June 14, 2004

Maddy was an 8 year old female Dobe owned by Janet Joslin in CA. Maddy lived with inflammatory bowel disease for 3 years and Janet spent thousands of dollars keeping her alive with medicines and special food. Janet came to SND when the vet wanted to try a special food that would cost about $100 a month. (Her medications were about $200 a month.) Janet had a big financial loss about 5 years ago and could not afford this any more. She is living off her savings which she says will run out soon. She is 62, and I lives by herself. Maddy had been her wonderful companion, her only companion and she couldn't bring herself to put her down. Janet came to SND looking for funds to get an analysis of whether or not colon cancer was involved and to help with the special food bills.

On Saturday, Maddy saw the vet. He told Janet that Maddy's system was starting to shut down, and Maddy was released from her suffering. Janet is devastated with the loss of her beloved companion, but is grateful that thanks to SND her decisions could be made in Maddy's best interest, and not because of money. The beautiful portrait at the top of the page was done by Janet, when Maddy was in her prime. She has generously agreed to do portraits for auction to benefit other Dobes in need. Thank you, Janet, and thank you for all the love that you gave to Maddy throughout her life. The entire SND family offers our most sincere condolences.