A Second Chance for Athena
After being rescued in critical condition, Athena required emergency surgery and intensive medical care. Her recovery will take time, money, and significant resources. We are committed to giving her everything she needs to heal and the second chance at a better life she deserves.
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Karen Hotem - Treasurer
Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc.
1239 Saint Francis RoadBel Air, Maryland 21014
Athena was rescued after being found locked inside a crate on someone’s porch. A police officer intervened and she was brought to safety.
When she arrived at the shelter, veterinary notes documented evidence of neglect and severe emaciation. Her body condition score was 2/9. At 4 years old, she weighed barely 30 pounds. She was dehydrated and far too underweight to even be safely spayed. While in the shelter, she vomited a sock. No abdominal imaging was performed at that time.
Within 32 hours of entering foster care, she began vomiting again. Then came the diarrhea. We rushed her to emergency. During surgery, doctors discovered another sock with string attached. Part of it was anchored in her stomach while the rest extended into her small intestines. Multiple incisions were required to remove it safely. This was a serious obstruction. Her intestines were extremely inflamed. During surgery, her blood pressure crashed. She required emergency medications and a plasma transfusion to stabilize her. She remains hospitalized on blood pressure support and is being closely monitored as they attempt to slowly wean those medications.
She now has:
• Multiple abdominal incisions
• A feeding tube in place
• Severe intestinal inflammation
• Ongoing ICU monitoring
Dr. Keto generously performed her spay and preventative gastropexy at no charge while she was already under anesthesia. We are incredibly grateful for that kindness. Athena will remain hospitalized for at least another 24 hours. She is still experiencing significant diarrhea, and her blood pressure remains the primary concern.
This surgery saved her life. Emergency abdominal surgery, plasma transfusion, ICU care, and continued hospitalization come at a significant cost. Our current total is over $11,000 and we are not out of the woods yet. We are asking for your help to cover her life-saving care and ongoing recovery.
She survived being abandoned in a crate. She survived starvation. She survived emergency surgery. Now she needs help surviving recovery. If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you cannot donate, please share. Every dollar helps us give her the second chance she deserves.