Sponsor A Dog - Rockstar

Rockstar is a fun and friendly Sharpei/German Shepherd mix. His loving and sweet personality makes you fall in love with him the moment you meet him. This handsome canine joined the Animal League's life-saving Sponsor Program in 2008. Rockstar was originally adopted as a puppy and later returned to the Animal League in 2007 after the previous owners reported that Rockstar had a seizure.

He had a comprehensive physical examination, blood work and urine testing. The results of these tests indicated that Rockstar had a disorder of his liver called a Porto Systemic Shunt (PSS). A PSS is caused by abnormal blood flow through the liver. The abnormal blood flow caused toxin buildup in his body that resulted in seizures. At the time of his initial workup, Rockstar was also found to have bladder stones, which is also a common occurrence in dogs with PSS. Rockstar was also found to have an ocular condition called entropion where the eyelid margins roll inward causing irritation to his corneas. Left untreated, entropion can result in corneal scarring and even blindness.

Rockstar was evaluated by a team of veterinarians that specialize in internal medicine, ophthalmology and surgery and the good news was that Rockstar's conditions of a PSS, bladder stones and entropion would carry a good prognosis if surgery was performed.

Rocky underwent four separate surgeries between May 2008 - August 2008 to fix his liver, bladder and eye conditions and he has recovered fantastically! He was a trooper during his recovery period, always wagging and willing to take his many medications. He is on a special diet and liver supplement for his liver condition and will need to stay on this special diet for his entire life. This combination of a special diet and liver supplements will help his liver remain healthy and prevent any worsening of hepatic microvascular dysplasia, which is a common consequence to PSS. We anticipate that with proper veterinary care and follow-up, Rockstar will live a full and happy life.

We would like to welcome Rockstar to the Sponsor Program, and we look forward to caring for him forever. He gained many fans here at the Animal League during his hospitalization. This is one Rockstar who knows how to draw a crowd!

Rockstar's Updates

3rd Quarter 2010
Rockstar’s foster mother reports that he couldn’t be doing better! Relatives visiting his New York family from Puerto Rico have taken a genuine liking to Rockstar. While spending time with him, they have observed that Rockstar seems to have “the mind of a human”. They were surprised how much they enjoy being around him and can truly relate to his behavior and mannerisms. After a recent first-rate medical report from the Animal League’s veterinarians, Rockstar seems well on his way to enjoying his life again. We couldn’t be more pleased with his progress.

2nd Quarter 2010
We are so proud of Rockstar. He has adjusted to life with a new family and new surroundings. That’s not easy for any human or animal, let alone an animal with a medical condition. Rockstar’s liver disorder and seizures will keep him on a life-long special diet and liver supplements. It takes a patient family to take care of a Sponsor Program pet and we hope that Rockstar has found the family that will take care of him for the rest of his life. His adopted mother, Ramona, says that he is a joy and they are very happy to have him in their care. Rockstar loves when the grandchildren come to play with him. He’s careful to play with them very gently. He also loves playing with his toys and looking out the window. We anticipate that with proper veterinary care and follow-up, Rockstar will live a full and happy life.

1st Quarter 2010
Thankfully, Rockstar has been adopted! He will remain in the Animal League’s Sponsor Program due to his life-long medical condition. His new family consists of an older couple who have the time to meet all of Rockstar’s special needs. They are enjoying every minute of getting to know him. And Rockstar has been on his best behavior trying to impress his new loving owners in the hopes that this could be the home where he spends the rest of his days. Our best wishes go out to Rockstar and his new family!

4th Quarter 2009
Rocket is doing well after a brief scare. He ate some dark chocolate. Knowing how toxic chocolate is for dogs, his family was very worried. They took him to the Animal League to have him checked and the diagnosis was that he would be fine. He's a big dog and despite all his health issues, he's got a real survivor's spirit. The good news is that Rocket is all better now. He threw up a few times, but after administering some Famotidine he is back to his normal self. He's been enjoying early walks on the beach boardwalk so he can get some much needed fresh air. This season, he'll also enjoy many wood burning fires at home. He loves nothing more than sitting in front of a roaring fireplace with his adopted human sister lying on his tummy. As we often see with our special-needs pets, they are quick to bond with people as if they are real family members, how divine!

3rd Quarter 2009
Rockstar (aka Rocket) seems to be fully adjusted to his new home. One sunny Saturday, Rockstar's new family took him out with them for some "doggy errands". The first stop was to a do-it-yourself dog grooming place to give Rockstar a thorough bath and brushing. Then, it was off to the North Shore Animal League for his check-up and to buy four months worth of dog food. Since Rocket's dog food is prescription, they must order two weeks in advance. The order includes ten cases of wet dog food and four bags of dry dog food for a grand total of over $800!

2nd Quarter 2009
Rocket is doing well and has already become an integral part of his new family. He loves going for long walks, playing fetch in the park and playing with the kids. He's learned so much - he knows how to play tag, hide-and-go-seek (the kids taught him both) and he sits and lies down upon command. He's gotten much better at taking his pill in the morning for his liver, which needs to be given with no food 1 hour before eating. At first it was hard to get him to swallow, but now he's really got it down (or maybe his new owner, David, has just gotten better at giving it!). All things considered, Rocket's health is good. He's thrown up a few times, usually after eating grass in the backyard, but it doesn't seem to be anything abnormal. He takes his medicine and his prescription food every day and his hip dysplasia seems less apparent. His family likes to think Rocket is wise beyond his years having suffered through so much at such a young age, and that he really appreciates it all. They do think he's happy now and feels safe and loved and they’re very proud and grateful they have the chance to share time with such a wonderful animal, and we certainly are too!

1st Quarter 2009
Sadly, Rockstar was returned to the Animal League by his new foster care family due to the unfortunate foreclosure of their home. Upon return, Rockstar's hind legs seemed stiff when he was walked. He was x-rayed and diagnosed with dysplasia in his right hip. He is not a candidate for surgery at this time, so he was started on Cosequin and cage rest. The lameness was immediately relieved, so the Cosequin was prescribed to continue. Everyone who knows Rockstar says he's a great dog. It is our goal to find him the perfect foster family. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

4th Quarter 2008
New to Program! Rockstar is a friendly Sharpei/German Shepherd mix. Rockstar was originally adopted as a puppy and later returned to the Animal League in 2007 after the previous owners reported that Rockstar had a seizure. He had a comprehensive physical examination, blood work and urine testing. The results of these tests indicated that Rockstar had a disorder of his liver called a Porto Systemic Shunt (PSS). A PSS is caused by abnormal blood flow through the liver. The abnormal blood flow caused toxin buildup in his body that resulted in seizures. Rockstar was also found to have bladder stones and an ocular condition called entropion where the eyelid margins roll inward causing irritation to his corneas. He underwent 4 separate successful surgeries between 5/08-8/08. He is on a special diet and liver supplement and will need to stay on this special diet for his entire life.

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