💔 Meet Buster — Our Hospice Chocolate Labrador
Because every dog deserves love, dignity, and comfort in their final chapter.
Buster is a 7‑ish year old Chocolate Labrador Retriever, about 73 lbs, and he is truly one of the gentlest souls we’ve ever met. For the past year, he survived on his own until a Good Samaritan found him on the side of the road. After searching for an owner, we learned his elderly guardian could no longer care for him.
Despite everything he has endured, Buster is nothing but sweetness. He leans in for affection, melts into soft blankets, and has settled beautifully into his medical foster home.
🩺 Buster’s Medical Reality
Buster is facing multiple serious health challenges:
- Positive for heartworm, Lyme, ehrlichia, and anaplasma
- Severe dental disease — front teeth worn to the gums, decaying, only molars remain
- End‑stage arthritis in multiple joints
- Significant pain, especially in his right front leg (partial weight‑bearing only)
- Underweight on intake, though improving
- Anemia and an active ear infection
- Negative for Blasto and ANA titer — helpful in ruling out certain causes of his polyarthritis
He is currently on gabapentin, an anti‑inflammatory, doxycycline, and will soon start tramadol for additional pain relief.
The vet has been honest with us: Buster’s life expectancy is short. His joint damage cannot be reversed, and our priority now is comfort, dignity, and love.
❤️ Our Plan for Buster
We are officially moving forward with making Buster a hospice dog, and he will be staying with his medical foster indefinitely. He is safe, warm, adored, and surrounded by dogs who welcome him as one of their own.
To keep him comfortable, we will be:
- Starting Librela injections as soon as possible
- Continuing Carprofen + Gabapentin long‑term
- Adding Tramadol as needed
- Starting omega fatty acids + joint supplements (Cosequin or YuMove Advanced)
- Rechecking his CBC in one month
- Monitoring his ear infection
- Reassessing heartworm treatment options based on his comfort and stability
- Keeping him on monthly tick and heartworm preventatives
His medications and ongoing care will be costly, but we are committed to ensuring every day he has left is filled with warmth, safety, and love.
🆘 How You Can Help Buster
Buster has endured more than any dog should, yet he still greets us with softness and trust. Your support — whether through donations or sharing his story — helps us give him the comfort he deserves in his final chapter.
Every contribution truly matters.
Every share helps us reach someone who cares.
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