Ellie Riggs      Ellie Riggs is a lovely unassuming Dachshund Manchester Terrier mix. Not considered particularly beautiful to many, Ellie languished at an animal control facility for several months before being rescued. Now that she is with us, Ellie finds herself in need of some special care. Ellie is being evaluated, and potentially treated for, Cushings. This is a common condition in older dogs, often mistaken for the ging process itself. Dogs gain weight, lose hair, urinate in the house, and make owners begin to prematurely consider their furkid terribly sick. Yet Cushing's disease is treatable and that treatment can result in a longer, more comfortable life for the dog and its owner. Our regular veterinarian has recommended and worked with a specialist to have Ellie evaluated. If she has this condition, the specialist will also begin her treatment. The specialist has agreed to work up and treat Ellie for the initial price of $800.00. While this is significantly less than it would cost to have each test and treatment done seperately, it is an enormous amount of money for us. We need your help to help Ellie. Can you donate a little bit to help pay for this extraordinary medical care for Ellie? Every donation helps - we simly cannot afford to take these additional measures for dogs like Ellie without your help. UPDATED: March 26, 2008 - Ellie Riggs did get diagnosed with Cushings. The next step is the Ultrasound to see if it's caused by the Pituitary or Adrenal Gland. Meanwhile, she needs to start on meds that will run $60 a month from now on. If you would like to help us take care of Ellie Riggs, please send your check to SmallDog Rescue and Humane Society, Inc, PO Box 888570, Atlanta, GA 30356. For your convenience, we now accept Visa and Mastercard as well as PayPal. Just click on the button below. Thank you! UPDATED: May 15, 2008 - Ellie's tests came back showing levels normal, meaning her meds are working. This also indicates that this is likely a pituitary inbalance, as opposed to a tumor. She's improving, balanced on chemical levels and looking like there's only a gland issue, no tumor. We are still waiting to get rescheduled for ultrasound...just to make positively sure. For your convenience, we also accept credit cards and PayPal. Just click below. Thank you! Thank you, Johnny H, for helping with Ellie Riggs' care! Thank you, Diane H, for your help wiht Ellie's care!