Junie

 We had received an emergency SOS call from our shelter partner in Georgia about a little dog that was brought to them in critical condition. Junie was found unresponsive and nearly lifeless - she was starving, drenched in her own urine, and being feasted on by maggots, abandoned in a crate in the middle of a desolate field. The victim of wicked abuse and unfathomable cruelty, her body already beginning to rot away as she waited for death.

We were shocked and horrified when we heard the details of the condition Junie was found in, and we cannot believe that someone could commit such acts of cruelty against such a tiny, innocent animal. Junie had been intentionally starved, and her body had wasted away to practically nothing, a pile of fur and bones. Her skin was covered in burns from what must have been weeks of laying in her own urine, too weak to move, and the fur on Junie’s ears was dyed pink and purple. 

It is a miracle that Junie was found alive after enduring such wicked cruelty, and the incredible staff at Blue Pearl Animal Hospital worked tirelessly to keep her that way. We knew it would be an uphill battle. Junie was still unresponsive even after several hours of hospitalization. Her blood pressure was weak, she was dangerously dehydrated, and her body temperature was so low it wasn’t even registering on the thermometer. 

However, every so often Junie’s eyes would flutter open, and we knew she was still alive. After everything that Junie had lived through, we owed it to this little girl to fight for her life and be her strength now that she had none left. We didn’t know if we would be able to do enough to save Junie’s life, but we had to try. Junie had been deprived of everything good in the world, and if she pulled through we were going to make sure that she experienced every happiness. 

After a few days in the hospital, Junie’s sodium levels were still sky-high but were, thankfully, trending downward. Her original kidney values indicated kidney failure, but those numbers were starting to normalize. The doctors checked her levels multiple times a day, and a central line was inserted for easy access. Unfortunately, there was some bad news to go along with the good.

As Junie’s numbers stabilized, her Red Blood Cell count was dropping. If it continued to decline, Junie would require a blood transfusion. Junie was also unable to maintain her glucose levels,  so she was placed on dextrose for some extra help. Despite all her ups and downs, Junie continued to eat on her own, which was an incredible sign that she wanted to live. 

Junie was still in critical condition but continued to amaze us with her resilience and strength. Junie’s Red Blood Cell count had dropped to a dangerous level, and a blood transfusion was given, and she continued to receive dextrose to help her maintain her blood sugar. Junie continued to eat on her own, and for the first time since she arrived, Junie was able to keep herself propped up on her elbows for a few moments. 

However, Junie's recovery was not without its major setbacks. About a week after arriving at the hospital, Junie developed a large blood clot in her jugular vein. The blood clot was so large that it had caused swelling in her face and neck. The doctors immediately started her on Plavix, an antiplatelet drug, to prevent the clot from becoming any larger. Junie was given a survival rate of 50%. 

If Junie's clot broke off and traveled to her lungs or heart, we were told we could lose her. In addition, Junie developed a cough, and chest X-rays revealed that Junie had developed pneumonia. Junie began treatment immediately, which successfully prevented the infection from worsening. The silver lining in all of this was that Junie’s red blood cells had started to regenerate on their own. 

Tragically, our worst nightmares came true just two days later when we found out that part of Junie's blood clot broke off and Junie suffered a pulmonary embolism. She was in respiratory distress and was quickly placed on oxygen.  Only time would tell if the embolism caused severe damage and how long Junie would need oxygen if she survived. However, as we’ve said before, Junie is mighty. 

Within 24 hours, she was taken off of oxygen and was even able to stand up unassisted. She was breathing comfortably on her own as if nothing ever happened! However, Junie still had a massive blood clot from her vocal cords to her chest. We discussed the possibility of surgical removal, but we were advised that the risks outweighed the benefits. Without surgery, the blood clot could break down safely within weeks, but there was always a risk that the clot could break off again and it could be catastrophic. 

Fortunately, Junie continued to improve over the next week. She was in stable condition, eating well, responding to treatment, and strutting her stuff all over Blue Pearl! She still had that risky blood clot, but we knew we had to just focus on Junie's progress. If Junie continued improving, we would finally be able to transport her to New York to finish her care before finding her a family. 

On July 11th our sweet Junie Bug was discharged from Blue Pearl. Junie’s doctors gave her the green light to make the journey from Georgia to New York, and she was finally on her way! She had been doing so well, was on all oral medication, eating like a champ, and getting stronger and stronger every day. When it was time for Junie to leave the hospital, every worker got out of their chairs and rushed to the door to say goodbye. 

There were many tears of happiness and love. The vet staff gave their all to save this little 5-month-old baby. This tiny little girl went from being unloved, abused, and abandoned to having thousands of people around the world caring for her. That alone is powerful, and proof that love always trumps hate. When Junie arrived in New York she was checked out by our vet before heading to her final destination.

And just like that, Junie is home. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone for the love and support you have shown Junie. Our supporters, transport volunteers, and veterinary partners are miracle workers. To see this tiny, precious, perfect little girl in the loving arms of her new mom, who adores every inch of her… it just doesn’t get better than that. 

To our Junie, we will be here rooting you on and watching you grow into the life you were always meant to have. 

We love you.