06/29/2025
We have so many updates to share with you we hardly know where to begin. We hope to have some updates about recently adopted dogs up for your enjoyment in the next week or two. We've also been busy working behind the scenes on bringing dogs into the rescue whose owners then changed their minds - but it is important for everyone to know that we wouldn't be able to even have those conversations if it wasn't for foster homes who are willing to step in at a moment's notice. We still need more foster homes and are still looking for two new board members. If you live in our coverage area and are interested in helping in either one of those roles, please reach out to us.
Meanwhile, we know everyone is wondering how Douglas is doing, and how his follow-up ultrasound went, so he is our featured update for today.
Douglas had his follow-up ultrasound on the 18th, and we are sad to report that his bladder mass more than doubled in size in approximately 2 months. We knew that he is a really special guy, but we had hoped that he wouldn't fall into the special few who achieve a negative BRAF test but still likely have transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Unfortunately, the location of the mass means that surgical removal is not a viable option, and surgical biopsy could potentially place him at greater risk, so obtaining a definitive diagnosis to allow consideration of targeted chemo for TCC, does not look like it will be possible. This leaves options for palliative care on the table to be discussed at his appointment with the oncologist - and we will be with him through whatever lies ahead in his future.
We are happy to report that, after also being in 4 different homes and 1 shelter in the short period of 3 months, he will now be able to stay right where he is with his new adoptive brothers for however much time he has left. Yup, DOUGLAS HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY ADOPTED! The Rescue will continue to cover the added expenses relating to treatment of his TCC, and his former-foster-now-forever-family will assure that he gets all of the love and wonderful care that every dog deserves.
Douglas is enjoying life. He has gained weight and his coat has improved in the few months he has been with us. He is learning new things and is an all-around good boy! Collie Rescue of Southeastern Pennsylvania doesn't have a crystal ball that we can use to predict his future, and we don't know how many days, weeks, months, or years Douglas has left, but we do know that they will be good ones, thanks to our supporters who go above and beyond to assure that we have the resources needed to give extra-special dogs like Douglas the care that they need for as long as they continue to benefit from it.
Douglas sends extra "Thank You's" and Collie Hugs to everyone.
