我是上海燎原國際高中學生Dr. Yu Lee，今天我想和大家分享一位我的一點感恩心情，感謝好心人和好心狗們。《我的狗與IMHA的戰斗》英文版：My dog's battle with IMHA

“Please”, “excuse me”, “thank you”, these are all expressions of gratitude that we are familiar with, taught from a young age byour parents and teachers. We use them for pragmatic purposes every day, andeven occasionally really mean it when we utter them. Often, it is only in times of great crisis that the meaning of “gratitude” is truly felt.

My dog’s name is Ein, and I’ll always remember the first day I met her, a perfect little ball of joy and fur. After watching one of my favorite anime series, Cowboy Bebop, I decided that I wanted a corgi. I traveled to abreeder in the MinHang district who happened to have a new litter. Out of groupof 5 or 6, I was having difficulty picking out the right one for me. The puppies were all so cute. Apparently, their father had been a prize winning dog in Korea. While looking over the half-asleep group, one in particular decidedto leave her siblings, hide under a table, and empty the contents of her little stomach on the rug. My mind was made up, she was the one for me. When I picked her up, she looked at me with the biggest, brightest eyes in the world. She was so small that she could fit in the palm of my hand. “We’re going to be together forever”, I told her on the ride home in the back of the car. She slept in my lap like we had already been friends for years.

My best friend Ein, thecutest doggy in the world.

It’s been 9 years since we first met, and every single day reconfirms that I made the right choice. Ein is my best friend, always ready for hugs and kisses, always sharing in life’s ups and downs, always ready forthe next coffee shop, restaurant, or adventure together. In the middle of October, she had gotten a little cold and wasn’t feeling her usual self. My wife and I didn’t think much of it, as we already had her cold medicine from and earlier trip to the pet hospital. A few days later, Ein stopped eating and seemed particularly tired. We decided to take her to the vet that night.

It was about 11 at night when we arrived, and as with normal procedure, the vet drew some blood for ananalysis. When he came back with the results, his face was white with disbelief. “Your dog’s red blood cells, they are almost non-existent.” I didn’t yet understand the seriousness of the situation. “How big of a problem is that?” I asked. “If this continues, your dog is going to die.” Her blood test showed that her HCT level was at 12.8%, a number that had no meaning to me at the time.

After several minutes of questions from the doctor (“Did she eat onions?”, “Swallow any nonedible materials?”, “Been around poisonous substances?”), I asked, “what can we do now?” The doctor informed me that Ein would need a blood transfusion rightaway, but that the soonest possible opportunity would be the next morning. Our pet hospital does keep blood donor dogs, but they were outside the city and would only be working in the daytime. The night shift doctor messaged our normal vet, Dr. Zhang, who said he would be ready first thing in the morning.We decided to take Ein home to rest that night and go again first thing in themorning. She was looking weak, her breathing difficult, her eyes lifeless. She could barely raise her head. Neither my wife or I slept that night.

We arrived early the next day, and were immediately led to the examination room by Dr. Zhang Bin. He explained the situation to us. Red blood cells are used to carry oxygen to all parts of the body, keeping organs and the whole animal alive. Prolonged oxygen deprivation leads to organfailure, and eventually death. The HCT value can show if a dog has the needed amount of red blood cells to maintain normal, healthy function. Most vetsconsider an HCT of anywhere between 35 – 50 to be normal. At 12.8, Ein was diagnosed as anemic, and had barely 1/3 of the necessary red blood cells. Ablood transfusion was necessary to keep her alive, and Ein received one that afternoon.

In seriously anemic dogs, blood transfusions are administered to prolong life and give more time in the hope that the body can react to whatever ailment might be present, making improvement and healing itself. Ein’s HCT value stood at 17.3 post-transfusion,not ideal. At least we had bought some time to further observe her condition.

In the oxygen chamberreceiving a blood transfusion

The next two days saw Ein’s HCT levels drop to 16.5 and 11.4. The doctors told me that she had a condition called IMHA (immunemediated hemolytic anemia), her own immune system was destroying her red bloodcells. IMHA is sometimes caused by cancer, infection, or a problem with the immune system, but often a cause is impossible to find. By this time, Ein rarely moved, her breathing rapid and difficult in an attempt to inhale moreoxygen. Her skin and eyes were yellow with jaundice resulting from the rapid destruction of her red blood cells. She had stopped eating. My baby who was always curious and lively was no longer recognizable. She received another blood transfusion.

