Sedona

Update 2/27/09
Mother Teresa said, "A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love." Just like people, dogs can be diagnosed with heart conditions. And just like many people, many dogs who have been diagnosed with heart conditions will lead long and fulfilling lives. Sedona is an example of a dog with a joyful heart and a heart burning with love. One of Sedona's heart valves was fused closed (this was congenital, i.e., present from birth).

Because her heart had been working overtime to pump blood throughout her four years of life, she would tire easily. Even eating seemed as if it required too much energy. Sedona is scheduled for surgical intervention, and her cardiologist said that she's a strong dog and her prognosis is very promising. Soon she'll move on from her frail and tired self. She'll gain weight and she'll develop much needed muscle strength. We'll keep you posted!

Sedona is described as an absolutely sweet and gentle dog. Her foster mom wrote that she's "one of the sweetest, most loving dogs I have ever known." Sedona needs a quiet, stress free home, preferably adults or maybe older children. She might also do well with an older friendly gentle canine companion in her life.

Update 3/03/09
Here is more information about Sedona's condition and the help she needs. Her heart has a defect called Pulmonic Stenosis where the pulmonary valve is deformed and in her case, fused shut. Her heart must pump extra hard to get the blood through this unusually narrow, stiff little valve. The right side of her heart has thickened from all this extra work. This also can cause a disturbance in the rhythm of the heart’s filling and pumping which leads to weakness, lethargy, fainting and ultimately her death if left untreated.

If the obstruction at the pulmonic valve is relieved, much of the problem will be solved and Sedona's heart function will return to normal. A surgical procedure called Balloon Valvuloplasty is a relatively simple procedure that will save Sedona and allow her to lead a normal life. In this surgery a special balloon is inserted into the pulmonic valve where it is inflated, breaking down the obstruction. Performing this procedure reduces the risk of sudden death by 53% and improves quality of life as well.

At this point, only surgery will save Sedona’s life. Because of the delicacy of this procedure, this surgery must be done by a cardiologist and is expensive. The estimate for her procedure and after care is around $4000. We know this is a lot of money, especially with the current economic picture, but without this procedure, Sedona will die. This special girl has been fighting hard to live this long and we don’t want to see her lose the battle now. We are appealing to our friends and supporters to make a tax deductible donation, large or small to Sedona’s surgical fund. Together we can all make a difference in her life.

Update 3/17/09
Sedona's surgery went well. For all who didn't know, she underwent the surgical procedure on Friday, March 13th. She was able to come home on Saturday. To describe Sedona post-surgery would be similar to this: Put a brand new battery in the Energizer Bunny and then try restraining him with a rubber band. Sedona wanted to use her new energy as soon as she got home to play with her four-legged companions. Unfortunately for her, she has to be restrained for 10 to 14 days until she receives her staples are removed and she receives the green light to play.

Meanwhile, Sedona gets to come out of her crate for brief periods to take short walks, very short, and to go on potty break. She has the "I'd rather be out there playing with them than in here resting" face down to a T and tries guilting us into it, but orders are orders.

She has a very healthy appetite and continues to gain weight, breathes now without laboring. Attached are a few pictures. You can see her surgical wound right above the jugular.

Update 4/27/09
Sedona had her post-surgery checkup and passed with flying colors. Neither the cardiologist nor his staff could stop commenting on how good she looks and what a beautiful dog she is. That part we already knew.

As a result of the surgery, Sedona now has 30 percent more blood flowing through her heart than she's ever had in her life. What does this mean for her? She has received the green light to run and play and frolic to her heart's desire. Her only physical limitations are those she places on herself. Like any dog, she knows when she is tired and needs to rest. In her doctor's words, "Let Sedona do what Sedona wants to do."

Of course, a marathon is not recommended, but being a normal dog is what Sedona does best. She loves to go to the dog park now, and she is truly a beauty to watch as she runs as only a German Shepherd can.

What Sedona is looking for now is her forever home. She needs a family who will not treat her as an invalid, but will allow her to be herself. She is looking for a home with at least one other dog who loves to play but is not over-bearing. She needs to have a quiet home as loud voices, even happy ones, tend to frighten her. Lots of walks and car rides would definitely be an added benefit.

To everyone who made it possible for Sedona to have a second chance at life, thank you. We do not know her past. We can only guess based on her behaviors and idiosyncracies. But thanks to you and your generosity, we have the opportunity now to make the rest of her life a good life, better than it's ever been before.

Sedona would love to have a family of her own. She has a tremendous heart with unlimited capacity to love. Would you make this special girl's wish come true?

If you are interested in meeting me, please contact Teresa via email at baltao@sbcglobal.net. Don't forget to fill out our online application.

The minimum adoption donation ranges from $400 to $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is 100% tax deductible.

Prior to placement, all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are usually microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis. Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.

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