Renna’s Story: 2.5 Pounds of Pure Miracle
Fragile Beginnings
Renna’s story began like far too many others—abandoned at an overcrowded shelter, malnourished, and gravely ill. At just 5 weeks old and weighing only 2.5 pounds, this tiny pup was clinging to life.
The Rescue Campus vet diagnosed her with a congenital heart defect called a persistent right aortic arch, which had led to Renna’s esophagus being strangled. This condition, called megaesophagus, enlarged her esophagus and prevented food from moving into her stomach, causing regurgitation and making eating a constant struggle.
A Team Effort to Keep Her Alive
Feeding Renna became a group effort at the Rescue Campus. Her meals had to be prepared as a slurry, and she needed to be held upright for 15 minutes afterward to prevent regurgitation. Staff members took turns caring for her, ensuring she stayed safe.
One staff member, Dr. Jessie Dyer, decided to foster Renna while she was in South Carolina."I fell for Renna because she was so small but vivacious. Her belly was bloated, but she was like a skeleton. She seemed so hungry, too. At first, we didn’t know anything was wrong other than her being starved. She would eat, throw up, choke, and then want more food,” said Dr. Dyer.
“Fostering Renna was stressful,” she admitted. “I was worried she would choke, worried she wasn’t gaining weight, worried she would break with another disease—but it was totally worth it. Renna hated being left alone and wasn’t afraid to tell you about it! Her little howls are one of my favorite noises. Helping Renna is something I will remember forever.”
Fighting for a Chance
For most rescues, Renna’s complex medical needs might have seemed insurmountable. But Lucky Dog Animal Rescue (Lucky Dog) believes every dog deserves a fighting chance—especially the underdogs like Renna.
Despite her dire condition, Renna’s spirit was unbreakable. She wagged her tail and showered her caretakers with puppy kisses, oblivious to how precarious her situation was. It was clear, however, that surgery was her only hope.
The Lifesaving Surgery
Needing a specialist to handle this delicate surgery, Lucky Dog transported Renna to foster care in the DC area. Lucky Dog’s board member and Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Specialty Surgeon at Friendship Hospital for Animals, Dr. Mathieu Glassman, cleared the way for her to have surgery days after arrival.
“Renna had a congenital issue where vessels encircled her esophagus, blocking food from moving into her stomach,” Dr. Glassman explained. “Surgery involved opening her chest and cutting tissue to free up the esophagus. This type of surgery is transformative—it removes discomfort, improves quality of life, and gives rescue animals like Renna the opportunity to find their forever home and experience the love and safety every pet deserves.”
anks to a generous donation from the 15/10 Foundation, Renna underwent the lifesaving procedure. Her initial recovery was touch-and-go. She spent her first night post-surgery in an oxygen cage as her tiny body struggled to fight off pneumonia, but her invincible will to survive never wavered.
A Miraculous Recovery
Renna’s post-surgery journey has been nothing short of miraculous. Once fragile and barely clinging to life, she is now thriving in her new foster home. “Renna is an amazing puppy!” her current foster shared. “She is so happy and playful despite everything she has been through. She loves everyone, including our kids and our dog. She loves toys, gives puppy kisses, and curls up in your lap for a nap. She’s healing perfectly from her surgery.”
Now 10 weeks old, each day brings new victories for Renna. Her appetite has returned, she’s steadily gaining weight, and her playful, sassy personality shines through. She’s even begun to enjoy the little joys of being a dog—chasing toys, snuggling in soft blankets, and basking in the love of her foster family.
A Truly Lucky Dog
Renna is truly a “lucky dog,” not only because she found her way to us but also because she received the medical care and community support she desperately needed. Her current foster shared that these days, “at feeding time, she becomes very animated and vocal - she has a great appetite”. Soon, she will transition to solid food.
Lucky Dog is committed to saving at-risk animals like Renna and providing them with the medical care, love, and support they need to thrive. Our mission is to fight for the underdogs, take on the hard cases, and ensure every “lucky dog” gets the second chance they deserve, one tiny heartbeat at a time.
As Mirah Horowitz, Lucky Dog’s CEO and Founder, summed it up: “The moment Renna was brought to our Rescue Campus, we knew she would not be an easy case. She was terribly underweight and unable to keep food down. Most rescues would hesitate to step up and take in a visibly sick puppy, but not Lucky Dog. We knew we were her only hope. I think that is what sets us apart—our willingness to fight for the underdog and take on the hard cases.”
Renna’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. From the veterinary teams who performed the surgery to the fosters who cared for her to the donors who funded her medical care—every effort made a difference in saving her life.