Cookie came to Lucky Star at the end October when her breeder surrendered her because she kept losing weight no matter how much she ate.  We estimate that she is about 4 years old.  She needed immediate medical attention which she received, her blood work was off the charts in all areas.  She was emaciated, skin and bones as her photo shows, weighing only 8.6 lbs.  Her symptoms strongly supported Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas stops producing the enzymes responsible for digestion and no longer allow the body to absorb any nutrition, no matter how much food is consumed.  After a few weeks, Cookie was stable and transported to a foster home for long-term care and to continue her treatment.

EPI is a condition that is very treatable.  All food must be treated with the enzyme that the pancreas no longer produces.  The food needs to be prepared in advance, add enzyme, add warm water or broth, mix well and let sit for 20 minutes to allow the enzyme to start to process.  It takes a little more time but all is normal for digestion with the enzyme.  A great resource to understand the condition is: www.epi4dogs.com.  Veterinarians and pet owners find this to be a useful resource.  Cookie’s foster mom has owned two dogs that developed EPI later in their lives and lived full lives.    Cookie also receives a multivitamin and B12 capsule. 

When Cookie was healthy enough and ready to be spayed and have her dental, she went into heat which delayed the surgery for more than a month.  Cookie now weighs 14 lbs and is a very, very lovable girl.  She is somewhat submissive but is very lovable and craves attention.  She follows her foster mom everywhere, sleeps on the big bed and is the first one on her lap at TV time.  She still needs to work on house manners, including housebreaking and she loves to climb, not knowing the difference between the top of a crate, the back of a sofa or an end table but she is forgiven and given some leeway because she almost starved to death had rescue not come along. 

Poor nutrition is blamed for her poor dental condition.  She lost 22 teeth during her dental procedure but that has not phased her at all. 

Cookie is being fostered in Maine.  She gets along with many other dogs and with her foster mom.  She needs a home where she will receive attention not left alone all day.  Young children may startle her.

An understanding of EPI and commitment to the feeding requirements are very important.  A canine companion and fenced yard are requirements for all of our rescues.  If you are within a reasonable driving distance, please complete an application then e-mail luckystarrescue@gmail.com.