Fernie Black Labrador Retriever Mix Female 4 Years Old ID#3300

Fern is now available please read her PetFinder post https://www.petfinder.com/dog/fernie-d98ba9c5-c010-4bc0-b0e0-0e56e047e84b/pa/warrington/brookline-labrador-rescue-pa06/details/

Meet Fernie!  Poor Fernie has been through a lot.  Fernie was found tied to a tree in a park in very poor condition and very emaciated and was transported to ACCT Philly where she was listed as Code Red and was in immediate danger of euthanasia. Fernie was dehydrated, anemic, and had a body score of 1 or 2 but was still so sweet with everyone she met. Because of her loving nature, ACCT wanted to give her a chance and sent Fernie to Philadelphia Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital (PASE) for X-rays and overnight care. Fernie had a large amount of foreign material lodged in her stomach and small intestine. Based on the ultrasound, the vet felt the blockage had been there a while and her illness was sadly why she’d been dumped. She was so skinny, that the emergency vet could feel the mass in her stomach by palpitating her stomach.  They confirmed with x-rays, but they knew what they were dealing with before that!  X-rays showed a large amount of foreign material (fabric and bits of metal) in the stomach and intestine.  She needed surgery to find out how far it extended and to remove the blockage.  Brookline stepped up quickly and agreed to help fund Fernie’s needed surgery and move her into the safety of a Brookline foster home after her surgery to recover.  Please read Fernie’s blog from the bottom up to learn more about her.

February 15, 2026

Fernie loves to train with music!

Fernie is exhibiting more and more of what she can truly be and what a shining star she truly is!

Her face lights up when she sees her favorite people, she bends in half like a macaroni noodle as she wiggles her backside with joy, she excels in training skills and Fernie loves being adored!

She is so full of vibrance and eagerness!

She surely is shining brightly! So, who out there wants to help her see what an absolutely adored companion she can be?

February 5, 2026

Fernie update!

She continues to blossom and grow… We started exposing her to normal household things that might be questionable for her… Things that move on wheels, vacuum cleaners and pots and pans… loud noises and fast-moving things will always have her either startle or stop though she can be worked through it successfully!

Each second exposure allows her to be calmer and even walk over to the item. Which helps her understand changes in the real world

This was so evident when she met my horses (after the third time of being guided around them) because she walked eagerly over to them!

She’s a great learner and really does trust the leader on the end of the leash as long as she has a reference point of training (fun, daily practice) and knows what we’re asking… training guidance on a leash reflects to her that we’ve got her back and she can remain calm, and  let us lead.

That leadership gives her a bond with the person showing her she’s safe. This safe feeling allows her to create more admiration and love for the leader (pet parent!)

This girl has also been fantastic around other dogs on leash and super calm on a walk and greeting new people.

She still loves her crazy upside-down belly rubs and we hope that never goes away!

So, if you’re the person for Fernie you will be able to offer time with her, perhaps you work at home (but not a requirement!) you’ll keep her safe with baby gates and continue to lead her and teach her about safety and the world. But you better be a master belly rub expert to apply for this girl!

Fernie is the dog with the short tail and white chest.

January 28, 2026

Another wonderful update on Fern.  This girl is a dream!  Please let your families know about her, and also that she has 7 free training sessions with her new adopter!

Fernie continues to learn new things… She can be in the vicinity of dogs, walk around them and even greet touching noses…but does not like when they try to initiate rough play with her. And that’s totally fair Fernie! Rough play isn’t good anyway!

She eagerly rolls on her back for belly rubs with all of her friends and is doing especially well in her training also. Her new training skill is to be able to hold a down by our side while we eat… My favorite is tomato pie so she had to remain quiet while I finished my favorite lunch.

A few cookies here and there helped her hold her position but she did it quite easily. She can be very very serene and incredibly focused and is learning more and more about different environments, different people and building bravery around new things that used to create uncertainty. She even met my horses nose to nose  with confidence! Though the wind scares her

In the short time she is with us, she has blossomed beautifully and I see more blossoming and more adventures on the horizon for Fernie!

Now all she needs is a loving human to take her hand and guide her the rest of the way… (Oh yeah and Tall Tails will be right there guiding the human also with seven free private lessons!)

