This regal boy is Riggs. He is a 6 yr old AKC registered male GSD that Noble Shepherd Rescue previously adopted out 2 years ago.  However, he was returned to the rescue due to medical issues he developed. 

He is a great example of the dedication that goes into rescue work because when we take in a dog, either from a shelter or from a known owner we commit to the lifetime of the dog.  It’s what we hope all families we adopt to will do too, but often people have different views of what commitment means.  Riggs however, needs someone who will be loyal to him as he is ever so loyal to his human.  He is currently in a foster home that is able to handle a special needs dog and his medical issues are being closely monitored and supported.

Riggs is a wonderful, loving boy who has the misfortune of having failing kidneys.  His vets agree through extensive testing, ultrasounds and exams that he is in chronic renal failure.  Sadly, his kidney failure is not a result of a genetic issue but was due to damage of some sort, most probably an untreated bladder infection that resulted in a kidney infection.  Unfortunately, unlike some other organs, the kidney has no regenerative aspects so his damage is permanent and incurable.  However, there are many options to support his remaining kidney function and that is what we are dedicated to doing until Riggs is not comfortable anymore.  Currently, he doesn’t know he is sick and doesn’t act like it…that is a state of mind we are trying to keep him in.  Riggs has a complex medical regiment of medications and fluid therapy that he takes like a trooper.  He has regular blood work done to monitor his levels and a wonderful team of veterinarians in charge of his care.

We, as a rescue, are lucky to work with some very caring veterinarians who adore Riggs as much as we do.  However, all this care is not cheap and Riggs care has put a severe financial strain on the rescue.  We have heard the talk of wouldn’t this money be better spend on saving several other dogs than on a dog with a terminal illness, but we disagree that Riggs life is not worth the extra effort and expense.  As long as Riggs is the happy, energetic dog that he is currently and he continue to live his life to the fullest as he does, then we will continue to provide the care he requires.

Donations are what keep us going and keep us being able to provide the kind of care like Riggs is getting.  Please think of Riggs, and others like him, and donate towards his care.  Every little bit helps and as we are a 501(c) 3 organization, tax receipts are issued with each donation.

$36.00 gets a box of fluids that lasts about 1 ½ weeks.
$25.00 buys a week’s worth of supplies for his home cooked diet
$55.95  pays for a urinalysis
$ 39.95 pays for monthly chem. panel blood work
$14.95 pays for his monthly CBC blood work
$ 43.00 pays for a 3 months worth of his Phosphorus binder
$14.95 buys his Omega 3 supplements for a month
$27.95 buys his COQ10 supplements for a month
$ 47.64 buys his prescription pills for ulcers (common problem with CRF)
$ 15.00 buys his Pepcid for a month (stomach acidity is a common complication with CRF)

If you would like to sponsor a portion of his treatment or make a general donation towards his care, you can make a payment to:

Noble Shepherd Rescue
P.O. Box 7286
Florence, SC 29502

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