Jet, a little black Lab-mix puppy, arrived the county shelter in August. He was about 6 weeks old. Within a month, he had failed behavior evaluation for food aggression, and it was soon discovered that he had a medical problem that caused him to continually regurgitate his food. An initial evaluation and X-ray showed a mild dilation of the esophagus. Despite treatment, the problem persisted and another X-ray was done. This time the veterinarian recommended surgery to relieve a stricture around the esophagus (a condition called persistent aortic arch). Little Jet was taken to VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center (formerly Sac Surgical). TEAM agreed to pay for the surgery, and private donations to TEAM were made to cover the cost of his care. Jet had his surgery in late September, and returned home two days later with a feeding tube and chest incision behind his elbow. He was fed through the feeding tube for two and a half days, but ultimately rubbed the feeding tube loose. The veterinarians decided not to reinsert the tube because, to their great delight, Jet was eating normally! Today, Jet is well, full of energy and growing rapidly. My terrier mix, Bailey, always gentle with puppies, was super-gentle with Jet. Snickers, my shelter girl who has not liked puppies since her own were weaned, didn’t like Jet at first. But as he grew, she realized that he could be a fine playmate and today is incredibly tolerant of him. Jet is learning puppy manners (though we’re having a little trouble with the “no bark” command) and we think he has a little Sheltie in him. My sincere thanks to TEAM, as well to all those caring people who were involved with his recovery.—Mary Palumbo, shelter volunteer

UPDATE:  Jet was adopted in February by a young veterinarian who was working for Banfield in Reno. The veterinarian had a practice of her own, specializing in equine rehabilitation and acupuncture. She is on her way to San Juan Bautista to open her own practice in Gilroy. Jet goes to work with her every day, and she says he does very well around the horses. He also goes riding with her, giving him the kind of exercise he needs. Because Jet is constantly around other dogs and cats, as well as horses, he has mellowed quite a bit and is now living a life that any dog would envy.

Note: TEAM is not a shelter, rescue organization or foster facility for lost or relinquished animals. TEAM is the nonprofit support group for the Sacramento County Department of Animal Care and Regulation and focuses on fundraising and community education on behalf of shelter animals and related issues.

Jet