August, 2011:

The Olinger family was devastated last May when they found out that their beloved dog, Harpo, had developed diabetes at the young age of four.  To control the disease, they immediately began administering insulin injections twice a day.  However, despite their care, Harpo soon developed cataracts, an ailment that often accompanies diabetes in dogs.  Sadly, and even worse, glaucoma then developed in both of his eyes, causing Harpo a great deal of pain.

As the glaucoma progressed, so did Harpo’s pain.  The condition culminated the day after Thanksgiving, when the Olinger family realized that Harpo had become completely blind.  At this point, the family had only two options: to have both eyes removed in an effort to make him more comfortable, or to mercifully release him from his pain by putting him to sleep.  On one hand, this little dog was so young, and meant everything to their children.  But on the other hand, the struggling family had absolutely no way to afford the surgery that would restore Harpo’s quality of life.  Harpo was in severe physical pain, and his family was in agony over the thought of losing him.

Desperate and bereaved, the family searched the internet for other options.  They eventually stumbled upon The Sam Simon Foundation’s website, and two days before the end of the year, e-mailed a desperate plea to our mobile clinic.

Five days later, Harpo came in our clinic, and had the first of two surgeries.  With the more painful of the two eyes removed, he immediately felt better.  So much better, in fact, that when he came back four weeks later for his second surgery, it was determined to be unnecessary at that time.

As a result of his first surgery, Harpo was able to keep his remaining eye for an additional five months, until the pressure in that eye built up to a painful level and had to be removed as well.  And, of course, the surgery was again performed in The Sam Simon Foundation’s mobile veterinary clinic.

Today, despite having lost both eyes, Harpo is living a happy and pain-free life.  His family has made certain modifications to the house, including putting a fence around the swimming pool, and Harpo is adjusting beautifully.  Although he still sometimes bumps into things when he gets excited, he now easily navigates his way throughout the house, knows exactly where the one step they have is, and is adjusting to being walked in new environments.  Harpo is a lucky little guy to have such a wonderful family who was willing to do anything to save him.

(click on image to enlarge)

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