Nora’s Story: Rescue with Purpose

When Nora arrived at Sammy’s Animal Rescue, she was a stray from California. She was microchipped, but when the shelter contacted the registered owner, they denied ever having a dog.

Whatever Nora’s early years looked like, one thing was clear: she had already been through more than her fair share.

Shortly after arriving, Nora developed a persistent cough. At first, we assumed it was kennel cough, a common and usually temporary condition for dogs coming from shelter environments. But as the weeks passed, her cough didn’t improve.

Our veterinarian ran bloodwork and chest X-rays to look deeper.

That’s when we learned something heartbreaking.

Nora’s X-ray revealed that she had been shot with a BB at some point in her life — the pellet is still lodged in her chest.

The BB wasn’t the cause of her cough, but it offered a painful glimpse into what Nora had endured before she ever found safety. For a senior dog who arrived with no one claiming her, it was a quiet reminder that her story didn’t start with us.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

After further evaluation, Nora was diagnosed with collapsing trachea — a progressive respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing and a distinctive honking cough. It’s a condition that can’t be cured, only managed, and it requires ongoing care and close monitoring.

Since her diagnosis, we’ve worked closely with our veterinary team to support Nora’s comfort and quality of life. Her care plan has included medications like Zyrtec and hydrocodone for her cough, allergy shots, supplements, anti-inflammatory foods, and a cool humidifier to support her breathing.

Over the past few weeks, Nora’s symptoms worsened, and we added a round of prednisone, antibiotics, and Cerenia to help reduce inflammation and ease her coughing.

We’re grateful to share that her cough has improved.

Collapsing trachea doesn’t come with a cure — it comes with commitment.

What Daily Care Really Looks Like

Caring for Nora isn’t just about medication schedules.

It’s about paying attention.

It’s noticing her breathing, adjusting her environment, keeping her calm during flare-ups, and making sure her days are filled with comfort and routine. It’s knowing when she needs extra support — and when she just wants to be herself.

Because despite everything, Nora is still very much Nora.

Nora is a sassy senior with a true zest for life. She’s active around the house and yard, keeps the other dogs in line, and has perfected her own way of communicating when it’s time to eat.

Her preferred method? Scratching the dishwasher or refrigerator doors until someone listens.

She has opinions. She has boundaries. She has joy. Illness hasn’t dimmed Nora’s personality — it’s only made it more precious.

Choosing Quality of Life, Every Day

We don’t know what the future holds for Nora, and that’s okay.

What we do know is that right now, she is safe. She is loved. She is comfortable. And she is living a life filled with routines, sunshine, companionship, and care.

This wasn’t the journey we expected when Nora arrived nearly two years ago. But we are deeply grateful we’ve been able to keep her with us, provide the care she needs, and let her live her best life surrounded by dignity and compassion.

Rescue isn’t about fixing everything, it’s about showing up fully for as long as it matters.

Why Stories Like Nora’s Matter

Nora’s story is a reminder that rescue doesn’t always come with simple outcomes. Some dogs need time. Some need patience. Some need ongoing medical care and a community willing to walk alongside them.

But every dog deserves to be seen, known, and loved — no matter how complicated their needs may be.

Thank you for being part of the reason dogs like Nora get that chance.

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