It Takes a Team: Barb & Blondie

Blondie was nearly hairless and in pain when she first came to PAW Team. Her person, Barb, had once been able to cover her pets’ veterinary expenses. But after a layoff, a divorce, and family loss, Barb lost her home. Meanwhile, Blondie began to suffer. After nearly a decade together, Barb feared that Blondie didn’t have much time left. “I had exhausted anything I could do, and no one seemed to be able to help me,” Barb shared.

It was clear Blondie, a Jack Russell Terrier mix, would need more than just one visit to feel better. The constant rubbing and scratching from unimaginable itchiness had left her skin thickened and raw. She was less active and not eating well. Cases aren’t usually this severe until after years of unmanaged allergic conditions but, for Blondie, these symptoms had appeared only a few months prior and progressed quickly. 

Skin cytology testing revealed widespread infection. Blood tests were run to determine what, if any, additional issues Blondie was battling and what medications were safe to prescribe. With the first round of treatments, Blondie didn’t get worse, but she didn’t get better.

We extended the medications she was on and added new ones – no change. We tried yet another treatment with different medications – no improvement. Then, the medical team received a message from Barb that broke our hearts: Blondie was declining. She was lethargic, refused to eat or drink, and had weeping sores all over her body. Blondie’s skin infection, inflammation, and itch had returned worse than before.

Our entire team was invested in Blondie and the challenges of her case. Our volunteer vet consulted with colleagues and specialists to develop a new treatment regimen for a suspected autoimmune condition. We crossed our fingers until the next visit, when Blondie was finally experiencing relief!

PAW Team’s Continued Care program offers ongoing support for pets with challenging needs. Barb diligently followed every treatment protocol recommended by our veterinary team, and the results have paid off. Managing her condition will require lifelong medication, but after months of treatments, pivots, and collaboration, Blondie is looking and feeling so much better.

As Blondie continues to improve, her visits to PAW Team become less frequent as she grows happier and healthier with her bonded person.
Barb has more good news to share – she began working again and moved from her car into a home.

Soon, Barb may not need PAW Team’s help. But we’re here for Barb and Blondie now. With Blondie’s condition finally diagnosed and well-managed, they are set up for success for their next steps together.

Blondie and Barb are just one of the 3,000 families that have been served through PAW Team’s programs so far this year. Your support makes it all possible.