09/07/2026
One of the things we do from time to time is hospice care.
Meet precious Lulu, a sweet, little 12- year-old Maltese mix who is currently safe and cozy in her foster home. When Lulu found herself in a local shelter, we answered the call to help. We knew that Lulu had significant medical needs — but we weren’t sure exactly what that would entail.
We could see that she needed her eyes examined, and that she desperately needed a dental cleaning. However, during her pre-dental blood work, we uncovered something unexpected.
Lulu’s ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) level came back at 1,341 U/L—a severe elevation well above the normal reference range (typically under 120 U/L).
ALT is an enzyme stored inside liver cells. When liver cells experience inflammation or injury, they leak this enzyme directly into the bloodstream. A value over 1,300 indicates that Lulu’s liver is under severe stress.
Due to her overall health and the extent of her liver compromise, our veterinary team has recommended hospice (palliative) care for Lulu.
Although we could not anticipate this, our focus remains Lulu’s quality of life and day-to-day comfort.
In addition to her liver needs, Lulu is managing multiple eye conditions. She currently has an ulcer in her right eye, which is expected to heal with treatment. However, she also has glaucoma and dry eye (KCS), both of which will require lifelong daily eye drops to keep her pain-free and comfortable.
We want Lulu to have the most awesome time for however long we can keep her comfortable and happy. But, we can’t do it without your help. Each donation ensures Lulu receives the care she deserves by going towards: * Prescription Food: Lulu has been put on a prescription diet to help decrease the work her liver has to do. * Medications: Lulu requires medication to help support her struggling liver. She also needs lifelong, twice daily eye drops for both glaucoma and dry eye. For now, she is also receiving medication for her healing corneal ulcer. * Veterinary Care: Routine check-ups and bloodwork to keep Lulu happy and pain-free. Lulu is spending her days soaking up soft blankets, affection, and cozy naps, and it’s all because of this wonderful community! Thank you for helping us wrap Lulu in love and support while she needs it most!
