He's not a freak of nature, he is not a monster, and no... he is not a Shar-Pei, he is not a Chinese crested dog.

 He is a German Shepherd mix, and quite a lovely one at that. 

From the time that Hudson was a small pup, he suffered from Demodectic mange, with secondary infections. At just shy of 3 months old, Hudson's long battle began...

Hudson was picked up from the local pound by a rescuer who took him home and set out to "make him right". Little did she know what a long journey her and Hudson had just embarked upon. 

Since October of 2005, this rescuer and a very brave pup have battled the mites, the infections, the sickness, the blood, the ooze, the stench of rotting flesh and the sheer emotional trauma to both of them. 

Hudson has spent most of his life being sick. He got better for a time, and then relapsed again and again and again.  In and out of vets from Surrey to North Van, yet nothing seemed to help this little guy and his future was looking bleak. 

His rescuer felt that she has been through hell and back with Hudson and she was constantly trying new and different things. Suggestions and advice were all taken, yet nothing seemed to help this boy, and Hudson continued to get sicker. 

Many people said to her "Why don't you just euthanize that dog?" Many people blamed her for making him continue on.  Her reply, "Because I am not ready to give up on him yet". 

GSRBC stood at the side lines for many months and watched Hudson get better and then get sick again. Over and over and over.  We helped from time to time when we could and tried to give them both as much support as we were able.

Finally, after Hudson's last episode in June, and talking with his rescuer, we asked her to come out to Chilliwack and give our vet a try at our expense. We use this vet because we believe he is the best there is. If anyone could help Hudson, then we knew that our vet could. 

WELL! True to our word, our vet was able to get Hudson back on track.  It turned out that he had not only been misdiagnosed at many other vets, but no one had bothered to test his thyroid! Hudson tested positive for Hypothyroid. There was no way that little Hudson could of gotten better with this untreated condition, his little body just wasn't able to cope and was shutting down.

With the correct diagnoses and proper medication doses, Hudson is starting to get well again! Finally! 

Hudson just celebrated his 1st birthday in July. His skin is healing up, and he is getting better, though he will require extensive, ongoing care. 

There is no way that his rescuer can handle these large bills, so GSRBC has committed to helping her help Hudson.  We are happy to cover his veterinary care for as long as the two of them need us, and we hope you will help us in this journey as well. 

All of us at GSRBC want to say a huge thank you to his rescuer for never giving up on him, for wrapping her arms around him and hugging him even when he was oozing sickness all over his body. Thank you for never blinking an eye when he drops blood all over your house, for when he stinks up your house, your car, your clothes, your bed. Thank you for giving Hudson this chance and for the unconditional love that surrounds him. 

Hudson has touched many hearts along his way. He is teaching not just his rescuer, but everyone who comes into contact with him. His journey is a special one, and we are glad to have met him.

Hudson will be well again. He is here for a purpose. His gentle spirit and loving eyes tell you all you need to know about Hudson when you meet him.

 There really are angels among us, and Hudson is one of them. 

November Update:

Hudson is doing AWESOME! You should see this guy now! He is still a little shy on the hair on his sides but with winter his hair is thicker on some spots so it doesn't look as obvious any more. The only place on his body that has any kind of "flare up" is on the bridge of his nose. I took him to my vet on Tuesday and he weighed in at 61.4 pounds. We have finally got over the 60 mark, where is where he was at 5 months ago. Today we spent 2 hours at the dog park. He just doesn't stop playing while we're there. He's just so happy!

Thank you again, GSRBC, for all you have done for Hudson.

Thank you to all of Hudson's sponsors:

^{Special thanks to Dr. Steinebach  and the staff at Valley Veterinary Services. Their standard of care and commitment are always a cut above.}

Hudson is getting better!

Update: 

Hudson has been adopted by his rescuer.  GSRBC will follow up with one more vet visit for Hudson, but we are happy to report that he is doing so well, and no longer needs our assistance. 

Hudson is one of the sweetest boys around, and we are so happy to have played a small part in his life. 

Enjoy the good life Hudson! You deserve it!

June 11th 2007 ~ Update     YAY! GO HUDSON!!

We are a registered non-profit Charity as of April 1st 2005