“Never say never” has never felt more fitting. After we lost our beloved Pomeranians, Luka, Mika, and Little Sophia, my husband and I swore off adopting or fostering any more Pomeranians. The heartbreak was overwhelming, and we thought Yoki and Niko would be our only fur babies from then on. Yoki had blossomed into a confident, playful member of our household, while Niko, our “Prince of Everything Pommy Mommy,” proudly strutted around, full of personality. Together, they were our “dynamic duo” (or “Bonnie and Clyde,” depending on the day).
But life had a different plan for us, and here’s how the Duke and Duchess became part of our lives, turning our “never” into something extraordinary.
The Late-Night Call
One evening, as I climbed the stairs to bed, I heard my husband call from his office, “Hun, are you in bed yet?” When he asks this, it usually means something to discuss—the business, a decision we need to make, or something he wants me to see. This is not exactly what I want to hear at 10 p.m. when I’m ready to relax!
I hesitated, then responded, “No, what’s up?” I probably should have pretended to be asleep because what he said next stunned me. He told me that his acquaintance, J.C., a former radio personality in Las Vegas, had recently passed away. Then came the twist: J.C. had two Pomeranians, a boy and a girl, who needed a home urgently. If no one could take them, they would end up in a no-kill shelter.
Meeting Duke and Duchess
J.C. had been hospitalized for six weeks when his brother did his best to care for the Poms. However, with 12-hour shifts, the dogs weren’t getting the love and attention they needed. My husband spoke with J.C.’s brother, asking detailed questions about their care, personalities, and routines. Once satisfied, he came to me with the idea of temporarily fostering Duke and Duchess until we could find them a new forever home.
Before we knew it, we welcomed two new Pomeranians into our home. I wish I could say this was the end of the story, but it was only the beginning.
Love at First Sight – With Some Unexpected Challenges
When Duke and Duchess arrived, we immediately noticed they were loved and neglected. They were sweet and joyful—Duchess was all about snuggles, while Duke had an adventurous spirit. But their physical condition was worrying.
Both had been fed low-quality food and had missed out on regular grooming. Duchess’s fur was matted and thin, exposing dry patches of skin. Her tail was nearly bald, but she wagged it happily. On the other hand, Duke was severely heavier at 21 pounds, with flaky skin, open sores, and a large cyst on his foot.
We gave them both a bath and gently brushed what little fur they had, then slowly introduced them to a healthier diet with antioxidants, coconut oil, and probiotics—but they needed serious medical attention.
The Vet Visit – And Some Heavy News
A few days later, we took Duke to the vet, as he seemed to be in the worst condition. Duchess was already responding well to her new diet and supplements, but Duke’s health issues were more complex. After a thorough exam, our vet delivered some shocking news: Duke likely had Cushing’s disease, a respiratory infection, and needed a dental cleaning. Worse, he might need an amputation for the cyst on his foot.
Stunned, the initial treatment estimate for Duke alone was between $1,300 and $1,800, excluding treatment for Cushing’s. Duchess also needed extensive care, including blood tests, dental work, and X-rays, adding another $600 to $900.
At that moment, I regretted getting out of bed that night!
Facing the Unexpected Costs
Neither of us anticipated such extensive medical bills for Duke and Duchess, especially with a baby on the way in July. We had insurance for Yoki and Niko, but Duke and Duchess arrived so suddenly that we didn’t have coverage for them. Faced with thousands of dollars in medical expenses, we were at a crossroads: either pay out of pocket, dip into our savings, or reach out to our Pommy Mommy community for help.
After some thought, we decided to do both. We were committed to getting Duke and Duchess the care they needed to live healthy, happy lives, whether with us or in a new forever home. With an estimate that the total cost could reach $5,000, we set a goal to raise $2,500 from our amazing community and match it with our funds.
Reaching Out to the Pommy Mommy Community
Asking for help wasn’t easy, but our Pommy Mommy community is filled with other Pom lovers who understand the commitment and love we feel for these little dogs. Duke and Duchess didn’t choose to end up in this situation; they deserve the chance to be healthy and loved.
If you’d like to support their journey to wellness, please consider donating to their vet fund. Every bit helps us move closer to giving these sweet Poms the care they need. We’re sharing Duke’s initial vet bill and will post updates as Duchess continues her treatments.
The Road to Recovery
Duke and Duchess are among the happiest Poms we’ve ever met despite their health issues. Duchess responds well to her improved diet and supplements, and Duke’s spirit is bright, even as we address his health challenges. They’ve brought a new joy into our household, and Yoki and Niko are adjusting well to having new “siblings” around.
We didn’t plan to bring Duke and Duchess into our lives, but we’re fully committed to seeing them through this journey. Life leads us to situations we never expected but can’t imagine missing out on.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who has supported Duke and Duchess so far, thank you. Whether through donations, encouragement, or simply sharing their story, we’re grateful for every Pommy, Mommy, and Daddy who’s been there for us. Together, we’re giving these Poms a second chance and can’t wait to see them thrive.
If you’d like to help Duke and Duchess, please click the link to contribute to their vet fund. Every bit of support brings us closer to finding them their perfect forever home, where they can live healthy and happy lives.
Related Posts:
Pomeranian Grooming: Keeping Your Pom Fluffy and Healthy
Pomeranians Take a Trip to the Vet!