CHARLESTON, SC......It seems like Life gets stranger by the minute. If I wrote a book about all that happens in Animal Rescue, people would not believe it. The newest pup is one that has a very bizarre story. A young couple called on an ad on Craig's List for a beautiful Siberian Husky that was six months old for sale. They contacted the person on the ad and agreed to meet at night to get the puppy. They paid $200. for a puppy that was supposed to be perfect. No paperwork or anything came with the dog. It was dark when they picked up their new puppy in Charleston, SC and drove home to Beaufort, SC. The next morning when they got up they soon realize something was terribly wrong with the puppy. One side of the head was very disfigured with a large lump. They tried to reach the person that sold them the puppy and no one could be reached. They went to Beaufort County Animal Control, told them the story and then signed the puppy over to them. We were contacted and immediately had this beautiful puppy taken to our Specialist in Charleston, SC.
Opal Bella is so young that we decided this must be from an injury or an abscess. A Cat Scan was done, and a biopsy was taken. The scan was horrifying to see. Everyone was in shock. The scan shows something that appears to be a tumor that is growing right next to her brain. It has already changed the shape of the skull and zygomatic arch. A tissue biopsy was done and sent off. We are still waiting for the results. We believe the tumor is an MLO (multilobular osteochondrosarcoma) tumor that Bubbles had. Whatever it is, the tumor is growing rapidly and is like a ticking time bomb. We have the best Surgeons and Specialists in the World working on this case. Our sweet pup has been transferred to Dr. Bob Bergman at Caroline Veterinary Specialists in Matthews, NC. We have to do a biopsy of the bone and are going to debulk the area at the same time. The location of the tumor is what makes this case so tricky and difficult. Dr. Bergman has done a lot of these procedures but has never seen one so big in a dog so young. Because the tumor is in an area that is very vascular, the surgery is being put off until Monday. Dr. Bergmans wants all of his key people available and extra blood on hand for transfusions.
I am posting the Craig's List ad on her page in case anyone knows this person. We would like as much information as possible on the person that sold her. We would also like to know if any of the siblings have the same thing. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, please use your head when you respond to Craig's List ads. DO NOT meet strangers at night in dark places.
The best news about this case is that we have this beautiful pup, and she does not have a clue she is sick. If ever she was going to have a chance, we are the only Rescue I know of that could give her that chance. Opal Bella has the most beautiful eyes you will every see. She is all puppy and is delightful. She has stolen the hearts of everyone that comes in contact wth her. If you wonder why our pics are blurry, it is because she never stops moving and jumping around.
Opal Bella's bills are already mounting, and we just got her. She has a long road ahead of surgery, transfusions, MRI, chemo, radiation, etc. Please, DONATE toward her care. Her bills are going to be quick and massive because of the urgency of her situation. She does not have a lot of time based on where the tumor is and how quickly it is growing. If you can't donate, please, send to ALL of your animal loving friends so they can donate. I cannot emphasize enough how expensive this is going to be because of her age. We are pulling out all the stops to give this sweet six-month-old baby, her ONLY chance at a long Life.
