'Miracle' Dog Near Death Survives Heat And Neglect

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA —It was far from a typical Saturday for traveling emergency and critical care department veterinarian Dr. Wendy Wehmeyer. Leaving San Juan Capistrano with family pets in tow — so as not to leave them alone during the extreme summer heat — she arrived at her destination: a high desert emergency clinic.

That day a golden retriever puppy narrowly escaped death from heat and neglect, Wehmeyer told Patch. His story highlighted the heroic dedication of the clinic’s veterinary staff, as well as the support of generous donors who provided financial support for animals with no other recourse.

The forecast called for record Southern California heat in early July. It was another day with no sign of relief for area residents. Extreme heat can be deadly for animals, especially those left outdoors. Wehmeyer travels where extra critical care veterinary staffing is needed, and the high desert hospitals were desperate for support staff.

“There are many cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration we see up there,” she said. Abuse and neglect cases are also among the most common and with those often comes owner relinquishment. “It’s a big problem.”

Wehmeyer was the only veterinarian working at the emergency hospital that day. Because of coronavirus rules, veterinary technicians bring in animals in need of care while owners stay outside the clinic, awaiting information on their pet's care. Owners must sign a form designating if they are willing to pay for emergency lifesaving procedures should they be necessary. Most don’t in Wehmeyer’s experience, opting instead to euthanize their pets.

On this day, there were "countless emergencies," she said. Her support staff included a local vet tech named Kyle Byrd. He would serve as her right hand during what she described as one of the most difficult cases of her career.

An as-of-yet unidentified couple brought in a 1-year-old golden retriever puppy. The animal was unresponsive, soaking wet and extremely dehydrated, with only a sketchy history of what befell him.

The owner said he had no money and provided the hospital with a fictional address and phone number. The owner said he arrived home to find the dog confused, adding that when the pup collapsed, he threw him in the pool to cool him down, to no avail. "They wanted us to euthanize him," Wehmeyer said.

The lead vet tech alerted Wehmeyer to the critical case, and she evaluated the emaciated, severely dehydrated puppy.

In her professional opinion, the dog appeared to have suffered neglect all its young life. Upon further discussion with the owner, they learned the pup was an outdoor-only dog.

“The puppy was left outside in severe heat to starve, with no food or water, for likely a week or more,” she said in a Facebook post. “When the owners returned home, it was over 110 degrees outside.”

Emergency lifesaving procedures were needed right away. But the owners refused to support that, opting instead to end the animal's life.

The staff asked if the owners would relinquish the animal into their care rather than euthanize it.

They agreed.

Minutes From Dying

The puppy was comatose upon arrival and at death’s door. All of his signs were “incompatible with life,” Wehmeyer said.

The dog's electrolyte levels were bad: Sodium was too high to measure, and potassium was the lowest she’d ever seen in a patient that was still alive. His blood pressure was barely measurable. His brain stem was herniating as the dog experienced Cushing’s reflex—a physiological nervous system response to acute elevations of intracranial pressure, Pets WebMd said. Mannitol, she hoped, would remove pressure from his brain stem, but his organs were starting to fail.

Wehmeyer began the painstaking task of rehydrating the puppy through multiple IVs. Too quick with new sodium, and the animal can perish, she said.

The young pup's pupils indicated he was almost dead. His prognosis remained dire as they attempted to rehydrate him, monitoring his progress for a critical 24 hours.

Wehmeyer administered treatment while Byrd stayed with him, monitoring his progress.

They treated the puppy with supplemental potassium. Slowly his blood sugar and blood pressure returned to normal levels. They gave the dog a plasma transfusion. Still, his brain stem was herniating. At one point, Wehmeyer decided they were causing the puppy too much distress in treating him. Perhaps euthanizing the dog would be kinder than trying to save his life?

"Kyle Jr." Wants To Live

Wehmeyer decided the answer was yes.

With emotion, Byrd held the puppy down while the veterinarian prepared to administer a lethal shot. It would end the puppy's misery — a final gift for the dog who spent his life in total neglect.

Instead, the puppy raised his head and looked around. It drank a sip of water and kept it down.

In the treatment room, the attending techs gasped. Laughter, a joy-filled moment, and understanding that the dog had a bit more fight left in him.

They would not give up on the golden retriever puppy.

“We said, ‘We are not giving up on him. No way,’” Wehmeyer said.

Wehmeyer believed the dog's recovery was miraculous. She credited Byrd with saving the dog. In his honor, they gave the puppy a new name: Kyle Jr., or KJ for short.

“He pleaded for the puppy’s life and remained with him during his care,” she said.

With continued treatment, the swelling in KJ's brain receded. His health and vital signs continued to improve. After many hours, Kyle Jr. could drink water again.

He remained on heavy-duty IV antibiotics and stomach medication.

Financial Help For Dogs In Need

"KJ’s a miracle dog," Wehmeyer said.

But the cost of care for such a dog is more than one doctor can bear. Enter the Mission Viejo rescue group Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid, or CARMA.

Local veterinarian Tiffany Thompson of Mission Park Pet Hospital is a dog angel. After seeing too many sad cases of animal abuse and neglect, Thompson and her husband began the nonprofit group.

“I cannot tell you how many dogs I've had that she's taken care of the bill and the animals once they are out of emergency care,” Wehmeyer said. Now, the golden retriever is being cared for by Thompson and supported by CARMA and community donations.

“Without the dedication of CARMA rescue, he would have been put down immediately,” Wehmeyer said. “But this rescue, like dozens of times beforehand with my abuse and neglect cases, stepped up and paid his bills, allowing me to save his life.”

KJ is off the IVs and is with a foster family. Thompson is now monitoring his medical care. For now, CARMA is accepting donations toward their rescue and emergency support services.

"Donations and fosters are huge for our program," Thompson says.

He is the sweetest boy and thrived on TLC and playtime with other pets, Wehmeyer said.

Learning How To Be A Dog

The man who left KJ at the clinic described him as an outdoor-only dog. He's had a lot to learn about being indoors and that there are friends out there.

“When he came out of his coma, he was scared of everything: stairs, shadow, loud noises,” Wehmeyer said. “Now, he is learning and being playful under the care of a CARMA-approved foster family.”

Eight days after KJ's near-death experience, all signs point to a full recovery.

Patch reached out to Thompson at CARMA to learn more about Kyle Jr. and his current state of health.

Ultimately, KJ's new fosters will make him a part of their family, Patch was told. It is not yet known if he will receive a new name.

KJ is a success story, while many other animals in Orange County remain in need. CARMA also needs more fosters to take care of dogs in need.

You can donate to CARMA through PayPal or Venmo or support them on Amazon Smile.