JESSICA from New York..xoxoxoxox

It's with a heavy heart that we bring you Miss Jessica from New York's final update. Jessica's heroic battle with cancer came to a peaceful end yesterday evening. Her last night was spent at home, where she was surrounded by the love of her family. Jessica's brave spirit & love of life inspired us. She will be deeply missed & remembered always. Rest In Peace precious girl. Please keep her pack in your prayers, wishes, thoughts & chants. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. --Save-An-Angel

Today we honor Jessica, who was the 25th dog to receive a canine Bone Marrow Transplant at NCSU last June. She was a beautiful girl who bravely battled lymphoma, but even the BMT was not enough to completely stop this beast of a cancer. Jessica went to the Rainbow Bridge last night, surrounded by her loving family. Jessica was a beloved member of the Save-An-Angel BMT Pack and a pioneer for the rest of us who have battled canine cancer with our pups -- receiving cutting-edge treatments so that the rest of us may benefit someday. Rest in Peace sweet Jessica. You will be forever loved and missed. -- Georgia's Legacy

All of Jessica's recent updates are being updated daily at the bottom of this page, below her story.

Hello everyone,

I'm pleased to introduce Jessica from New York! Jessica will be the 25th dog to receive the life-saving canine bone marrow transplant at NC State University. Her Dad, Will, checks her into the BMT unit on Monday, 6/14/2010 where Jessica will receive the cure! Jessica will remain at NC State for 3 weeks and we promise to keep you updated on her progress every step of the way. Will wrote the following bio about Jessica, her family, friends, diagnosis and of course their journey to the cure :)

 

About Jessica...

On June 14th, 2010 I will check Jessica in to NC State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for a Bone Marrow Transplant to cure her Cancer. Here is a little about Jessica and her journey to this point.

How old is Jessica?

Because Jessica is a rescue, we are not sure of her exact age. She came to us in August, 2007 and we were told she was 2 1/2 years old at the time. That makes her about 5 years old now. Without an actual birthday to celebrate, we celebrate the day we met and her adoption date which was in October, 2007. Both those dates turned out to be very special ones for us...

What breed of dog is Jessica?

Again, this is not completely clear. The shelter identified her as a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, but she is most likely a mix of mixes. She could also be part Boxer, German Shepherd, and certainly has some Pit Bull in her as well. She was 54 pounds when I met her, and now tips the scales at around 67 pounds. The perfect size for cuddling!

How did Jessica find us?

5 months after I fostered, fell in love with, and ultimately adopted my first dog Gemini, I wanted to help another dog from the same local rescue group and offered to foster again. I met Patty (who runs New Yorkers for Companion Animals) at our city shelter to meet Jessica. Having already fostered Gemini, Patty knew me and was happy to have me help out again. This time shortly after arriving I literally was just handed the leash and off we went. Because of Jessica's size and "rough" exterior a taxi was not an option. In fact, a block from the shelter the NYPD stopped us and asked to see her license. They let us go after I explained we just left the shelter. So, that meant walking from the shelter on 110th Street to my apartment on 63rd Street. Thankfully, it was a beautiful Summer evening and probably the best way to get to know her and gain her respect and trust.

It worked. She came in tired and hungry and ready for the first comfortable sleep she had known in days (if ever). I sat on the floor with her and checked her out. She let me pet her and touch her and even cut her very long nails without so much as a growl.

I remember the following morning I had to be at work and left her and Gemini home alone in separate rooms not quite sure of what I may come home to. I thought of her all day and ran home at lunch time to check on her and give her a walk. As I opened the bedroom door, Jessica was quietly sitting on the bed to greet me. No mess, no destruction, and no complaints from the neighbors. WHEW! That was a huge feeling of relief! I should have known that day she decided she was home.

But, Jessica was still just a foster. I had Gemini to think of and my smallish apartment, and was very new at owning a dog, let alone 2. So came adoption #1. After 3 good weeks Jessica moved upstate with a young girl who saw her on line and came and meet her and was happy to take her. It was not easy to let her go, but it seems like a good match and I wanted to be able to help other dogs in need. After 4 days I got the call I had secretly wanted. The woman could not keep Jessica. There was an incident where Jessica had lunged at a male visitor and her adopter was just not comfortable keeping her. Without hesitation Jessica was back.

Adoption #2. Jessica was seen and wanted again on the website. This time by 2 guys who lived in Brooklyn. They were great guys who went out of their way to visit with us and Jessica in order to make sure it was a good match. And it seemed to be. After about a month they sent me photos of Jessica at their country house. She looked beautiful and happy and so did they. Within a week of getting the photos I got the second call I secretly wanted. They too had given up on Jessica after she bit a good friend of theirs. Without hesitation Jessica was back and this time for good. And in October she was officially adopted by us. 2 months, 2 adoptions, and 2 returns later. I must add that Jessica has never shown any aggression towards us since the day I met her. I can only assume she was a victim of her past and circumstances, and that she simply wanted to be with us forever. And she got what she wanted!

