Chase finds his heroes
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
By: Wendy Welch

Dog with failing heart embraced by hearts of gold

Though Andrea and Amber weren't looking for a dog -- as often happens in animal rescue -- Chase found them. On Facebook.

Three-year old Chase, a happy-go-lucky black and white Mastiff/Pit Bull Terrier mix, came to HSHV after his owner died. Sweet Chase has several serious heart conditions. The left side of his heart is hampered by "sub-aortic stenosis," a genetic condition that narrows the blood stream pumped from the heart. The right side of Chase's heart was riddled with heartworm disease. Though we could and did treat Chase for heartworm, nothing can be done about sub-aortic stenosis, and his life expectancy is unclear.

"He is at risk for sudden death at any point," said Dr. Carolyn Allen, Lead Shelter Veterinarian at HSHV. "It's important that we be very upfront and clear with the serious nature of his situation. He's been evaluated in detail with an echocardiogram, and we've crafted a treatment plan that gives him the best chance of survival through heartworm treatment and beyond... but we don't know how long that will be."

When Chase first arrived at HSHV, he appeared large and invincible, but was scared of everyday things.

"He had to learn about kennel doors, how to use the flap that allows him to go outside and enjoy the sunshine-- even how to use the automatic watering dish without being scared by the noise it made," Dr. Allen said. "Over several weeks, he made the transition from being a quiet statue of a dog to being the happy, outgoing guy that he is now."

Dr. Allen crossed her fingers as HSHV began the search for a hero to give Chase his final home.

Several great people came forward but weren't quite the right fit. And then Andrea and Amber contacted HSHV.

"We saw his video and liked his story."

Andrea, who works in healthcare, and Amber, who works in hospice, arranged to meet Chase in his foster home. Foster mom Krista had been helping Chase recuperate from heartworm disease treatments, and had grown fond of "the goofy guy."

After the initial meet and greet with Andrea and Amber, Krista reached out to HSHV, "Chase loves them, and they LOVE Chase. It seems like a really good fit."

Andrea and Amber proceeded to jump through hoops to adopt Chase, contacting their landlord to receive clearance to bring home the Pit Bull Terrier/Mastiff mix. On Monday, August 24, they came to HSHV, new leash in hand.

"My cousin's fiance wanted him, too, but we got him first," Andrea said, smiling. "We love this guy. And all he really wants is to have his butt pet," she said, patting him gently as he wagged his tail.

Amber agreed. "He's so chill; I love that."

Chase will be joining Andrea, Amber, their four children, and two "dog-savvy" cats Lucy and Ethel. The family extended an offer for foster mom Krista to visit any time she wanted. 

When asked what their plans for the future were, Amber and Andrea said, "to love him unconditionallly" and "to give him the best life possible."

And with a continually wagging tail and a full heart, Chase walked out the door to live the rest of his happy tale.