San Antonio Humane Society: Neglected Puppy Near Death Makes Miracle Turnaround

When Petunia first came into the San Antonio Humane Society, she was suffering from a medical emergency that would nearly end her short life.

At only 10 months old, Petunia was a clear victim of neglect. Her leg was broken and had been for some time. Open and infected wounds covered her delicate paws, and every breath shook her broken body as though it would be her last.

“It was likely a car accident,” says Surgical Services Supervisor, Samantha Delicati, “and it caused her stomach, liver, and intestines to move into her chest through a tear in her diaphragm.” An injury that requires immediate medical attention.

Although our staff moved quickly to treat Petunia and get her the surgeries needed to save her life, her chance of survival was low and it was difficult to be optimistic.

She responded poorly to surgery and required overnight monitoring at a pet emergency clinic. Being left untreated for so long, her abdomen shrunk exponentially and she continued to have difficulty eating and breathing.

“She vomited black bile for hours, “says Delicati, “it was nothing like I had seen before and every time I checked on her I had to brace myself for the worse.”

Petunia’s health deteriorated to a point of incredible uncertainty, and SAHS staff were forced to consider whether her quality of life warranted humane euthanasia, “When I took her home that evening for monitoring, I went prepared knowing a decision might have to be made to end her suffering.”

But morning came for Petunia.

After months of healing, rehabilitation, and love, Petunia has made a complete miracle turnaround and she’s finally able to be a care-free puppy.

Petunia's Cost of Care = $5,000+

Time spent in our care: 77 days

Average cost of care per day: $35

First surgery: $850

Second Surgery: $200

Spay Surgery: $65

Emergency Room Visits: $1,847

Though her care and stay at the San Antonio Humane Society was long, difficult, and costly, we are grateful the hard work of our surgical and clinic team was not in vain: “She’s such a happy pup now,” says Natasha Hernandez, Animal Health Supervisor, “She’s really found her voice, and she deserves a good home.”

With your contribution, the San Antonio Humane Society is able to give injured and dying pets like Petunia a second chance at life. Our donors are our heroes, and we thank you for your gift and your continued support.

Petunia is now looking for her forever family. She would do well in a home that is ready to help her grow: she’s all puppy. She pulls on shoelaces, begs for attention, and loves belly rubs.