Juniper
rescued from the san diego humane society
rescued JUNE 17, 2023
*** JUNIPER HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!! ***
#CampCockerJuniper
WELCOME TO CAMP COCKER RESCUE JUNIPER!
JUNIPER appears to be an English/American Cocker Spaniel mix. She was rescued on June 17, from the San Diego Humane Society where she was relinquished by her owners who reported that she was sick and they could no longer afford to care for her.
Juniper was in an Addisonian crisis (an exacerbation of Addison’s Disease) when the San Diego Humane Society urgently reached out to Camp Cocker Rescue for help. She desperately needed advanced medical attention to stop the downward spiral that threatened her life!
She has since spent over 24 hours at a veterinary specialty hospital where she received the IV fluids and medications she needed to balance her system & begin her return to health.
Juniper is now confirmed to have Addison’s Disease which is treatable and manageable. A dog can have a normal long life, but that is ONLY if pet owners are truly engaged in proactive vet care.
PLEASE READ THE HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT LIVING WITH AND MANAGING YOUR DOG’S ADDISON’S DISEASE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS WEBPAGE!
The shelter has advised us that this gorgeous Cocker Spaniel was born on 1/12/22, making her 1.5 years old, and is underweight at 17 pounds.
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Juniper has been in her new foster home for just a couple of days, but her foster reports:
Juniper is a very sweet puppy! She’s only mildly interested in our dog & cat. She seems a little insecure so far, as I’m sure she’s very confused about why her life has suddenly changed so much.
She likes to lay by my feet while I work and will follow me if I leave the room but just watches me quietly. She has a happy, wagging tail and is eating well.
She hasn’t pottied outside yet, despite several trips out, but has had no accidents inside - she only goes on the potty pads!
She’s given me a few sweet kisses, but she isn’t super energetic or excitable. Her temperament seems very mild.
She is constantly wrapping her leash around my legs when we walk, but she’s well-behaved and doesn’t bark or even really notice people or other dogs that we pass. She’s pretty aloof.
She did growl quietly at both the dog & the cat when they got too close while she was eating. She didn’t mind me putting her ears up in a scrunch so they didn’t drag in her food, though, nor did she seem to care when I took her food bowl or picked up treat crumbs next to her (she was only bothered by the other animals near those things).
She was very good in the bath, even though she clearly hated it (she didn’t even whine or try to jump out) and tolerated me brushing her, but jerked her head a few times to say “I don’t care for this and might consider snapping at you”?
She likes it when I throw toys for her, especially if I squeak them, but she mostly naps or sits quietly and observes her surroundings.
7/7/23 - Juniper’s foster mom has updates:
Juniper is fully potty trained. She goes in and out the doggy door on her own. She doesn’t fight over food anymore. She did it once but, she knows now. We just tell her to leave the other dogs alone when they are eating. She has found her voice too! She barks and whines when I leave the house with Benny (for his alone walk). She also barks when our alarm sensors beep when devin comes through the door. When she’s sitting with me on the couch she barks when people comes into the house.
And some fun facts:
1.) Juniper smiles when she sleeps
2.) She acts like it’s Christmas every morning
3.) She has a signature smile- her upper right lip goes up
4.) She likes raw broccoli
5.) The camera loves her
6.) Need to keep all open cups out of reach - Juniper loves taking a drink
*****
PLEASE READ THE HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT LIVING WITH AND MANAGING YOUR DOG’S ADDISON’S DISEASE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS WEBPAGE!
We’ll be taking more photos & videos as Juniper continues to feel better, to share here on her webpage, and on our social media. Check in frequently for updates! She is anticipated to be ready for adoption soon.
Juniper is being cared for in the Los Angeles area.
Stay tuned for #CampCockerJuniper updates here on her webpage & on our social media:
DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO COVER JUNIPER’S HOSPITALIZATION!
*** JUNIPER HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!! ***
A CAMP COCKER SUPPORTER’S FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE WITH ADDISON’S DISEASE
Addison's disease is a rare disease in which adrenal glands don't function normally and the dog is missing critical hormones that control electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and that help the dog handle stress. An Addison's dog can have a normal lifespan and engage in most activities, but they must be carefully managed.
These are some of the needs the owner of an Addison's dog must be prepared for:
- A monthly vet visit for an injection of "DOCP" which keeps the electrolytes in the correct balance. This must be done on an exact schedule.
- A daily small dose of Prednisone (given as a pill at the same time each day)
- Regular blood tests to check the electrolyte levels. These will usually be every 3 or 4 months, but more frequent in the beginning and whenever the DOCP dose needs to be adjusted.
- Extra precautions when the dog is having any medical procedure requiring anesthesia.
- The dog may require a higher dose of Prednisone in times of stress -- this can be "good stress" like travel, visitors, or obedience classes, or "bad stress" like vet visits, construction in the neighborhood, or anything else that the dog may be afraid of.
(A Camp Cocker volunteer with Addison’s experience adds: I would add clarification on the additional dose of prednisone for stressful or exciting events starting a few days prior to the event and for 2 to 3 days afterward. And add grooming or boarding to that list. Our dog benefits from a small dose a day or two before grooming and for a day or two afterward.)
It is essential that the owners and anyone else who takes care of an Addison's dog be vigilant to notice any signs that the dog is unwell. These signs include lethargy, stomach upset, trembling, or just not being herself. If this happens, the dog may need an additional dose of Prednisone or may need to have her electrolytes checked. With Addison's, it's important not to "watch and wait" if she doesn't feel well. If the electrolytes become unbalanced, this will lead to a life-threatening (and expensive) situation if not addressed immediately.
Not all vets are experienced with Addison's - it is very important to work with an experienced primary vet as well as an internal medicine specialist. The internal medicine specialist can provide guidance to the primary vet and see the dog in person as needed.
All of this extra care means that Addison's dogs will be more expensive to own. While pet insurance may be available to cover other conditions, it will not cover any expenses related to Addison's disease that is already present. The best home for an Addison's dog will be one where the owner does not hesitate or delay regarding any vet care for financial reasons.
There are many owners who manage Addison's dogs successfully, and it can be very rewarding to see how these dogs can flourish under the best care.
NOTE: We received this helpful information from a Camp Cocker supporter who has generously offered to share her experience of owning a dog with Addison’s disease. It’s essential that Juniper’s adopter be prepared for all aspects of living with and managing this condition - and to be certain that your veterinarian is also experienced and equipped in the management of Addison’s disease.
We rely on support in the form of small donations and volunteers. Please consider donating any amount to help us meet our rescue expenses which include medical, transport, and general care for rescued dogs awaiting adoption!