Olive the puppy gets a much-needed nose job

For most puppies, it’s a whirlwind journey from rescue to forever home. For others, there are a few stops in between. Olive was in the second category. When we rescued this 12-week-old Shepherd mix, she was congested. Runny noses are as common as dirt in animal shelters, but poor little Olive had pneumonia. We put her on a double dose of antibiotics and made her comfortable.

Olive has a lot to smile about these days!

After two weeks in medical isolation, she was no better. One of our staff members took pity on her and brought her home to foster (hey, we’re softies). Olive was still stuffed up and breathing through her mouth. Another clue to her condition was a small dent on her snout, as if her nose had been broken at some point.

The next three months were medically busy ones for Olive. First she had X-rays. Then she had a rhinoscopy. Next up was a CT scan. Finally she underwent nasal reconstruction surgery to clear out the soft tissue that was blocking her nasal passage. The total cost was $3,897, but it was worth it to see this sweet mutt breathing easy at last.

Aren’t they beautiful together?!

We’re overjoyed to report that Olive has finally — and after many detours! — completed her 3-month journey from rescue to forever home. She was adopted last week by close friends of her foster mom.

Do you want to help animals like Olive? Our Second Chance Fund allows us to provide specialized life-saving treatment to lovable critters that would be considered untreatable by many shelters. If you’d like to support their care, please donate to our Second Chance Fund.