Penelope's Second chance with MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue

Born on 10/22/2024 Penelope came into MABTR's care on 1/22/2025 at the age of 12 weeks as a release from a breeder in MN who diagnosed her with a heart murmur.  The heart murmur was confirmed by a veterinarian and required further diagnosis through an ECHO.  With this condition she was placed in palliative care.

Diagnosis: Penelope received a diagnosis of severe pulmonic stenosis. This inherited heart defect means her pulmonic valve leaflets are thickened and don't open properly, making it difficult for her heart to pump blood to her lungs. Without treatment, this condition puts Penelope at risk for fainting spells, exercise intolerance, fluid buildup, and in rare cases, even sudden cardiac events. If left untreated, this condition can lead to heart failure, jeopardizing her chances of reaching her first birthday.

She's a vibrant, joyful little girl with a zest for life – even if her stenotic nares make her a bit adorably snorty! She loves nothing more than tearing around the backyard in a flurry of "zoomies" with her brother Diesel, and our living and dining rooms have become her personal parkour playground. Her mom affectionately calls her a little "Tasmanian Devil" when she's on the move!

POSITIVE NEWS – a surgical procedures is available.  A balloon valvuloplasty, a minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is used to open the narrowed valve. Following the procedure, Penelope will need a follow-up echocardiogram to assess its success and determine if any ongoing medication will be necessary. To ensure she stays healthy in the long run, she will also require yearly echocardiograms to monitor her heart.

Her palliative care family will end up adopting her which in the long run is great news as she is already in a routine with them.

Penelope's Expenses

On Thurs, May 8, went to Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota for a balloon valvuloplasty surgery to fix her heart.

Surgery was a success, they said it couldn't possibly have gone any smoother.  She is in recovery and doing well.  We foresee a long happy life for this little girl. 

Expenses:

• Examination: Covered

• Bloodwork and urine analysis: Covered

• Echocardiogram: Covered

• Surgical procedure: $5,500

We reached out to our community, friends, and animal lovers for support in funding Penelope's life-saving heart surgery. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in giving this precious puppy the future she deserves.

We were able to raise 100% of the funds needed in less than 24 hours. Thank you for all the prayers and monetary donations that paid off her surgery bill.

MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue Second Chances for all of our boston terrier rescues are made possible by donations. Every dollar counts. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Support MABTR's rescue mission by donating here.