What do we know about Jessica's history?

Unfortunately, very little. I was told she lived in the basement of an apartment building in Queens, NY with 3 other dogs and an elderly gentleman. I don't believe it was a basement apartment, because I was told the owner of the building found out the man was keeping dogs down there and he was forced to surrender them to the local shelter. This shelter is Animal Care and Control of New York City, a kill shelter which is heavily over-burdened with the number of dogs it must accept. Jessica never saw a day in adoptions at the shelter and because of behavior issues and a common (easily treated) kennel cough she was immediately put on the "euthanasia list". This is the point where people like Patty and organizations like New Yorkers for Companions Animals as well as foster volunteers like myself step in to help. The numbers are overwhelming and the options are limited. The sad truth is that many dogs and many cats are euthanized each day for correctable behavioral issues, treatable illnesses, or most sadly just for lack of space.

When Jessica came to me she was in ok shape, but was skinny and was still producing milk. Whether this meant she had recently given birth to a litter or not is unclear. What was clear is that she was tired from an uncomfortable and unsafe life the details of which I am probably better off not knowing.

What personality traits does Jessica have?

We like to say that Jessica has a sense of humor. When you go to take a sip of your drink and she nudges your arm and it spills, we think she laughs a little. She never admits to this, but her big smile gives her away.

I say that Jessica is all heart. Her goal in life is to please. When I ask her to do something, I watch her try to figure out what it is. She always follows every direction and I see her pride when she gets it right. Come, Go, Up, Down, Here, There, Jump in this box... Nothing is too much. The flip side of this is she gets very guilty about anything that goes wrong. She is never in trouble and even if she had nothing to with it, she hangs her head and falls to floor if she thinks she has disappointed us. I see this most recently when she gets sick from the chemo. Usually a simple "its okay" is all she needs to bounce back.

She is also highly alert and watches our every move. Most of the time she could not be close enough to us. She follows us from room to room and sits by the door when one of us leaves. Coming home to her is a joy. She runs across the room, grabs a tennis ball and gives a great long low growl to greet us. She loves visitors too. She is not a face licker, but she will climb on any piece of furniture to be as close as possible to anyone who comes over. Expect her in your lap with a tennis ball in her mouth if you visit our house.

About Jessica's family...

Jessica's family is unique. She has 3 Daddies. We live together and share the responsibility of loving, being loved by, and caring for our household of "babies". The advantage for Jessica is that she is very rarely alone, which is the best as far as she is concerned. We live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York, in a nice apartment in a very pet-friendly building and neighborhood. For her the best spot is in one of our beds, or on the sofa with us watching TV.

And what about Jessica's "four-legged family members"?

Jessica lives with her adopted brother Gemini, a chow mix and our first adopted pet. He is about the same age and they have very similar energy levels. They have gotten along very well from day 1. Although not "cuddle-buddies" they share everything and are a perfect match. Gemini has a much more complicated (and frankly stubborn) personality, but Jessica does not seem to mind. We love when the wrestle around and make noise, share toys, and take them on trips together. When one is gone, the other seems to notice and things are not quite right, even though each enjoys 100% of the attention.

Jessica's adopted sister is a cat named Annabella that we simply call "Kitty". This is a true sisterhood for Jessica and Kitty. Jessica has always wanted to be close to Kitty. When Kitty joined us it was nerve-wracking for a time, but I soon stood back and learned that Jessica knew exactly how to be gentle and close to Kitty. Many times I find them sharing a bed and and am once more proud of my Jessica.

 

Most Sincerely,

The Sullens Pack

UPDATE Tuesday January 24, 2010

It's with a heavy heart that we bring you Miss Jessica from New York's final update. Jessica's heroic battle with cancer came to a peaceful end yesterday evening. Her last night was spent at home, where she was surrounded by the love of her family. Jessica's brave spirit & love of life inspired us. She will be deeply missed & remembered always. Please keep her pack in your prayers, wishes, thoughts & chants. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.--Save-An-Angel

Today we honor Jessica, who was the 25th dog to receive a canine Bone Marrow Transplant at NCSU last June. She was a beautiful girl who bravely battled lymphoma, but even the BMT was not enough to completely stop this beast of a cancer. Jessica went to the Rainbow Bridge last night, surrounded by her loving family. Jessica was a beloved member of the Save-An-Angel BMT Pack and a pioneer for the rest of us who have battled canine cancer with our pups -- receiving cutting-edge treatments so that the rest of us may benefit someday. Rest in Peace sweet Jessica. You will be forever loved and missed. -- Georgia's Legacy

The Sullens Pack 

UPDATE FRIDAY October 29, 2010

Our apologies for taking so long to write since our last Jessica update. It is with a heavy heart that I bring you this news today. Jessica relapsed almost 2 months to the day after returning home from her Canine Bone Marrow Transplant at NC State. Her family was understandably devastated by the news, but they are trying to be hopeful about the future.

