Nikoma is a 7 year old female Samoyed who came in to Georgia Rescue this Summer. Ken in Virginia saw her on Alice's website and knew that she was the girl for him! After talking with Mid-Atlantic Samoyed Rescue, an arrangement was made for Ken to adopt Nikoma. Nikoma was being treated for chronic ear infections but when Ken took her to his vet, she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and worse, malignant mammary tumors that need to be removed!
Since Nikoma was adopted through Alice's Petfinder website, she was eligible for the two months free health insurance; unfortunately they denied her claim saying it was a pre-existing condition! (look into to pet insurance before signing on the dotted line...)
Ken recently graduated from college and is living on a recent-college grad salary; we all give him a LOT of credit for having made the commitment to Nikoma and not just returning her to rescue as many people might have. He called several vets that were recommended by different rescue people and his most reasonable estimate is between $1400 - $1800.
Ken's Introduction of Nikoma
I am confident that if Nikoma receives treatment for her tumor, she is fully capable of living out the rest of her years as a healthy dog. As it is now, aside from being a little overweight due to her thyroid condition she behaves as though she is a completely healthy animal. She is alert, energetic, always happy wagging her tail, healthy appetite, loves to go for walks and socialize with people and other dogs. In other words she is a great dog to have around.
Click Nikoma's pictures to see the big pictures
Alice's Nikoma Update - October 27
Sam-Urgency girl Nikoma just had her mammary cysts removed this morning, and is already standing up and doing fine. She will stay overnight as there's a bit of oozing going on at the site, and her cysts will be sent to histology at UGA. Ken brought her back to me and released her to rescue yesterday. She is a wonderful, beautiful girl and has been so good since coming back. She remembers me fine, and gave me lots of kisses. I am really happy that the removal of the actual cysts is overwith now. Histology may take longer than a week for results. Keep this sweet girl in your prayers!
Alice's Nikoma Update - October 30
The results of the histology shows that the mass was cancer. Dr. Bates believes that he got it all. She is just as sweet and bouyant as ever, so this is a very good sign.
If you would be interested in helping with the expenses of other sammies like Anna that meet the SamUrgency guidelines, please contact us at .
