On 3rd June 2023, we welcomed “Peaches” who's history is limited as she was a stray in the Pound. Her age is estimated to be between 2-4 years old. Peaches' has been undergoing a transformation in care which has led to an ever-changing range of skills and personality. Her special needs don't hinder a high-quality life; she's a clever, snuggly little companion who has battled hard for her life and finds joy in simple pleasures!
PLEASE NOTE: we are now fundraising for the next step in Peaches Journey and we need your help to book her in for the scan ASAP - please read about this HERE.
Peaches has been through a lot but is a very resilient, clever, sweet-natured and loving little dog. She enjoys a cuddle and shows her appreciation with kisses and an enthusiastic wiggle of her tail! Peaches also has a goofy side as she enjoys zoomies, mouths gently when excited and chases bugs. Peaches also loves rolling in the grass, playing with her enrichment toys or Lickimat and sleeping in a fluffy bed in the sun. Peaches tends to prefer females humans and like most Chihuahuas, is just content to be around "her" person. It doesn't take too long for her to adjust to new foster parents though - and to charm you!
Daily Routine: Peaches isn't overly difficult to look after once she knows you and you fall into a routine together. Peaches gets comfort from consistency - in those looking after her and her home environment. The main limitation is that she can't be left alone (in her pen) more than 3-4 hours at a time, so her foster needs to incorporate this into their schedule.
Usually Peaches wakes up with her foster parents, goes outside to toilet, eats breakfast, has her medications and sleeps 2-3 hours. Peaches sleeps a lot, (probably akin to a human with a brain injury). She is quite happy to sleep peacefully in her dog pen, a dog bed, your bed, on you, or in her crate. But as part of her routine, we ensure she always sleeps overnight in her crate.
Peaches is very food motivated - she eats well and loves treats so this also means medicating her is much easier. We simply hide it in her food and it's gone! Peaches now loves chew toys too, and snuffle mats. It's great for her brain and keeps her busy!
During the day, aside from a nap, Peaches loves a snuggle, but she’ll also happily hang out and amuse herself in her play pen, with one of her enrichment toys or mats. Peaches is happy to join you on errands - she has a booster seat and happily sits there enjoying the ride.
Familiarity for Peaches is comfort. Peaches is okay with general household noise as she has adapted over time. But is not suitable for someone wanting a doggy companion to take out and about (socially) all the time or for a busy workplace. Peaches does enjoy the odd outing but care must be taken to avoid overwhelming her. Remember: Peaches isn't a behavioral case who would benefit from a lot of social interaction.
Peaches does well when introduced to other pets (provided they aren't boisterous). But is not to be fed around other dogs (or given treats around them), she can be food possessive which will start fights.
Peaches can be a bit of a "one-person" girlie, as many Chihuahuas are. She is loving and loyal to her person - and visibly excited to see you when you come home! But she also prefers the familiarity of the person she trusts. Peaches is slowly learning new people aren't scary (as long as they don't invade her space) she is capable of accepting newcomers as long as they're patient and don't overwhelm her. Peaches has the courage to approach and sniff new people but should be ignored so she can come around in her own time. Too much interaction with the outside world and strangers will tire her and risk her progress. We've found she is very content with being in the home and an occasional visit out in the car. Peaches is a home girlie!
Most of the time, Peaches' is alert, bright, inquisitive loving and sweet. Occasionally she may have an "off day" where she sleeps more and is less tolerant of new people or other dogs around her. This is to be expected, we just roll with however the day is.
Peaches' is a special needs dog, but that doesn't mean she has a poor quality of life. She is actually very clever in terms of her cognitive ability; which continues to improve due to her treatments. Peaches has learnt commands like "up!" to indicate someone is going to be picking her up. Plus "dinner", "outside" and "toilets". Peaches has been trained to drink from a rabbit dropper, pen and crate-trained. Peaches loves her chew toys, her enrichment toys and licki-mats and they give her brain an opportunity to engage also. She will come with her full supply of these.
Peaches will let you know when she wants to be taken outside, fed, or picked up. She doesn't like to make a mess in her beds or crate. But she doesn't always find her way outside alone. It's best to lead her outside and back (with a treat in front of her nose) so she learns your home layout.
Although she is not a "standard" dog, Peaches now has a great quality of life and often shows her moments of joy in a truly heartwarming way (ie. chasing months and rolling on the grass when she knows it's "toilet time" and she should be doing that instead!) She is such a joy to know and care for - it can be harder initially as you get to know her and figure each other out. But once she trusts you, she loves you with 100% of her heart and will let you do anything.
We can provide you more information on her daily needs if you feel she may be a match!
Peaches presented with neurological symptoms on her arrival in Christchurch - constant circling, unsteadiness, constant restlessness and sadly, almost full vision loss. Thanks to the help of our supporters, on 31st June 2023, Peaches underwent a neurological ultrasound and MRI.
Diagnosis:
The MRI scan shows pockets of inflammation and swelling throughout the brain which is consistent with an auto-immune cause. Peaches' likely diagnosis is: Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Etiology ("MUE") – this means essentially something has caused Peaches the immune system to attack her brain which has led to her symptoms.
