10/07/2026
I am very sorry to share that, as of today, Maureen is being moved to hospice care. 💔
I adopted Maureen in April after all nine of her babies found their forever homes. When I adopted her, I knew she was Stage 3 heartworm positive, and we have gone through treatment. Unfortunately, even after treatment, Maureen’s breathing has never been quite right.
Today, we went in for a checkup to determine whether she might need additional heartworm treatment. I never expected to leave with the news we received.
Maureen has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a rare and serious condition in dogs caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones. In dogs, this can be associated with a thyroid tumor, and based on what we are seeing, there is significant concern that there may also be cancer involving her chest.
Given how advanced her condition appears to be, I have made the decision to keep Maureen comfortable at home for as long as she is happy and not in pain. Realistically, I do not believe we will have more than the remainder of the year with her.
Many of you know that I have had to make some incredibly difficult decisions over the years, both for my foster dogs and for my own dogs. One thing I will never compromise on is their quality of life. I will not allow Maureen to suffer simply because I am not ready to say goodbye.
Right now, though, she is still Maureen. ❤️
She is eating well. She sleeps—a lot!—but she still wants to play and enjoy the things she loves. As long as she continues to tell me that she is comfortable and enjoying her days, that is exactly what we will do: take things one day at a time and let her be loved and spoiled.
After everything this sweet girl went through before coming into rescue, raising her nine little “potatoes,” surviving heartworm treatment, and finally getting to become a spoiled family dog herself, she deserves nothing less.
For now, we are going to enjoy every good day she gives us. Thank you to Pressly Animal Hospital,PLLC, DR P, for providing her great care since she has come to the rescue and into my family and Greater Charlotte SPCA for allowing me to be her foster mom and then her forever mom!
**Please keep sweet Maureen in your thoughts.** ☘️❤️🐾