Big ReddBig Redd was humanely euthanized on January 29th, 2019 and passed away with his family by his side.
He was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a debilitating and eventually fatal disease. It is nearly impossible to stop, even with Chemotherapy as it usually has metastasized microscopically elsewhere in the body before the animal shows physical symptoms, usually in a limb. This was the case with Big Redd. Though his blood work was clean when he went in for X-Rays for a torn ACL, the results came back with this additional terrible news and given maybe 10 - 14 days without immediate and aggressive treatment including amputation and chemotherapy with a poor prognosis at best. The decision was hard but in his best interests. Even in the few days prior with much medication he was in pain. Visitors came to see him to say goodbye then Big Redd was given the best day ever on that Tuesday. Showered with affection with his family, a day at the beach, burgers, and whatever he could want, it was a loving end to a life well loved. |
If you would like to know more about Osteosarcoma in dogs, VCA has an article here.
Who He Was: |
Big Redd was a dynamic sort of dog who was hard not to love. With his Shar-Pei/Dogo de Bordeaux wrinkles, fearless will, and empathetic heart, Redd was a dog who was a warrior or a saint depending on what you needed from him at the time.
He was the dog who would worry over the children and be also be there as a shoulder to lean on for adults. Redd was sensitive to moods and a sensitive soul. Yet if you needed his bravery, he would be there in an instant ready to give it all. He was accepting of other animals and overcame obstacles prior, during, and after adoption. Big Redd had amazing potential for anything and everything. He was considered a candidate to be trained as a Service Dog for the qualities mentioned. He learned how to rescue someone from water and would watch out for people even if he wasn't in the water himself. He was first in line if he thought there was danger and never saw a disabled animal as disabled, only as an equal. Redd had faith in humans and unshakable loyalty. It is without question that Big Redd was a dog in many ways above par and leaves a legacy that won't soon be forgotten by his adopted family, the rescue, and all the lives he's touched over his short but vibrant existence in this world. |
His History: |
Big Redd initially came to our rescue as a last minute added transport from Chain of Love Abandoned Animals Rescue. They were unsure how he would do since there were many cats and small dogs in the rescue and sanctuary at the time. This wouldn't be a surprise if he did because Big Redd was found in the Everglades. Not around it, in it. As a true Everglades dog he had to hunt for his food and survive the dangers of poisonous snakes, the invasive and very large Burmese Python, Bobcats, possible interactions with the Florida Panther, and of course, Alligators! That's just the animals! Lightning Storms, harsh wet terrain, and unforgiving heat are just a few additional dangers he would have faced. Big Redd got off lucky. No Heartworms, not emaciated just underweight (so he was a good hunter!), still brave and bold and open to human contact.
When he showed up and was given a quick evaluation there was hope for him. We knew we could get through his over excited and dominant behavior with other larger dogs and the little dogs were all big dog savvy. They weren't going to let some newcomer bowl them over! The cats would be the interesting thing but the most of the cats were the same way as the little dogs. They'd been around the block a few times too and no dog was going to steal their swagger. As expected, the other dogs were able to help him fit into pack order pretty well and he was respectful of the small dogs very quickly. The big question now was....how about cats? To everyone's surprise, Redd hadn't barked and growled at the cat they tried to test him with at the clinic because he was aggressive to them, he was terrified! Maybe he had run into some angry feral cats or maybe he just saw them as mini Florida Panthers! Either way, Big Redd was able to make friends with all the foster, sanctuary, and resident cats in the main rescue house once he got over his fear with the help of Jack Sparrow. Squirrels, on the other hand, learned very quickly that he meant business and didn't stop to tease the dogs once Redd was in town! Big Redd fit his name perfectly. He wasn't just a big red dog, he was a big red dog who had a larger than life spirit and he will always be remembered for that. |