Jessica started back on chemo immediately and her family vowed to move forward as best they could. We heard from Jessica's family last week with another update. It turns out that her lymph nodes are being stubborn and she still has not gone into remission. We are all still hoping that Jessica will go back into remission before the end of her current protocol.

Jessica's family is being positive and moving forward with all treatments that are available for her. They said they understand that sometimes its just a matter of trying different therapies and seeing what she responds to. Overall she is great. Eating, pooping, playing, and loving, just as always. Before Jessica's family mentioned that they feel she has changed and they describe it as her being about 90% of herself. Not sick or unhappy, just a little off.

Jessica is a very special member of the BMT Pack and we are praying for her quick recovery. And we ask that you do the same :) The more prayers, wishes, chants and positive energy that we send Jessica's way, the better off she'll be. We promise to keep you up to date on her progress.

Most Sincerely,

The Sullens Pack 

UPDATE FRIDAY July 2, 2010

7/12 Posted from Will's profile - "So, Its been one eventful week since Jessica returned from NC State. We have a new apartment and she seems very happy in her new place... She is doing really well and this past Saturday she had her first visit with our vet for bloodwork... Her platelet count is way over 100,000 which was the goal. Now she just has monthly visits and we continue to enjoy her Cancer being behind us. All the babies are happy to be back together and life has returned to quiet... Thanks friends and I will keep you all posted.."

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll continue to update you on her progress!!

UPDATE FRIDAY July 2, 2010

I'm happy to report that Jessica has been released from NCSU as a SURVIVOR!! She's 100% cancer free and on the road to recovery :) Below are a few pics of Jessica being reunited with her Daddy's Keith and Adam - AWWW!! Will couldn't make it this trip because he's busy turning Jessica's new house into a home :) The whole family is excited to have Jessica back and we are SO HAPPY FOR ALL OF YOU!!! XOXOXOXOXOX 

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll continue to update you on her progress!!

UPDATE Monday June 28, 2010

Today's update is copied directly from our Facebook page from Jessica's Dad Will:

"Very Good Jessica Update: Heard from Nurse Amy that Jess was very happy this morning. Feeling good and so excited that she had to be encouraged to relax! Her Platelet count has jumped to 14,000 and her Neutrophils to 2900... I can't fully wrap my head around what this means, except that it is a big step in the right direction and what we have been waiting for! Yay, Jessica! More soon..."

This picture was taken after a nice walk :)

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll update soon!

UPDATE Sunday June 27, 2010

Today's update is copied directly from our Facebook page from Jessica's Dad Will:

"Jessica Update: She continues to do well in the ICU. No issues. She is eating and doing her business and loving all her friends. Her number are creeping up now and so we are just waiting for confirmation of when she can return to us. Hopeful we can pick her her up Friday! I cannot believe she is almost ready to return! Thanks and look for updates and photos this week..."

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll update soon!

UPDATE Friday June 25, 2010

Today's update is copied directly from our Facebook page from Jessica's Dad Will:

"So, after my small meltdown yesterday, Jessica is looking much better. I am sure she is fine and will continue to improve. I am very excited as it may only be another week! A few ups and downs are a small price to pay. 

Her neutrophil count is on the rise quickly (good)... He platelets are still low (not so good) and I think she goes into ICU to be watched closely for a few days... Once again, all according to plan! Thanks all."

This is a picture of Jessica in isolation - day 2. She appears to be feeling much better today than yesterday :) Hang in there sweet girl! We are all pulling for you to get out of there ASAP!

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll update soon!

UPDATE Thursday June 24, 2010

Today's update is copied directly from our Facebook page from Jessica's Dad Will:

"Jesssica Update: Tough day today, for me and for her. I appreciate the photos each day from Nurse Amy so much, but today's made me break down for the first time since I left her. She is ok, and exactly where we knew she would be at this point, but knowing she is fading and seeing her looking like this just made me sad. Get some rest girl, we love you!"

This is a picture of Jessica in isolation. She is very sleepy because her platelets are dropping and her #'s are very low (which is normal). It's kind of like rebooting your computer. Once the power is drained you plug it back in and like magic it works again :)

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll update soon!

UPDATE Wednesday June 23, 2010

Today's update is copied directly from our Facebook page from Jessica's Dad Will:

" Jessica went into isolation yesterday and wasn't too happy about giving up her little apartment. She can't see what's going on and can't have her things with her. Dr. Suter said she paced and wanted to be back where the action is. Nurse Amy is trying her best put her at ease. Her neutrophils have dropped and by tomorrow she may hit bottom. But, today she is in very good form and as usual being "little miss perfect".

