Special Needs: has somewhat limited stamina and expect she will need to be lifted/carried from time to time. We expect she will remain on low doses of prednisone.

Description:

Chalupa is a sweet Beagle mix who was dropped off at animal control by her owner who had her since she was a puppy.  When we took her from the shelter she was scared and confused but remained friendly and just wanted to be held and give kisses.  We knew she had heartworms and the shelter had diagnosed her with kennel cough.  Despite the antibiotics, Chalupa’s cough got worse and another Vet started treating her for pneumonia.   Nothing was helping and we thought for sure we were going to lose her when Dr. Corona discovered a severe infection in one of her lungs. After several days of intravenous medication she started to recover.  Unfortunately Chalupa’s immune system was so compromised that she developed “Immune Mediated Polyarthritis” and we have been trying various medications over the past months, as well as acupuncture, to find her some relief.

Chalupa is now stable and is as well as we believe she will ever be.  She takes 15 mg of prednisone, which is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant.   We believe it may be necessary to increase the medication during the winter on cold damp days.  Chalupa is able to walk, or should we say waddle, but is not able to climb more then 1 or 2 steps and has limited stamina, depending on the day and weather.  He foster mom has a small doggie carriage which she brings on their outings and when Chalupa runs out of steam she gets a ride in the carriage.  We would expect that you will have to be able to lift Chalupa (approx 25 lbs) from time to time

Chalupa is in a house with a doggie door, which she mastered immediately, and another bigger dog with whom she loves to play.  She loves going to the doggie park, will run to play with children, and thinks of every adult as a treat machine.

Chalupa needs that special family to care for her and help her through a difficult day now and then.  In exchange you will have a loving family pet and companion.