Rupert

Rupert was 6 weeks old when he was abandoned at a local emergency clinic. The picture to the right was taken just a week after he came into ARFP. He was a happy healthy puppy for about 6 weeks, went to adoption fairs, played like a little rough houser, all normal puppy stuff. Rupert was soon to be on death's door with a very rare disease which affected his immune system and caused him extreme pain. He baffled veterinarians for weeks. He would get better and then relapse. He was finally referred to Dr. Jim Bassett at CVS.

Dr. Bassett was also baffled by Rupert's case but with our urging was willing to try to find a cure for the pup. He hit upon two drugs that pulled Rupert through but Rupert still had a long way to go. He is, and has been, doing well for almost 3 months now.

Unfortunately, being sick for almost 5 months and having relapses stole Rupert's puppyhood from him. He is on high doses of Prednisone so his main concern in life is food, not play. Rupert will celebrate his one year birthday on April 15 and it is Dr. Bassett's hopes that his one year birthday may be a turning point with this disease. His research shows that most dogs, if they live to be a year old, outgrow it!

Without ARFP Rupert would not have survived. His medical bills have gone over several thousand dollars but that is the commitment that ARFP makes to every stray that we rescue. We wouldn't deny any foster animal the care that it needs. That is what ARFP is all about -- saving the lives of those that can't help themselves!