Kiki's bittersweet story ....

Kiki (now She Dog) in November, 2012

On Friday evening, November 9th, Kiki walked into the Woodbury Animal Humane Society with her foster mom, Mary. It was a special night as she was officially being adopted.

Close up of Kiki's face

For those of you who have been following the Leech Lake Legacy blog you will remember a blog post I wrote on July 26th (http://leechlakelegacy.blogspot.com/2012/07/medical-emergency-fund-is-depleted.html). We received a call from the Rory, Leech Lake Community Services Officer about a dog he was picking up from an abandoned house. He had been informed of a dog and her pups living in an abandoned house. After Rory was able to get Kiki he contacted us to let us know she was in pretty bad shape. Her face was completely infected and swollen, and she had porcupine quills on her face. We immediately authorized him to take Kiki and her 4 pups to our partner vet in Bemidji, Animal Care Clinic. They immediately fell in love with her. Her pups were absolutely adorable but there was something incredibly special about Kiki .. she laid on her back soaking in all the belly rubs she could get and was very patient while the vet techs removed as many of the quills from her face as they could. She came down on transport on Saturday, 7/28 where she continued to win over the hearts of the staff at the Buffalo Animal Humane Society. Her pups were quickly vetted, spayed/neutered and were adopted out within days. Kiki's story unfortunately revealed more health issues. I provided an update on August 1, on our blog (http://leechlakelegacy.blogspot.com/2012/08/kiki-update.html).

Kiki hanging out at the Buffalo AHS in early August

Since that update we learned that Kiki has an injury to her back leg. They were having an orthopedic surgeon evaluate her and soon discovered on top of the leg injury she had kidney issues. She ended up in the home of Mary (who works at the clinic of the orthopedic surgeon who was evaluating Kiki). Kiki was renamed to She Dog (her foster mom Mary named her She Dog so she wouldn't get attached to this incredibly wise and gentle spirit) ... well, it didn't work!! Mary shared with me last Friday that Kiki (aka She) is the most amazing dog she has ever had.

Kiki unfortunately has been diagnosed with kidney failure (stage 3, out of 4). Her prognosis is not good. She has been given 2-3 months, and up to 2 years. When I saw Kiki last Friday I would never have even known she had kidney failure. Her coat is incredibly soft and shiny; her spirit is full of life; and her presence filled the lobby of the Woodbury Animal Humane Society. And yes, she still rolled over on her back for lots of belly rubs. She gets to go to work every day with her mom and she gets acupuncture and laser therapy for her leg ... the other day she also spent time on the water treadmill, and according to her mom " .. she loves the treadmill. She acts like a puppy when she gets out!"

Kiki ... know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You have touched the hearts of so many and you are a survivor. We are counting on you to defy the odds of your kidney failure diagnosis ....   You have been through so much in your short 2 years. We want you and your mom to be able to enjoy many, many more years together. Meanwhile, we know that you are getting the absolute best care possible and if anyone can help you pull through this, it's your mom :)

Kodiak .. one of Kiki's pups

What a beauty!! :)

Comfy nap spot!!