“He looks like a brand-new dog”
In September of last year, The Animal Pad, a dog rescue in San Diego, received an urgent call from their emergency vet partner about a German Shepherd puppy with severe facial swelling and concerning blood results. The vet explained that the puppy, later named Chance, had been brought in with what seemed to be a dog bite, but the swelling and chronic health issues were something far more serious.
Despite being in immense pain and distress, Chance’s sweet and gentle nature immediately stood out. His family had relinquished him to the clinic, and The Animal Pad knew they had to step in to help. The team began working tirelessly to stabilize him, running extensive tests to uncover what was causing his health problems. After a blood transfusion and additional tests, it was discovered that Chance had an abscess in his face, which would need to be surgically drained.
The surgery to remove the abscess was difficult, but it was a turning point for Chance. Once the abscess was drained, his face returned to its normal size, and he immediately felt much better. However, the vet team remained cautious, as Chance was still very underweight and his bloodwork showed signs of chronic illness.
Despite these setbacks, Chance’s personality continued to shine through. He was a fighter, and over the next few months, his condition improved as he received ongoing treatment and care. Chance was moved to a foster home, where he quickly began enjoying playtime with other dogs and cuddles with his humans.
Chance is currently on medical hold as he continues treatment, but he will be available for adoption soon. The Animal Pad is excited to see him find his forever home, knowing he’s come a long way from the puppy who first arrived at the clinic. His foster parents are thrilled to share updates on his progress, and The Animal Pad’s director of marketing, Erica Fiore, said, “Chance is the sweetest!”
Chance’s journey is a testament to his strength and resilience, and he’s now ready to embrace the love and happiness he deserves.