Winter 2009 • V ol. 43 No. 4 - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

cover story
recovery plan. Racing against the clock, veterinarians placed a “At first she was so weak and fragile, almost absent. Yet
feeding tube in Janet’s stomach, one which would bypass her day by day, Janet’s fun-loving personality began to emerge, and
esophagus completely. Only when she digested vital nutrients it certainly made those short nights and long days worth it!”
could her fatigue and pneumonia improve.
reflected Dr. Woody.
After the placement of the feeding tube, Janet needed a few As Janet grew stronger, she quickly developed a new habit
weeks to gain enough strength to undergo major heart surgery. that became known as “the zoomies.” Dr. Woody’s husband,
During this time, it was especially important to keep Tim, laughed and described, “It looked like a micro-Greyhound
her spirits up and provide her running from one end of the house to the other. She’d give it
with continual learning and everything she had! We always cracked up watching her; it never
socialization opportunities. got old because you could feel her joy.”
Staff and volunteers
Dr. Woody and her husband felt blessed to play a role in
dedicated hours by Janet’s Janet’s recovery, and before long, it was time to return her
side, holding and petting her, to the Humane Society for her final medical check-ups and
being with and caring for her. adoption. Due to Janet’s special needs, she is currently available
Then, Janet was
for adoption as a “Hidden Gem,” residing at the Humane
introduced to a tiny kitten Society’s private Sherman Street facility instead of the public
named Nina, who was also adoption gallery. Now 4 months old, Janet is attending Puppy
isolated and struggling with her Fun Training Classes with a volunteer, diligently working on
health. Janet was too weak to play her social and behavioral skills to prepare her for a new home.
with other dogs, while Nina had been Janet is seeking a special home and loving family who
diagnosed with Upper Repertory Infection will appreciate her uniqueness. She will need pet-parents
(contagious only to other cats). With similar committed to closely monitoring her health and nutrition. Janet
energy and activity
is currently being fed regular puppy
levels, they enjoyed an
kibble in Kongs and other feeding
important period of friendship,
toys four times a day. This allows her
helping each other to grow physically,
to eat more slowly and more often
mentally and emotionally. Through
throughout the day. The Humane
their companionship, Nina helped to
Society is extremely pleased with her
prepare Janet for her next intensive
progress.
step in treatment. The Humane Society
When asked about Janet and her
veterinary staff partnered with Dr. Sean
recovery today, Renee Harris, Senior
Aiken, a Board Certified Veterinary
Vice President of Animal Services,
Surgeon at the Veterinary Specialty
said, “It’s not only about saving a
Hospital, and Dr. Joao Orvalho, a Board
life, but also the way one life can
Certified Veterinary Cardiologist at UC
positively impact another. It’s about
Davis Medical Center San Diego, to
the unconditional love that Janet could
perform major heart surgery. The team
bring to a child after a long day at
was successful in surgically correcting
school, or the way she could inspire an
Janet’s heart tissue, thereby releasing
entire family. Someone to laugh at her
her esophagus.
quirky ways or experience the goodness
Before Janet could become available
Veterinary Technician Hilary Gaughen gives Janet a
check-up to monitor her progress after surgery.
of her heart first-hand – that’s what
for adoption, she would need to be closely
the team was working for. We believed in
monitored and cared for by a medically experienced foster each other and Janet every step of the way.” Full of love and a
parent. Though Humane Society Veterinarian Dr. Allison determined spirit, Janet is waiting for a family that will cherish
Woody typically did not foster her animal patients, she couldn’t her resilient heart with every beat.
SG
help but be both “inspired and in love with” this 2-month-old
pup. Janet had spent most of her young life in the hospital, and At press time, Janet was available for adoption. For
Dr. Woody visited her every day. When the opportunity came information about Janet’s current adoption status, please
to give her a change of scenery, Dr. Woody and her husband contact our Customer Service Desk at (619) 299-7012 or visit
brought Janet home to provide her with around-the-clock care. www.sdhumane.org
Photo: Candice Eley
AnimalFare • Winter 2009
www.sdhumane.org
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