January 12, 2025

Introducing the new and improved Fernie! She’s a lovely sweet soul looking for fun, commitment & connection, and a glorious future.

She is blossoming and thriving socially in very big and special ways!

Fernie has spent a lot of wonderful growth time in a board & train program where her experiences didn’t only teach her training cues for behavior, but also how to rely upon a leader for understanding the world, how to feel safe and loved, how to show self-control in the face of change…. And through it all, her confidence has grown exponentially! We’re so very proud of Fernie for her faith, desire to learn, and bravery to let go of her past experiences prior to Brookline finding her!

Initially, Fernie had attachment issues with the first person who showed her understanding through training (me, Robyn). She is now learning to bond and find love and security in many people and has a huge fan club of friends at the kennel! (See the pix!) She has amazing times with our team that revolve directly around belly rubs, back scratches, and loads of pets & smiles! Fernie ensures that she gets belly rubs galore as her “down command” position is a complete flip over for them!

She is able to meet new people without bolting away which was a problem earlier. Now when she shows concern about something, she may stop, perhaps retreat a step or two, but is very able to be redirected into a quiet mindset. And if you have her favorite (special diet) food treats, she warms up quickly!

She’s worried about men mostly but if they’re seated, she can friend up with them, though she does trust women far more. (But side note: she is very connected to Bill, one of the trainers who is a tall man)

Her training helped develop confidence in not only herself but the leader who guides her through life with training. This in turn, teaches her to trust the environment through her leader’s coaching.

This type of empowerment training will be important for her future family to learn so she knows that with every cue, she is being supported and guided through life… and this training will cost her future family absolutely NOTHING monetarily as Brookline has pre-purchased the program! The only “investment “ is the time to work with her, build your relationship and grow her confidence. Her confidence is not only in herself, but has to be in the leader leading so she understands she’s safe and advocated for.

We discovered Fernie had an anxiety disorder which was likely congenital but also developed in part through her past life experiences and abandonment. This has been completely smoothed out with a small daily dose of Prozac (which she will need for life) and it has been a game changer for her. She shows beautiful focus, mindfulness and a calm demeanor now that her body chemistry is in balance.

While she can be guided well around dogs on-leash, she can tend to be too rough during free play off-leash… not aggressive, just too rough. And while she truly does like other dogs, being off-leash around them allows for too much exuberance. But she is learning! And one day that all will be a thing of the past.

This week she’s going to go on field trips for sociability and confidence building again.

She is loving and oh-so-full-of-heart! Her deepest desire is to be someone’s best buddy and their whole world.

Her best buddy will be a home with a patient and loving person or persons who are open to exploring new training concepts… and eager to grow a remarkably deep bond through the process. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping a sweet being shed fear and fully experience joy!

This beautiful, happy and eager girl is ready to find her forever family!

December 16, 2025

We all have fallen in love with this super sweet being! Her personality is endearing. She is a sweet little spirit learning to blossom…

In nature, ferns represent new beginnings, new life and hope. So Fernie‘s name fits her perfectly… This oh-so-eager-and-open soul desires the closest of bonds with a very special human. She is so hopeful that this is indeed the beginning of her new life and cannot wait to be someone’s everything!

She wants to be someone’s best friend so badly that I truly feel she will thrive more in a home without another dog so she can grow into her role as someone’s everything… She truly yearns to be someone’s best friend.

She has bonded with me first because I was building her confidence and empowering her to want to learn more. She was at first unsure of working with Bill because of her bond with me, but quickly learned that he could be a reliable and kind leader as well.

At first glance it appeared as though she had a separation complex but really it was more that I had become the  “attachment figure” the one with whom she found grounding and security. Once she realized that Bill would offer the same, she was able to let go of her extreme attachment to me yet we do remain close, just in a healthier bond.

Her bonding with my team is also showing her many different people in her life from whom she can draw comfort and love. She is seeing that grounding, comfort and love can come from many different places.

Fernie is full of pride with every new thing she accomplishes and her self-control has become epic!

She loves to hear verbal praise as well as get food rewards for every accomplished task and she sees her training as a very important part of her day for communication, utilizing her bright brain and bonding with us.

She has a very calm demeanor but also gets goofy and silly when we play with her. She’s letting her playful side shine the more confident she becomes!

