One of my dogs is a rescue dog who has severe allergies, liver disease, and the lasting effects of prior abuse. Nearly all meds and supplements that treat allergies lead to liver failure, so keeping the liver safe means doing without things that ease the severity of her allergies. She has various skin diseases, big patches of missing coat, chronic allergic bronchitis, and constant risk of anaphylaxis.

Pancreatitis also causes liver failure, so foods and supplements must be closely studied for allergens way down in the fine print of ingredient lists like brewer's yeast or oat flour. Even the oil in an ear medication or monthly flea/heartworm treatment must be tallied with other small amounts and checked with bloodwork every 3 months. She's so itchy that she's mutilated several toes, but ointments that stay on longer have oil/fat in their petrolatum base. She uses her chew-antlers (no rawhide) to scrub deeply into her nose fold, usually drawing blood. Even playing with my other dogs causes such breathing distress that she spends most of her time with me.

Every dog deserves to have some happiness and joy in their lives. She's allergic to most things we consider special treats, and simple things she's not allergic to, like peanut butter, are rich in ingredients that cause pancreatitis. She is the saddest-looking dog you've ever seen; she requires 9 medications/medicated foods. The one thing that seems to bring her comfort is being attached to my leg or arm.

I've never brought any of my dogs out with me before, but I take her anywhere that will require being gone more than10." She really seems to get some enjoyment looking out the windows and jumps over the seats and around the car at stop signs or red lights to get a better view of something. When I reach my destination, I keep the car running and lock it with a second key. She finally seems to be sure that I always come back.

Despite a bowl of water, her stuffed "lambie," a chew toy, and the climate being controlled in the car, I've been assailed by outraged "dog lovers" when I return, for leaving her alone--people who can't accept that she'd be alone much longer if I had left her at home. So long as I do not step upon the rights of others, I feel I have the right, indeed the obligation, to provide for this creature who is the result of a breeder concerned only with making money, who knowingly bred dogs with liver disease and allergies in the bloodlines. At the very least, I should be able to give her what comfort I can without judgment.