All of us come with our own baggage. Ebbie is certainly no exception, though she arrived in rescue with more than her share. For instance, Ebbie had:

• 1 horrendous mouth infection
• 21 rotten teeth that had to be removed
• 1 walnut shaped mammary tumor, not cancerous
• A lack of appetite from the above, resulting in low weight
• A well deserved slightly cranky attitude from having to deal with the above for so long with no help!

Liver shunts affect far fewer dogs than other health issues, but have the most impact on the dog's quality of life and the emotional and financial burden on their families. HRI has been contacted regarding two AKC owner surrendered dogs with liver shunts in just the last 60 days! We'll call these dogs Jack and Jill. Jill is 3 1/2 years old, lethargic, underweight at just 6 pounds, with a poor appetite. Her owner claimed housebreaking issues since Jill had to be let out every 1-2 hours. Jill's exam revealed a probable liver shunt, and a raging urinary infection and crystals. Two rounds of antibiotics, and dietary care, enabled the scheduling of a ultrasound. Jack (shown) is just 6 months old, and has been ill from the start. He, too, is underweight at 7 pounds, has a poor appetite, and displays the typical head butting and circling associated with liver shunts. Though his owner adores him, she's unable to afford the treatment he needs. Jill was taken to see Dr. Sharon Center,DVM, Dipl ACVIM, Professor of Internal Medicine at Cornell University, who is affectionately known as the "liver lady." She is working with the Cairns on a study to locate the gene responsible for liver shunts, and is very interested in the Havanese. We plan to take our readers along with Jack & Jill in a series of articles in upcoming newsletters, as they go through their diagnosis and treatments, Watch for the Chronicles of Jack & Jill, Part 1, next month.

In August, in keeping with the development plan, a pool party was held at the Falcone's home. Items from the gift shop provided Havanese specialty gifts for a Silent Auction. Even the children were involved. J. T. Falcone provided the announcements. Olivia Alvarez, pictured, won one of the Havanese Night Shirts. There were 50 in attendance. It was a resounding success and provided a way to support HRI, and expand our safety net. A special thanks to Suzy Alvarez, Enrique Alvarez and Olivia, Mary & John Falcone and J. T., Valerie & Joseph Zalman, and Lavon Gennette for their tremendous support, and for all who attended to make this FUNdraising event such a huge splash!

Work less
Play More
Less Stress
For Sure
Happy Holidays