Mochie:  Adopted

UPDATE

It's been six months since Mochie's surgery, and we are THRILLED to report he is cancer-free! Thank you to Sue Rostvold for making this lovely video for us.

This dog is a Senior Sweetheart and qualifies for a reduced adoption fee! Click to learn more.

Last November, as the weather was changing in Texas, Mochie's entire world came crashing down. He once had a home, but his owner had passed away. He was left on his own, facing a very uncertain future. None of the surviving family members were willing to take Mochie under their wing, and he was at the shelter, and quickly forgotten.

Alone and scared, Mochie was put in a cold, concrete cage. He was obviously not well and in great need of medical care. His chances for adoption could be best described as "slim to none." In such a short span of time, Mochie lost his home, his owner and his safety. Although this may seem like a horrible ending for such a beautiful boy, it just might have been a blessing in disguise. CTDR decided he was a soul worth saving and agreed to to take on this challenge!

Mochie was taken to the Highway 620 animal clinic where Dr. Bouloy, and his staff, performed a complete physical and exam. Mochie had a horribly painful ear infection that required immediate treatment. Unfortunately, this was not Mochie's only problem. Mochie's front, right paw had a large growth that was impacting the use of his entire paw pad. This concerned the doctor greatly and he took a sample from the growth to send off for testing.

A painful week later, the results were in. Mochie had a Mast Cell Tumor and needed immediate, and costly care. Mast Cell Cancer is one of the more common types of cancer, and typically effects the skin. The results of this test devastated us all. The tumor was very large and had obviously gone undetected for a while.

CTDR is blessed to have such a supportive network of veterinary professionals who help in cases just like this. Upon Mochie's diagnosis, one of the Veterinary Technicians felt compelled to take Mochie into her care. Determined to foster him through this crisis, she performed frequent bandage changes and gave him medications to try to help with the pain.

Shortly after beginning treatment, Mochie's tumor developed a large ulcer and his pain greatly intensified. His foster mom noticed him hiding more and acting like a dog no longer interested in living. He became increasingly irritable and resisted his bandage changes and medicine. We can only imagine the level of pain Mochie was experiencing. Each step he took must have been excruciatingly painful! The medication was no longer helping Mochie and it was time to make the painful decision we all dread facing one day.

He was quickly brought in to see the doctor to have what is called a "quality of life" exam. These visits are the hardest of all to endure. This is when life or death decisions are made, worlds change, or sadly - simply fall apart completely. Mochie's foster is well experienced in these discussions. Being a Veterinary Technician, she sees these outcomes far too often. Still, she was not prepared to let Mochie go. She took him outside in the sun to enjoy what could be the last moments they would ever share together.

Dr. Bouloy was so moved by this boy's plight, he joined Mochie and his foster outside. He then offered his support, encouragement and his veterinary skills to try to save Mochie's life. Within the hour, Mochie was on the operating table having his leg amputated. This was the only option available to completely remove the entire tumor and give hope that his life could be saved. X-rays were taken to ensure the cancer had not spread to other parts of his body. These x-rays will be repeated in a few months and we hope Mochie will be pronounced cancer free!

Since his surgery, Mochie has become a new man. Just two weeks after his surgery, he was running around on "all threes" and playing with the other dogs in his foster home. Instead of hiding somewhere, alone and in pain, Mochie is now asking to join the family for couch cuddles and a good night's sleep in the big bed. This surgery surely saved his life and gave Mochie the chance to live pain free and happy. We are so grateful to Dr. Bouloy, his staff and Mochie's special foster mom. Surely, Mochie is too!

Mochie's sweet personality can once again shine! He will never again hide in a dark, lonely place, living with excruciating pain and quiet desperation. He now basks gracefully in the sunshine and proudly takes walks through the neighborhood. Mochie makes friends everywhere he goes and people are so impressed with his attitude and manners, they hardly even notice he only has three legs!

Mochie's story helps us remember the value of our supporters and volunteers. He gives us the strength to always hope, and encouragement to continue our efforts. He is truly an inspiration for us all!