Butterscotch will will be available for adoption after she recovers from her surgery. Adoption fee will be $250. 

Butterscotch is a 6 month old Chocolate Lab and Shepherd mix puppy. She’s had a rough start to life: Butterscotch and her sister were dumped at a high kill-shelter in Alabama, where they survived for five weeks. Arrangements were made via Pilots N Paws to transport both of them to Suntree-Viera Pet Rescue (SVPR), a no-kill pet rescue based in Melbourne, FL. However, the day of the transport, Butterscotch’s sister was adopted, so she had to travel all by herself. Confused, scared, and alone, Butterscotch arrived in Florida on 1/17/15. She was very depressed for the first few days after her arrival because she missed her sister. She has since adjusted to her new foster home and is a very sweet, calm, and mellow little girl.

However, Butterscotch’s troubles are not over. After her routine pre-adoption vet visit, SVPR discovered that Butterscotch has a heart murmur brought on by Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This is a genetic disorder that she was born with, it is one of the most common birth defects seen in dogs and most commonly affects females. In PDA some of the blood which is leaving the left side of the heart is channeled back into the lungs, instead of going out into the body like it should. As a result, the heart must work harder to make sure enough blood is getting to the rest of the body. Treatment for PDA consists of surgery to close the ductus arteriosus, the blood vessel which connects the aorta to the pulmonary artery. This blood vessel normally closes on its own after birth, but when it does not PDA is the result. 

 The procedure will cost $2,500 to $3,000, and this includes the initial consultation, aftercare, and followup. Without the surgery, Butterscotch’s chances for survival for this year are estimated at around 35%. Even if she makes it that far, the increased pressure in the heart will eventually take its toll and she will die of heart failure. For SVPR, a non-profit no-kill rescue committed to the health and well-being of all animals in the rescue, this is not acceptable. Her consult is scheduled for Wednesday, 2/4/15, and she may go into the surgery that same day, so time is of the essence. Update 2/5/15: Butterscotch is recovering well after her surgery. She is still at the specialty vet and will return to her foster home Friday 2/6/15.

Suntree-Viera Pet Rescue is committed to the health and welfare of all of their animals, including Butterscotch. SVPR is a 501c3 nonprofit, and has been an established rescue for fifteen years, relying on donations as well as the personal finances of our volunteers. Butterscotch’s medical expenses will not come cheaply, and we are asking for help to save this sweet puppy. 

To donate, visit gofundme.com/Butterscotchsvpr or donate via PayPal on our website at svpr.rescuegroups.org. Visit our website to find out more about the rescue, or feel free to contact us at svprhs@gmail.com with any questions about Butterscotch or SVPR. 

You may also mail donations to: 
Suntree-Viera Pet Rescue
P.O. Box 410123
Melbourne, FL 32941-0123


Butterscotch will be available for adoption after she recovers from her surgery. Adoption fee will be $250.