Meet Rebel

At just 9 months old, this gorgeous German Shepherd puppy has already earned the nickname: Brave Heart.

Rebel has been recently diagnosed with a life threatening congenital heart condition that will imminently severely diminish the quality and length of his life. We are reaching out to help save him from this heavy diagnosis.

Rebel is the most playful, intelligent, affectionate, and loving boy you could ever meet. We've had Rebel for just 6 months and he has stolen the hearts of our entire family.

His absolute favourite thing in the world is chasing tennis balls and playing with his friends on the field. His best friend, Marley—a 2-year-old Golden Labrador is already completely devoted to him.

Rebel is the best dog a family could ask for and we want his whole life to stay ahead of him. He deserves to grow up running, playing, living out his puppy years, and experiencing all the love there is to have in the world.

How We Found Out

Rebel’s heart condition was discovered entirely by accident during a routine vet check-up for his flea and worm treatment. The vet listened to his chest and found a Grade 4 heart murmur. This triggered an entire cascade of vet visits, tests, emotional turmoil and worry.

When we reviewed the paperwork we received from his breeder, we were heartbroken to discover that his condition had been intentionally covered up. Despite this devastating realisation, we are committed to doing everything we can to save our young puppy.

The Diagnosis & The Only Hope

Our long journey so far has led us to see the specialist cardiology team at the Royal Veterinary College in London. This is 1 of 2 hospitals on the planet that can give us any chance at saving our boy. They ran thorough tests and diagnosed him with a mitral valve deformity.

The surgeons have given us a glimmer of hope: they have a surgical plan that can fix his heart and give Rebel a chance to live a long, normal life. However, without this surgery, they have told us that he will not live to see his second birthday.

Why We Need Your Help

The surgery at the Royal Veterinary College is life-saving, but it comes with an overwhelming cost of £25,000. Because Rebel is so young, uninsured due to the pre-existing (and hidden) condition, and facing a strict timeline, we are reaching out to the kindness of animal lovers, friends, and strangers alike.

Every single penny raised will go directly toward Rebel’s surgical and medical costs. If you are unable to donate, sharing Rebel's story would mean the absolute world to us and Rebel (Brave Heart).

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving our brave boy a fighting chance.

If we are fortunate enough to exceed our goal, or if there are any remaining funds after Rebel’s recovery, they will be donated directly to The Royal Veterinary College's Charity.