We have learned that Nina was found living in an old car on the property from which she was confiscated. The people who “owned” her were suffering from severe drug addiction, and this was no doubt at the root of the terrible neglect she endured. We have also learned from her radiographs that she was shot in her left shoulder some time ago. There is no denying that Nina has suffered greatly in her 8 years of life, and we want to do everything we can to change that.

On a positive note, we have eliminated the fever that she arrived with and she is now eating with vigor, unlike when she first came to us. In addition, an initial ultrasound of the mass did not reveal any fluid pockets, which would indicate abscesses within the tumor and further medical complications. Also, her first round of radiographs shows that there is no complication from a hernia, which would have meant that her intestines were part of the mass. We are relieved that these concerns have been ruled out, and we will take every small victory we can get.

Unfortunately, repeat blood work shows her white blood cell count remaining 5x higher than normal, indicating that she is battling cancer.

Nina is continuing her medication regimen of painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics, and she is receiving extra fluids as needed. Over Thanksgiving, we sent her to a 24-hour clinic so that she would still be closely watched while our veterinary staff was taking a much needed holiday.

Nina has been seen by a total of six veterinarians, and they all agree that, if the tumor does prove to be operable, she will have to be in better overall condition in order to survive the surgery itself. The mass is completely vascularized, and it is close to half her bodyweight. Her emaciated condition makes immediate surgery a dangerous and reckless proposition.

That said, she is improving quickly! She is eating and drinking well, and her spirits are much improved. She is alert, eager to go on short walks, and she has completely won the hearts of our staff. (They can even be found after their shift is over just hanging out with her.)

On Monday, she is meeting with a surgical specialist and being scheduled for a CT scan. The CT scan will allow us to determine exactly what the tumor is anchored to within her abdominal cavity and if any internal organs or portions of her intestines are at risk.

In the meantime, we are getting her bodyweight up, keeping her as comfortable and happy as possible, and hoping that the next round of tests gives us good news. The future here is uncertain with the exception of one thing -- she will be loved.

Thank you for all your support of Nina. We will keep you posted.

Nina’s story is a heartbreaking case of neglect. She was confiscated for cruelty from a home in Northern Memphis. When we learned about her situation late the other night, we immediately sent an email pledging to take her in. Early the next morning, we began making arrangements for her transport. With most of our Southern Illinois medical team quarantining due to Covid exposure, Nina made a quick stop at our Admissions Center, was thoroughly examined by one of our veterinarians, and is traveling to our Morton Grove location where her diagnostics and treatment will continue.

Nina is an 8 year-old pitbull who is suffering from one massive growth and a second smaller one that are both hanging down from her abdomen. In addition, she has a significant skin infection on her back legs and haunches, and she is malnourished and extremely underweight.

Both tumors are highly vascularized, and surgery on them could potentially involve significant blood loss, if, in fact, they can be operated on at all. We are running diagnostic blood work, taking biopsies, and getting x-rays to determine the safest course of action. In the meantime, we are working to get her bodyweight up.

Nina needs clinical attention, and she will stay under the direct care of our veterinarians until she is able to be released to a medical foster. She is currently on pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and two kinds of antibiotics.

For now, her suite is filled with soft bedding, toys, extra food, and staff is checking on her constantly, giving her lots of TLC. They have told her about the traditional Wright-Way Rescue Thanksgiving dinner for our shelter dogs, and she is looking forward to a bowl full of turkey.

We wish that we could tell you Nina’s condition can be addressed quickly and that a positive outcome is assured. We can’t.

But we can be ready.

We can be ready to respond to her test results with the best shelter medicine possible; we can be ready to take extraordinary measures if they will make a difference; and we can be ready to give her the chance to live a much better life. We can be ready to give her hope.

Please help give Nina hope.

On Friday, November 6th we drove to a property in Lawrence County, IL where there were more than 60 dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies living in horrific conditions. We coordinated with the Department of Agriculture and the State Police to save as many of these suffering animals as possible. When we arrived, we found household trash lying in mounds all around the property. The dogs were barking frantically, and all of them were chained to cinder blocks, trees, or heavy dog houses. The cats were virtually all malnourished and suffering from severe upper respiratory infections. Even though it was a heartbreaking scene, there was no time to waste, and we immediately began filling the transport crates on our large rescue bus with these frightened, anxious souls.

We were able to save 61 lives that day, and it is all thanks to your support. You answered our call for fosters, food, and supplies. You gave us the donations that we need to take on an emergency rescue mission such as this. Your wishes for our safety and the wellbeing of the animals were with us every step of that exhausting day.

Virtually all of the 23 female dogs we rescued that day are pregnant or nursing. Your support has not only changed the lives of these momma dogs, you have saved their puppies as well. They will never have to go through what their mommas have endured.

Thank you.

This is who you saved and what you saved them from.