UPDATE - June 6, 2010

Pepper has been adopted!  Thank you for helping to make this a happy ending for Pepper and her new family!

UPDATE - April 21, 2010

Pepper went to the vet earlier this week for her 8 week checkup. The vet informed us that Pepper's lung are clear, she is showing no remaining clinical signs, and she can finally come out of quarantine!

She moved into her new kennel on our adoption floor and happily dished out loads of kisses to everyone she could. (Pepper was previously unable to lick the staff due to the remote chance of people or other animals contracting the fungus.) She was also allowed her first little doggie play date this week! She was thrilled to finally be able to interact with another dog.

Pepper must remain on Fluconazole for another 30 days as a precautionary measure. Fungal spores are very small and single spores may not be indentified on Xrays. She is no longer contagious. She is available for adoption and viewing, but may not go to her new home until the end of May, when her meds are complete and she is spayed.

Thank you again to everyone who opened up your hearts to help Pepper!

UPDATE - April 12, 2010

Pepper went in for her first exam and xrays after a month of being on the medication. The doctors were pleased because they can now see her heart, which was not visible before. They are also able to see a little improvement in her lungs, although there are still fungus spores evident. They feel, however, that she has improved slightly, and are optimistic that we'll see gradual improvement over the next two months or so.

Pepper continues to be a joy to be around, although she is getting tired of her forced state of inactivity. As her lungs improve, we may find it harder and harder to keep our girl down!

UPDATE - March 7, 2010

Pepper started her medication nearly 3 weeks ago and seems to be doing well. In 7-10 days she'll have her first xrays to determine whether the medication is doing its job, and this entire process will continue for 4-5 months. After a period of time, she will have to have xrays every 2 weeks or so.

Pepper's spirits continue to be good and she has her very own "suite" at the shelter complete with a comfy bed and lots of toys. She's so good-natured and never barks or complains about her isolation. If you tell her to "kennel," she immediately goes inside her crate so you can clean her living space. She loves to be stroked and cuddled although she isn't allowed to give kisses because of the rare but possible potential to pass along her fungus.

We are a little over half-way to fulfilling our financial obligations for Pepper, and want to thank everyone for their assistance in helping our girl. Keep your fingers crossed...we're optimistic about her future because of your support. We are still accepting donations and will continue to update you on her progress.
 

ABOUT PEPPER

Pepper is a 2-3 year old female chocolate lab mix facing a serious and potentially fatal disease.  Although it is costly to treat, it IS curable.

Pepper has Cryptococcus...a yeast-like fungus growing in her lungs causing her difficulty in breathing and capable of spreading to her brain.  She picked this fungus up in soil but it's imperative that her treatment begin immediately.  The drug (fluconazole) to treat her usually runs about $800 per month but we are possibly going to be able to get it for her for around $275 per month.  She will probably need to be on the medication for 3-5 months with ongoing vet visits and x-rays to determine whether the treatment is working.

Pepper is a loving, sweet girl who came to us as a stray.  She is very well-behaved and knows several commands.  None of us are willing to give up on her but the treatment is beyond what the shelter can afford.  Please help us help her...Pepper deserves this chance! 
 

Donations can be sent to WCHS Attn: Pepper, 3650 State Road 60, Slinger, WI 53086.  Or you can call us at 262-677-4388 and charge your donation over the phone.  Thank you, in advance, for any help you can provide!
 

© 2006 The Washington County Humane Society
3650 State Road 60 Slinger, WI 53086
(262) 677-4388

email: wchs@washingtoncountyhumane.org