**IN LOVING MEMORY OF CARMEN ALBARRAN**

 Carmen Albarran passed away on August 27, 2011. Carmen Albarran is the mother of a devoted CCR volunteer and foster, Nixie Finkelstein. It was an unexpected passing and we are so, so sorry for this loss. Nixie, daughter of Carmen Albarran, has given so much of her life to saving animals. Nixie and her husband Wayne, continue to be loyal supporters of Cane Corso Rescue and sadly the day Nixie's mom passed away, Nixie and her husband were completing an emergency transport of a dog that would have otherwise died. God Bless you Nixie and Wayne and we send all our love and support to you and your family during this difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss. Cane Corso Rescue would like to sincerely thank the following generous donors. Cane Corso rescue dogs were saved in memory of Carmen Albarran. Thank you!

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Precious Princess Fiona's Life has been saved as she beat the deadly Parvo virus but our bills have exceeded $6000.00. Please consider donating!

At death's door!

 Monday, May 16: From her family:

//Yes, the bill is the bad news... but here is the status update which is good.

Fiona is doing great.  I have never seen a hungrier dog... I am feeding her about 5 times a day and she is insatiable.  She has not had diarrhea since Saturday.  It is still a bit soft but closer to firm which is great.  Her bottom is all healed from the diaper rash and the bed sore is all dried up.  Amazing how a dog can be soooooo sick and be recovering quite quickly.

We will get there with her over time.  We are happy to have her home and feeling better.//

Can I tell you how HAPPY I am to be home!

***HAPPY, HAPPY Update: Saturday, May 14:  Fiona is home... home, sweet home.  She still has a ways to go, but she is so happy to be home with her family.  She can lay on her bed, get scratches all day/night.  She has her apetite back, but it isn't what it used to be or should be yet.  Of course her belly has shrunk.  So, the next week or two is going to be tough.  She is still showing signs and symptoms of the digestive upset, but hopefully that will clear up soon.  Her family is so wonderful and they are 150% committed to Fiona.  ;-)

We must continue the fundraising.  We have only made a dent in her bill.  I know we can do it.  Please continue to spread the word.  EVERY $5, 10..... counts!  Thank you all so much for your support.  Fiona sends lots of wet kisses! ;-)

Sunday AM update (5/8/11): Poor Fiona... the diarrhea just keeps going and she won't eat on her own. So unfortunately she remains on the IV for fluids and antibiotics. Her blood work has been good and the white blood cell count is actually up from when she first went in. This is a good sign. The virus is running its course but it is taking its toll on her. Her spirits are good when we visit but she will need to be there at least until she can hold food and medicine down. This, of course, means the vet bill steadily increases. I know you have helped out but please spread the word and encourage even the smallest of donations. We are doing our best to keep her alive and are optimistic she will recover and be home with us soon. She is a love....an expensive love, but nevertheless....a love.

Friday PM update: Fiona is improving slightly.  The important thing to keep in mind is that her body is battling a  very deadly virus.  What we do not want is decline.  She certainly is NOT declining.  Here is an evening update from her family who went to see her this evening:

I visited with Fiona this morning as I know your husband relayed to you.  I also went in this evening around 6:30 for about 45 minutes and my daughter, Thea,  came with me.  Fiona wagged and seemed happy to hear and see Thea, too.  She does look better.  They are taking her off pain meds to see if her appetite will improve.  She has eaten tiny bits of food this morning and held it down.  They need her to eat more which can also help with the diarrhea.  Also, if she eats and can hold things down they will be able to give her meds orally which definitely saves money.  And... they said they are cautiously optimistic and feel like she is doing well.  They have not had to give plasma and hopefully the next round of blood work will show the white cell count holding steady as well as the protein levels.

I have had long talks with Fiona telling her she must get through this because we have a good life waiting for her at home.  I just talk and talk and stroke her and sit with her.  I hope she can understand just a smidgen of what I am trying to convey.  Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully an even better one. 

Fiona is loved by all and we can only hope she will pull through.  I am really expecting to give everyone a really good update tomorrow.  Fiona continues to fight!

Friday AM update:  Yippee, Fiona stood up, wagged her nubby-nub, shook her bum, and visited with both Sheila and Chad!  We are so happy that her spirits have definitely been lifted.  She is still showing the dangerous symptoms of the Parvo, but the wonderful vet care is monitoring her closely, keeping her clean, and keeping her very, very well hydrated.  Fiona did get a bath this AM!  How cool is that?!  The support is wonderful and we send lots of thank-yous to all our donors, supporters, and those sending positive thoughts, and prayers Fiona's way.  You all have been wonderful!  I will send an update later, when her daily bloodwork comes back.  Let's keep hoping that she doesn't need a transfusion.  BTW, Fiona is being an absolute doll through all this.  What an ambassador for the breed.  We are so proud of you Fiona!  PS- if any of you live in or near Austin, TX, Cane Corso Rescue will be out at Old Pecan Street Festival with games, prizes, and Cane Corsos to raise money for Fiona's care.  Hope to see some of you there!

