On September 24, 2025 Jeter underwent a successful PRAA correction surgery at the Cornell Companion Animal Hospital. Jeter was discharged from the hospital the next day and had a very easy recovery. Surgery did not slow this pup down at all! Jeter nearly doubled his weight in the month between surgery and his Post-OP vet check in. On Halloween Jeter went to his primary veterinary and was given the OK to start introducing solid foods into his diet. He is now eating a completely solid kibble diet and absolutely thriving. We cannot begin to thank everyone who donated to our pup and kept him in your prayers. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Yesterday we received the devastating news our sweet Great Dane, Pit Bull mix pup, Jeter is suffering from what is called a “persistent right aortic arch, vascular ring anomaly.” Which is in very basic terms is a piece of tissue connecting the aorta to the pulmonary artery constricting the esophagus. This constriction does not allow the passing of solid food from Jeter’s esophagus to his stomach, intestines, etc. causing regurgitation and respiratory problems.

Jeter is on a strict, high protein, high fat diet consisting of: Hill’s Science Diet urgent care soft food(costing approximately $85/case); with additional chicken, beef, venison, eggs and other added “human foods” with around the clock feedings for the next couple of weeks while we prepare for the next steps… Surgical intervention is required to correct this anomaly, however it is incredibly uncommon with our vet having performed only 3 in his career with a 66% success rate it is “encouraged” Jeter have the surgery performed by a specialist-the cost of this has been quoted to us between $6,000-8,000!! Unfortunately we walk a fine line between waiting to allow for Jeter to gain weight, and waiting too long, increasing his chances of aspiration pneumonia which could lead to complications during anesthesia **in every case that a puppy has not survived this surgery it has been due to complications from anesthesia** He currently does have an extremely mild case, but it is not currently being treated by his vet.

Without surgery Jeter was given approximately 2 months to live, but he will succumb to this diagnosis if left untreated.

Our sweet boy is sweet, and snuggly and playful and rambunctious. He is vibrant, and full of life, he is everything you dream your puppy will be.

Jeter is surrounded by love and optimism as we navigate this. ❤️

We thank you for your kindness, and support for our Jeter.

More about Jeter.

Jeter was born May 2nd 2025, 1 of 7 in his litter with 5 brothers and 1 sister to a beautiful Great Dane mom, Ivy and the sweetest Pit Bull dad, Titan. We were fortunate enough to meet Jeter and his siblings in their first few days of life because his first human family are our closest friends! His first human mom is also our 15 year old son’s mom! From Jeter’s very first moments of life he has been loved. It didn’t take long (about 2.5 seconds) to fall in love with ALL of the puppies when we met them, but our hearts were drawn to that little Merle colored pup who seemed to be the most rambunctious and somehow the sweetest, snuggliest pup of the bunch.

Jeter currently lives with his canine big brother, Leo a pit bull, boxer mix, his human brothers: Brayden and Dexter, his human Dad: Cody and his current human Mom, me (Rachel). Jeter spends his time playing, exploring, sleeping and being snuggled. He even gets to have playdates with his Mom, Dad their oldest son, Atlas and first human family! Wherever Jeter goes he is showered with love, pets and tons of compliments! He is an extremely special puppy and we are so lucky to spend his life with him.