Bernie

Late one night, right before the shelter was closing, baby Bernie was brought in. He was just 3 months old, and his condition was alarming. Within 30 minutes of his arrival, a volunteer with Wonder Paws Rescue had him in her car on the way to the vet. The entire drive, his condition became more and more alarming. He was almost completely unresponsive to her voice, couldn't lift up his little head, he was also lethargic, and nauseous. It was simply heartbreaking to see such a young puppy suffer like he was.

After many tests, Bernie was diagnosed with Obstructive Hydrocephalus. This is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain and Bernie required surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction. 

It has been a long road for Bernie, consisting of many life-threatening trips to the ER where rescuers weren't sure if he was going to make it. But, guess what? Bernie is a fighter and we are happy to announce that the shunt was successfully inserted from his brain into his abdomen! Bernie has come so far after his surgery and is no longer walking in circles or bumping into things.

The good news doesn't end there because we are over the moon to also announce that Bernie finally found his forever home at the beginning of April! Tonya and Ethan recently lost their very special foster dog, Ellie Mae, to hydrocephalus. When they found Bernie through social media it was love at first sight. They immediately came down from Pennsylvania to pick him up and take him home. We truly couldn't have asked for a better happy ending! 

Thank you to our amazing CUDDLY supporters who donated, shared, and helped Bernie along his journey. You guys are the reason Wonder Paws Rescue is able to save dogs like Bernie!