Introducing Lunaa, a sweet and gentle pup weighing 34 lbs, ready to charm her way into your heart! After arriving in our care at 24 lbs in Sacramento, Lunaa quickly visited the vet for a check-up and vaccinations, then set off for her new foster home in San Jose where she lived as a solo dog with frequent playdates with the neighborhood doggie friends.
However, during her recent spay exam back in Sacramento, it was discovered that Lunaa has a significant heart murmur that had gone unnoticed in earlier exams. Following a visit to the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UCDVMTH) Cardiology department for further evaluation, she was diagnosed with moderate to severe subaortic stenosis. This congenital heart condition can only be managed with medication. Unfortunately, this condition may worsen as she grows, potentially leading to heart failure or cardiac arrest. As a result, her spay was delayed to give her meds a chance to work. She'll be revaluated to assess how the medication is working on March 19th and spayed if all looks great with another follow-up scheduled in 5-6 months following her spay.
Following her diagnosis, we've chosen for Lunaa to remain in the Sacramento area to stay close to UCDVMTH for her follow-up cardiology visit. Lunaa lives in a supportive and caring foster home with a medical background as we navigate this new normal with Lunaa. She began her new meds at half the dose for one week and then at full dose; she's tolerating her one pill a day very well and is a pleasant, delightful pup. She adores toys with a growing collection, hanging out with the resident dogs, and daily walks. When the weather was sunny last week, she discovered the delights of the kiddie pool, happily splashing around. She's had short playdates with Otte and hosted Saoirse for a weekend while Saoirse was waiting for her ride to the San Jose based foster home, providing much comfort to the Saoirse in the separation from her littermates.
Lunaa has excellent manners, enjoys walks to the local park to climb on the playground equipment and meeting her human friends. She's cherished by the resident female dogs, they even allow her to share their crate when she's inclined.
Lunaa, with her gentle spirit, will need a forever family who understands that their time with her may be limited. It’s crucial that her future family can offer her love, patience, and understanding while allowing her to be a playful puppy, cherishing every moment they have together. Her medication is a manageable cost with GoodRx coupons ranging from $7 to $22 per month, depending on the pharmacy of choice with GoodRx. This precious time with Lunaa is a gift, and those who embrace her will genuinely treasure the bond they create.
Despite this diagnosis, Lunaa remains a perfect co-pilot in the car, settling in comfortably for rides. She equally lovely during her plane ride from San Jose to Sacramento with Pilots n Paws for her spay surgery appointment. Her vet visit only confirmed what we knew — she is a delight! Lunaa is a treat enthusiast and has quickly mastered the "sit", "down" commands, ensuring she gets all the love she deserves without jumping. Her light, delicate jumps make her even more charming.
Lunaa has already mastered sleeping through the night, and with a few tasty treats in her crate, she's ready to settle down for daytime naps and nighttime rest.
Lunaa thrives in her environment, joyfully romping in the yard, playing with toys, and exploring her surroundings. During her temporary stay with four friendly resident dogs when she first arrived in our care, she showed her lovely social skills and positive experiences with fellow canines. Within hours, she established her potty routine, demonstrating her preference for a specific spot and a unique little dance to signal when she needed to go outside. Her eagerness to please and her love for praise are truly endearing. She has been delightful living as a solo dog with her experienced San Jose-based fosters with playdates in the neighborhood and has seamlessly integrated into her new foster home with two resident dogs as well.
Lunaa loves toys and has been gathering all the ones she likes into her crate in her latest foster home. She has also promptly mastered their doggy door.
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Lunaa's forever home will still need to support her with consistency and positive training. As always, we seek adopters who have experience with shepherds or similar working/herding breeds and are committed to raising puppies into solid, neutral dogs.
As a foster-based rescue, ShepHeroes is always in need of fosters. An overwhelming number of shepherds in our local shelters need our help for a fresh start. Would you be willing to share your home and part of your life to help shepherds find new families? You provide the love, and we'll provide everything else! Saying "yes" today truly saves a life. Complete this https://www.shepheroes.org/foster-form, and we'll be in touch ASAP! We appreciate your consideration.
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