As she began the task of cleaning up our waif, Tiffany recognized an Afghan hound under all that feces filled matted coat.   Knowing she could not keep the dog herself, Tiffany called the Emergency Vet offices in search of Afghan Hound Rescue.

I had worked late that night, and was just about to have dinner when the phone rang and a hesitant voice asked if this was Afghan Hound Rescue.   Assuring her it was, I asked how could I help.   Tiffany went on to explain her boyfriend had found an afghan hound….   It was old, matted, dirty, bad teeth, ears swollen shut from infection, was missing part of it’s tail, and had mammary tumors.  Tiffany was worried that she could not take it home, and she did not want to call the dog warden as she was sure it was not adoptable and would be euthanized.   Taking directions and setting my dinner aside, I assured Tiffany I would be there shortly. 

 Arriving at Tiffany’s I was surprised and thrilled to be greeted by a semi-clipped down white affie, who by now has been given the name Lily.  Tiffany explained that she and her friend had taken scissors to Lily’s body coat and started cutting… Curious, they weighed the mats they had removed.  Lily had been carrying around 2lb of feces-filled-matted-hair.  Thanking them for their efforts, Lily and I departed for home.  At home, Lily went directly into the previously prepared crate and waited while I prepared food.  

 Next morning, after alerting my Boss I would be late for work, I headed to our vet’s office.   It was early when I arrived; the office wasn’t open yet, so Lily and I wandered around the grassy lot.   As the vet tech’s arrived, they looked at me, looked at Lily and said, “Oh my God! who is she, and happened to her?”  Explaining that we did not have an appointment, that this poor bedraggled creature had arrived late the evening before, would they please examine her, finish clipping down her legs, bath her and call me at work.

 The day progressed with phone calls back and forth as the vet examined Lily.  Although extremely underweight at 30lb, and showing 5 mammary tumors, Lily’s overall condition was encouraging.  Blood tests proved her heartworm negative, and all her vital organs to be in excellent condition, however her teeth are in terrible condition and her ears swollen shut from infection.   

 Great news….

  “Project Lily” begins. .   Due to the apparent harshness of the life she has led, and the condition of her teeth we are unable to determine her age with any accuracy – our best guess is somewhere between 6 and 12 years old.  

  Lily is currently in foster care on a weight gaining diet.   As soon as her health permits, she will receive a dental where she will most likely lose several teeth.   We are undecided at this time on whether to put Lily through the pain and recovery of a massive mastectomy.   In the next few days I will discuss with the vet the surgical options for Lily.  If the medical opinions offer a good prognosis, we will most likely proceed as soon as Lily is healthy enough.   If the prognosis is not good, Lily will remain in Affie Hospice until the time comes.   She will at least leave this world knowing she was loved, if only for a short time.