Zoe

13 years old, rainbow bridge

October 4, 2023: We’ll miss you, Zoe

If there’s one thing that we know, it’s that we never have enough time with those we love. And, when it’s time to say goodbye, a piece of our heart goes right along with them.

Sweet Zoe came to SECR just over a month ago with all the odds stacked against her. She was a senior girl battling progressive kidney disease and the resulting urinary tract issues. She had hard time eating due to the nausea and fatigue caused by her disease, and rapid weight loss made her frail. Yet, despite her uphill battle Zoe was a girl who wanted two very simple things – to love and be loved. She relished in affection, always returned it, and never let us forget how thankful she was for every chance she had to bond, play, and snuggle with her foster parents and siblings. Zoe wasn’t going to be with us long. We knew that. But it didn’t matter. Whether we had days, weeks, or months with Zoe, we were committed to making them the best of her life.

Zoe’s health declined rapidly over the last week, and as her kidneys failed her liver began to shut down too. She was tired and weak and despite every attempt to keep going and keep smiling for the foster family she loved so dearly, she needed rest. Zoe passed away peacefully at home over the weekend while sitting with her foster Mom, relishing as she always did in the hugs and pets that reminded her how special and loved she was.

We wish we had found Zoe sooner, but we are grateful that we were there for her when she needed someone the most. Her last weeks were filled with love, kindness, compassion and fun, and she left us knowing the joy of family. Rest in peace, sweet Zoe. We thank you for all you brought to our lives and will love you forever.

August 27, 2023: Welcome Zoe!

SECR is currently closed for intake as we work to expand our foster network and find families who are wiling and able to open their homes to special needs dogs that need new accommodations. However, we’re lucky that some of our current foster families are doing what they can to make room for one more, allowing us to respond to the most dire calls for help despite our temporary closure.

Meet Zoe. This sweet, senior girl was an unexpected SECR intake after she wound up at one of our veterinary offices, very ill. Her owner was elderly and facing critical health issues of their own, so providing for Zoe just wasn’t in the cards for them anymore. One of our long-time fosters saw a need, got us involved, and together we’re doing what we can for Zoe. Unfortunately, hers is an uphill battle. She’s lost more than half her body weight over the last several months, going from 28 to 14 pounds, has developed severe kidney disease and related urinary issues, and her blood pressure is high and needs to be monitored. She’s on a lot of medication, needs subcutaneous fluid treatments, and has a prognosis that none of us can quite be sure of right now.

We don’t really know how long we’ll have Zoe with us, but whether it’s days, weeks, or months, we’ll make sure every minute is Zoe’s happiest and best. Why? Because we love her. And she deserves that.

This, friends, is rescue.