Help save Avon

On Wednesday December 1st, Avon Barksdale suddenly had a fever, wouldn’t eat or poop, & had severe abdominal pain. He was taken to the vet immediately by his parents. Avon was diagnosed with a septic abdomen (bacteria in his belly), & is suspected to have intestinal lymphangiectasia & protein losing enteropathy of his kidneys. Avon is losing crucial proteins through his intestines & now his kidneys. His has an advanced case with a sudden onset, which has been devastating & unexpected for his family, who love him more than anything.

Avon is only 5 years young, & is the absolute sweetest, most perfect, baby! Avon was adopted by his parents through Texas Sweeties Dog Rescue when he was 1 year old, & has been their “Bus” ever since. Avon loves belly rubs, eating, being brushed, going on 6 mile walks with his dad & siblings, chasing squirrels, playing with his siblings, helping mom cook, & mostly, cuddling in bed with his parents under a weighted blanket! Avon has 4 siblings: Omar, Marlo, Reggie, & his rainbow bridge angel/big sister, Tonka, all who miss him very much. Avon is the protector of this Boston Terrier pack, & loves everyone with his big heart & ears.

Avon’s family fosters dogs through Texas Sweeties & have found homes for numerous animals, Natalie volunteers at Austin Wildlife Rescue when she’s not working as a nurse in the ED. Avon’s parents care for feral cats, & devote their lives to helping ALL animals (even less popular ones like snakes, opossums, & coyotes) through donations, volunteer work, & by raising awareness.

Avon has been a key factor in helping new fosters feel welcome in the Fontenot/Shrull home & helps them transition to the good life. Now, Avon’s family needs help with their precious boy. Avon has required ICU care from Dec 1 to the current day, with many more days anticipated. Avon has been receiving Plasma transfusions to help restore some protein loss, & his sepsis has been treated with antibiotics. Avon’s prognosis is uncertain, but there’s still hope that he can beat this with enough treatment, & hopefully make it home to his family for Christmas. Avon’s family had to help their 13 year old Boston, Tonka, cross the rainbow bridge only 2 years ago, & this is extremely hard for them to go through again so soon. Avon Barksdale is truly a perfect dog, a once in a lifetime “heart dog”, who was dealt a bad hand. Please consider donating to help this family who help so many animals in need.