While she has been rough in play with other dogs prior to coming to us, we have worked with her to help her learn self-control around dogs and the dog greetings especially. She’s gotten much better in her composure around dogs (on a leash) and her self-control is really shining! She wants so very much to do everything right and tries really hard in everything we ask her to do.

Where she still has challenges is when she encounters people of larger stature or, more specifically, men. She still has a quick response in wanting to pull away but I can redirect her gently and ask her to sit and maintain composure. In time she sees that there is no real threat. She bonds wonderfully with ladies, offering her belly for belly rubs and wiggling playfully as my Team coos and cuddles her. She has many friends and admirers here!

Fernie will continue to grow and accept all kinds of new experiences with the right person guiding her and empowering her the rest of the way!

November 6, 2025

Hi all,

Sadly, Fernie received no applications. She is waiting patiently for the right home.

Brookline is going to send Fernie to a board and train facility. She needs to work on a few things. Fernie doesn’t like being in the crate. So that will be one thing she be working on. Fernie gets a little rough when she plays. Another item to improve. When she has completed her training, she will be the best dog ever. She is so sweet and loving. She deserves a family that will adore her because she will adore you back.

October 22, 2025

Well, I never thought I would be announcing this but Fernie is available. I have mixed feelings; she has been with me since the beginning of May.

It’s time for Fernie to find her home. Most of her medical issues have resolved. She still has low serum iron but it’s not too far off the normal range. She will be on ferrous sulfate for a few months.

Fernie loves people but can be a little shy at first with new people especially men. I always have them approach her from behind and slowly pet her then offer a treat. This usually works. Once she feels okay, she will jump on them.  Not what I was looking for but that means she is happy to meet you. The jumping has improved but still a work in progress.

Fernie loves other dogs. Once she gets comfortable, she can get a little rough. She doesn’t understand that she is too much but if you call her off and sooth her for 30 seconds, she starts to play gentler. She is learning.

The big thing is that Fern has to be on the Purina Elemental forever. She can’t absorb protein. If they change her food, she will lose all the weight she gained. I have extra bags on the Purina Elemental which I will give the adopter. We have 6, 16.5 lb. bags that will go with Fern.

What does Fern need in her home.

• Someone home most of the time.
• Fenced yard is nice but not a deal breaker
• Resident dog could be fun or friends with dogs that could play with Fern
• Someone who will adore her.

That’s pretty much it. Fern is so sweet and adorable. She loves to cuddle with the foster mom and dad also she loves to snuggle in bed with Phoebe.

October 14, 2025

Hi All,

I am basically waiting for Metropolitan Vet Hospital to say Fern is completely better. She recently had blood drawn for an iron panel. If all looks good, she can go up for adoption. Her other results came back normal. It looks like her anemia is resolved.  Fern weighs 92 lbs. She has completely filled out. She has taken to sleeping with us. She is great to sleep with. She stays in bed until we get up unlike the resident dogs. Fern is the last to get out of bed. I appreciate that.

She has been spending time snuggling up to Phoebe by climbing into bed with her. Phoebe is really tolerant of other dogs so she seems to take the bed sharing in stride.

Fern will need in her new home.

1. Someone that is home most of the time.
2. Kids need to be older. I worry about little kids toys around. Fernie does like to eat things.
3. Fernie loves other dogs but can get a little rough. She is learning to be gentler. If the adopter has a dog, they would need to correct Fern when she gets too rough or no resident dog is fine.
4. Fernie loves having a fenced yard but not is not a requirement.

The most important requirement is Fernie has to stay on the Purina Elemental. I have extra bags for her future home. She can’t transition to regular dog food. She will lose all the weight she gained. I can’t stress this enough.

So hopefully Metropolitan will give us the thumbs up soon.

September 21, 2025

Hi All

It’s been a while since Fernie’s last update. She is doing really well. She weighs 88 lbs. I am working on changing her food. The Purina Elemental is back in stock. She does really well on it. The best thing is she would only need 4 cups a day. It is expensive. I use Purina online auto shipping. The first bag is around $89 for 16.5 lbs. After that the price would be $130. She will have to stay on this food forever. I have purchased quite a few bags that I will give to her adopter. Fern can also have pumpkin in her food. She can have fruitables, fruits and veggies as treats.

