Who was Pippin? Pippins story began Oct 19, 2020. A shelter contacted Save Our Setters about an 11 month old pup who was surrendered by his family. The shelter had worked with Save Our Setters before and knew that was the best chance for a sick puppy. He had gone blind 2 weeks earlier and had been diagnosed with Blastomycosis before being surrendered to the shelter. He needed out of the shelter asap. So the placement and transport teams led by Alissa secured a foster and transport and in a matter of hours Pippin was on his way. During his move his foster mom realized that Pippin was in very bad shape and needed emergency care. Alissa contacted Karen, who is a nurse and her daughter a veterinarian - Karen and family accepted the challenge. That's when Karen's family & Pippin's journey began.
When Pippin arrived, he was too weak to stand or hold his head up. They were unsure if he would survive the night. Thankfully he made it through the night. He must have felt all of the love - he then survived the next night. Then more miracles began - was that a tail wagging? He attempted to stand, tried to walk, began eating, building strength....every step of his progress was answered prayers and gave hope to so many. We were able to follow, and be part of, Pippin's incredible journey - from the baby steps, to actually running and jumping, the happy times and the heartbreaks - all thanks to the wonderful pictures and updates provided by Karen. You can follow his story here.
October 20, 2020 - Meet PIPPIN, our newest intake. He was surrendered to the local shelter (one we had worked with before, so they knew exactly who to call upon for help with this boy). According to the scant paperwork we have seen so far, he was diagnosed with blasto less than two weeks ago, and the fungal infection has rendered him blind.
He has a long road to recovery, so we expect him to remain in foster care for quite a while. He has not been eating, so that is the first hurdle. Please send lots of Setter Zen for this sweet boy!
FB Video - 12/20/2020
https://www.facebook.com/1384103332/videos/g.75536987595/10225790028322452
PIPPIN UPDATE 1-15-2020
Hello Everyone....we had a beautiful snowfall today....left everything looking like granulated sugar in the sunshine!
I was out many times to romp and play....I love the snow. I LOVE to eat the snow!!! I wasn't wearing one of my beautiful coats because I wanted you all to see that I'm up to 24.5 kg!!!
I went to ballet with my girls from next door.....I found out I'm more of a lyrical dancer than a ballerina ....well, at least I tried.
Still waiting for test results and diagnoses. In the meantime I will wish you all the best....
1/27/2021 - The baby is super gentle with Pippin. There is a small part where Pippin responds with an open mouth...Pippin takes so many medications...that his automatic response is an open mouth.... because he thinks it's a treat. Please don't worry about the baby or Pippin's actions.... they are genuine.
1/29/2021 - Frolicking in the snow with his Cavalier buddies, Dexter and Sawyer.
02/06/2021 - I am honest with what is going on with Pippin. I want him to keep getting better because so many of you are rooting for him....and he deserves, not just a life, but a GOOD life.
The reason I mention this is because I have fallen in love with Pippin's eyes. He is so expressive with them, and you can see right to his soul.... they are so honest, so broken, so soulful, and so longing. I will be 100% devastated if the ophthalmologist tells me they have to come out.... please pray hard for Pippin....he needs another miracle.
02/10/2021 - PIPPIN has been admitted to the hospital at MSU. It is our belief that he gets stressed when his people are not with him (like yesterday when he was being seen by the ophthalmologist), and he broke with liquid diarrhea last night.
Fearing dehydration, we took him to MSU first thing this morning, where they sent him to the ER department (his old friend Dr. Peng was on duty!). He was dehydrated, and the UTI had come back. Dr. Peng decided to admit him to the hospital for rehydration and more labs. He also referred his case to Internal Medicine. Please, keep him in your prayers, send setter zen, cross your fingers and paws - with appreciation SOS and Pippin
2/11/2021 - Pippin is still in the hospital. We are hoping he will be released tomorrow. Thank you all for everything you have done and posted....I wish I could answer you all. Sweet Dreams Pippin....
PIPPIN update 2-23-2021
It is a beautiful day here in Michigan. This is the best I have felt in a over 4 months. If it weren't for the diarrhea....I would think things were pretty perfect! I'm not all goodness and purity though (I know many of you think so). I heard a tone of voice from my Foster mom I hadn't heard before. How was I supposed to know I wasn't supposed to eat the delicious treats in the horse pasture!!!????
My foster mom, won't let me kiss her right now either....who knew??!!!?! I am still taking two antifungals, metronidazole, proviable, amlodopine, prednisone, B12, Denamarin, Metamucil and omeprazole. Along with my special food.....everything is going as well as can be expected.
I hope it stays this way or gets better....because this feels good!!
Love PIPPIN
Pippin Update 3-6-2021
Hi everyone....it's me Pippin!
As you can see I am learning all of the Irish Setter poses!!!
Everyday, I am acting more and more like a puppy! To prove it, I got into the BRIO wooden train tracks and nibbled on a few....I thought it gave them some character. I am also enjoying ALL of my toys now. I like to make them squeak. I disabled the squeaker in my sensory fish (Pat Smart) but my foster mom got me a new one from Amazon. Must be more than one Amazon because my toy came quickly. My foster mom talked to a wonderful lady that was interested in adopting me! My foster mom thinks she is wonderful for even considering a. WONDERFUL dog like myself
A second family also wanted me, but I let my foster mom know I still wasn't ready to go yet.
My buddy Reggie is going to give me tips on meeting strangers even though I am doing really well at this Still working on my digestive issues but even that isn't that bad anymore!
Spring is almost here