Last week, Charlee underwent a successful surgery to correct her congenital heart defect, and today she’s recovering so well she’s practically bouncing off the walls! This is a wonderful sign, considering that when she first arrived, this sort of activity would have caused serious problems for the young pup. Her brother, Wade, had his surgery yesterday and is recovering nicely. All signs look good for Wade to be back on his paws in no time.
These life-changing surgeries would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our Help Me Heal Program. This vital program gives sick and injured animals the opportunity to receive medical care they wouldn’t have received elsewhere, offering them the chance to be healthy, happy, and one day, in a home of their own.
Two Hearts: A Lifesaving Journey for Charlee & Wade
In the humid and unforgiving woods of Florida, a heart-wrenching discovery was made. A mother dog and four tiny puppies, just weeks old, were found covered in maggots, struggling to survive. Thanks to a compassionate rescuer, they were brought to our shelter partner, Marion County Animal Services. The mama and two of the pups soon healed and found loving homes, but without immediate and specialized surgical intervention, two siblings’ young lives are at risk.
Charlee
Wade
Ten-week-old Charlee and Wade were both diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This condition means that an extra blood vessel, which should have closed at birth, remains open, leading to dangerous blood flow abnormalities.
Animal League America Veterinarian Dr. Katarina Valen explained, “Charlee’s heart disease is aggressively progressing. She is currently on three different heart medications, but her only hope lies in urgent surgery. The procedure involves opening her chest to close the problematic blood vessel, a specialized and high-risk process that will require a significant recovery period.”
Wade’s condition, while slightly less severe, also needs surgical correction. “Although Wade isn’t on heart medications yet, without this surgery, his heart will deteriorate, condemning him to a life of medications and a shortened lifespan,” Dr. Valen continued. “Right now, they are playful and seemingly healthy, but their time is running out. The longer we wait, the more their conditions will worsen.”
This critical surgery will give Charlee and Wade a fighting chance. The procedure is complex and costly, involving intensive post-operative care, and ongoing monitoring to ensure their hearts heal properly, but Charlee and Wade’s lives depend on it. Your generous donation to our Help Me Heal program will provide the lifesaving surgery and medical care they so desperately need and give this spirited duo many joyful years ahead.