Joy was just seven months old when she found herself at Lort Smith. The once sprightly Jack Russell terrier cross had become desperately lethargic. Joy’s elderly carer, who was also not well, could no longer look after her.

To solve Joy’s mysterious weariness, vets carried out a number of tests including blood exams and a CT scan. It wasn’t long before they discovered Joy had a congenital abnormality that prevented blood going through her liver – a process vital to keeping her body healthy. Joy needed liver shunt surgery to save her life.

The team wasted no time, and Joy seemed to pick up quickly after her life-saving surgery – made possible thanks to dedicated Lort Smith supporters like you.

However soon she began to deteriorate again, this time showing neurological symptoms. Joy was immediately transferred back to the intensive care unit (ICU) where she was given special medication and closely monitored around the clock.

After 33 days in hospital Joy was strong enough to leave the ICU and finish her post-surgery recovery in a cosy home environment with one of Lort Smith’s dedicated adoption team members, and specialist foster carer, Jacqui.

Over the next five weeks in foster care Joy played with other pups, lazed with cats in the afternoon sun and learned basic manners. After three months in Lort Smith’s care Joy was now mentally ready to find her forever family – but physically she needed more liver tests before she could be given the all clear.

Not wanting her to wait a minute longer, the Adoption Centre team put Joy in the foster to adopt program. This allows Lort Smith to continue providing optimal vet treatment, covered by the Animal Hospital, while transitioning pets into their permanent home. This ensures the best possible outcome for a pet’s health and wellbeing.

It wasn’t long before Hannah, Alex and their terrier Kyle discovered Joy on Lort Smith’s website. After a fantastic meet and greet they set in motion the path to adoption.

“Joy and Kyle play so much – every morning, noon and night – they are wrestling constantly,” said Alex.

Joy fitted in so perfectly that the adoption was soon made official and she now has a forever family with Hannah, Alex and Kyle.