Gwennan

Gwennan, whose name translates to “Blessed” in Welsh, was found abandoned in a park and brought to a local animal shelter.

From her foster:  When she arrived at my home, Gwennan was struggling with frequent urination—every 30 minutes, and sometimes as often as every 15–20 minutes. Despite an antibiotic shot administered at the shelter, her condition persisted. However, her health challenges didn’t stop there. She was found to have ten mammary tumors, a heart murmur, chronic L1-2 intervertebral disc disease, and paraparesis. We have now started a course of oral antibiotics and so far, we have reduced her urination to every 1–2 hours.

Recently, Gwennan experienced fainting episodes (known as a syncope) and required an emergency vet visit. She was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome and an echocardiogram revealed chronic degenerative valve disease and intermittent arrhythmia, which likely caused her collapsing episodes.

Despite all she’s endured, Gwennan’s gentle spirit shines through. When she first arrived, she was understandably stressed, pacing constantly for about a week before settling down. She quickly adapted to life with my two other ODH dogs and two cats, fitting in seamlessly. One of my dogs even accompanied her during her pacing, offering companionship. Initially fearful of the backyard, Gwennan would urinate indoors, but with washable pee pads, she adjusted remarkably well—using them 60–70% of the time within days. Now, a month later, she’s up to 90% accuracy and even enjoys going outside to potty, though accidents still happen when she can’t make it in time, especially overnight.

Each morning, I greet her with a kiss on the forehead and say, “Good morning, sweetheart. You are wanted,” ensuring she knows she’s loved and safe. It’s unimaginable how a dog this sweet ever ended up homeless.

Gwennan’s favorite things are fluffy beds, sleeping, soft food, fish oil, and backyard strolls.

This lucky girl will always be loved, surrounded by many friends and the comforts of a forever home!

Update: Sadly, her family had to say goodbye to little Gwennan.  She had so many VERY serious battles to fight, the last one being pyometra, and they couldn’t risk surgery due to her unusual heart condition.  It is heart wrenching for the family that worked so hard to help Gwennan meet every challenge until this last insurmountable one.  She will be sorely missed.