Great Dane Rescue in Ohio: Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue -- Success Stories -- Kelsey & Tyson

Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue

Kelsey & Tyson

We were both breeding dogs before we came to the Rescue. I (Kelsey) had been with a big show kennel and bred almost every heat cycle. When my owner died, we were all given away. My new owner advertised me in the local paper for $25. When a woman came in answer to the ad, she decided to give me away. Luckily for me the woman cared enough to bring me to HHGDR so that I could get a forever loving home. Tyson was owned by a backyard breeder. He too had produced a lot of litters. When his owners no longer wanted him, they took him to the Clermont County Animal Shelter. They called HHGDR to come for him.

We both found our forever home the same day, August 13, 2000 It is a day neither of us will forget! We thought they wanted only one of us, but to our surprise, Mom wanted me and Dad wanted Tyson. They compromised and adopted both of us! Mom and Dad take us with them everywhere, even to work. Mom owns a doggie day care called “Strictly Dogs,” and Tyson and I go there every day.

Unfortunately I have not been granted the wish of perfect health. In 2001 I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). My leg was amputated, and I went through chemotherapy. I have had a great year until recently when I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Osteopathy (HO). I do not have much longer to live, but Mom says we are living each day to the fullest, and she loves me and will not let me suffer.

Tyson? Well, he is as healthy as a horse, and as gentle as a lamb. He is my brother, and I love him. I know he will take care of Mom and Dad when I am gone.

This is me when I came to the HHGDR

This is my mom and me.

Tyson when he was at HHGDR.

Tyson with Dad.

Written by my mom when she had to tell her friends of my health:

Kelsey follows me everywhere in the house. If I work at the computer that is where you will find her, if I am watching TV she is by me on the couch and at night she sleeps right next to me. Her expressions tell me most everything she is thinking and I see great love in those big eyes. She has not been feeling very well lately, unless on prednisone she cannot get up on her own or walk. This week we were told that the cancer has spread to her lungs and that has caused a condition called hypertrophic osteopathy (inflammation in all her limbs) which is why she doesn't want to move much. Right now she is doing well on the prednisone, eating well and moving pretty good as long as I watch her. She shivers in pain sometimes and I find that difficult because there is so little I can do but love her.

The only thing we can do for Kelsey is make her comfortable and continue the prednisone while it works. I would like to ask for prayers for Kelsey and myself as we face some difficult times together. I also pray that I will have the courage to know when she has had enough. I've only had Kelsey for 2 years, not nearly long enough.

Kelsey Ball May, 1995 - October 25, 2002

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