Earlier this week, we said goodbye to sweet Lexi.
Many of you followed Lexi and Ruby’s story and helped support their BOAS surgeries. Both girls came into our care with severe breathing challenges, with Lexi’s condition being the more severe of the two.
We knew Lexi also needed to be spayed, but because of her compromised airway, the safest plan was to first complete her BOAS surgery and improve her breathing before putting her through the procedure. Following a recent heat cycle, Lexi developed life-threatening pyometra, a serious uterine infection that required emergency surgery.
She made it through surgery and was stable overnight, even eating a little. We were hopeful.
But instead of improving, Lexi’s breathing became increasingly compromised. Despite intensive veterinary care, oxygen support, and every possible effort to save her, she became ventilator dependent. With no realistic path to recovery, the heartbreaking decision was made to let her go peacefully.
In total, more than $14,000 was spent trying to save Lexi’s life. And we would spend it again.
Because rescue is not about guaranteeing outcomes. It is about giving dogs every chance, every comfort, and every ounce of care they deserve.
Rescue is loving them enough to fight, and enough to let them go.
Your donations were not wasted. They helped to provide Lexi with expert medical care, emergency surgery, comfort, and dignity. They gave her a team that fought for her.
Although their time together was far too short, Lexi’s foster family fell in love with her, and she is being deeply mourned.
Run free and breathe easy at the Bridge, sweet girl. ❤️
We think that’s good advice, but this time, we’re making an exception.
Lexi and Ruby are mother and daughter, and right now, they’re both struggling to breathe.
They each need BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery, with an estimated cost of just under $6,000 per dog. $12,000 to help them both. (Their spays will come later, once they’ve healed.)
This is a complex procedure performed by a specialist, with careful anesthetic management throughout. Both girls are already showing clear signs of BOAS, including loud snoring, exercise and heat intolerance – and you can hear it – the extra effort in every breath.
While no surgery is without risk, this one has the potential to make a life-changing difference, helping them breathe easier and enjoy a much better quality of life.
We have many dogs in our care, all with their own needs. That doesn’t change.
But sometimes, a rescue story asks a little more of us.
If you’d like to add an egg to their basket, please hop on over to:
www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/basket (The fundraiser is now closed.)
Ruby, 5, and Lexi, 7, were surrendered to BTRC due to unexpected life changes in their previous home. Their family made the difficult decision to let them go so they could receive the care and stability they deserve.
Now settling into foster care, Ruby and Lexi are getting to know their new environment. Ruby is showing herself to be the braver of the pair, while Lexi has chosen to take things more slowly.
They both have the same philosophy about what royal treatment entails, however. Mealtime initially required a personal touch. Both girls politely declined their bowls unless their foster parents provided white-glove service – handfeeding only, please.
After some negotiation, they’ve agreed to dine independently – but there MUST be a slight sprinkle of a topper. We can’t help but suspect this was their plan all along – immediately train the foster parents and set the bar high.
Both Ruby and Lexi have upcoming vet appointments where we’ll learn more about their overall health and ensure they receive the care they need, including spays.
Ruby and Lexi are being fostered in Delta, BC and are not yet ready for adoption.
