Fawnzy came to us as a tiny puppy that just didn't seem to thrive very well from the very beginning.  Wasn't "sick" exactly, but just wasn't as "healthy" as his littermates.  We knew Fawnzy wasn't "normal", but we put that down to individuality because there was never any sign (or we didn't realize there was) that he was a sick little guy.  He never gained weight like a "normal" Pug and several other things that made him "different".  Over time, he even developed a hump to his spine. 

Until one day when he was about 2 years old and he had what we thought was a seizure.  (H.E. Episode)  He was rushed to the closest vet, who told us that she believed he had a Liver Shunt.  That he could be maintained on diet and medications and could live a long life.  So began our journey into what we believed was a death sentence for our little tiny Fawnzy. 

That is when a very dear lady, Lois, introduced me to the Liver Shunt Support list.  I knew absolutely nothing about Liver Shunt and through their support and encouragement we began to learn about Liver Shunts. It led to me asking the local vet, who had been treating him, several questions.  It turned out she wasn't really knowledgeable about Liver Shunts.  We took him to our regular vet who is over an hour away.  At that time, after Bile Acid tests, we were referred to a Board Certified Specialist and Radiologist who performed a Doppler Ultrasound and found a shunt that could be repaired. 

Today, because of the information and support we were given by Fawnzy's Angels and the Liver Shunt Support Group, our Fawnzy is a healthy NORMAL little Pug who is not on any medications or limitations!  He has gained weight, and we have discovered that he was NOT given a death sentence when diagnosed with a liver shunt. 

I don't know what we would have done without all the wonderful advice, hand holding, and the shoulders that were there when we needed them.  Fawnzy's Angels and the Liver Shunt Support Group saved his life.  Because of them, he lives a normal life now.  A life of discovery and joy.  We say he is going through his second puppyhood.  But then, he never really got a first one did he? 

Liver Shunt is NOT a death sentence and there is always HOPE.  This is what we have learned through caring, professional people.  If you are not comfortable with a first opinion, get a second one.  NEVER give up hope.

With sincere gratitude,