Glen Highland: Meet the Rescues

SANCTUARY RESIDENT ROSSI is not only a gorgeous guy, he is a very stable, good-natured Border Collie, normally easily adoptable. That wasn’t the case for him.

At 3 months old, his swallowing disorder, Megaesophagus, left him horribly underfed since every meal meant regurgitation. Relinquished to Glen Highland, we knew Rossi could live a very short life so sought out every medical option possible, but nothing worked well. The first year of his life, every month he landed at Cornell’s ICU with aspiration pneumonia, at risk of death. Hyper-vigilant oversight of every bite of food or slurp of water became everyday life at the Founder’s home. Days were filled with tears and worry.

Little did we know that time would unfold with a really good outcome. Now 6 yrs old, he is alive and well, running like the wind because one medication trial worked - Sildenafil - the canine version of viagra. The drug allows the esophageal ‘flap’ to lower over the stomach opening so food will not come out. This miraculous find has given Rossi an active, truly full BC life. Watching this vibrant boy be allowed to join others in the pack to run and drink water as needed and eat without spoonfuls of small food, has been a joy. Rossi is truly one of the happiest rescues we have ever seen!

Health Challenges:
In 2023, Rossi was diagnosed with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) which means he must eat a prescription diet and receive B12 vitamin supplements. While his Megaesophagus is controlled, we now must also carefully monitor him for weight loss and more serious GI issues, as this can be a progressive problem.

Jay Monitz, In memory of Michelle

Hugs from Vicki Buono & GH alum Cookie

Sandra Radebaugh

Brad Atkinson

In loving memory of our Mother and Grandmother, Marilyn Edwards, who passed away September 8th, 2021, we would be honored to be an angel for Rossi. Her daughters, Mary Beth Huffhine and Sherri Scherer, and her granddaughter, Genealy Hudson.

Scottie Burkhalter, in memory of Russy & JayJay