Jiggy's Journey
At Salish Veterinary Hospital, we are happy to lend a helping hand to pets in need in our local community. MEOW Cat Rescue is a no-kill cat shelter located in Kirkland, WA, in the greater Seattle area of Western Washington. MEOW has been placing between 800 and 1,000 animals into permanent homes each year. They have a Canine Division, headed by Kelly Starbuck. When Kelly came to Dr. Thomazin in need of veterinary care for senior pup Jiggy, he was up to the task. Read more about Jiggy’s story below.
Jiggy was living with his owner at a care facility, until there were repeated complaints from residents and staff. He was constantly barking, always ravenous, demanding food and water, then fussing to get out to relieve himself. Sadly, Jiggy had worn out his welcome. Because his owner had no other options for personal care, Jiggy had to leave the care facility. When the veterinarian at Everett Animal Shelter ran lab tests on him, they discovered Jiggy was diabetic, making his future at the shelter high-risk.
They reached out to Kelly, who is in charge of MEOW’s Canine Division and is well-known for caring for special dogs, particularly breeds such as Chinese Shar Pei, Great Dane, and the four varieties of hairless breed dogs - Jiggy is an American Hairless Terrier. Kelly immediately worked with Dr. Thomazin to establish an insulin regimen. In addition, it was noted that he had several lumps and bumps that needed to be removed and biopsied, especially the one on Jiggy’s eyelid. He was also in desperate need of a dental cleaning with some removals.
Jiggy is the reason Kelly loves offering a new life to dogs who might seem hopeless. He’s a champ with his twice daily insulin injections, which have normalized his appetite and thirst. After having a handful of bad teeth removed, his mouth is comfortable. With medical intervention, he has become a delightful little 16-lb good boy with very nice manners. MEOW is committed to keeping Jiggy’s life as normal as it can be. At 12 years old, Jiggy would love to be chosen by a new family one day. But whether or not that happens, he will be loved and care for, kept happy and comfortable, for the rest of his life.
For more information about MEOW Cat Rescue, visit their website.