Update on Tiggs

Hi Everyone,

Many of you know, but some of you don't, that Tiggs has been diagnosed with a potentially fatal blood disease called Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia. In laymans terms, it is when your body begins attacking it's own red blood cells. Tiggy was diagnosed yesterday after several days of lethargy and lack of appetite. He was hospitalized last night, and given high doses of prednisone, a steroid that will hopefully squash his immune response, and also given 2 blood transfusions. His prognosis is very guarded.

We picked him up this morning from the hospital and brought him back to his regular vet for more treatments. He looked much better than he did yesterday, but eventually his body will attack the new blood he was given. Our hope is that it will buy him some time while the Prednisone takes hold in his system. All of you, in addition to being our good friends, have also been good friends to Tiggs. He needs all of your love, prayers, and good thoughts sent out to the Universe, and wishes for his recovery. He is always happy, smiling, and has nothing but love for life, all of you, and everything else in the world. He is a wonderful ambassador for the Pit Bull breed and a little happy love and cuddle muffin.

We are truly hopeful that we can get him into a remission, and we promise to keep everyone posted on his condition. In the meantime, many of you have asked how you can help. Here's a couple of things: Go to www.bestfriends.org or www.obamafamilydog.com and sign the Obama family dog petition. The Obamas plan to get a dog after the election, and Best Friends is trying to raise awareness for the adoption of homeless pets over pure bred dogs. Tiggs was adopted almost four years ago exactly, from the Larimer Humane Society in Colorado. Also at the Best Friends site, you can learn about Breed Specific Legislation (pit bull and other bans) and learn how to sign petitions or send emails to communities considering such bans. For example, Sandy, Utah was just considering such a ban.

Keep us in your thoughts and we will keep you in ours.

Thanks for your love and support,

Melissa and Adam