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Wanda is rescue at its saddest. We just couldn’t defeat the years of neglect Wanda suffered. She passed the day
after Thanksgiving due to a pulmonary thrombosis, a complication of the heartworm treatment.
Wanda was pulled from a high-kill shelter on October 16 thanks to the persistence of several shelter workers. Her
sad eyes and slow steps reflected a deep tiredness. Our vet advised that due to an extremely bad infection, Wanda
needed ear ablation surgery as soon as possible as well as heartworm treatment and time to recover from anemia
caused by a heavy flea infestation.
In rescue we often have to ration heath care. We never have enough money to treat the dogs as fast as they come in.
In this case not only were our funds low but there were several dogs who had already waited months for ear, eye or
orthopedic surgery. Wanda would just have to wait her turn. Because we felt it would be several months before
we could afford surgery, we made her as comfortable as possible by controlling ear infection with antibiotics and
painkillers, treated the anemia and started heartworm treatment. It was such a gift to see Wanda improve.
A week after Wanda’s first heartworm treatment the ear infection went wild causing her head to swell. It is not
optimum to perform surgery on a dog in heartworm treatment, but there was no choice. When an emergency like this
happens, we say a little prayer and proceed on faith. Wanda came through the surgery with flying colors and we
thought we were home free. Ten days later, just as her surgical recovery was going well, she collapsed when a
dead heartworm clogged her lungs.
All who met Wanda were impressed with her gentleness, sweetness and stoicism. So many people – shelter workers,
rescue volunteers, veterinarians and vet techs - worked hard to salvage Wanda’s life. We can all take comfort
knowing that Wanda’s last six weeks were spent in a loving, caring foster home.
As sad as it was to lose Wanda, the fact remains that Cocker Spaniel Rescue spent nearly $1,500 trying to save her.
Donations in Wanda’s memory or on behalf of your own well cared for dogs would be a wonderful way to honor Wanda’s
memory and help other dogs in similar situations.
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