Fern has a veterinary appointment to check her iron levels in early October. She may need 1 more iron injection prior to going to her new home. As long as she gets a clean bill of health she can be adopted.

Fern is great in the car. She pulls a little on lead when she sees someone or another dog. She loves other dogs and feels the need to say hello. She can be a little shy with new people. She needs some time to warm up. Fern knows many basic obedience commands. She loves to chew on antlers. She is reliable in the house no accidents whatsoever.

Fern loves to play with our resident dogs. She can get a little too rough pulling fur or appendages or ears. I think she may be better as an only dog. However, if someone has a dog that likes to play rough or is experienced enough to use distraction techniques, I would be willing to consider them. Fern could have play friends or go to a supervised daycare. They could also work with her. Fern will need some training. It’s really during play. She is great with dogs otherwise.

Fern has come a long way since she first arrived. She is very sweet and loving. When her little nubbin tail wags it’s the cutest thing. She is a very nice girl who will make a wonderful dog for someone.

August 25, 2025

Hi All

A short update about Fern who is doing great now.

Fern’s IBD seems so much better. The new food is helping her and she has FM approved poops. Fern has an appointment at Metropolitan tomorrow. They will measure her RBC to see how anemic she is. Last time her RBC count was 28%. I think since her IBD is improving she may be less anemic. It’s a hope but might not be the case. If it’s still low they will give her another iron injection.

Fern is at a good weight now so I am beginning to decrease her meals. She gets 3 meals now and a total of 6.5 cups for the day. We will keep decreasing as long as Fern doesn’t lose weight. I think her ideal food intake will be around 4.5-5 cups total. Fern is doing great on the new food. Just a warning she will have to stay on this food. It’s expensive.

Fern went to the Pet Fair in Langhorne on Saturday. She was rather overwhelmed in the beginning and was nervous of people. Overtime she began to relax and let most people pet her. She even gave kisses.

Fern loved all the dogs. If the dogs barked or growled at her she never reacted back. She was incredibly sweet with all the little dogs. She would lie down and let them approach her so they wouldn’t be scared. She gave a number of the dogs kisses. She also loved the little kids. They could approach her and give her pets. She did really well. I was really proud of her.

I have been very focused on Fern getting better. There are thing I usually don’t mention like:

Fern rides well in the car. She has no issues with steps with or without carpet. She knows basic commands. She doesn’t counter surf. She hasn’t met a dog she doesn’t like; she loves to snuggle on the couch. She is really sweet and beautiful.  She is a work in progress walking. She only pulls if there is a dog she wants to meet. She isn’t reactive she wants to say hello.

I would like to post Fern for adoption once we get her anemia under control and figure out her optimal food intake.

Stay tuned for this very special girl.

August 17, 2025

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to give an update about Fernie. She now weighs 80.4 lbs. and is at her ideal weight, yay! So now we will be slowly reducing her food.

Fern should be getting about 1700 calories a day. She is currently eating 8 cups of food broken into 4 meals. We have started feeding her 3 meals and a total of 7 cups. We will monitor her weight as we do this to make sure she isn’t losing weight. We hope to bring her to around 4.5-5 cups total with 2 feedings a day. It will take time to get her there. Fern looks so good now.

Her anemia is improving. She received an iron injection 2 weeks ago. She will go in in 2 weeks for another injection. Her RBC packed cell volume went up from 20 to 28%. We are hoping to see it continue to go up

Fern is on a new food called Elemental from Purina and it seems to be helping her IBD. Her stools look normal now. Unfortunately, the food is back ordered. Purina is having supply chain issues. We will have to switch foods but at least we know that Elemental works for her and we now have a food she can stay on. The food will be back in stock in mid-October hopefully. We will get there.

It’s hard to believe how different Fern looks.  She seems to feel so much better. We were allowing Fern to chew bones but she was actually breaking pieces of the bones off and eating them Oh Fernie don’t do that.  Other than the bone eating Fern has been very easy to live with. She is very sweet. She plays nicely with the resident dogs. She is going to start going to daycare with Phoebe once a week to meet more people and dogs.

