Daphne arrived here with such a critical state of pneumonia that she was scarcely breathing. After closer examination, Dr. Christi Camblor, Director of Shelter Medicine, discovered that Daphne was actually starving to death and too weak to stand. Food and liquids couldn't make their way past her throat. But Daphne's will to live was powerful--and she had literally dozens of SHS angels fighting for her life.

X-rays revealed a condition called 'aspiration pneumonia,' resulting from food and liquids being endlessly regurgitated. But why? The real culprit was an abnormal blood vessel that was constricting her esophagus, sealing it off almost completely. It was a miracle she was still alive!

Our response was fast: Daphne was given the oxygen, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and nebulization (used to inhale medicine in the lungs) to stabilize her. Vital nutrients and fluids were delivered into her tiny body through a stomach tube to help her regain strength--strength she would need for the next phase of her journey.

Personally fostering the tiny pup, Dr. Camblor applied to a special charity fund at U.C. Davis. Daphne's surgical procedure to remove the wayward blood vessel was performed swiftly, and with surgery costs reduced by half.

Daphne, now 15 weeks

"One look into those pleading blue eyes and all of us

just knew that we would do whatever it took to help her."   

Today, Daphne's two-month long journey of 24/7 monitoring, stomach tube feeding, cuddles and mega-doses of love have strengthened both body and spirit. "Everyone gets involved--staff members socialize with her while holding her constantly to help gravity do its job. Daphne has to be held upright for 30-40 minutes after every feeding," reflected Dr. Camblor. "Even one of the nurses' husbands is building Daphne a specialized chair that she can sit in comfortably after feedings for the next month or so while her esophagus heals."

As Daphne's eating powers develop, her prognosis will go from good to very good. "Veterinarians and veterinary nurses have been taking her home to provide 'round the clock care for her over the past eight weeks. It's been a real team effort, which I think exemplifies how the SHS team pull together to save a life," smiled Dr. Camblor.

Daphne's will to live is evident in every breath she takes. Her resilience and strength of spirit are what continue to motivate all of those who work with her.

Although she's still getting the hang of eating food orally and may have some permanent damage to her esophagus, Daphne's life has been restored. These are the kinds of daily miracles we thrive on--and so do the animals.

The cost of Daphne's 24/7 care and feeding has been significant--and, just like her little Mastiff body--continues to grow. Please help Daphne today! 

With your support, animals like Daphne have a future.

A glimpse into Daphne's journey