Duchess Schmidt
Update 05/10/02: Duchess is doing very well with her Addison's treatments. She does have an incontinence problem though that we are trying to help Marcus with. She is on DES as well as PPA, but still the problem remains. She continues to receive DOCP for the Addison's. For the last shot, the vet proposed dropping back from 2.2ml to 2.0ml to see if this would effect the incontinence. It is still a little early to tell, but Marcus thinks she is doing somewhat better. If you have any ideas about this, please email us at info@doberman911.org. Otherwise, she is leading the life that every Dobe should! She gets lots of attention and love, and her new family makes sure she is as happy as can be.
Update 04/09/02: Marcus tells us that Duchess is doing just great! She loves her new home and is settling in very well. Duchess goes to the park with some new family play pals and gets plenty of excretes. She's eating well and has plenty of company with the Schmidt kids. Thanks to the their care, Duchess will continue to lead a love filled life. She will still be taking DOCP treatments for her Addison's. It is manageable with medication, and the Schmidts are getting her the best care. We're very happy to hear our latest SND girl is doing so well. The Schmidts pass along their thanks to the entire SND family for helping their new baby!
The Duchess
Story:
Marcus Schmidt
contacted SND concerning his newly adopted eight year old Dobe, Duchess. She
has Addison's Disease which affects the adrenal gland's ability to produce the
hormones needed during stressful situations. You can read more about this disease
at the Veterinary Information Network's page about
Addison's . In summary, these "hormones are needed to adapt to stressful
situations and without these hormones, even small stresses could lead to physiologic
disaster."
The drug DOCP is used to treat Addison's. The treatments are given once every 25-28 days and cost $70 per. Marcus, a pilot for a major airline, was among the thousands of people that were left unemployed after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. SND decided to help with Duchess' treatments, and we're asking for your help as well.
Marcus has actually known Duchess since she was a puppy. When she was diagnosed with Addison's, Duchess' former owner tried as best she could to keep up with the costs. Unfortunately, they became too much for her to handle. When she informed Marcus that Duchess would have to be put up for adoption, he came to her rescue. He has known Duchess for a long time and didn't want to see her put through the stress of being adopted to strangers. They would have been well meaning strangers, but strangers to Duchess all the same. Given her condition, going to the home of someone she already knew was obviously a bonus.
To lessen the stress involved, Marcus drove round trip from northern Orange County, California to Las Vegas, Nevada and back again. Being a pilot, he knows all too well the stress a crated dog endures during a flight in a plane's cargo hold. Duchess is in her new home and getting familiar with the new surroundings and family members. Having people around her that she knows and has a bond with will help tremendously.
Marcus will most certainly find a new job given his special talents. It has taken the airline industry time to recover from September 11th. SND wants to make sure that Duchess' health won't be an issue during this time. Please consider helping Duchess by sending SND a donation. No amount is too small! Remember to make a note on your donation that it is for Duchess Schmidt. Marcus, Duchess and the SND family thank you!