Thursday night update:  Dr Gregory updated me this evening and said that Fiona's bloodwork looked "pretty good".  Yippee!  She is still on IV fluids, getting antibiotics, and receiving pain meds.  Keep your fingers crossed that she doesn't have to have a plasma transplant.  She is getting up to take quick potty breaks outside.  Thanks for everyone's thoughts, prayers, and donations!

Thursday update:  Fiona continues to be "critical".  She has not improved, but she hasn't declined.  Please keep praying for her.... and of course we need more donations ;-)  I spoke to Dr Gregory this AM and she said that the blood work will be done this evening.  They may or may not recommend a plasma transfusion.  The rescue will not be able to afford this procedure as the plasma alone is $336/bag and Fiona would need at least 4 bags.  Let's hope it won't be needed and we will continue to take this hour by hour.  They were able to give her some pain meds and she did appear a bit more relaxed earlier this afternoon.  Come on Fiona..... pull through for us big girl!

Beautiful Fiona, now in NH, suddenly declined.  She was transported to her permanent home on Sunday, greeted her new family with kisses and played with her new Corso brother like crazy.  However, Monday was a different day and Fiona refused to eat.  "Oh no!", her new family thought..... she must be stressed from her travels and all the changes.  However, it was quickly determined that more may be going on.....The details need not be shared, but she declined so quickly and found herself in the vet hospital yesterday.  She was administered meds for her symptoms and returned to her home.  This  morning, (5/4) she couldn't even get up off her bed.  No food, no water, no energy..... EMERGENCY.  We had her at the vet today for blood work, fecal, x rays, and IV fluids.  To everyone's surprise, the parvo test came back positive.  OH NO... FIONA IS SO VERY CRITICAL.  She was transferred to the emergency vet and is now receiving IV fluids and antibiotics.  Now, we wait.

As you can imagine, her vet bills are already well over $1,000 and the worst isn't even behind her just yet.  Can you help us PLEASE?  We cannot euthanize this baby girl.  Her temperament is stellar and she doesn't deserve to die at the early age of 12-15mos.  Cane Corso Rescue will do what we can to help her, but sadly we need your FINANCIAL SUPPORT.  A chip in will be set up immediately.  If you can donate via paypal, please donate to canecorsorescueinc@gmail.com

THANK YOU!  We will update Fiona's status as we get vet updates.

Where do those donations go? A few lives saved!

Update 6.12.11: Mugsy, King, and Jack have left the boarding facilities and are on their way to foster homes or adoptive homes. Thank you for your continued support. Below are some photos of our a few of the Corsos saved over the years.Thank you for MAKING this happen! ;-)

Gracie was so emaciated she could not stand!

Grace one month later & 25 lbs heavier!

Evo was one sore, oozing mess.

Evo today! I promise you this is the same Corso.

There is light at the end of the tunnel for our dogs in boarding.  Next week, the final 3 dogs will be transported OUT of boarding and into foster homes.  However, we will have to pay transport fees in order to move them.  In addition, our vet bills are through the roof.  PLEASE, PLEASE help if you can.  Any amount will help us!  Thank you for your support.  We want to continue to save Corsos.

Hercules was a Bait Dog!

Hercules one month later as man's best friend!

Rosemund's intake photo

One month later...Pearl aka Rosemund

Please Help our Boy Get New Hips!!!! We are 1/3 of the way there for replacement of the worst hip. Help us, help RockStar!

Our wonderful, gentle RockStar came into rescue as an owner surrender. His previous owner purchased him from a pet store, who subsequently secured him from a puppy mill. It was not until his previous owner had x-rays taken that he learned of his severe bi-lateral hip dysplasia and a pelvic deformity...he took very good care of RockStar...then he lost his job. Unfortunately, we see this often and are left with the task of dealing with the aftermath of such careless, inhumane breeding practices. We are faced with three choices: allow RockStar to live as long as possible in pain and discomfort, euthanize him to relieve the pain and save the unsurmountable cost of surgery and rehabilitation (our estimate is $10,000 for both hips - the vet has recommending do the worse hip first which will be about $5000), or attempt to raise the necessary funds to remedy the condition; thereby, giving him a chance of living a life free of pain and despair (something he has never experienced). We have chosen the later because we know first hand that RockStar is SPECIAL. He is most deserving of a happy, pain free life. RockStar deserves to LIVE...he deserves the right to experience the pleasure of a run, the confidence gained by walking upright without falling over, the comfort of jumping on the bed to snuggle with his master, and the delight of satisfying his family with his intelligence and good will. There is little doubt that RockStar's calling in life is to be a trained therapy dog. He will continue to win the hearts of everyone he meets just as he has won ours. Please consider donating toward RockStar's medical necessities, no amount or effort is too small. If we spread the plea to 10,000 people and each donate a $1 our very special RockStar will receive the surgery he so desperately needs.

**RockStar and his good ambassador friends have already earned $300 toward his surgery.