Normally we feature a Riot Fest Adoptable Puppy of the Week. This week, we’re doing something a little different because Clementine needs our help.
Clementine found herself at animal control after being used for breeding, taking her puppies, full of milk and dumped like trash. She was also filthy, covered in dirt and oil. Volunteers couldn’t help falling in love with Clementine. She was so wiggly and loving, full of sweet energy, and eager to please. Only 4 days into her stay at animal control, the vets noticed a terrible infection attacking her mammary glands, it’s called necrotic mastitis. The infection was spreading quickly and the once fun-loving girl was now barely mobile and extremely ill. Animal control vets knew that if she did not leave the shelter that evening, she would likely not survive… she needed emergency care. Thanks to the quick response of Chicago Animal Advocates, Clementine found her way out of the shelter in the nick of time, literally minutes before she was due to be euthanized.
The volunteer who transported Clementine to emergency care at Medvet barely recognized her when she picked her up. She was carried from the shelter to the care, practically lifeless, and had tears in her eyes. Once at Medvet the veterinarians couldn’t believe how rapidly the mastitis was spreading, and she was admitted immediately. Upon testing and x-rays, they also discovered Clementine was battling pneumonia in both of her lungs and possibly had lepto (which she was later cleared from). Sweet Clementine spent a week in an isolation unit on an IV with 24/7 care, fighting for her life. The rescue and visitors weren’t even allowed in her unit to sit with her and let her know she had a huge group of people rooting her on. Doctors knew that surgery was necessary if she had a chance at surviving, but was afraid to operate due to pneumonia. With her already challenged immune system, surgery could be deadly. They veterinarians at Medvet waited as long as they could but had to risk the surgery, there was no other option.
The rescue held their breath and waited anxiously while Clementine went under surgery. This girl has such the will to live, she pulled through the surgery and spent time recovering before the vets were finally able to release her to her isolation foster. Clementine is still very ill and taking daily medications as she continues on her road to recovery. The rescue was shocked to find out that she weighed in at less than 20lbs upon exiting Medvet. Upon arriving in her foster home, Clementine was eager to eat (thank god), and broke our hearts as she carried her new toys one by one to her crate as if they were her puppies.
Clementine still has quite a ways to go, and her emergency care bills have already totaled at over $12,000.00 (this does not include vaccinations and spay). Rescues work tirelessly. selflessly, and for no profit to help say sweet souls like Clementine. in order to continue to help Chicago’s neediest, they rely solely on donations. Please consider sending a donation Clementine’s way to help cover the cost of her care. This little lady has gone through so much, any amount is greatly appreciated.
You can continue to follow Clementine’s story by following the rescue on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Chicagoanimaladvocates
Most importantly, please let Clementine’s story be an example of why it is SO important to spay and neuter your pets, and properly vaccinate them. Had Clementine been spayed, vetted, and properly loved, she would never had to endure this life-threatening infection, possible lepto, and been dumped at an all access city shelter.
Donations can be made via paypal: [email protected]
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