Scarlett

My story

Scarlett is a 1 1/2-year-old Brindle Great Dane. She has lived the first year and a half of her life in a barn with her brother and parents. She was surrendered to Planned Pethood when she and her brother were getting too rough with the donkey on the premises. She is a very tender-hearted girl who needs someone who is going to allow her time to come out of her shell. She is very shy and will need a home that understands this. The home that she goes to will be required to have at least a 4’ fence: no exceptions or electric fences. She is a runner so the adopter will need to follow certain precautions when bringing her home. This girl is as sweet as they come but she will need to learn to trust you and your family. This trust is something that is gained with time and not given like your typical adopted dog. This dog is a special needs adoption. Great Dane experience preferred. Local adoption preferred. Scarlett is a special needs dog that has been diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease, also called hypoadrenocorticism, is a disorder in which the adrenal gland does not produce sufficient hormones. The adrenal glands are essential for life. When the adrenal gland fails, the consequences are very severe. Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) are unable to produce one or two steroid hormones, both secreted from the adrenal cortex (outer layer of the adrenal gland). The first hormone that is missing is cortisol, which is very important in maintaining a normal metabolism, as well as a general sense of wellbeing. The second hormone that is missing is aldosterone, which manages the water balance and serum electrolytes in the body. Historically, hypoadrenocorticism generally has a waxing and waning course and may be confused with other diseases because the clinical signs are not specific. The most common clinical signs and physical exam finding include the following: depression or lethargy; weakness or collapse; anorexia (poor appetite); weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea; excessive thirst and urination; hypothermia (low body temperature); dehydration; and shock. Signs of Addison’s disease include repeated episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, and gradual, but severe, weight loss. Because the clinical signs of Addison’s disease are vague and nonspecific, it can be difficult to diagnose in the earlier stages of disease. Therefore, severe consequences, such as shock and evidence of kidney failure, can develop suddenly in some dogs. This disease will be fatal if not properly managed. Scarlett is on prednisone (one pill a day) and a Percorten shot every 28 days. She can not miss a dose of either medication in order to stay healthy. She is on the lower end of the dosage scale at the present time, but her medication runs can run between $150-$175 a month. The person who is adopting her must factor this cost into her daily upkeep. It will never go away as long as she is alive. She must maintain this protocol. If she has an episode, she may have to be hospitalized and the cost could be quite expensive to get her back healthy again. Please read up on the disease before applying for Scarlett. Contact your vet and get information. She is currently 92 pounds of love but could gain some weight. With weight gain, the cost of the shot can go up on price. There are a lot of factors to consider. At the current time, she is eating 8-10 cups of quality food a day. If you are interested in meeting or adopting Scarlett, please fill out an application.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Scarlett, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.