Peaches has had the care of a dedicated and supportive foster team while with our charity. We have also collected a very passionate, caring and experienced team of veterinarians, specialists and Neurologists (read more on this below) to ensure she has the best chance at life. We are seeing great results under their advice and hope this will continue with the benefit of time!
Since beginning medical treatments, the difference in her (to those who met and cared for her initially) is astounding. Peaches is much more bright, alert, calm and content than she was previously. Peaches’ two biggest symptoms were the almost total blindness and the tight circling to the left when you put her on the ground.
It’s heartwarming to see Peaches begin normal dog stuff - rolling on grass or grooming herself. Peaches is reclaiming more of her functions and personality each day. Plus focusing on helping her realize her independence and a “normal dog” routine.
Peaches is on 3-weekly infusions of Cyterbrine (she recently had #15 on 13th April 2024) which we import from the USA. Peaches is also taking Prednisone, Atopica, Omeprezole , Gabapentin daily and a sleeping pill if needed. We are currently slowly reducing these under the guidance of her specialists.
Peaches has been doing so well, we were able to have her spayed on 22nd April 2024. Peaches also has regular consults with her vets, and bloods every 3 weeks.
Prognosis: Since beginning the infusions, Peaches has regained sight and control of things like her speed balance and co-ordination. Peaches' awareness and cognitive ability has increased. Peaches now sleeps in a crate, knows commands, walks on a lead, will indicate when she needs the toilet, goes up stairs, and acknowledges her surroundings, people and other dogs.
After meeting Peaches' and determining she had neurological issues, we put in a lot of time, consideration and research, into considering whether it was possible for a small charity like ours to provide funding for Peaches' treatment. Alongside evaluating Peaches' quality of life, possible prognosis. We are so thankful for the support we have received and the kind donations - as this is what has got Peaches this far! Treatment could completely resolve her symptoms and send the disease into remission. Peaches could live (somewhat) normally and so far, the signs have been all positive.
Please note: Peaches cannot be vaccinated, flea or wormed as this could ramp up her immune system once more to attack her brain - she has an immune-condition.
Could you be a fit for Peaches? Peaches has special needs that require commitment and flexibility in her carers' schedule. We appreciate your kindness and willingness to help Peaches. However, please carefully consider whether her needs align with your lifestyle, current commitments and routine. Our primary goal is to ensure Peaches finds a forever home that matches her needs, so doesn't have to undergo any further changes - Thank you for your understanding and support.
Not sure if you're a match for Peaches?
If you consider the above and think you may be able to care for Peaches but have a couple of queries, feel free to email us and tell us about yourself and note any queries you have. We can then discuss this with you further.
Wish you were a match but not sure it would work out? or based outside of Christchurch?
That's OK! we appreciate your consideration and honesty about whether you could assist her. Please consider visiting the the links below to donate to Peaches' medical fund or set up an automatic payment. This is also a HUGE help to her as she does require a lot of financial support. It is a way you can still contribute to helping Peaches.
If you think you would be a match for Peaches:
Please email us at contact@nzchihuahuarescue.co.nz and let us know a brief overview about you and your circumstances - then we will be in touch!
We didn’t set out to take on such a complex and challenging medical case as little Peaches, but once she arrived we honored our commitment to do what we can for her as we do for each dog that comes into our care. Peaches has been the biggest financial commitment our charity has ever made and we are so grateful for your assistance to ensure Peaches can continue her life-saving treatments!
To donate directly to the (Westpac) Trust Account:
The New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue
03-0823-0074502-000 Ref: “Peaches”
Swift code (international deposits): WPACNZ2W
For debit, or credit card options (both international and local) supporters:
Don't forget to contact us via email for a tax receipt and you can receive 33.33% of your donation back from the IRD for any donations made over $5.00 during a tax year as we are a registered charity!
Thanks to your generous support, Peaches has received the following consultations, diagnostics, and treatments. We deeply appreciate your assistance and are happy to provide a breakdown of the costs covered by the trust for Peaches for the sake of transparency and appreciation towards her Donators.
Daily medications (as per her dosage at January 2024):
= $297.19 per month daily medication fee (approx)
Infusions costs (ie. every 3 weeks):
Miscellaneous Peachy Health/Medical Expenses:
We are now fundraising for the next step in Peaches Journey, please read about this HERE.
New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the generous supporters who have donated to Peaches. Alongside the following team of kind and caring vets who have assisted Peaches to date: The team at Christchurch After Hours Vet Clinic, Dr Karen Valu (Northlands Animal Hospital & Animal Physio), the lovely team at McMaster & Heap, Dr Michelle McMaster, Dr Terryne Loney and Dr Steve Heap. Plus her current treating vets, Dr Tracey Tonkin (Shirley Vet Clinic) in conjunction with Neurologist specialist (USA) Dr Nicholas DePompa (of Southeast Veterinary Neurology see: wwwsevneurology.com)
A "little" goes a long way. If you can spare $5 to donate, every little bit helps - your generosity is both needed and greatly appreciated!
NZCR are a volunteer-run charity that survives only off of donations and our fundraising projects to be able to continue our good work! But this has been our hardest year yet and we need your help to be able to continue...