This story began as a ToeGrips® dog nail grips testimonial after pet parent Lauren Skarnulis wrote to let us know how much ToeGrips® dog nail grips helped give Charlie Mae, her little miracle dog, stability for her weak legs. Sadly, after battling immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and then an in-operable tumor, the story turned into a tribute for the 13-year-old lab mix who passed away as this article was being written. We’re honored to share this story in memory of beloved Charlie Mae.
Meet Charlie Mae
Charlie Mae joined the Skarnulis family in April 2003. Lauren saw a picture of the then 3 ½ month old on the Animal Placement Bureau (APB) website and knew she wanted the adorable puppy. She contacted Charlie’s foster mom and they arranged to meet on the side of the road halfway between Lauren’s home in Traverse City, MI and Lansing, MI where Charlie was staying.
Charlie had been picked up as a stray and rescued by APB, which is a nonprofit organization that places homeless pets with foster families until they can be adopted.
“When I saw Charlie she couldn’t stop wiggling. She wagged her tail so hard that her hips were swinging like crazy. I fell in love,” said Lauren.
Charlie Mae went home with Lauren and started her life as a treasured pet, a family member, and even a furry granddog. She grew into a 45 pound healthy, athletic dog who traveled everywhere with her dog mom and dad.
Charlie’s battle with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Last year while Charlie was visiting Lauren’s parents, the dog came down with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). She was hospitalized for a week and needed three transfusions. The family nearly lost her. Charlie’s recovery required her to be seen regularly by a veterinary specialist, and there wasn’t one in Lauren’s small resort town, so Charlie stayed with her dog grandparents for three months while she recovered.
What is Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)? A brief description…
IMHA is a condition where a dog’s body attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide (waste). The cells are made in the bone marrow and are intended to live for about 120 days. Because IMHA causes the body to get rid of red bloods too quickly, the bone marrow can’t make them fast enough and patients become anemic. Dogs become weak, feel cold to the touch, lose interest in food and become jaundiced because their liver is being overworked.
IMHA caused Charlie to be a very sick little dog, but with treatment and eight different daily medications, she slowly returned to her energetic self. Finally Charlie was well enough to go home.
A second struggle…
In July 2015, Charlie got sick again and was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor in her lower belly. Her veterinarian thought the IMHA played a role because it had compromised Charlie’s immune system. The pressure of the tumor pushed on the dog’s bladder and weakened her hind legs. She was particularly stiff and weak in the morning and would slip on Lauren’s hardwood floors.
Lauren wasn’t sure where to turn for help until she posted the question on her Facebook page and a friend suggested ToeGrips® dog nail grips.
Lauren ordered a set of large ToeGrips® dog nail grips and put them on Charlie Mae.
“We saw immediate results. The very next morning Charlie didn’t slip on my floors. She even started carrying her babies (stuffed animals) around because she felt more confident,” said Lauren.
In addition to ToeGrips® dog nail grips, Lauren put Charlie on a strict antioxidant diet that was recommended by her veterinarian. Charlie ate: beef hearts, beef kidney, quinoa, brown rice, kale, blueberries, and steamed veggies. She also went for weekly acupuncture. Lauren said Charlie returned to being a happy girl.
Remembering beloved Charlie Mae…
Charlie had been given only a few weeks to live when she was diagnosed with cancer in July. The beloved little dog lived far beyond anyone’s expectations and passed away October 14, 2015. On behalf of the ToeGrips team, we greatly appreciate Lauren allowing us to share Charlie Mae’s incredible story.
Sources: APB Pets, Veterinary Partner
Brings me to tears, she fought a hard battle many times and won from the love you gave her. She was your angel and you were her’s. You will see her again. I believe this, as I will see mine. So happy you had each other. You both blessed for in your life and her in yours. RIP. So sorry she could not stay longer.
Oh Lauren, What a beautiful girl your Charlie Mae is. She looks so happy in the photo above where she is swimming. What a love. So sorry that your time together was way too short. She will always be alive in your heart. Keep the happy thoughts alive in your memory.
John Burke
Such a beautiful bittersweet story! So happy Toegrips helped her enjoy the rest of her short life.
My heart is breaking for Lauren, can’t stop crying long enough to write this. Charlie Mae knows how much she was loved and cared for, and you did everything you could. I believe that you will be together again one day, the love we share with our pets doesn’t go away, ever!
They are in the arms of the angels.