Juliet was the most amazing Mastiff I've ever known.

She was just 3 years old when I got her. She was surrendered to rescue for medical problems. Juliet suffered from a condition called a megaesophagus. Her condition went misdiagnosed by her regular veterinarian, which led to greater bills for the owner. He finally could not afford her care and gave her up. 

Juliet's symptoms were classic of the disease and she was diagnosed properly immediately upon entering rescue. Unfortunately the damage to her esophagus was irreparable.  After 9 successful months of elevated feedings, Juliet had to have a permanent stomach tube.  Despite what most believed, she lived another full and wonderful 6 years!!!

During that 6 years, Juliet was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism, Addison's Disease, and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA). Juliet never knew she was so sick. At almost 9 years of age, she had her second and final bought with AIHA. Juliet had always overcome the odds and kept the highest of spirits. After what appeared to be a successful 2 week treatment of AIHA, Juliet threw a clot to her spine, cutting off blood supply to her back legs. She could not get up and her legs just dangled, useless. At that point, I knew we'd lost the final fight. Juliet was euthanized that evening on 2/21/06.

Please read the article I wrote about Juliet for the LSMF Newsletter:

Juliet -- a rescued dog tale, by Mandie Martine