Sweet puppy Petunia was surrendered to our care via the Springdale Emergency Veterinary Clinic when she was a mere 5 weeks old and only 4 lbs. She had been attacked by a larger dog and her face was badly damaged. The owners brought her to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Springdale and abandoned her there. Luckily our on call tech Janet works at the ER clinic. She insisted the doctors let her assume care of Petunia and that she would coordinate with Spay Arkansas to provide for her needs until she was well enough to be adopted. We initially feared she would lose one eye, but it seems to be healing well. Her mouth, nasal passages and face were a different story. Essentially the roof of her mouth was crushed. She had two initial surgeries with Dr Stropes and for a period of time her jaw was taped closed, necessitating very small hand feedings of moist food frequently. Foster mom Janet has provided amazing around the clock care for this sweet pup and despite her injuries, she has thrived and is learning to be a normal dog. Sadly, today we learned she had developed a fistula opening between her palate and sinus cavities. This required immediate and extensive surgery by board certified veterinary oral surgeon, Dr Doug Winter. Petunia made it through her surgery and her vital signs are back to normal. She is going to need a lot of care in the coming weeks and potentially more surgery. Despite the discounts and even free services many veterinarians are giving us, her bills are adding up. We want her to continue receiving exemplary care and do not know how long it will take to find an adopter financially prepared to take on a dog with almost certain ongoing expensive veterinary needs. We are hoping to raise $2,000.00 to pay for care already given and ongoing needs while in our care. Any funds raised and not used for Petunia will go to our Compassionate Care fund to assist other companion animals in need.
