Everyone meet Hemlock, I saved this lil man from a high kill shelter in San Bernardino, CA December 18th 2020 at 3 months old. He is now 6 months old. He is my best friend, snuggle buddy, companion, my fur child, shoulder to lean on, partner in crime, my other half, the love of my life, my baby. He is sweet, loving, inquisitive, goofy, adorable, friendly, and so incredibly smart. He loves to cuddle, give kisses, listen to birds sing, take naps, watch tv, play puzzles, get new toys/treats, explore new places, and enjoys pupachinos. He randomly will stick his tongue out at you, he tilts his head side to side when he’s listening to anyone or anything.

At Hemlock’s first vet, which was supposed to be a healthy puppy visit the vet heard a loud heart murmur. He was otherwise healthy, all tests came back normal. This heart issue was completely unexpected, but this lil dude found me for a reason. I originally was looking for an older dog “one who needed me as much as I needed him, one who may not be easily adoptable”. It was love at first online sight. I had to have Hemlock even though he was a puppy. Turns out he needed me as much as I needed him. I honestly love how fate works and what’s meant to be always will be. I love this lil dude with all my heart, and he deserves the world!

Hemlock had an echocardiogram (ultrasound of his heart), with a cardiologist. He was diagnosed with severe pulmonic stenosis (severe obstruction to blood flow from the heart to lungs). He is at high risk for collapse and sudden death with excitement, exercise, anxiety, or fear. I take him everywhere with me either in a pouch, or a stroller to prevent separation anxiety and exercise. He saw another cardiologist for a second opinion consultation. She confirmed the diagnosis and started him on heart meds twice a day, called atenolol. She wanted to do a more in depth echocardiogram to determine if he was a candidate for corrective heart surgery (ballon valvuloplasty). Which was done at a recheck cardiology exam 2wks later.

Findings during his more in-depth echocardiogram: his severe pulmonic stenosis (PS) is giving his valve a pressure of 170. Normal is 20. Mild is 40-60, which is where they like them to be after surgery. With surgery they would only be able to reduce it to about 85, which IS better, but not the best, and he would still be considered in a severe state. They also found that he has a hole in his heart called atrial septal defect (ASD).

Hemlock IS a candidate for the corrective heart surgery (ballon valvuloplasty). With this surgery they typically have a 50% decrease in the pressure of the valve. Taking a severe state patient (Hemlock) into a mild state. The cardiologist said surgery has to be done to give him a better quality of life, it’s not negotiable.

The cardiologist decreased his heart meds as it hasn’t made any beneficial differences. And while it may help his pulmonic stenosis, it may make things worse for the hole in his heart. The cardiologist said that it’s extremely important that I keep his anxious/ excited/ fearful behaviors down. Hemlock had bloodwork including urinalysis sent to the lab. He was started on anxiety meds twice daily for his separation and car anxiety. In hopes it will help keep his heart stable.

The cardiologist has tentatively scheduled his heart surgery for April 27th 2021. Tentatively because I’ve been told they need to have the entire cardiology team on deck for his surgery. The estimate for his surgery alone is $6,360-$7,314.

This lil man deserves a chance at life! I have started a go fund me page to gather support and help with Hemlock’s further medical expenses and other costs that may arise. This will help with surgery, cardiologist recheck exams, recheck echocardiograms, medications, training, and a potential unforeseen emergency visit. I understand that not everyone may be in a position to help with these expenses. If you can share his story, I’d greatly appreciate it. Also if you can please take a moment to send positive vibes/ prayers his way for the best results possible. 

Thank you so much for the love and support! 

“A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles”

Lots of love and gratitude, 
Hemlock & Maryann 

Follow Hemlock’s story on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/hemlock.the.terrier?r=nametag

Follow Hemlock on TikTok: 

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM88GKtkv/

***** Current status on Hemlock and his journey to be found in updates*****