Fern likes to jump because she gets so excited to meet people. We are hoping that between the daycare staff and FM and FD we can break Fern of this habit. Lastly, Fern will be at the Langhorne pet fair on August 23rd between 10-1. We can work on Fern’s jumping together.

July 30, 2025

Hi Everyone

I know it’s been a while since the last Fern update. We are just waiting for her to put on weight. I brought her to the vet for a weigh-in in and she is now 78.6 lbs. She is filling out and looking beautiful.

She and Betty continue to play. We had my old foster Hansel stay with us for 1 week, and Fern was wonderful with him.

He is a little shy in new situations, so Fern really wanted to play, but Hansel wasn’t quite sure. She loves every dog she has met. Fern feels like the world is filled with new friends. She must say hi to everyone. Her little nubbin tail goes so fast when she sees anyone.

Fern has also let me know she does not want to eat the soy diet anymore. She actually spat the kibble out at me. So we are on the Royal Canin HP. She is eating it with gusto.

Fern is getting close to her ideal weight. In addition to the IBD Fernie is very anemic. We are trying to understand what is going on. She received an iron injection 2 weeks ago. She goes in for blood work on Friday. We should find out if it helped her.

Fern is a fighter. She came into Brookline at 53.3 lbs. She was scary thin. She has gained 25.3 lbs. She is an amazing girl and a survivor. She has a big heart and is filled with love.

As a treat, we brought out the bones for all the dogs to chew. I removed them when Fern ate the stuffed animal. All the dogs hung out and had a big chew session this morning.

July 17, 2025

Hi Everyone,

Fern here, FM handed the blog over to me today. I had to go to the vet this morning. I didn’t want to go but I got to meet everyone. I walked down the hallway with the vet tech and I got to say hi to every person. I stuck how head in every exam room and walked in and greeted everyone. Some doors were closed that’s no fair because those people didn’t get to say hi to me. They missed out on my love. I love people so much.

FM says I look better. I don’t know about that but I definitely feel good. I love to play with my best friend Betty. She is really nice and lets me pull her fur as long as I am gentle. The other dog Phoebe is a fast runner. I am too so my favorite thing to do is to run with Phoebe in the yard and scare away bunnies. I am Phoebe’s number 1 helper.

I am beginning to fill out more. FM took pictures to show you. She took one from behind. Do you think this pool makes my butt look big? I got weighed and now I am up to 74lbs. FM is very excited. She says pretty soon I will be at a good weight.

FM says I am an excellent passenger in the car. I can go up and down stairs without any problems. I love all dogs and cats. Not bunnies though. Phoebe say we shouldn’t be friends. I might like them. I sleep all night long and have not had any accidents. FM says we can work on leash training soon. I can’t wait.

That’s all for now.

Signed your friend

Fernie

July 13, 2025

Hi All,

It’s been a while since I blogged but not much is going on other than slow weight gain. Last weigh in Fern had gained another pound and is now at 68 lbs. a total of 15 lbs. I think she should weigh around 80-85 lbs.

She is beginning to fill out. I think the biggest change I see is her energy level. She loves to run around the back yard with Phoebe. She loves to wrestle with our golden Betty. They are funny to watch and it’s great to see them having a blast.

She is no longer looking for food outside or counter surfing. Her coat looks better. She goes into see the internist Thursday. We can weigh her and see if she gained anything.

The biggest issue we had was the IBD. Her stools were very loose. I was adding fiber to her food which helped a little. Recently I added pumpkin and everything has improved. Pumpkin is good for IBD in some dogs.

Fern is great with other dogs. Loves everyone.  However, in my yard she can be a little shy with new people. When we go to the vet’s she wants to say hi to everyone. I am not sure why she is nervous in the yard. If Phoebe is with her then she is fine. I do think Fern would love a friend. You can see in the video how much fun she has.

Fern has no issues going up and down stairs. She is great in the car. She will be a great companion for a lucky family.

June 26, 2025

Hi Everyone,

Fernie is doing well. Her new friend Gracie went home Sunday evening, so now Fernie is back to playing with Betty. It looks ferocious, but Betty seems to be having a blast.

I actually pulled Fern back and said go easy. Betty basically told me to be quiet, she was fine, and started up the rough play. FM knows nothing.

