Photo Contest

Pet number and name: 097 - Ella Boo

Submitted by: Deborah - CA, USA

25% of profits to:
Four Legged Friends Foundation

The story really begins last summer - I lost my beloved maltese Lucy, who as 14 1/2 years old, to AIHA.  When she died  I was heartbroken and really tried to save her.  A few months later I met breeder Krista Dragna, who had wonderfully adorable maltese puppies and considered getting one of them.  I called her about one, a month later, who had been returned, but she had just placed her. 

Then she told me about a little 3 month old puppy, a teacup maltese, who was being returned because the new owners discovered she had a loud heart murmur and were afraid she might not make it.  Krista felt it could be fixed - I had no idea if this was true, but wanted to help if I could.

I saw the puppy's adorable picture and decided to go for it - she was soooo cute.  My vet and holostic vet were doubtful that this would lead to a good end - and tried to talk me out of it - to no avail.  They knew I was still hurt about Lucy - but I was undeterred.

I brought Ella home on November 2, 2007 and had her condition diagnosed.  She had Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA), a congenital heart disease which needs surgical correction.  I work in the entertainment industry and the writers strike had just begun, so I was a little financially challenged.  I brought Ella to Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Lawndale, as the facility is known as the best for cardiology.  Ella's cardiogram came back very hopeful and her doctors wanted her to get a little bigger before the surgery and set the date for January 7, 2008. 

I had 7 weeks to raise the funds and did with the help of Imom, Four Legged Friends Foundation, good friends and a generous breeder.  The Imom community was terrific - so supportive through the entire process.  Ella is now 14 months old, full grown and loving her life - as she should.  According to her surgeons, she can live a normal life span and he procedure went better than they expected!