Normally I just post once a day Monday through Friday and occasionally I’ll post on the weekend, but today I received a special submission from Natalie Champa Jennings. She shared a compelling story about Lido, the English Bulldog with a heart that is literally too big.
From Natalie: “Lido is an English Bulldog puppy, but in order for him to run and play without losing his breath and to live a normal life span, he needs heart surgery. I told his owners I’d be happy to feature photographs of Lido on A Face Project, and the exposure has helped to raise nearly $3500 for the surgery, to date.”
From Dan and Allison: “Lido brings joy, love and laughter to this house. I feel like I would walk to the end of the earth for him. We are so fortunate that in addition to Natalie’s project, we had people sharing Lido’s story through word of mouth, facebook. etc. We are forever grateful to all who contributed individually as well as for the foundation grants we received from Paws4acure, Onyxandbreezy as well as the U of M Foundation.
Lido had his surgery yesterday. Here is an update from Daniel: “He had his surgery, we picked him up this morning. The University of Minnesota Veterinarian/Cardiologist Dr. Stauthammer is a miracle worker as are all the staff there. The surgery was pretty involved which indicates to me that he really needed it now. What we were able to do through the facebook donations and word of mouth was simply amazing! So many of my friends and family and so many of Allison’s friends and family and then we were able to get grants and even our local coffeeshop put up a donation jar which helped. This whole experience has been a powerful one of where there is a will there is a way. And to the dynamic human spirit rallying to the cause of a dog they have not even met, and one with the bully in his name, but Lido is the softest sweetest Olde English Bulldogge he wags his whole body! The surgery was tough and much longer and difficult than anyone had hoped. However it was a success, he shouldn’t have the complications and from the difficulty they had putting in the balloon stent in the first place it was a very closed valve in his heart. He needed this now. It seemed almost impossible when he was diagnosed in Late February, but now he has what he needs to live, a heart that will allow his blood to flow! He was happy to see us and everything is going fine so far, he is looking forward to spring, recovering and hitting the dog park!”
You can stay updated on his progress on his Facebook page. I’m sending prayers and good wishes his way and I hope you will as well!
For an amazing look into Lido’s life, watch his video as presented by Natalie in her A Face Project.
About Natalie Champa Jennings Photography: Based in Minneapolis, MN, Natalie is a wedding and portrait photographer with a unique, documentary, candid style and classic flair. She lives with her husband and their two cats, Coffee and Scotch.
So glad he was able to get the surgery. He looks like such a sweetie and he’s definitely a star model. TFS!
So happy to hear Lido got his surgery… he is a very fortunate pup to have so many looking out for him. Love the pics!