I put a fanconis boy into a home

[Patty]

Please don't feel guilty at least he is now in a loving home. Just remember all the healthy dogs you have helped who would probably otherwise be dead.

[nobarkus]

@tanza:

You should not feel quilty… obviously before the Fanconi DNA test...and all you did was find this boy a great home.... but as you know Sharron.. that is why I am so vocal that BRAT should be DNA testing these dogs before placement now that we have a test...

I see what you're saying Pat, but what happens if they do test, the dog is affected and then nobody wants it? Maybe BRAT does not want to find that out.

[lvoss]

So which is worse, testing when the dogs come into rescue and knowing their status and being honest with adopters or is it better for the adopters to go what this poor woman is going through now?

How many adopters stip test regularly so that they disease is caught early? Wouldn't it be better for them to know in advance so if they choose to take a dog that tests Probably Affected they are more likely to keep up their strip testing so they can catch the disease early?

[sharronhurlbut]

We do try remind owners to strip test, but I also tell them they need to get these dogs tested.
So they will know what is in the future for them.
Most have had good news on that front, finding the worst that the dogs are is a carrier.
Thanks everyone for these kind words. Life sure can be tough sometimes.

[tanza]

@nobarkus:

I see what you're saying Pat, but what happens if they do test, the dog is affected and then nobody wants it? Maybe BRAT does not want to find that out.

I think it is just wrong to not present the dog with all the information that is available. And yes, there will be ones, maybe many that would not be adopted because they test Affected… but IMO, what a way to ruin the public's opinion of a rescue group... and how would you feel if you got a rescue, found out that there was a test for Fanconi, but it was not done and then your beloved pet started spilling sugar?... Pretty much would make a dent in my faith....

[tanza]

@sharronhurlbut:

We do try remind owners to strip test, but I also tell them they need to get these dogs tested.
So they will know what is in the future for them.
Most have had good news on that front, finding the worst that the dogs are is a carrier.
Thanks everyone for these kind words. Life sure can be tough sometimes.

And worst is not finding a carrier… finding an affected is the worst...

But that said, Sharron, I know that you present people with all the options... without sugar coating them...

[sharronhurlbut]

Brat has last year rehomed over 300 b's. With the vet fees we spend and the other expenses they have, the extra expense of the fanconi test will not be doable.
Last year, even without the Fl dogs we are taking in this year, we ran into the red.
Calendars and donations for special needs dogs did help.
BUT we need to help all dogs, and we can't do that without $$.
*again, this is above my BRAT non paid paygrade, and that is my understanding
of this issue.
We do have a test, its not perfect, but I tell every adopter to spend the fund to find out
what they can for the health of the b's…

[sharronhurlbut]

I want you to know this is my take on this and I am working every hard not present BRAT in anything but a positive light.
I love this group. BRAT has saved so many more b's than I ever expected and next year it will be more…so if I am mistaken, then its on me.
Honestly, I don't think a non profit rescue group can to it all...
We do try very, very hard. But then we have to trust to God.

[nobarkus]

@tanza:

I think it is just wrong to not present the dog with all the information that is available. And yes, there will be ones, maybe many that would not be adopted because they test Affected… but IMO, what a way to ruin the public's opinion of a rescue group... and how would you feel if you got a rescue, found out that there was a test for Fanconi, but it was not done and then your beloved pet started spilling sugar?... Pretty much would make a dent in my faith....

I'm not in disagreement with you at all. When I got Buddy I asked several times by email if he was tested and she finally answered when I pressed it in person "we can't afford to do that, it's up to you". So I took my chances and luckily he was clear. I knew about Fanconi and even then had to push to get that answer. Now I don't know what they do if someone gives up a B and they tell the rescue that the dog is a affected. Have you seen a posting on BRAT that says "this dog is known Fanconi affected"?

[AJs Human]

You did the best you could for this boy with the information available at the time. He is in a loving home where he will be cared for and looked after. Fortunately, there is a test now that can give an indicator how likely a dog is to develop this horrid disease…now if we can convince everyone of its importance...

[sharronhurlbut]

BRAT does require we strip test any b's that come in. If the basenji is actively spilling sugar, we disclose it. that means if the strip turns color.
There have been a few angels who will take a fanconi basenji…but they are hard to find.
Many rescue people who p/u a dog who is spilling sugar takes them into their homes,
Because they know the odds of having the dog rehomed.
So, they are also folks who will be celebrated at the Rainbow Bridge.
I have had and loved and lost a fanconi b. It tough, cause my boy wouldn't take the pills.

[Duke]

Sharron - so sorry about this B. Like most things in life, good things and bad things happen. The good always comes back. Your work in rescue for the best interest and needs of pups and dogs is amazing. Thank you.

[sharronhurlbut]

You guys are kind. I do rescue work cause it makes me feel good. Mostly, its full of nice e-mails from folks who send me yearly Christmas cards and updates/photos of their new pack member. Is always so nice for me to recieve this..selfish almost.
Also, watching a sad dog who is in the wrong home/circumstances bloom into a tail wagging love machine is a joy beyond compare…so, see, really, I am very selfish.
I am just sad that Bonnie has to go through this..she has had many hardships in her life.
Sigh..but she loves Paco and will give him the best care ever.
Hugs to you all.

[tanza]

@nobarkus:

I'm not in disagreement with you at all. When I got Buddy I asked several times by email if he was tested and she finally answered when I pressed it in person "we can't afford to do that, it's up to you". So I took my chances and luckily he was clear. I knew about Fanconi and even then had to push to get that answer. Now I don't know what they do if someone gives up a B and they tell the rescue that the dog is a affected. Have you seen a posting on BRAT that says "this dog is known Fanconi affected"?

While I can't say for sure because I don't remember who/when, but I believe I have seen that on BRAT's site if this is known at the time the dog is trying to be placed

[renaultf1]

@tanza:

While I can't say for sure because I don't remember who/when, but I believe I have seen that on BRAT's site if this is known at the time the dog is trying to be placed

I have definitely seen at least 1 basenji on the BRAT site listed as affected. Not this past summer, but the summer before that I believe.

[sharronhurlbut]

Oh, yes, BRAT isn't trying to fool anyone. If the dog is spilling sugar re the strip tests, we do tell the adopters that on the listing form.
Course, we have found out that 99% of the folks, once finding out what fanconi is and what is involved, pass on the dog.
That makes us either keep the dog into a foster home where a healthy set of b's could rotate through, or put the dog down.
As I have posted before, rescue wants to rehome all the dog we can. When we put down a dog for temperment, to me that is one thing..don't pass on a dog who is so damaged they will hurt a human in the new family, illness, those that can be managed, are not so cut and dried to some.
As I am a firm believer this is just a way stop on our journey through time, I feel we will
love and connect with these b's and family members when we die, I don't see death as the ending, but a release to give peace to those who are in pain.
sorry, am rambling..just wanted to share how it makes it acceptable for me to put down a dog who is sick.
laugh..oh, my I imagine your so sorry you posted to this site.

[Forever Amber]

@renaultf1:

I have definitely seen at least 1 basenji on the BRAT site listed as affected. Not this past summer, but the summer before that I believe.

There was one around the time I got zoe. It even listed the cost for meds in that area. Really it gave me hope after I found out zoe was affected. I'm pretty sure that dog was adopted as well even knowing before hand. what a wonderful person that must have been.