It is with very heavy hearts...

2/5/07 Update:  It is with very heavy hearts that we must tell you that despite his valiant fight, little Max died today. After a week of making slow but steady progress, he took a devastating turn for the worse during the night and his veterinarians did not believe there was anything more that could be done to save him. His injuries proved too great for his wee body to overcome, his immune system broke down, and he began to go into multi-organ failure.

Max was given the best of care by the doctors and staff at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield and it's fair to say that he became very much loved by all over this past week. His spirit was tremendous and none of us will ever forget how hard he fought over the last 9 days.

To those of you who have already contributed to Max's medical bills, thank you. Your support and generosity are appreciated more than we can say. It is because of support from you that we are able to step in and help so many dogs and cats who desperately need HART. While the outcome for Max is heartbreaking, we have saved so many others who had little chance of survival because of your generosity. If you have not already made a donation to help with Max's considerable medical costs, please do (and continue to mark your contribution for Max's fund). There could be no greater or more fitting tribute to Max than to have funds available to say "yes" when we next receive an urgent plea for help.

Thank you again for your donations and your notes of support and concern for Max.

Warmest Regards,
Carol, Charlene, Charlie, Joan, Maggie and Pat for HART

Max's Story
2/4/07: Last Sunday, HART received an urgent call from Southpaws Emergency Center in Fairfax asking if we could take in a young Yorkshire Terrier named Max who had been hit by a car. Southpaws knew that his pelvis and femur were broken and that he would require extensive surgery.  The owners brought Max in but could not afford the surgery which was estimated to cost over $5000, so they requested he be euthanized.  We asked if the vet had tried other rescue groups since our funds are very depleted (due to extensive and recent vet bills for other rescued animals).  They replied that they had but had not gotten any responses.

When we heard that notwithstanding his serious, extremely painful injuries, little Max was reaching out to give kisses, it was hard to say no.  So HART agreed to take Max on and he was transferred to the care of Dr. Greg Griffin, an excellent surgeon, at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield.

Early last Monday, Dr. Griffin called to let us know that in addition to the broken pelvis and femur, Max had a ruptured bladder and would require surgery as soon as possible.  The news from the operating table was worse -- a broken bone had completely severed his urethra.  Max still had a chance for a good surgical result (though it is possible he may be incontinent and have to wear diapers for the rest of his life) and a foster home stepped forward, so we proceeded with surgery.

As of today, Sunday, February 4, Max still has hurdles to overcome, and his prognosis is still officially "guarded," but we are hopeful since he has held his own for almost a week now following surgery. Notwithstanding all the trauma and pain he has endured, Max has been sweet through the entire ordeal. He's still giving kisses. The vets and staff all love this courageous little fellow and are pulling hard for him. If spirit counts, Max will be in good shape soon.

Through your generosity in the past, we have been able to continue to help dogs like Max. We do not have a final tally of his vet bills, but we know they will total many thousands of dollars.  If you are able to make any contribution to Max's care, no matter what size donation, we will greatly appreciate it.  You can donate online through PayPal or send a check to HART at PO Box 7261, Fairfax Station, Va. 22039-7261 (please note the donation "For Max's Vet Bills").  Max has a chance at a long and happy life because you and others like you care about what happens to him and others like him.  If you have any questions about Max, please email Charlene at Charlene.Bofinger@LongandFoster.com. Again, thank you for your support.
 

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