Her post 2nd transfusion HCT numbers brought hope, as they stood at 18.6 the next day.Still, it was difficult to say, as the numbers may have been due to the new blood and not a function of her own body. We could only hope that her immunesystem would correct itself and stop destroying her red blood cells.

Another indicator that we paid special attention towas her RETIC, which could give us information about if Ein’s body was producing enough new red blood cells to replenish what she had lost. A high RETIC would mean that her bone marrow was responding to the need and producing larger numbers. Ein’s were still in the “normal” category, not a good sign. In addition, the doctor had found the probable reason for her IMHA, a blood parasite Babesia. She was given meds to kill the bugs, but they would need to take some time to work.

The next two days saw her HCT lower, to 12.1, then 6.9. She was unable to walk, unable to stand. She had to be held up even to go to the bathroom. Her body was limp and she seldom opened her eyes. The doctor told me that if she didn’t receive another transfusion, that day would be the last. Both of the hospital donor dogs had already given blood, and there wasn’t any more to be had. For the first time in my life, I felt truly helpless and hopeless. There was nothing in my power thatI could do to save her.

The doctor had explained to me that each blood transfusion after the first brought risks, as each time the immune system will build up defense again foreign bodies (transfused blood). Blood transfusionscan result in serious negative consequences. In addition to this, dogs are known to have at least 8 different blood types, and need to be cross-matched toprevent rejection and other negative side-effects. Lastly, we needed a dog that weighed at least 25 kgs, as smaller dogs don’t have enough blood to give.

I called every single person I knew and posted on social media my need to find a suitable donor. Every minute that passed filled me with dread as her life slowly slipped away. If there truly is a “darkest hour” in life, this was it. The next two hours wasnon-stop phone calls and texts.

On the edge

Everyone I talked to wanted to help, and the support we received was amazing. Unfortunately, big enough dogs are not that common, and transportation to the hospital was a big difficulty. My dad who lives in XinZhuang arrived with his friend and Labrador, hoping to help. One of our good friends in Shanghai, Gillian Sun, who was visiting home in Taiwan contacted us. One of her friends in Shanghai, Roger Hsiao, who owned a husky was on his way to help us as well. He and Xiao Bai arrived in a bit after an hour. Both dogs were tested and luckily were matches for Ein’s blood type. Xiao Bai was chosen to donate, being the bigger of the two. Ein was brought back from death’s gate, at least for the moment.

Xiao Bai, a little angelwho came to help just in time

During that day, countless friends and friend’sfriends posted and reposted the information about Ein’s ordeal, and an incredible number of caring individuals offered their help and support. Other visitors to the hospital also came by to offer their help and sympathy.Numerous people who had read about the situation on social media connected withme in the hopes of helping.

Ein’s HCT numbers reached 23, then fell to 20.7, and 15.4. After analysis of further blood tests, our doctor was fairly sure that the blood parasites had been eradicated, and that there was no longer a reason for her immune system to continue destroying herred blood cells. The problem now was that she was not producing new red bloodcells at a fast enough rate. Red blood cells live for approximately 120 days, and are naturally discarded after their usefulness is over. She wasn’t replacing them quickly enough to balance the use. In addition, her WBC (whiteblood cell) value was extremely high, meaning that she had infections that she was trying to fight. A value of 15 in RBC is the edge where most vets draw theline at which dogs need a blood transfusion. At 15.4, Ein was right on that line. Our doctor explained that onelast transfusion might be what she needed to get back on the road to recovery, but the same risks applied this time, just higher. This was 7 days after shehad received her first transfusion, and the doctor explained that after that day, the risks of further transfusions increased greatly. After listening tothe possible outcomes and risks, my wife and I made perhaps the hardest decision of our lives. We agreed to the transfusion.

Another transfusion

The next morning, Xin Ba and his owner Mr. Zhang arrived at the hospital. Xin Ba was a German Shepard, just one year old, full of energy but very obedient. The transfusion took place that afternoon. Ein was given additional antibiotics to fight the infection.

Lots of meds

As of now, her HCT levels have been stable at around 25 for a few days. Her skin and eyes are no longer as yellow as they were before. She eats willingly in small amounts and is able to walk for short distances. Her RETIC numbers are up, meaning that she is producing more red blood cells. I hope that this means she is finally on a steady path towards recovery.

