Lexus

#12-050, Lexus,  age 7

AVAILABLE SOON

I am an Extraordinary Golden

Extraordinary Golden Fund

update 2/2/13:

“Whatever will happen next?” says Lexus. Challenges are nothing new for this Social Butterfly and Busy Bee—after all, in nearly a year in GRR care, the gorgeous auburn-furred charmer has already overcome a lengthy bout with a serious spinal infection and soldiered through heartworm treatment. But the latest bump in the road is a big one… and it started, literally, with a bump in her mouth.

 Just a few weeks ago, Lexus was at long last having a meet with a potential new home, and “she couldn't have done any better if I had written a script for her,” says her foster mom. “They were in love and so was she. But when I was showing them how very easy she is to work with, I lifted her lip to show her teeth, and it was then that I discovered a large growth at the back of her mouth.” The lumpy bump looked dark and suspicious, and an immediate trip to the vet revealed bad news: malignant melanoma.

 Options? Surgery to get rid of the lump, of course… and we did that right away. But there’s more to be done these days. Both Lexus’s surgeon and the oncologist she visited a few days later instantly brought up the option of using the melanoma vaccine. “This is a new vaccine, and the results are phenomenal. It boosts the immune system & fights off the melanoma, all with minimal side effects for the animal. Combined with additional surgery to remove more tissue, Lexus could have a very good prognosis. Best case, she might even be cured.”

 Melanoma is a bad cancer that can spread fast, so quick action was essential. First, a chest X-ray to make sure that the cancer hadn’t already spread—and some GOOD news: her lungs are clear. Second, an aspirate of the lymph node nearest the mouth. More good news: that  was also clear, with no signs of cancer.

Those tests done, Lexus promptly received her first dose of vaccine on January 9. Next step was a repeat surgery on January 14, to take wider margins around the original tumor site, since pathology reports from the first operation showed a few cancer cells extending beyond the margins of the excision. Lexus sailed through: “As soon as we got home, she went right for her ball. Had a nice meal too. I am having a bit of a hard time typing this e-mail as she’s head-butting my arm, as usual.”

So, what’s the price tag on all this? Our wonderful vets have given us deep discounts & donations already on diagnostics and surgery. We’re excited and grateful about their generosity!

 But the vaccine doesn’t come cheap. Even with our discount, it costs $462 per dose, and the protocol involves one dose every other week for four doses, then every 6 months lifelong. And needless to say, we are hoping that “lifelong” is a LONG time to come. Lexus has already had her second vaccine, on January 22, and the third is scheduled for this coming week, on February 5th. She’ll finish with dose #4 on the 19th. She’ll have a recheck in 3 months… and 3 months after that, she’ll enter her “maintenance” phase.

 So far, it’s just as the doctor said: no side effects. Says her foster mom:

She is doing absolutely fabulous! Runs, initiates play and is forever looking for or carrying her ball.  At times we'll see her lying down perfectly still, looking under the sofa, and sure enough there is a ball under there. And she loves to play a game of “I'll give you my ball and you hide it under the quilt and I'll go get it.” She’s her usual Hostess with the Mostest self, loves it when people come to the door—no barking, just tail wagging and grabbing her ball before she greets the visitor.

 I just can't say enough good things about her.  She’s sweet, calm, and gets along with our dogs so well; and unlike some dogs, doesn't have a favorite person—she loves men and women equally.  She is the quintessential best friend dog.  Margo was right when she told the oncologist that the best thing that ever happened to Lexus was to get lost and get into GRR care! Look at all the wonderful vets who have cared for her & helped her live the life she deserves. She’s a “Glass Half Full” girl: she loves every minute of her life and she loves everyone in it.

 Is it any wonder why we’re determined to do everything we can to help Lovely

Lexus? She has come through so much already… can you help her clear this latest hurdle? Any donation will help—and it will help not only Lexus, but all the GRR dogs who need extra medical care. Thank you from all of us at GRR!

Update 10/11/12:

Can’t you just see her in white gloves, pearls, and a flowered hat, carrying a stylish handbag, stepping into her limo and heading off to meet her girlfriends for shopping and gossip? Yes, this red-headed social butterfly definitely belongs to the “ladies who lunch” set, and she would love to be someone’s very special best friend & join in every outing!

Lexus came to GRR way back in April (yes, 6 months ago), when she and a friend wound up at the city pound. With her deep red “fresh from the salon” curls & waves and her confident personality (maybe even a teeny bit bossy!), the trim gal looked like a slam dunk for a quick adoption. However, after a week or so she began to have spells of being unable to stand up and walk. A trip to the vet revealed alarming news: a severe spinal infection. “There’s an infection essentially eating the bone right at the tail end of her spine. It’s not that she CAN’T stand up, it’s that she just doesn’t want to, because it hurts so badly,” explained the vet.

Hoping to avoid a risky & complicated surgery to remove the damaged bone, he put her on an extra-long course of antibiotics (in fact, she still has a few weeks to go until her next recheck, on October 24). It’s working! She’s doing beautifully, getting around with the greatest of ease now. And along the way, the gallant girl also went through heartworm treatment—that’s all behind her, as she finished her exercise restriction just about a month ago.

While going through most of her treatment, Lexus stayed with our President, Margo, and many other dogs. She was the official greeter when any new dogs came over, the “house mother” who barged in and broke up playing that got too rowdy, and the first one in line at the buffet at mealtime! (She lists “gourmet cooking and taste testing” as one of her many hobbies.)

Lexus is a wonderful gal, smart as a whip & very attuned to her person.  She likes to be right by your side, interested in and offering useful advice about every little thing you do. Last month, she had a marvelous time visiting Dogadillo (upscale dog store) for happy hour & a presentation by a dog psychic. “There were 50 people & 50 dogs squished nose to tail in the boutique shop.  Lexus shmoozed the crowd – I am sure she met more people & dogs than any other canine there.  She would pick her human mark, sidle over to them, and within seconds, they were petting her & talking to her & handing her cheese from the buffet table. It was pretty amazing to watch her work the crowd! She reminds me of a socialite who throws extravagant dinner parties, providing her guests a few too many cocktails, and then ends up singing show tunes & dancing on top of the piano.”

Lexus is charming, sometimes pushy, very loving, very personable.  Wonderful dog! She’s tailor-made for therapy work. Her ideal home would be with a retired mom or couple  who would take Lexus through Canine Good Citizen training & get her admitted into a therapy program. And of course, Lexus MUST go on outings & tag along on shopping trips! Her new owners should be interested in having an in-depth relationship with Lexus. “I think of her more as a good girlfriend than a dog,” says foster mom.

Adoption Procedures