buck updates
4/23/2026
Buck has been with us for 2 years. Two years longer than expected. With a heart so damaged he was only given days to weeks, Buck was not a candidate for surgery or procedures and entered “fospice” to spend his remaining time in a foster home. Two years later, he is still here and still loved.
4/10/2026
Buck, our heart patient in fospice care, gave us a much needed reason to smile today. He continues to be closely monitored and supported to keep him as comfortable as possible while maintaining his quality of life. Buck remains in good spirits, and moments like these are a reminder that he is still enjoying his days.
3/19/2026
Buck, our miracle bulldog, was taken in nearly two years ago as a puppy after being diagnosed with multiple severe congenital heart conditions that are both inoperable and fatal. At the time, he was given only days to weeks to live. The decision was made to give him the opportunity to experience life and love for whatever time he
3/19/2026
Buck, our miracle bulldog, was taken in nearly two years ago as a puppy after being diagnosed with multiple severe congenital heart conditions that are both inoperable and fatal. At the time, he was given only days to weeks to live. The decision was made to give him the opportunity to experience life and love for whatever time he had.
Considering it's the most severe cardiac case we have encountered, Buck has surpassed all expectations. He found a devoted forever foster home, where he receives excellent care and a life enriched with affection. Now, at the age of 2, he's challenging expectations and is nothing less than a miracle on four paws.
3/18/2026
Buck showed a mild decline, including increased fatigue and reduced activity tolerance. A cardiology re-evaluation, including an EKG and echocardiogram, was scheduled to assess for potential disease progression.
2/28/2026
Buck experienced an acute episode characterized by weakness, fatigue, and an inability to sustain walking. The episode resolved without emergency intervention and is suspected to have been related to a possible arrhythmia or a temporary drop in cardiac output.
2/17/2026
Buck celebrated his 2nd birthday, a milestone that seemed like a distant dream given his condition! He continues to live with severe, inoperable congenital heart disease and remains under ongoing supportive and palliative care. Still, he enjoys a top-notch life in a carefully managed environment.
May 2025
Buck hit the big ONE in February, smashing expectations like a champ!
He developed a urinary issue, presenting with blood in his urine. Further evaluation revealed the presence of urinary crystals. An ultrasound was performed without anesthesia due to his cardiac risk. He was started on medical management, including a specialized d
May 2025
Buck hit the big ONE in February, smashing expectations like a champ!
He developed a urinary issue, presenting with blood in his urine. Further evaluation revealed the presence of urinary crystals. An ultrasound was performed without anesthesia due to his cardiac risk. He was started on medical management, including a specialized diet and medication, to address the condition.
Follow-up imaging confirmed that Buck’s cardiac disease remains severe and terminal. However, his daily function and comfort have stayed stable, with no new or acute concerns identified at that time.
1/1/2025
Buck defied the odds and strutted into nine months of foster care, outliving his initial "weeks to live" forecast. During this time, he remained bright, active, and comfortable, continuing to enjoy daily life. His resilience remained remarkable as he continued to exceed expectations without major complications.
9/8/2024
Buck hit the six-month mark post-diagnosis, cruising along like a champ! He stayed steady, dove into daily adventures, and showed no regular signs of distress.
July 2024
Buck experienced a gastrointestinal episode (diarrhea) and was evaluated by a veterinarian. Symptoms were monitored and managed conservatively. Buck surpassed three months in foster care, far exceeding expectations for his condition. His survival continued to be considered highly unusual given the severity of his heart disease.
6/30/2024
Buck remained stable in foster care and continued to tolerate daily activity. He thrived in a nurturing environment, forming bonds with both his caretakers and fellow furry companions. His quality of life remained high despite his underlying cardiac disease.
6/23/2024
Buck reached a major milestone by surviving two months beyond his terminal diagnosis. During this time, he gained significant weight, approximately 3 lbs. to 15 lbs. He became stable enough to receive initial puppy vaccinations, and continued to build strength and tolerance for daily activity.
6/13/2024
Further diagnostics confirmed the severity of Buck’s condition, including the presence of a structural heart defect (hole in the heart). It was determined that this defect may be contributing to his survival despite the extent of his disease. It altered blood flow, and may be relieving pressure or compensating in a way that’s allowing him to survive longer than expected.
May 2024
Buck continued adjusting to foster care and began experiencing daily life outside of a medical setting. His condition remained critical but stable enough to allow for routine care and observation.
4/27/2024
Buck began stabilizing in foster care, showing normal appetite, digestion, and activity for short periods. Early monitoring showed pink gums, stable breathing, and manageable symptoms considering his significant cardiac disease.
April 2024
Buck was surrendered at approximately 8-10 weeks old after being diagnosed with multiple severe, congenital, and inoperable heart conditions, including pulmonary stenosis, aortic stenosis, ventricular stenosis, and an enlarged heart. He was given a prognosis of only days to weeks to live. Buck was placed into a hospice foster home to focus on comfort and quality of life.