March 2008

January 2004

GALLAGHER

A local shelter called PAW to ask if we would take on a horrible neglect case. It was thought that this poor boy was burned with chemicals and then dumped...as it turned out this was not the case. It turns out he suffers from a rare autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin.

Gallagher's foster mom writes, "His health is generally good, however, his phemphicus disease keeps me busy. He takes oral medication and sees a specialist about once a year. I have to take care of his skin on his face - he is susceptible to burns, broken skin, and injuries to his face. Recently due to sun burn (or wind burn more likely) , he became dehydrated and had to have additional fluids. My biggest concern is for infection. However, being a very playful dog - he loves to dig in the yard, hike in the woods, stand watch on the deck and monitor the bird feeder. Some times, I holler, "not the nose!"

He also loves to play with his foster dog pals, especially Woody. He is very affectionate and sticks close to his foster mom in the house, keeping her company and waiting to go for walks.

I put baby suntan lotion on his face and lots of Vitamin E and Aloe. He manages to try to lick it off - so I do this before we do a fun activity so that he leaves his face alone.

I read recently that the euthanasia rate for dogs with phemicus is 60% - because of the suffering of the dogs and the care that they need. Gallagher is very lucky to have PAW."

I want to help Gallagher!

Go back to Virtual Adoptions page.