Phred is in hospital - he needs lots of prayers

[cyber-sibes]

I called the hospital & asked for a contact number for Phred, and I just talked to Joan (Phred's neighbors who are taking care of his dogs).

Joan & her husband Pat saw him 2 days ago. Her words were that he is a balancing act for the medical community right now. His heart, lungs, kidneys, & blood pressure are affected. His situation is very, very serious. (please keep in mind I'm not posting details, just feedback from the neighbors.)

I asked her if there is anything we (as the PT community) could do, and there is a situation coming up over the holidays that Joan & Pat would appreciate some help with. (She is thinking Phred probably won't be home living on his own yet by then.)

They have been close friends for years and have 2 dogs of their own. All the dogs get along nicely, but over the holidays they have a daughter with severe asthma who is coming to visit. They are very concerned that 5 dogs will be overwhelming for her. Pat & Joan would appreciate if someone could step forward to take Phred's dogs temporarily. The alternative plan is to board them during their daughter's visit.

I told her I would put the word out - so:
Is anyone here up for some canine company over the holidays? Do you know anyone who could take them in temporarily to help out?

I suggested that we on PT could possibly start a fund to help cover the kennel fee, if a temporary home isn't available. (It isn't the money as much as it would be done as gesture of friendship and support from all of us)

She said they don't mind having the dogs for now, that they've helped each other out in the past watching each others dogs. Should the situation change and Cinder, Smokey & Heidi need long-term care, they will have to consider the best course to take at that time.

Joan has my phone number and email, and will keep me updated as to Phred's situation. I'll post any update info here.

Personally I think starting a fund to help care for Phred's dogs over the holidays is a great idea, we all know how much he will appreciate that. If someone does step forward, we can still use any collected funds to help care for the "3 amigos."

Does anyone here have experience how to go about setting up a private fund?

[Karen]

One suggestion - do they have one room that they can close off so the dogs don't get in there? Having a dog-free sleeping space is most important. When we visit Lady's Human, we sleep upstairs, as the door to the upper level is closed off from kitties, and that makes staying there much more doable for me (I have both asthma and a pretty severe cat allergy). If nothing else, while she's there, she should avoid sitting on upholstered furniture, more a kitchen chair into the family room if that will help. That's what I do to be able to enjoy my time at Paul's sister's house, where three black cats reside.

We are too far away for it to be practical for us to have holiday visitors, but we do have many Ohio and Pennsylvania folks on Pet Talk, so there is hope! Remember, Phred is in the northeastern part of Ohio, so not too far from the PA border.

[lizbud]

Thanks for the update here. I have a small house & yard with little
room for 3 more dogs. If someone in Ohio cannot keep the pups for
those few days, I would be happy to donate some dollars for kennel fees/dog food,
etc. I'm sure knowing that they are safe & cared for woud be a great relief for Phred.
I want to help if I can, but don't know about setting up a fund of any kind.

[cassiesmom]

I don't have the space for Phred's doggies but I'd be happy to pitch in. I'll watch this thread.

[k9krazee]

A card is in the mail to go out tomorrow Still sending out lots of vibes and prayers. It breaks my heart knowing he is not doing well.

We love you Phred!

[Lilith Cherry]

Me too, I would willingly add to the pot to help the doggies out. Love and blessings to Phred!

[shais_mom]

I called the hospital & asked for a contact number for Phred, and I just talked to Joan (Phred's neighbors who are taking care of his dogs).

Joan & her husband Pat saw him 2 days ago. Her words were that he is a balancing act for the medical community right now. His heart, lungs, kidneys, & blood pressure are affected. His situation is very, very serious. (please keep in mind I'm not posting details, just feedback from the neighbors.)

I asked her if there is anything we (as the PT community) could do, and there is a situation coming up over the holidays that Joan & Pat would appreciate some help with. (She is thinking Phred probably won't be home living on his own yet by then.)

They have been close friends for years and have 2 dogs of their own. All the dogs get along nicely, but over the holidays they have a daughter with severe asthma who is coming to visit. They are very concerned that 5 dogs will be overwhelming for her. Pat & Joan would appreciate if someone could step forward to take Phred's dogs temporarily. The alternative plan is to board them during their daughter's visit.

I told her I would put the word out - so:
Is anyone here up for some canine company over the holidays? Do you know anyone who could take them in temporarily to help out?

I suggested that we on PT could possibly start a fund to help cover the kennel fee, if a temporary home isn't available. (It isn't the money as much as it would be done as gesture of friendship and support from all of us)

She said they don't mind having the dogs for now, that they've helped each other out in the past watching each others dogs. Should the situation change and Cinder, Smokey & Heidi need long-term care, they will have to consider the best course to take at that time.

Joan has my phone number and email, and will keep me updated as to Phred's situation. I'll post any update info here.

Personally I think starting a fund to help care for Phred's dogs over the holidays is a great idea, we all know how much he will appreciate that. If someone does step forward, we can still use any collected funds to help care for the "3 amigos."

Does anyone here have experience how to go about setting up a private fund?

Thanks Pat - I wasn't able to reach him on the cell phone and got concerned. I called the nurses desk and she asked if I was family and I said "darn close!"
Thanks for the update. I just talked to him and to be frank - he sounds extremely dire. He didn't know who I was. He sounds extremely weak. And I am to call tomorrow I'm not entirely sure he will be strong enough then or not.

[caseysmom]

Poor Phred I feel so bad for him.

Confusion is a sign of the kidney failure he has, hopefully if they do dialysis this will get better. A freind of mine that was on a kidney transplant list got this confusion at work, I called 911, once they regulated his meds he was fine. Lets pray we have more time with Phred and his charming wit

[Cincy'sMom]

Lots of thoughts and prayers going out to Phred.

My mom called me after she talked to him briefly tonight and as others have said, it was very difficult for him to talk and took awhile for him to connect who she was. So sad. I wish there was more we could do for him, when he has done so much for so many here.

[K9karen]

My heart is breaking. Poor Phred. I just reread some of his threads and burst into tears. What a wonderful man. I'm so glad we're his family. I imagine the mutts are so confused .
This is so unfair. It stinks. i can't remember when I've prayed so hard.

[cyber-sibes]

Staci - when I called the hospital I explained that we are part of a group with John & no one knew if he had family that we could call for updates. The nurse was very kind to get me the neighbor's number.
I'm glad you & Diana were able to reach him. I haven't called since the other day, it seemed to be stressful for him to talk.

Joan says thank you for all the prayers, and I've sent her a link to this thread.

Caseysmom, I asked, Joan said Phred is not a candidate for a transplant.
K-9 Karen, she also said not to worry, the dogs are doing fine. They've been over to Pat & Joan's home many times over the years. I'm sure they miss him, though.

[shais_mom]

Staci - when I called the hospital I explained that we are part of a group with John & no one knew if he had family that we could call for updates. The nurse was very kind to get me the neighbor's number.

He has a sister but they do not correspond and haven't talked in several months. And he doesn't wish to involve her.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm also in tears here and so upset that our Phred is this sick. Doggone it Phred!! We need you!! Get Well Soon!!! Praying for you every day.