Update: Herbie passed away on March 1, 2013
A lot of people love him: sad and skinny dog Herbie, who was discovered last month on the tree lawn of an abandoned house in Lorain. When found, Herbie was emaciated, had a fractured skull, his eyes were swollen shut and he was so weak he couldn’t even walk on his own.
We all have been hoping for the best for Herbie. And knowing he’s getting the best veterinary care, and seeing specialists, we all thought - and hoped - Herbie would be able to pull through this.
When we saw that Herbie started to gain weight and fill out a little, that made us happy. He now weighs 51 pounds.
But we were not ready for the bad news.
Last week, Herbie had a visit scheduled with an ophthalmologist to see what could be done with his cataracts. And a visit to the Akron Veterinary Referral to see a specialist. On Wednesday, his biopsy results came in.
It was not good. Herbie has cancer.
The update on the Lorain Animal Clinic’s website shocked and dismayed many who were following Herbie’s story and waiting for this little fighter to get better:
Update 12/28/12: Herbie's diagnosis from the specialist is that he has adenocarcinoma. It is non-operable and non-responsive to chemotherapy and radiation. Herbie is enjoying his time with our staff… He looks forward to his walks outside. At this point in time Herbie is happy, eating well, and most importantly pain free.
According to the Facebook page set up for Herbie, “Justice for Herbie, the Abused Lorain, Ohio Dog,” the Lorain Animal Clinic will continue to take care of this sweet, ill dog:
HERBIE is STILL with us. He'll be on this Earth as long as our Creator wants… Herbie is still eating, sleeping and acting no different than he has been. He is still receiving top notch care and we all need to keep him in our prayers… Herbie, we are all thinking of you, crying for you and praying over you. No one knows how many days they have in this life, but we need to live each of those as best we can. Herbie's caretakers are making sure he has that same opportunity.
Please, if you have any information on whoever is responsible for abusing, wounding, and/or dumping Herbie, contact the Lorain Police Department at (440) 204-2555. A reward is being offered by the Humane Society of the United States for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for his extreme neglect and abandonment.
If you would like to support Herbie and can help with his medical costs, the Lorain Animal Clinic asks that donations be made to The Wood Foundation, a non-profit that cares for injured and abused animals. Send donations to: The Wood Foundation, 4205 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44053.
Herbie, so many people care about you. So while being heartbroken at the news of your illness, we are glad that you are finally getting the love and attention that you deserve.
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