None of this would have been possible without the understanding and help of many, many individuals. Firstly, our vet, Dr. Zhang, always responsive, always caring to the situation, who even came on his off day to check up on Ein, even with his barely 1 month old baby waiting at home. Also, the other Dr. Zhang, who filled in admirably in the latter period while our regular vet was away on a business trip. If fact, all the staff at Shen Pu Veterinary Hospital on XuJiaHui Rd. should be applauded for their care and professionalism, always ready to answer questions and always showing concern to the little dog who was fighting for her life.

To my good friend Tony Yuand his family, who visited to show support when things looked the worst. Tony personally drove a potential donor dog to the hospital in the middle of thenight, then arranged for transportation the next day to get Xing Ba and his daddy to the vet. Also my friend Lee-Anne Armstrong, a champion for the care of homeless animals in Shanghai, who happened to be at the hospital caring foranother animal. Her spreading of the word on the SCAA network no doubt led many caring individuals to contact me about donating blood for Ein.

Karen Chang, who introducedme to her friend Teresa, mother of 3 huskies who all volunteered to donate. We never met before, but you offered to help a stranger in need, you are true heroes. Shawn of G11-1, one of mystudents at Liaoyuan International School, and his mother 俞蕾 must be thanked as well, sending their family’s dog Carter to get tested for a blood match with Ein.

Rose 源, who heard the news and made an e-flyer to share with various dog owner social media groups, you were agreat help.

Vivian, we met at the hospital when you walked by and saw our situation. Thank you for all the support and concern. Also, Anna, introduced to us by Vivian and who offered tobring her big dog to get a blood test, you are both wonderful people.

Another student of mine,Jacky from G11-2, who arranged for his uncle’s dog to come in to get tested. You may not have the best grades, but you have shown that you have a big heart.

Past students of mine,Jackie and Reo, who are already in Canada, both contacted me in the hopes that their family’s dogs could donate to Ein. I am proud to say that you were oncemy students.

Another individual I need to thank is a young lady by the wechat name of Semperfi_yy, who contacted many friends and doctors to try to share more information with me about Ein’s sickness, and also found potential blood donors. Her love of animals of all kinds and her efforts in spreading positive social messages is truly a shining example for China’s youth.

妖精的翅膀, I don’t even know yourreal name, but it was you who introduced Xing Ba and Mr. Zhang to us. Ein’s health would not have been possible without you. Victoria, thank you for posting our information on your contact circle, which allowed 妖精的翅膀 to get in touch with us.

The support I’ve receivedfrom my co-workers has been great. Annabelle, Lee, Ruby, Keagan, and everyone else have picked up the slack, done more than their fair share, and never complained. Our principal Albert, not once asking when I would be able to make it back to work, instead only offering words of understanding. It is truly good to be part of this team.

My wife, Shizu, has been amazing these past weeks, being stronger and more clear headed than I could ever be. Hourly feedings by hand when Ein was too weak to eat. Keeping on top of medicine times, 5 or 6 times a day. Being with Ein all day, 24-7, for the timesI had to attend work. A great example of the power of motherly love, I’m solucky to call you my wife.

Finally, words would not be able to express my gratitude towards Xiao Bai and Roger Hsiao. You came when things were hopeless and gave us the gift of life. Xiao Bai, you are truly an angel in doggy form.

Xing Ba and Mr. Zhang, you came from far away to help a stranger in need, asking for nothing in return.Your spirit of selfless giving is truly to be saluted. The world needs more good people (and doggies) like you.

Xin Ba, your gift of bloodwas a gift of life

There are numerous others who reached out, offered help, support, and words of encouragement along the way. I don’t know what the future holds for Ein, but I have hope. I also have a new found understanding ofthe emotion of gratitude. Countless people and dogs came to our aid, seeking nocompensation other than the opportunity to help someone in need. Some of them had no prior connection to us, and could not reasonably be expected to offer assistance, yet that is exactly what they did. They traveled from far away, used their own free time and resources, and were even willing to give a part of themselves. There is nothing more I can say, except “thank you”. We will keep this gratitude in our hearts and pay it back whenever possible.

Thank you.

On the road to recovery,happy and hopeful

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