This is a picture of Jessica with her tennis ball before she went into isolation :) She looks like her spirits are high and they are going to have a hard time keeping this little one down!

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll update soon!

UPDATE Monday June 21, 2010

Today's update is copied directly from our Facebook page from Jessica's Dad Will:

"Update: Jessica is doing well today. Eating and feeling pretty good. Her platelets have dropped which is a little worrisome. This will be a critical few days and if all goes well she should be on the upswing by next weekend. Still missing her like crazy, but we all remain hopeful. More soon, Thanks all!"

Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll update soon!

UPDATE Saturday June 19, 2010

Today's update is copied directly from our Facebook page from Will, one of Jessica's Dad's:

"Hey Angel & Friends, I have not addressed you all individually, but I want to thank you all for your beautiful support and well wishes for Jessica... It does her Daddies good and I know all the positive energy makes a difference for her as well. She is strong and loving and surrounded by so much love and support, that I belive this will work and she will return to me and have the full life she deserves. Thank you all again, keep checking in, and thanks Angel for sharing Jessica's story and for paving the way for her!!!"

Update: Jessica is doing well today. Eating and feeling pretty good. Her platelets have dropped which is a little worrisome. This will be a critical few days and if all goes well she should be on the upswing by next weekend. Still missing her like crazy, but we all remain hopeful. More soon, Thanks all!

UPDATE Friday June 18, 2010

Ladies and gentlemen, today Jessica received a bone marrow transplant that will save her life! This amazing procedure was done at NC State University which is staffed to the brim w/unbelievably talented medical professionals and state of the art equiptment! Jessica handled the procedure beautifully and she is currently recovering while being spoiled by her surrogate family at NC State :)

Jessica after the BMT chewing on her favorite toy "Lambie" :) Aww!

Jessica snuggling w/nurse Amy after the transplant.

Nurse Amy wrote in with a Jessica udate on Facebook this evening!! She said that Jessica is a tired litle girl, but she's doing great!

Nurse Jennifer wrote in also and she said " I just was sitting with Jessica, and she was playing with her stuffed animal toy and wagging her tail! I think she is doing very very well! :)".

THANK YOU for updating us with such wonderful news!!

Now the waiting begins...Please keep Jessica in your thoughts, prayers and chants! Thank you for following Jessica's progress :) I'll update soon...

UPDATE Thursday June 17, 2010

Jessica's stem cells have been harvested and she's doing fantastic! Tomorrow Jessica will receive a canine bone marrow transplant, aka THE CURE!! I'm so excited for Jessica and her family :) Thank you for continuing to follow her progress - please keep Jessica in your prayers!! I'll update tomorrow...

(Repost from Will on FB) Jessica after the stem cell harvest. All reports are good. She did perfectly well and is loving the people around her...

UPDATE Wednesday June 16, 2010

Morning Update: Today is Jessica's first day without her family around and she's doing great! Her and Nurse Amy are really hitting it off and it looks as though she's ready to receive the cure :) Jessica was allowed to keep her bed which has been a big comfort to Jessica & her family.

Tomorrow Jessica will receive the Leukopheresis treatment - her stem cells will be harvested and she'll receive full body irradiation. This is to ensure that every last cancer cell is zapped before she's reimplanted with her own stem cells on Friday. I'll update tomorrow!

UPDATE Tuesday June 15, 2010

Morning Update: Jessica gets bloodwork done today. Her family is going to see what Chapel Hill has to offer, while they wait to hear the results from Jessica's test yesterday.

Afternoon Update: Jessica did great during her chemotherapy treatment! She did a little sight seeing w/her Daddy's and caught some rays before heading back to the hotel for some much needed rest. She's a little sick to her stomach and feeling much like eating, but that's to be expected. Tomorrow Jessica will say goodbye to her family as she prepares to receive the cure!

I'll update again tomorrow!

UPDATE Monday June 14, 2010

This is what Will, Jessica's Dad, wrote on Angel's Facebook this morning at 6:00 am:

"We made it! After a long drive and a long sleep we are ready to make our first visit to the NCSU gang! Jessica did very well on the 9 1/2 hour drive and is feeling very good this morning. Bone Marrow Biopsy for her today while we try to keep ourselves busy... More later!"

Will is allowed to see Jessica until Wednesday morning. Today Jessica received her bone marrow aspirate. This test will confirm that there are no cancer cells in Jessica's body. This test calls for a heavy sedative, so Jessica was very sleepy when she returned to the hotel. She didn't have much of an appetite, but that's also to be expected. Jessica will be dropped off again tomorrow morning for blood work, while her peeps anxiously await the results of yesterdays tests.

We will update you the minute we get more news!

The Sullens Pack