Millie's heart surgery was successful, and her heart murmur is history.
Millie, a 5-month-old Shih tzu mix, was featured in an article in the April 14 edition of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS. Millie had patent ductus arteriosis (PDA), a congenital heart defect that was repairable with surgery.
Millie was one of 74 dogs the Northwest Organization for Animal Help (N.O.A.H.) in Stanwood cared for after their removal from an alleged puppy mill in Skagit County in January. N.O.A.H. was able to raise enough money to cover the cost of Millie's heart surgery.
Although Millie's heart is still enlarged to twice the normal size, it has started to get smaller, said Patti VanWieringen, of Conway, Millie's adoptive mom. Her heart is expected to continue to decrease.
"Her heart is still not pumping as fully as it should yet, and hopefully with time and continued heart medication this can be corrected," she said.
Meanwhile, Millie is growing, and VanWieringen said she and her husband, Bill, are continuing to use common sense to help Millie continue to recover.
The VanWieringens were also able to finally adopt Millie today. They have been foster parents for her since she was removed from the alleged puppy mill.
"Millie and I will be doing the happy dance for sure," she said.
N.O.A.H., located at 31300 Brandstrom Road in Stanwood, can be reached at (360)629-7055.
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