Meet Rhett, our southern Brittany boy with the heart and soul of a champion. Rhett has endured so many challenges in his young life, and shown the true spirit of a survivor through it all. Right now Rhett is facing his biggest challenge with hind end paralysis, rehabilitation and recovery, and could use all the help, support and prayers of Brittany Buddyfriends to cheer him on! Rhett came to ABR from a Georgia shelter several months ago when his owners didn’t want him back. He is Heartworm positive, had two bullets lodged in his body, suffering from respiratory, skin and ear infections, anemia and underweight from living outdoors and lack of nutrition. We don’t know much about Rhett’s past, but he adjusted immediately to the good life as a house pet – lizard hunting in the yard, playing with squeaky toys, cozying up on dog beds with his foster siblings, long walks and tons of love from his people! Rhett began initial treatment for Heartworm with antibiotics and gained weight and muscle with nutritious food and supplements. After a couple of months in foster care recovering to good health Rhett was ready to continue Heartworm treatment. After his first Heartworm treatment injection Rhett showed signs of pain and lameness in his back legs, progressing to paralysis in his hind end and unable to walk or stand. After consulting with multiple veterinarians and specialists, it was determined that Rhett had a very rare severe reaction to the Heartworm injection medication that affected his spinal cord. Rhett was evaluated by veterinary neurologists with MRI, which revealed that his spinal cord was compressed from inflammation and swelling causing the pain and paralysis. Once the neuro vets diagnosed the severity of his condition, Rhett was immediately scheduled for surgery that would help restore his quality of life. Rhett had spinal surgery under the care of expert neurology vets, and came through surgery with flying colors. The inflamed and swollen spinal tissue was removed, which relieved his nerve pain and has helped regaining some movement in his back legs. Rhett has a long road ahead as he heals, but his Brittany spirit, exuberant personality and darling smile shows how much better he’s feeling already! He snuggles with his foster siblings, enjoys naps in the sun and is still constantly on the hunt for birds and lizards. Rhett is using a doggy wheelchair for healthy exercise (it’s hard to tire out an energetic young Britt even on two legs!) and loves running in his Eddie’s Wheels cart. Rhett has started physical therapy to help regain strength and movement, with aquatherapy on the water treadmill, cold laser, acupuncture and lots of daily PT exercises at home, as well as supplements to support rehabilitation and healing. We are hopeful that Rhett will make a great recovery and be able to stand and walk again on his own. But we know for sure that he is a fighter, and so happy to live life to the fullest every day just like a normal Britt – his determination has been an inspiration to the many veterinary professionals and rescue volunteers who have helped along the way. Rhett’s medical expenses have been very high during hospitalization, surgery and recovery, and any Brittany Buddydonations towards his veterinary care will be so appreciated as this special boy continues his journey to good health. Rhett’s story is also a reminder of the importance of keeping all pets on monthly Heartworm preventive to help avoid the complications of Heartworm treatment. The American Heartworm Society has information for pet owners about Heartworm disease and prevention (www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics) The generous support and donations of Brittany Buddy friends are a great blessing to Rhett and the ABR family, allowing us to help rescue Brittanys like Rhett live healthy and full lives. Please feel free to contact Rhett’s foster mom at monicarutt@gmail.com and we would be happy to talk more about our wonderful guy!