Pumpkin came to Lucky Star just before Christmas 2023.  The circumstances were not exactly clear, whether he was an owner release or found, then surrendered to Lucky Star.  What was clear was that he was in very neglected condition in need of medical care.  We estimate him to be about 9 years old.  Whatever the circumstances, finding Lucky Star has turned his life around. 

In addition to severe dental decay, his exam immediately noted a Grade 5 heart murmur.  An ex-ray was given to determine the severity of his heart since tolerating anesthesia was high risk with the heart condition. The ex-ray showed something unexpected.  His stomach was just full of foreign debris including pipe cleaners, nail, paper clip, and fiber.  Removing the debris became the first priority so emergency abdominal surgery was performed.  Against the odds, Pumpkin survived.  Pumpkin has seen a cardiologist, received an echo and is only on Pimobendan.  Another echo is recommended in one year if he remains asymptomatic.  

His progress was remarkable so a few weeks later, Pumpkin underwent surgery to address the severe dental decay.   Again, our Christmas miracle boy tolerated surgery, leaving him with 2 teeth.    This doesn’t hinder him eating one bit! His weight has increased and actively with currently   feedings per day and snacks. His food is softened and supplemented with a custom blend dog food. He isn’t a picky eater, his favorite snack is Cheerios!
 

This little dude is a sweety, he loves cuddles and following you around from room to room. This guy will sit beside you all day, he sleeps on a pillow beside the bed at night and doesn’t get up at night to go to the potty. He likes being outside and gives you clear signals for going out, when he comes inside he likes to put his paws up on your knees to tell you all about what he did outside. He’s friendly with cats and other dogs except with toys and food.  He becomes aggressive and is a resource guarder.  He needs to be separated from other dogs when eating.

Pumpkin would be happy with another older dog, in a home without toys, bones and absolutely no free feeding.  Small children would not be appropriate at all because of the resource issue.  He doesn’t want to share.  We also require a securely fenced yard attached to the home, a physical fence. 

Because of his heart condition, he will need regular follow up with a cardiologist, perhaps every six months to monitor his condition.  He has made so much improvement from the horrible condition he was in when we took him in.  He is being fostered in southern Ohio, near West Virginia.  If you want to give this dear boy the loving home he finally deserves, please complete the adoption application, then contact Mary Coyne, luckystarrescue@gmail.com.