It is with a sad heart that we share the news of another one of our Permanent Fosters passing away this week 💔. Xena came to Doberman Underground on March 26, 2018. The owners vet suggested they surrender Xena to a local rescue. They were hoping a rescue would have the financial means to help this young Doberman with elevated liver enzymes.

Xena was not an easy fix, as she was born with a defect. Her liver had a shunt, which means the vessel that would normally supply blood to her liver had no blood flow. Her body grew some smaller blood vessels in an attempt to compensate. Sadly, her body didn’t do a very good job with that and the specialist told us she would have 10 months to live. Xena’s foster mom had other plans for this girl. She immediately started looking into holistic methods, different foods, and treatments. The long road to give Xena a life began as a permanent foster of Doberman Underground.

Fostering a hospice dog is never easy, but it’s exceptionally hard when you are fostering young dogs. They deserve to have the opportunity at a long, full life. Luckily we have an amazing volunteer that puts her heart, soul and whole life in to giving these dogs everything they deserve. In return, the dogs give her back that love and admiration, as they know she is the one that will research and find any opportunity to give them hope.

Xena started not eating a couple of months ago 😔. The hard road many of us have faced started where you empty the refrigerator looking for anything they will eat. Xena loved Pizza Rolls 🍕, amongst some other yummy and unhealthy comfort foods. Sadly in the end she was tired and gave the look we all know and understand. It is the look that says “I love you mom more than you can know, but I’m tired. Can I please rest now?” Our foster home had been through this just a month ago before with another permanent foster. With many tears she let Xena rest forever 😢.

We give our hearts and life to all our dogs, but the permanent fosters hold a very special spot in our heart ♥️. Thank you to our volunteers, supporters and especially fosters who love these dogs every day of their lives 🐾.