Gus’ story:Gus was picked up by a Good Samaritan in Smithfield, NC when he was found actively having a heat stroke along the roadside. My dear friend, Katie Canelo, took Gus home and get him cooled down and begin the usual protocols of trying to locate his owner. Gus was posted in all the places, the Johnston County animal shelter, Facebook, Nextdoor, Pawboost, etc… an owner never came forward and his stray hold was recently lifted with Johnston County.In the meantime Katie had Gus vetted, since his history is unknown his vaccines were updated, a heartworm test was done (and it was negative yay!), but Gus was unfortunately diagnosed with a grade IV heart murmur. It was also discovered that Gus is unaltered and is also a cryptorchid (he has an undescended testicle that remained in his abdomen). We began to discuss having him neutered, but being a cryptorchid with a heart murmur the surgery would not be as straight forward as it would be in the average canine. A referral to a cardiologist was obtained for an echocardiogram to determine the cause and severity of his heart murmur. Gus went to the cardiologist this past week and had his echocardiogram, unfortunately it was not the outcome we had hoped for. His heart murmur will require surgical correction at the NCSU vet school. Surgical costs are estimated at $4000-$6000. Some dogs can lead happy and healthy lives with a heart murmur, but in Gus’ case he will most likely have congestive heart failure within a year. We also learned more sad news about Gus’ potential history. Due to Gus’ petite size (a hair under 8lbs), his desirable coloring, and a few other bodily indicators combined with the fact he’s remained unaltered, Gus was most likely solely used for breeding purposes (and not by a reputable breeder). Gus has been vet aged at 4-5 years old, likely spending a lot of that time in a kennel and making babies. Due to the congenital nature of his heart murmur it’s also highly likely that he, himself is a victim of improper breeding practices. Most likely his owner, whoever and wherever they are, learned of his care needs that deem him undesirable for breeding and he was dumped. When he was found he was dirty and matted, Katie also graciously had him groomed. While Katie has covered the bill on all his care thus far $4000-$6000 is a large chunk of change, but much needed to save this guys life. We are trying to get him adopted and it’s also extremely difficult to ask someone to adopt a dog in need of costly surgery. I’ve created this LFEBridge so we can ease the financial burden for Gus’ future adopter for the medical care he so desperately needs.Gus will be courtesy listed through Pawfect Match Rescue for adoption, I’ll link his page here shortly. No contribution is too small, if you’re unable to contribute - no worries, but please share so we can help Gus’ story reach as many people as possible. This sweet boy deserves it. Any excess funds over goal and/or excess funds leftover from Gus’ surgical expenses will be donated to Pawfect Match Rescue so we can pay it forward and continue to help homeless pets in need.
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