In December of 2006, we were contacted about an 8-week-old puppy in need of medical care that her owners could not afford.  We were told that her mother stepped on her and the trauma caused extensive damage to her head and face.  Although the vet closed the wound and it was expected to heal nicely, they were unable to determine the full extent of the damage, as there were definite signs of blindness and deafness.    

Wanting to give this little girl a chance at life, RRUFF sent her to Tuft’s University of Veterinary Medicine to be seen by a neurology specialist.  There it was determined that she was indeed blind and partially deaf.  

The doctor suggested 3 possibilities for her diagnosis:

                                           Water on the brain

                                           Congenital brain defect

                                           Degenerative brain defect

In order to find out which it would require invasive testing.  Water on the brain was the only option that might be treatable with surgery and placement of a shunt, but there was no guarantee she would improve any.  The other 2 possibilities gave no options for treatment and she would just continue to get worse.  In all 3 cases, she would continue to be in pain and discomfort.  Rather than have her continue to suffer, RRUFF made the difficult decision to send Pascha to the bridge.  

On January 29, 2007, Pascha left us in the loving arms of her foster parents, who loved and cared for her the time she was with them and touched their lives.