A BROKEN hearted rescue dog has been handed a Valentine’s Day gift of life after undergoing major surgery at a Shirley-based vets.
Fun-loving Molly, a five-year-old terrier cross, had a pacemaker fitted on Tuesday (February 14) after being diagnosed with a third degree heart block.
The condition meant her heart was beating too slowly, and without treatment it would eventually kill her.
However generous fundraisers at RSPCA’s Coventry branch raised the £2,500 just three hours after a funding campaign was launched, meaning Molly could undergo the two-hour procedure for a pacemaker to be fitted.
The intricate operation was carried out by Chris Linney, head of cardiology at Willows – an animal centre in Solihull.
He said: “Molly had a dangerously slow heart rhythm and without the operation the outlook for her was far from certain.
“It’s still a fairly uncommon procedure to fit a dog with a pacemaker and Molly’s story has really captured people’s imagination, so there was a bit of added pressure.
“The operation was challenging due to her small size but it went according to plan and Molly is recovering really well.
“She is a fantastic dog and has been an absolute star during her time with us.”
Molly, who previously featured on Channel 5 documentary series The Dog Rescuers after being taken in by the RSPCA, has already overcome a severe skin condition which took her months to recover from.
Now, her guardians are hoping she will get the ‘happy ever after’ she richly deserves.
Danni Holder, kennel supervisor at the RSPCA’s Coundon Wedge Drive centre, in Coventry, said: “We are extremely grateful for everything the veterinary team has done for Molly.
“She is a lovely dog and we’ve heard everyone has fallen in love with her – just as we all have at our animal centre.
“The operation means Molly now has a new lease of life.
“We think she will get rehomed really quickly, which will be the icing on the cake for her and complete a remarkable story.”
