Search
Close this search box.

Padawan’s Miraculous Story

Have you ever been constipated? Imagine having to hold it for five weeks! A local veterinarian reached out to us in November concerning a small puppy brought to them to be euthanized. The veterinarian had everything drawn up to put the 5 week-old pup to sleep. With only minutes of Padawan’s life left, his veterinarian made a call to Friendship APL. 

The vet explained to us that the puppy had a congenital birth defect that had left him unable to defecate. This meant that for his first 5 weeks of life, Padawan had not passed any stool through his system. It was a miracle that he was still alive. As you can imagine, this had done some damage to his internal organs. His intestinal tract was very inflamed. Padawan’s colon was extremely distended. The veterinarian asked if we (FAPL) would be willing to take on this little guy and get him the specialized surgery he would need to survive. Of course, we said yes. 

We immediately rushed Padawan to Metropolitan Animal Hospital. While he was snuggled in our arms, he looked up at us with those big eyes and we knew we had made the right decision. Paddy would spend over a week at the hospital undergoing several surgeries to repair all the damage that had been done. In addition to the surgeries done to repair damage to his system, Padawan was also subjected to a surgery that essentially rebuilt his rectum, making it possible for him to pass stool. Padawan then went to a wonderful foster home, where he continued to heal and learn to be a puppy. 

It was touch and go those first few weeks in foster care. We were not sure if the surgery had been completely successful and it took some time to find a diet that worked for Padawan’s digestive system. But after a few trips to the emergency room, his foster family was able to hit on the right diet that would enable him to fully heal and have a semblance of a normal life. 

It is hard to believe that Padawan came so close to euthanasia… We are all about second chances at Friendship APL, but this puppy was desperately in need of a first chance. These miracles are what make this job worthwhile.

Padawan is a happy, healthy puppy now! He will return to the shelter and soon be available for adoption!

Friendship APL

Friendship APLWe are a private, independent, non-profit humane society founded in Elyria, Ohio. We proudly own and operate the largest animal shelter in Lorain County.

Subscribe to E-Newsletter
Sign up today to receive news, happy tails and invites!

Search Site
Search