Update: November of 2007 - As angels continue to surround our organization, a very special family met this wonderful boy at Pugs and Pumpkins, fell in love with him and later asked to adopt him, no matter how "special" his needs may be. Elliot is now settling in his new "forever" home.

Update - September 2007 - While Elliot's neurological damage is permanent, we have finally been able to clear his body of an ongoing infection.  His white count will be monitored for the next several months before attempts are made to continue his "well dog" needs such as vaccinations and neutering.   Elliot's potential for placement remains unknown; and he will remain in foster care indefinitely, if not for the remainder of his life.  Please consider supporting us so we can continue to say "there is a place" for those such as our Elliot.

Update July 2007: Elliot, sadly, has not been able to clear the infection in his lungs, in fact, his white count has risen. Different antibiotic therapy is being tried; and we are hopeful that we will get this bug out of this precious boy. Please keep him in your positive thoughts and prayers. Elliot will remain in rescue indefinitely at this time.

At Alabama Pug Rescue, we maintain a Sanctuary, better known as "A Place for Hope." Within this entity are the deaf, the diabetic, the blind, the seniors and those with life challenging medical conditions. All of them need something every day, and no matter what it takes, they get it. These are the dogs that "nobody wants." Last week we were contacted about a stray who was in a shelter in our region. Having worked with this shelter many times in the past, we immediately became worried when we were told "something is wrong." They couldn't even describe him, they just asked us to come for him as soon as we could.

"Elliot's life was in immediate danger as his whole body was out of control. His lists of needs were apparent even before testing. Covered in fleas, ticks, and unable to stand we knew that time was crucial for medical attention. Laboratory testing showed a massive infection, and sadly, xrays revealed that Elliot has a diaphragmatic hernia; his liver and his heart were grossly enlarged. This was just one of his problems. It was felt that his eardrums may have perforated, and his eyes had scarring from recent ulcers. Elliot was grossly dehydrated, but due to the fluid around his heart, it was necessary to give him diuretics to ease his breathing. All of this, and he had only been in rescue six hours.

Elliot's future is uncertain at this point. We have yet to determine exactly why he cannot stand, though he is beginning to try with all he has in him. He has to have surgery to correct the hernia; but he has to be strong enough to do so. He is now on massive antibiotics; and being hand fed due to the unsteadiness of his whole body. Elliot has a long way to go, and his needs are not even all clear yet. As with all rescue organizations we pray for miracles in cases such as Elliot, and we pray for support.

Thanks to the generosity of those who believe in us and support what we do, we will give Elliot every chance at the rest of his life. Thanks to those such as the organizers of Milwaukee Pugfest who through their generosity have made the first few days of Elliot care worry free through their support. However, Elliot's care will be expensive and long term and the need to raise funds for this special boy, and the many others in our care is outgoing. Please, for the sake of rescue and for Elliot; please support us in any way you possibly can.