RAISIN Red female with rust markings. 4 1/2 years old. 55 lbs. House trained. Natural ears. Tail docked. Not interested in cats.  Micro-chipped. Spayed. Great with other dogs. Good with children.    RAISIN RETURNS   Some of you will recall Raisin and Spree from last year, two Dobergirls who were found wandering as strays and were picked up by very gracious and generous rescue angels.  The rescue angels provided for their initial needs and saw them safely to Elijah's House where before long both were adopted out to new forever homes. I'm sorry to say, however, that Raisin has developed some health issues that have resulted in her being classified as a special-needs Dobergirl.  She has returned to Elijah's House in the hope that with proper treatment she will be cured and will be able once again to look forward to a long, happy, healthy life. When Raisin first came to us, I described her, in part, in this way: Her energy, curiosity, and desire to be with humans is undiminished and she is a true gem - an unwritten tablet awaiting your finishing touch in directing her natural goodness into a well-trained companion.  She is beautiful in appearance and disposition, and she is a very friendly, outgoing young lady who loves to meet people and to go for rides.  You can see the intelligence and quality in her face, and there's no doubt that she is eager to learn and to please her new owner. Now these several months later, while Raisin has proved to be all that I described above, she has contracted Cutaneous Lymphoma, a life-threatening, but treatable, form of skin cancer.  In some of her pictures you can see the visible signs of this disorder - exposed lesions clearly visible protruding through her coat.  Left untreated, the disease will lead to secondary bacterial infection and an assured diminution in her quality of life. The prognosis for Raisin does indicate that remission is possible through a protocol of chemotherapy.  Currently, she is being treated by the very capable oncology specialists at North Carolina State Veterinary Teaching Hospital.  She has begun oral chemotherapy and her blood work is being monitored weekly.  So far the signs are quite encouraging:  her lesions are markedly reduced in size, and thankfully her blood parameters remain normal.  Survival is a reasonable expectation – the cost, in dollars, will not be inconsequential.   As I’m sure you are aware, the road ahead is not without peril, as with all cancers, the probability of resurgence is quite possible.  Without treatment, however, she faces near-term euthanasia as the disease severely threatens her quality of life. At 3˝ years and with her vibrant personality, Raisin deserves a chance at life.  With prompt medical attention and adherence to the recommended protocol of continued chemotherapy, there is a finite promise that Raisin’s life can be extended, and that ultimately she can be placed in a loving forever home. Despite her current medical challenges, she is still as energetic and enthusiastic as ever (she's just been out running and playing with that gentle giant, Cochise, and loving every minute of it) - this girl has heart.  In fact the only indication that there is any issue is the bare spots where the skin lesions were. (As a result of the chemotherapy, the lesions are completely gone and the oncologist believes that the spots of hair that was lost in these areas will regrow.) Maybe you've been through an extreme health issue that, going into it, didn't leave much room for hope.  Maybe you know what it's like to be faced with the easier path of just letting go and giving in.  But maybe you chose to fight and to stay the course and maybe the result is that you have your life back and that you're better for what you've been through.  If so, then you have something in common with our girl Raisin.  She's at the beginning of the tunnel looking at the dark right now, but with the assistance of a skilled medical staff and the prayers and financial support of friends of DRT, we're doing our best to see that she comes through the dark and into the light again. So give some thought to giving a home to a special needs dog - a lovely girl who is just too young and vibrant to let go without a fight.  Make an appointment to meet her and to talk with Carol regarding the details of her circumstances.  See if you may be the person who can commit to a wonderful Dobergirl that at the moment is taking it one day at a time but who only longs to be well and once again at home with a loving, nurturing family.  Just maybe you'll be the one to provide her with such a home. May '11          June '11

Raisin & Cochise 6-5-11  

Raisin 7-3-11

Update on Raisin 7-21-11

At this juncture, Raisin is doing remarkably well.  Her three chemotherapy treatments have been well tolerated and indicate positive results: "partial resolution of the changes noted on her initial ultrasound. ...[And] her blood cell counts and liver enzymes looked good." As with all cancers, the threat of resurgence remains; however, we continue to be hopeful and so very thankful for the thoughts, prayers, and financial assistance so many of you have offered on her behalf. Our resolve is to offer a second chance, not to the easiest, not to the most, but to all the precious Dobers who enter Elijah's House.  Please continue your interest on behalf of Raisin as we work together to give her that second chance.

Raisin & June 7-30-11

Raisin and (visiting) Bosley 8-6-11

Raisin 8-21-11

Update on Raisin 8-24-11

Raisin and June 8-21-11

  

  

  

  

 Raisin, June, Gabe 

  

  

  

  

 

  

If you cannot adopt or fostercare this Doberman, will you consider donating towards her boarding and medical bills  or becoming her sponsor?  DRT is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization - donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law.