PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM

Betty is an 11 years old ( as at 2022) female German Shepherd who came into care in Oct 2021. Due to her age, Betty is considered geriatric and is also fighting against Wobbler Syndrome, Arthritis and incontinence. She enjoys her time at the cottage and eating food! Betty steals everyone’s heart including the heart of her tiny ( but fierce) foster sister, Miley.

Caramel is a 19 year old (as of 2022) male Cocker Spaniel. Caramel came into care a year ago with skin and dental issues. Due to his age, he was deemed geriatric and thus, found his furever home with an incredible and loving Freedom Foster Family. His hobbies include treats and snuggles and there isn’t a whole lot he doesn’t like. He’s just living his best life. Caramel is checking things off his bucket list and has just celebrated a birthday with a special pupcake and a photoshoot courtesy of Sarah Pothier Photography!

Goose is a 12 year old (as of 2022) Morkie mix who was surrendered to Freedom Dog Rescue by his owner. On intake, our vetting team discovered a lump/tumour on his head that needed to be removed. Goose also suffers from frequent ear infections, is mostly deaf and blind and is on a special diet. Goose has a lot of separation anxiety and is terrified of nail trims. Goose has been in care for a few years now and he became a pillar of support for his foster dad who has been battling his own health issues. Goose has been so brave and so resilient through all the changes in his life. We are so proud of this handsome boy and we hope to continue to see him thrive this year. Thank you to The Weekend Traveller Photography for taking these photos of Goose.

Otis came into care late in 2021 with several other hounds from a shelter in Ontario. This ol’ man was deemed palliative due to his age, his heart murmur and the masses over his body (most noticeably on his front paw). Looking for a quiet place to retire, Otis has settled into care nicely and has even come to enjoy logging the odd camping trip his foster family takes him on. Otis can be won over with treats and with the promise of a night in at home but, he has been known to brave the great big metropolis of Ottawa and has graced us with his presents at different Freedom events across the city.   Over the last year, this timid old soul has become brave, confident and has been able to embrace his life as a loveable guy, even having made a few friends in his new neighbourhood!  His loves his crate and watermelon and bananas are his favorite treats. 

Photo Credit: Matthew Krull of Krull Photography - Taken at the Ottawa Dog Fair hosted by Greenhawk Equestrian in support of Freedom’s Palliative Care Program

Miyagi is a feisty 13 year old chihuahua. He came into care 3 years ago (at the senior age of 10) after he was left in a box at the Montreal SPCA. Miyagi suffers from a knee condition which essentially forces him to walk on three legs.  

He loves to cuddle up as close as he can to his people and sleeps underneath the bed sheets at night.  He's also a huge hand-wrestling fan. To his delight, Miyagi is the perfect height for any crumbs in the kitchen.  

What he lacks in size, he makes up in personality though. Don't be fooled by his wagging tail and his oversized cartoon eyes: only his close family members are permitted to pet him.  

Miyagi is very special dog who is deeply loved by his foster family.

Photo Credit: Ashley from Your Story Creative Co. Thank you for donating your time and services to capture our handsome boy, Miyagi. 

When he came into care he was timid but was craving love and attention. It didn't take long for him to make himself right at home and fit in well with all the other dogs and cats.  

Sammy loves his walks, cuddle on the couch, the odd treat and play with his brother dog, Moe. Although he is a senior he looks as young as 5yrs. A true love bug

Smokey is a 14.5 year old (as of 2022) Lhasa Apso boy who came into care at Freedom Dog Rescue as an owner surrender and joined our Palliative Care Program due to his age and risk of getting bladder stones. Smokey is prone to ear infections and crystals in his urine. Smokey is on a special diet and is not a fan of having his eyes and ears cleaned but despite all his medical concerns, Smokey manages to find the silver linings in life. Smokey loves being outside with his younger but bigger brother Tiny the Rottie.  Together, Tiny and Smokey lay side by side in the yard looking at the squirrels and rabbits in the neighbour’s yard. On Smokey’s bucket list is having an ice cream cone and a McDonald’s burger. He also misses his little buddy Miyagi (also in palliative care) and hopes to hang out with him again. Smokey will also happily accept all the love and attention of any person and every person who wants to say hello. Thank you to Sarah Pothier Photography for taking these photos of Smokey.

Snookie the pug joined the freedom in the summer of 2021. After a vet visit, the decision was made for her to join the palliative program due to seizures. At 10 years old (as of 2022) Snookie appreciates the finer things in life; snuggles from her foster mom, toys, treats and staying cool with a relaxing dip in the water. Thank you to The Weekend Traveller Photography for taking these photos of Snookie. 

Storm came to Freedom when she was 4 months old from the pound in Quebec where she was surrendered. We were contacted because Storm needed to be rushed to emergency. She was having continuous seizures and they thought she had a broken spine or pelvis issues. We rushed straight to pick her up to get her to VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Hospital where she saw a neurologist (Dr Anne Chauvet). Storm was admitted to the hospital because no-one was sure that she would make it. Not only was something going on neurologically, her back end didn’t work and they realized she had a bad heart.  

She had tests and treatments done: spinal tap- which confirmed she had meningitis, eosinophilis lab work - negative, heart work tests ammonia - negative  

Diagnosis: suspect meningitis, eosinophilic mixed pleocystosis - protozoal, tick borne, parasitic, allergic cardiac disease/murmur 5/6 Prognosis: this could be due to viral, fungal, guarded for now although we have some control of the seizures now.   That was what was said at the hospital. Fast forward and Storm had been seizure free for over a year, is running around and acting like a puppy and her sight is back.