It’s a very sad day at WCBR today.

We lost Champ.

He was rushed to the Emergency Vet for Bloat. His xrays confirmed that it was GDV. The vet and I discussed options of surgery but he was far too weak and his 11 year old heart wouldn’t have survived it. Unfortunately with GDV, there is no middle ground. We sadly had to make the decision to do the most humane thing for him. His loving foster mum, Ellen, stayed with him until his last breath and she let him know how much he is loved.

We rescued Champ on January 15th with the hopes of giving him everything he missed out on. Champ came to us severely neglected and abused. His emaciated body was covered with festering sores and his sad eyes looked tired, devoid of hope.

We were only able to fully commit to him because of Ellen’s big heart. Champ had the best foster mum who made sure to make up for what he wasn’t given in his previous life. The last 25 days with Ellen’s family was pure heaven for Champ. He was given nutritious, consistent meals, slept by a warm fire, cozy sweatshirts to wear, a soft bed to lay on and snooze the day away. Most of all, Champ experienced a soft touch and a loving family.

We cannot thank the Teneriello family enough for saying yes to Champ and showing him love until the end.

Thank you to Katella Animal Clinic for being so thorough and making sure Champ felt safe as he got a battery of tests and procedures done. You were the first stop in Champ’s journey and you met him with such loving arms.

Though his time with us was much too short, Champ’s spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

Run free, sweet boy—you were deeply cherished