Fern is feeling so much better. She has a lot more energy. In fact, she feels so good that I had to use a harness to take her to the vet appointment. She wants to get a move on. We are working a little on leash manners. She still needs to put on more weight, so I don’t want to go for a walk too often. We will practice in the yard, and she can conserve her energy. She also wants to jump to give everyone love. So, we will work on that as well. She really is a sweet girl and loves every dog and person.

Fern had a vet appointment today. Her doctor is really happy about the progress she is making. She was weighed and is now about 67 lbs. She has gained 14lbs since we switched her diet to Hills Zd soy, which is a hydrolyzed protein food.

Once Fern gets to a better weight, she will be posted as available. I will keep working with her to not jump and not pull. She loves people so much that she just needs to shower them with affection. She is very special, and I am thrilled with her weight gain and her energy level.

We have left her home alone for a few hours, and she is the best girl. She is getting 4 meals a day, so she does need a few bathroom breaks. I am hoping we can get her to a normal meal schedule once her weight is good.

June 17, 2025

Hi Everyone,

We have a lot of good news lately. Fern has a lot more energy and wants to play and run around the yard. We are watching my old foster dog, Gracie, while her family is away on vacation. Fern and Gracie love to play inside. Outside, Gracie is a great small critter hunter and can’t be bothered with play. Fern mainly tries to entice her or just chase her.

Fern had to go to the vet this past Friday, and we were able to weigh her. Big news …. drum roll please……Fern has gained 8.3 lbs. Isn’t that fantastic? She weighs 61.6 lbs. I am pretty sure she is continuing to gain. We will weigh her at the end of this week or the beginning of next week. I also noticed she isn’t trying to eat everything outside, and her paws on the counter have reduced significantly. So great news.

Fern knows basic obedience, such as sit, leave it, no, come when called, and get in your bed. Skinny Fern walked great on a leash. Once Fern puts on another 10 or 15 lbs, we will see if healthy Fern pulls on the lead. I am really looking forward to getting her out for walks and to meet people.

Once Fern is at a healthy weight, she can find her forever home. She is affectionate and extremely loving. Loves all dogs and people. Her last foster had a cat, and Fern was cool for cats.  Probably no little kids, based on Fern’s size, and she could knock little ones down accidentally. She is an absolute sweetie.

June 13, 2025

Hi Everyone,

Fernie is doing well. She is still very thin, but she is becoming spunkier. She is on the hydrolyzed protein diet. We are in the process of transitioning her to soy protein from chicken.

She loves to run around the yard. She has become friends with our golden retriever, Betty. Phoebe really wants to play, but she tends to be very physical. I don’t want Fern to get injured. Once she gains some weight, they can wrestle all they want. They both have similar play styles both use their paws.

Fern is up to date on her vaccines now. She is on a steroid to help reduce the inflammation in her intestines. She seems to be feeling much better. Now it’s time to fatten her up. I am giving her almost 5 cups a food per day. I would like to get her up to 6 cups. I am hoping she will start making some progress and begin to fill out. I think she has gained some weight, but I will bring her in to the vet’s to check next week.

I have attached a video of Fern and Betty. She seems to be having fun, and Betty is definitely enjoying their playtime.  Enjoy.

Fingers crossed, Fern will weigh more.

June 5, 2025

Hi All,

Fernie has recovered from her surgery and is feeling much better. The surgeons took an intestinal biopsy while she was under anesthesia. We got the results back. Fern has severe IBD. They believe this was something that has been going on for a while.

We are switching her food to hydrolyzed protein. That way, she will be able to absorb the protein. We are slowly transitioning her to Hills ZD soy protein diet from the ID version.  Right now, she is on a 50:50 mix with a total of 4 cups a day.  If all goes well, Fern will begin to gain weight.

Fernie is beginning to show her personality. I apparently was giving Betty too much attention, and Fern came trucking over to break it up. She loves to meet new people.  Today she got to meet 2 new people. She gave them kisses, then jumped up to get more attention. We are working on not jumping up. She is very tall, and when she jumps up, she is their height. Full-on kiss height.

She loves hanging out in the yard and watching the world pass by. She and Phoebe will sunbathe on the deck together. She sleeps well every night and doesn’t stir until I get up. She hasn’t had any accidents since she has been here. She does great with every dog we have met. She is not reactive on leash. Once she puts on some weight, we can go for short walks,  but for now, she needs to focus on gaining weight.

