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| Name: |
Minky
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Age: |
Two and a half years old
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| Gender: |
Female |
Breed: |
German Shepherd dog |
| Home: |
Easton, Connecticut, USA |
Hello
my name is Minky. I am a solid black German Shepherd dog who
weighs 63 pounds. I am two and a half years old and a very special dog.
When I was about eight months old my mom noticed that I was not gaining any
weight and took me to the vet to see what was going on. I would eat
constantly like it was my last supper but still would not put on any
weight, I was very thin and you could count my ribs. When the vet did a
blood test on me they found that I have a disease known as exocrine
pancreatic insufficiency known for short as EPI. There is no cure for
this disease but as long as I am on enzymes and I do not cheat I will
have a great life. My pancreas stopped working so I could no longer
digest and absorb food; it was like I was starving. It has been a slow
fourteen months but I have now been able to put on some weight and use the
food that I eat with the addition of pancreatic enzymes which must be on
everything that I eat. My mom says making my meals is like a science
project. And she will always have to be very careful that I don't cheat
and friends and family members don't give me any bad treats. Everything
must be measured and the enzymes must be allowed to blend with my ground
kibble and water so they make the food digestible. I have to wait one hour
before my food is ready to eat and sometimes that feels like an eternity.
You would never know that I have this disease except for the way my food
looks and the fact that I cannot have normal dog treats. I can eat raw
carrots, fennel, snap peas, and celery and since I have had this problem
for a while, I really do not miss regular dog treats, I actually love
carrots.
I am full of energy and I love to sleep on my mom's bed with my
stepbrother Woody and my stepsister Gretta, that's her with me in my
puppy picture. Woody is handsome but I am gorgeous and beautiful.
I love to play and when I go out I always have to have something in my
mouth to hold. It is usually a stuffed toy or a ball but at times the
end of my leash will do.
I love the snow and will run around outside eating a path around the
yard. Mom tells me not too eat so much because it will make me sick. But
when she is not looking I grab one of nature's snow cones.
My mom dressed me up as a clown this past Halloween because she says
that is my personality - I am always clowning around the house.
Thank you for considering me,
Minky Ciarletta
See more images of Minky!
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