Heartbreaking Gertrude becomes joyful Gertty

Ten-year-old Gertrude was in rough shape when she we took her in, but her life has taken a 180!

Gertrude arrived at FAAS in heartbreaking shape. The adorable 10-year-old Jack Russell/Chihuahua had multiple health issues. Most concerning: a hernia on the side of her abdomen – likely, a result of trauma.

Gertrude when she first arrived at FAAS

 Alarmingly, her kidney was bulging out and sitting just under her skin. This could jeopardize her life if she sustained some kind of impact to that side of her body.

Repairing it would require a surgeon with special skills and equipment. It would be costly, but we were committed to making sure Gertrude would get the extensive medical care she desperately needed.

We also discovered that Gertrude had kidney stones, which can cause great pain, inflammation of the bladder, and blood in the urine.

And in a trifecta of medical maladies, the poor dog had severe dental issues, which would require extraction of several teeth. In total, her surgeries would cost several thousand dollars. We didn't hesitate do what it took to make her better, because our Starfish Fund is set up for just these kinds of cases.

We have a $15,000 Valentine's match! Double the impact of your donation to the Starfish Fund today!

The poor girl had been dealt a bad hand before arriving at FAAS, but her luck started changing almost as soon as she came through our door. Not only were we dedicated to getting her evaluated and treated, but shortly after Gertrude became a resident, a woman came in looking to walk a dog, and spotted Gertrude hanging out with our front-desk staff.

Tamar and Gertty sign foster paperwork at FAAS :)

Tamar, a local doula, had been wanting to adopt a dog, but was going to wait until later in the year.

“I was only planning on walking a dog, not taking one home,” says Tamar. “Especially not a senior dog. But when I saw her, I just knew I had all of the love she needed to feel safe again.”

Gertrude went home with Tamar as a medical foster and quickly became known as Gertty.

“When I first got Gertty, she would shake whenever I held her. I could tell she was afraid to let herself feel safe. But over time, her loving personality has shown more and more. She’s just so sweet and loving.”

Tamar and Gertty celebrated a very happy Christmas together

Being in Tamar’s home as she recovered from her multiple procedures over the last four months has made a huge difference in Gertty’s ability to heal. So far, she has had all but her teeth taken care of – and she’s been spayed to boot!

“Nothing stops this little dog,” says Tamar. “If she didn’t have her little grays, you wouldn’t be able to tell she’s 10 years old, even with everything she’s gone through.”

Gertty now lives a life filled with love, confidence, bling, and stylish outfits. She’s a spunky, fun girl whose favorite pastimes are cuddling with Tamar and playing with Tamar’s godson when he visits.

And talk about a happily-ever-after love story: To show her forever love for Gertty, Tamar is planning to adopt her today, on Valentine’s Day!

Thanks to Tamar, and to caring people like you, Gertty is now living her happily-ever-after. Please consider a Valentine's donation to our lifesaving Starfish Fund to help other dogs like Gertty! Your donation will be doubled up to the $15,000 match given by an anonymous donor.