In what some may call a moment of weakness, I (and Matt, best husband ever) adopted a 3 week old puppy last week to save him from euthanasia and give him a fighting chance. Meet Frankie and his Sinatra-like blue eyes.

Frankie came to the clinic from a breeder because he was VERY thin and couldn’t hold down milk, he actually had it coming out of his nose during the visit! After taking x-rays, we diagnosed him with a congenital condition called a persistent right aortic arch (PRAA), and the breeders made the decision to euthanize him.

When puppies are born, a ligament/vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery recede and go away. However, with a PRAA, this ligament persists and pinches the esophagus like a zip tie. When PRAA puppies swallow food, most of it cannot pass into the stomach like it is supposed to because of this pinch. As a result, the esophagus dilates and when it can’t hold more the puppy regurgitates (vomits). Surgery is required to fix the condition (by going into the chest cavity and cutting the ligament). If there are no other congenital abnormalities and the esophagus heals well, many puppies with this condition can go on to live normal lives. I wanted to give Frankie this chance.

Since I took Frankie home, I have been feeding him small feedings every 2-3 hours around the clock. Despite all our best efforts he is still thin and regurgitates many of his feedings. However, this boy remains HUNGRY and FIESTY! I’ve never seen a dog so excited to eat with so much personality in his tiny 1.8# body!

Frankie’s surgery is scheduled with one of the best surgeons in the state at Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL (it’s a surgery done by a specialist, not a GP). A CT scan will be performed right before surgery to determine if there are any other issues that may significantly alter his quality of life. If we find any, while the decision will be incredibly hard and heart-breaking, we would choose to euthanize him at that time to prevent his future suffering. HOWEVER, if all points in a positive direction, we go forward with surgery (and lots of prayers)!

Even with a very generous discount, the surgery is still expensive and any help is greatly appreciated. I most definitely didn’t think all this through in the moment I agreed to take him, but I just couldn’t say no to those blue eyes! What’s even crazier is that I’m still not sure if our current dog will accept him (stay tuned), in which case I will find him the best home possible!

Any help with Frankie’s surgery so he can fill his tummy is so very appreciated, I cannot wait to see a full belly on this little guy!

Thank you!!