Part of April’s Brain Is Permanently Damaged… But She Still Gives Kisses. 💔

An abandoned stray, April sat alone for weeks in a county shelter, likely silently suffering through seizures no one ever saw. Staff would find her confused and disoriented, her kennel covered in feces – knowing something was wrong, but not knowing why.

April was always sweet, affectionate, and covering everyone in kisses, but staff noticed she seemed “off” at times.

Then, April had two witnessed seizures and staff immediately reached out to RBARI. We took over April’s care to get her the emergency medical help she desperately needed.

April came to us blind, wobbly, circling, yet still so incredibly sweet. After hospitalization, a neurological consult and an MRI / spinal tap, April was diagnosed with GME, an autoimmune disease causing acute inflammation in the brain.

The MRI showed that this swelling has likely been occurring for months. Part of the left side of her brain has been permanently damaged leaving actual holes where healthy brain tissue should be.

Her seizures are currently under control, but April’s journey is far from over. She has vision loss, is wobbly, circles when excited, and may always have some neurological deficits, but is still so full of love. She gives endless kisses, wags her tail, and has the sweetest puppy-like spirit.

April is receiving 24-hour care at the hospital and will be moving into a medical foster where she can be closely monitored. She is now on high-dose steroids and immunosuppressive medications, and will need long-term care.

From alone, seizing in the shelter to beloved and healing, cases like April’s remind us why we do what we do. And why we can’t continue without your support. Thank you for standing with us to help April and animals like her get the care they deserve.

8/13/26 Update

\> April has been through so much, but she continues to amaze us every single day.

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\> April recently suffered another setback and was rushed to the hospital for cluster seizures. Her medications have been adjusted and thankfully, she is responding well.

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\> Even with all she has endured, April remains happy, playful, affectionate, and full of life. Her neurological signs have improved, she runs around constantly – we are starting to think she may have some greyhound in her – and she absolutely LOVES Cheerios.

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\> Most importantly, April is safe in a loving foster home where she is being closely monitored and adored. From seizing alone in a shelter to being loved as part of a family, April’s journey is a reminder of why rescue matters so much.

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\> Thank you for continuing to stand behind dogs like April who deserve every chance to heal and be happy.