Posted November 19, 2000

Sparkle remained on the URGENT page of our website for some time after hear adoption. Most or our readers know that she was adopted by a special couple, who already adopted Barrett from us last year. I did this because, even though Sparkle finally reached her happy ending, we remained deeply in debt for her care. 

I am so pleased to report that Sparkle fully turned the corner and made it through her trials, but what it took to ensure her survival and recovery cost us in excess of $4000. I cannot tell you how many people have told me I was crazy to have ever saved her in the first place. The powerful response from all of our supporters on Sparkle's behalf tells me otherwise, though. Sparkle herself tells me otherwise. Her will to live has been inspirational, and she is completely precious.

We deeply appreciate all the donations and all the kind and encouraging words and prayers sent on Sparkle's behalf. So many of you have helped us so much. Unfortunately we're not out of the red, and many more dogs need our help to keep going.

For those of you new to our Center and to Sparkle's story, please read on. Our faithful supporters may want to remind themselves of what they have helped us save.

Sparkle is eight years old. She belonged to an elderly lady who was forced to move in with her daughter and son-in-law, and neither wanted Sparkle. They treated her very badly, keeping her chained to a railing inside the house, letting her out only to do her business. She could hardly move. The old lady called me and begged me to take Sparkle, which of course we did. Little did we know how sick Sparkle was.

The day following Sparkle's entry into her foster home in Columbia, Maryland, she began bleeding from the mouth, nose, and eyes. There was blood in her urine and feces, and she was vomiting blood, too. We immediately thought she'd been poisoned, which was not surprising under the circumstances where she'd been living.

Extensive tests at the emergency vet clinic finally revealed an autoimmune disorder. Sparkle's platelets were being destroyed by her body's cells. We treated her with a variety of medications and aggressive veterinary care. She had transfusions, and -- after many tense days -- miraculously, she turned a corner. She started getting better and better every day. Even when she faced the sudden onset and removal of mammary tumors (benign, thank God), she was nothing short of a little trooper.

Sparkle is now entirely off prednisone. She's won the battle at last! Her wonderful  foster mother never gave up on her, telling me over and over that "no one told Sparkle she's sick." She has amazed all of us.

When I remember that brave look in Sparkle's eyes -- even when she could hardly lift her head, dribbling blood on anyone who touched her face -- I know we did the right thing for her. I am proud that we fought so hard for her life. We won. Please help us continue to fight for others like Sparkle. They have no chance without us.

If you can contribute to the SPARKLE FUND, please send your most generous donation to the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center  -- check or money order made out to the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center -- at P.O. Box 275 Phoenix, MD 21131 as soon as you can.