Toby, a Shihtzu-poodle mix, has experienced quite a lot in his three months on this earth.
Now, Ortonville resident Mary Ann Cargo hopes to find a worthy owner for the young puppy, who had a hole in his heart repaired about a month ago.
So far, a couple of people have expressed interest, but no one has made any concrete offers. ‘We’re looking for someone to adopt him and give him a good home,? she said.
Toby, who was born Dec. 6, came into Cargo’s life about eight weeks after he was born.
‘My veterinarian in Lapeer called and said there was a case they needed help with regarding a puppy who had a hole in his heart (referred to as Patent Ductus Arteriosis, or PDA),? Cargo said. ‘Any dog that doesn’t have it repaired is terminal. The puppy belonged to one of his customers who was unable to handle the situation due to family problems. He called me to take over the situation.?
Once Cargo took Toby into her home, she contacted another veterinarian, Dr. Craig Hook of Northside Animal Hospital in Owosso, to set up the surgery to repair Toby’s heart.
The procedure, which was performed Feb. 21, cost approximately $570 ? which sounds like a lot of money, but Cargo said the only alternative was to take Toby to Michigan State University to have him repaired. She estimated that would have cost between $700-900.
After Hook operated on Toby, he kept him at his practice for a couple of days to allow him to recover. Since Cargo got Toby back, the puppy has ‘progressed really well.?
On March 4, she took Toby back to Hook’s practice for a final checkup and stitch removal. Cargo said there was no heart murmur or residual effects from the February surgery, and pronounced the dog ‘totally healthy? and ?100 percent normal.?
Anyone interested in adopting Toby may contact Cargo at 248-627-3060.