Abandoned Puppy With Rare Heart Disease Recovering: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A puppy with a very rare heart malfunction that was found at Brooksvale Park in Hamden earlier this year is recovering after undergoing extensive surgery last month that was “partially successful,” according to police. The puppy, now known as “King,” is making progress and police are hoping to schedule him for additional surgery soon, according to Capt. Ronald Smith. The surgeries have been made possible thanks to a local rescue group in Hamden, “Where the Love Is,” and generous donations from area residents that have raised more than $10,000, Smith said.

King was found on March 27 after Assistant Animal Control Officer Mitch Gibbs responded to Brooksvale Park, located at 524 Brooksvale Ave., on the report of a “sick or injured” dog. Gibbs found a 3-month-old pit bull that was lying in the nearby brush, with labored breathing. Gibbs reported that the puppy was “extremely thin” and that its bones were “easily visible,” according to Smith. Additionally, the puppy’s abdomen was “bloated.”

“It was clear that the abandoned puppy was in need of medical attention,” Smith wrote in a press release. “The puppy was subsequently transported to a local veterinarian where it was determined that its medical prognosis was ‘poor.’ The puppy was transported to the North Haven Animal Hospital, where it was kept ‘comfortable.’ The puppy was regularly treated and became ‘playful.’”

A local veterinarian cardiologist examined the puppy and determined that it was suffering from a “very rare congenital malfunction of the heart,” according to Smith. The cardiologist determined that an operation could be performed which “might” improve the puppy’s quality of life, Smith said.

“With the assistance of a local rescue group based in Hamden, ‘Where the Love Is,’ generous residents from throughout the area donated over $10,000 to cover the surgical costs,” Smith wrote. “’Where the Love Is’ utilized social media to solicit the donations. The large sum was raised within 48 hours. How amazing!”

On June 20, the puppy, now known as King, underwent extensive surgery for “Pulmonic Stenosis” and “Cor Triatriatum Dexter,” according to Smith.

“Hamden Animal Control reports that the surgery was partially successful,” Smith said. “The Cor Triatriatum Dexter could not be corrected during surgery. At this point, the Hamden Police Department and Animal Control Division are happy to report that ‘King’ is alert, happy and that he is making progress. We are hoping to schedule him for an additional surgery in the very near future.

“The Hamden Police Department and Animal Control Division would like to overwhelmingly thank Gabrielle Scirocco, the President of Where the Love Is and the dozens of caring people who love animals and hope to make a difference. Thank you again.”

Photos courtesy of the Hamden Police Department