MEET VIOLET.. a healthy, bouncy, 8-month old (DOB February 2015), b/w, ~10 lb Shih Tzu mix puppy. She looks and acts like a ridiculously cute pup, but others her age have not had to live the special story she has endured and survived. Violet was discovered locked inside an abandoned home, in the desert, by a real estate broker familiar with rescue. Violet was left for dead without food or water in the heat. Her first exam revealed a significant heart murmur that required a cardiology work up. Lhasa Happy Homes answered the plea to treat Violet and our cardiologist diagnosed her with a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). Violet underwent closure of the PDA and the surgery was deemed 100% successful. Her murmur was gone almost immediately after the procedure! Violet is expected to live a normal, healthy life. During her recovery, she had to be penned and wear a cone – a big test for a puppy. Her calm behavior during this time was remarkable and the only time she gets a little vocal is when other dogs are fed around her – she loves her food!! While she was kept separately, she happily chewed on things she was supposed to and never once destroyed a bed, a pee pad or anything else! She is even respectful with her chew toys. She lets you know when she wants to go on grass for potty and if you don’t get to her in time she uses the pee pad in her pen, though she would much rather go outside like a real dog. She is extremely active and shows no signs whatsoever that she recently underwent major surgery. She wants to run and play and jump with the other dogs and very soon the vet will let her. She is a quick study, picking up leash walking and ‘wait’ in no time. Violet is a super bright puppy and it would be a real shame if her smarts and skills were not developed by someone who could further this great potential in her. She is a very special girl who will be one of those super dogs if given the right home and chance. Kids over 8 yrs old welcomed! Violet is available immediately, but she will need to see our vet in early January 2016 for an EKG recheck and to be spayed. She will be adopted out on a spay/neuter contract.