Mystery puppy ready to find his forever home

When Niles arrived at the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) last month, he instantly became a mystery puppy.

The adorable 3-month-old retriever mix pup was the runt of his litter and began regurgitating his food on the first day at the shelter. After two days of not eating and testing negative for parvovirus, the SAHS veterinarians still did not know what was wrong.

After syringe feeding him his meals, his blood work was beginning to show a severe anemia (low blood cells), and the SAHS clinic staff was worried he would require a blood transfusion. In an effort to improve his health, a nasogastric tube (a special feeding tube) was placed to provide proper nutrition to him.

SAHS Clinic Technician Jessica Szeto encouraged her husband, Jason, to foster Niles during his most critical days. Niles received all the around-the-clock care that he desperately needed. After a day with the tube, feedings every two hours and a strong dewormer, he started to feel better and began to eat on his own.

"Luckily, he began to eat again, and now, he will eat anything!" Szeto said. "He is now back at the shelter and ready to find his forever home.”

While in foster care, Niles began to play and grow stronger every day.

“He now loves pup-sicles and milk bones,” Szeto added. “His favorite game is tug of war with noisy toys. He would definitely do well in a loving home where he can make dog friends because he loves to play.”

Niles also has a blue coloration on one of his eyes (the cause is unknown) and is suspected to have Demodex, which will be treated with flea and tick prevention medication. At this time, his eye is not causing Niles any pain; however, it may need treatment in his future life.

“He really is a miracle puppy,” Dr. Leslie Hopes, associate veterinarian at the SAHS, said. “His anemia has resolved, and he is eating well on his own and growing like a regular puppy.”

Niles is now ready for adoption. Please help us find this sweet boy his home by sharing his story! If you are interested in making this puppy a part of your family, please fill out an online adoption application today.