Fern goes to the vet for her vaccinations, and we will get a weight check. It may be too soon to see any changes. Stay tuned. She is a wonderful girl. I know everyone is cheering her on to gain weight. We can all cheer together.

May 26, 2025

Hi All,

This past week was filled with excitement. Fern had surgery on Thursday because she ingested a stuffed animal. It was very scary for FM and Fern as well. Fern was away from us from Thursday until Saturday. The house was definitely not the same without this sweet girl.

Fern met lots of people and dogs in the veterinary waiting room. Fern met a puppy. She was so sweet and gentle. Fern loves all dogs and people. She is such a nice girl. At her last foster Fernie also peacefully coexisted with a cat.

Fern is great on lead. She can go up and down stairs. She knows basic obedience commands. She is perfect, except I would not leave toys out.  I don’t know if she ate it because she is so hungry or if she is a toy eater. I would not leave Fern alone with toys.

We are trying to pack the weight on Fern. She remains at the same weight so we are going to see a specialist this week. The surgeons were able to get intestinal biopsies. We want to see if there is something else preventing Fern from gaining weight. It could be she just needs more time and increased meals to catch up. I want her to gain at least 20 lbs.

Since she has been home, she has been lying on the deck sunbathing, catching up on rest, and eating her meals with gusto. She is a wonderful girl.

Stay tuned for more Fern updates.

May 10, 2025

Fernie has now arrived at her permanent foster home. We are all excited to have her here. Right now, the goal is to put some weight on her. She is so skinny it’s hard to look at her. She is wearing a spay suit only to keep her warm, but also to hide how emaciated she is.

She met Phoebe and Betty. They have been very respectful. Fernie did her business outside when she arrived. She is so hungry, but right now we can only feed her small meals.  I mixed wet food and kibble, 1/3 of a cup of each, and put it in a slow feeder. I held the bowl in my lap so she didn’t eat to fast. I decided to make kibble/wet food meatballs. Can you say yummy? This way I can hand feed them to her and slow her down and little more. I want to be careful that she doesn’t aspirate her dinner.

Fernie is so sweet and gentle. She is doing really well considering she has only been here for a few hours. She found a dog bed she likes and is relaxing in it. She even offered me her belly to rub. I could not refuse.  We all hung outside for a bit, she loves to sunbathe.

May 7, 2025

Thankfully, Fernie has been discharged from Metropolitan and is now settling in to a new foster home to recuperate.  She was a favorite at Metropolitan – they couldn’t believe how sweet she was despite all she’s been through.

She is still on a re-feeding schedule, and we are awaiting the results of bloodwork to determine why she remains so anemic.  They are also checking on her GI to be sure there are no further issues.  Those results will be in in the next few days.  Meanwhile, she will be having quiet time, good food and lots of loving with in her foster home!

Stay tuned for more updates.

May 6, 2025

Fernie had a bit of a setback when she started transitioning to solid food.  She is spending a few days at Metropolitan, as she developed aspiration pneumonia and is still very anemic (probably due to being chronically malnourished).  They are going to work on getting her breathing back to normal and giving her antibiotics as well as vitamins to help rebuild her red blood cells.  The good news is her liver, kidneys and electrolytes are normal.  She is such a trooper!

Despite all of this, she remains incredibly sweet and compliant, giving kisses to everyone within her reach!

Please stay tuned as she continues her journey back to health.

May 4, 2025

Fernie is the sweetest and most thankful girl!She has been settling in to her temporary foster very well.She is very quiet and gentle and loves every moment of attention and affection.She has been very well behaved with other dogs nearby, even when they are barking. She’s a complete little lady!

May 1, 2025

Fernie has left Philadelphia Animal Specialty & Emergency (PASE) Hospital thanks to volunteer Kathy P. who went above and beyond for Fernie by picking up this very sick sweet girl and getting her started on her journey to recovery. Fernie will spend a few days at BCK and then on to her foster. Fernie is ravenously hungry but has a few days of small meals every few hours. After that, she should be able to eat regular meals. Thanks for all the Brookline mojo and positive thoughts and monetary donations for Fernie.