Ask Dr. Swingle

Countryside Veterinary Clinic

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Gina – a great story about a great dog.

Veterinary practice has more than its share of highs and lows as we examine and treat our four-legged friends. This is especially evident with our rescue work. We do a fair amount of rescue work with Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue and once in a while an animal grabs your heart and won’t let go. Gina is one of mine.

Gina is a middle aged Husky mix that came from an Indian reservation. When I first saw her, she looked terrible and had a long list of health concerns. She was very anemic, emaciated, covered in fleas and very weak. She had a bleeding mass protruding from her vagina called a transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). TVT is a death sentence to most rescue animals because it is very contagious and requires expensive chemotherapy in order to treat this condition.

Most rescue organizations do not have the financial resources or the quarantine ability to handle animals with TVT. These animals are usually humanely put down.

Luckily, Gina was rescued by Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue. Coco’s Heart is the only rescue I know that has the desire and the resources to tackle the really tough cases.

Gina is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever worked with. Four weeks into her chemotherapy – her tumor is gone, she is healthy, cancer free and ready for a forever home. Most days I love my job, but especially when we are able to save one that otherwise would have been put down.

Thanks to all the loyal supporters of Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue for giving Gina a chance for a wonderful life, and especially the wonderful foster who was willing to take Gina into their home during her long treatment and recovery period and give her the care she so desperately needed.

Dr. John Swingle