Six years ago Emily Shepherd had placed Abbey in a home in Maine. She lived there until a month ago, when her owner got rid of her because she had no control over her urine. While that owner had failed to get medical attention for her, whatever was causing her problem had worsened and become severe.

   The shelter suspected Cushing’s, and Nanci promptly contacted her own vet where Abbey could stay while tests were done to make a diagnosis.  After several attempts they found out it was not Cushing's. Regular diabetes had also been ruled out; so the only thing left was diabetes insipides or a mental issue that caused her to drink constantly. More tests indicated it was diabetes insipides, a disease that can be successfully treated with meds – but they are expensive! Nanci pursued a source for meds at discount, found them, thought she had Abby’s cure in hand, when misfortune struck Abbey again.

   Back at the vet clinic, she was going into shock. Her gums were white, she was lethargic, and she wouldn’t eat. An x-ray revealed a tumor on her spleen. Only surgery would help that condition, and she was a very sick little girl.

   Abbey is scheduled for surgery on Monday. Meantime, like any patient, she has her good times and not so good times, but mostly she’s responding to the meds, seems better, and her spirit is amazing. Nanci visits her every day and takes her out for fresh air. She greets Nanci with bright eyes, a wagging tail and sloppy Springer kisses, and clearly says she is tired of the hotel accommodations and would like a couch!!! One day she even said that if Nanci had let her she would have chased that squirrel all the way down to the boatyard and gone for a swim! It's still amazing how loved she is at the office. The kennel help girl is in LOVE and bathes her every day to keep her pants clean. She actually has gotten them white and they sure weren't that before!

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!