better price online that some vets will even match when asked. So, do some homework, print the pages, and then ask your vet before ordering online. If you have any cost savings suggestions, feel free to send them to info@goldenretrievers.org.

Dasuquin - 150 count of MSM Soft Chews for Large Dogs (approx. 150 day supply depending on dosage) for $83.12 as of 10/21/2014. Doctors Foster and Smith. The above is sample pricing and could change at any time. GRRNT does not control the pricing and is displaying the pricing for informational purposes only.

Our GRRNT President uses GoodRx for prescriptions for her dogs and sometimes the human portions of her family! Check out the GoodRx website at www.goodrx.com and sign up for a free account. Then, download their app to your smartphone. When you get a prescription, use the GoodRx app to search for it and the app will tell you the price at all the stores around your current location. It’s amazing how different the prices are from one pharmacy to another. The app can also give you an easy link to coupons to help you save even more. The app is especially helpful with the dogs since they don’t have insurance.

Updates

8/17/2015

Jakie recently became lethargic, and he refused to eat or drink. As his fans know, that can only mean bad news. After a number of costly tests, he was once again diagnosed with pneumonia. He was forced to remain in the hospital for a number of days as he was in critical condition. His foster parents and doggie brother were distraught.  

We are thrilled to say that after the loving care from his vet and the wonderful support staff, he is much improved. He has returned home where there was great rejoicing! Jakie and his foster family are very aware that if not for the good folks at GRRNT and the many champions helping to contribute to his medical care, his life would not be so wonderful!

03/29/2015

Jakie came down with a cough a week or so ago. He was taken to the vet where they found he had some fluid on his lungs so they put him on antibiotics. A few days later he was no better and more x-rays showed more fluid. The specialist who reviewed the x-rays suggested we do a trans-trachial wash and send it out to a lab for analysis to determine what type of bacteria we are dealing with and what antibiotic to use. The procedure will be done tomorrow and will run about $315.00 with our discount.

Due to Jakie's compromised condition he is going to be susceptible to infections. Keep Jakie in your thoughts!

03/18/2015

03/10/2015

Jakie is going blind. Thank goodness when he jumps on top of his foster brother, it's all good. 

02/09/2015

New pictures:

• Jakie heard talk of his foster parents having friends over for wine...so he decided to do a quick sniff test. His nose liked the nose. He of course, did not imbibe.
• Jakie playing with his foster brother. Jakie is on the left.

01/21/2015

Jakie has been diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and will be entering our Permanent Foster program. To learn more about PRA, click here.

HEALTHCARE COSTS AS OF 03/31/2015: $4,136.87

CHAMPIONS

The following individuals and families have generously donated to GRRNT in the name of this Golden. Any donations that exceed the medical needs will be used to cover medical costs of other GRRNT dogs. We can't thank them enough for their support!

• Laura B. - Allen, TX
• Kelly Y. - Argyle, TX
• Colleen M. - Grapevine, TX
• Alex S. - Belton, TX
• Heather D. - Dallas, TX

TOTAL DONATIONS TO DATE: $ 1,620.00