A young poodle mix, originally named Pepe and now called Teedee, has found a permanent home with the Washington State University veterinarian who first acted as his medical foster. Teedee was rescued from a hoarding case involving 38 dogs in Benewah County, Idaho, by the Idaho Animal Rescue Network this past summer.

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During an examination by WSU veterinarians, Teedee was found to have a significant heart murmur, which led to a diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This congenital heart defect can be fatal if not treated. Thanks to community fundraising efforts, the puppy underwent a minimally invasive procedure at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital to repair the defect. He is now expected to have a normal, healthy life.

Laura Williams, a WSU veterinary pathologist who adopted Teedee after serving as his medical foster, described him as a loving companion. She said, “He loves people. He loves my other dog. He loves the cat. Everybody in the household has fallen in love with him.”

Teedee's rescue was part of a broader operation where multiple dogs were removed from a home exhibiting severe neglect. After being evaluated by WSU veterinarians, it became clear that Teedee required specialized care.

Idaho Animal Rescue Network Director Jenna Redheart mentioned that Teedee appeared healthy and was playing energetically with his littermates. However, the heart murmur detected by Dr. Cassidy Cordon warranted further examination, confirming the PDA diagnosis.

Recognizing the need for a specific medical foster who could help during Teedee's recovery, the rescue sought volunteers. Williams, having recently lost her 12-year-old dog, felt compelled to help after seeing a social media post about Teedee. She stated, “He looked so much like Duke. I felt like it was my calling.”

Williams, who works at WSU’s Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, took Teedee into her home a few weeks before his surgery. The procedure was conducted by cardiology resident Dr. Sarah Bayles with supervision from Dr. Ryan Baumwart, and it went successfully.

Keeping the energetic puppy calm during recovery proved challenging for Williams, who remarked, “The hardest part was keeping him quiet.” However, Teedee has fully recovered and is now content in his new home.

Williams expressed gratitude to the rescue for saving Teedee and his littermates, as well as to the WSU veterinarians who facilitated the successful surgery. Redheart noted the critical role WSU plays in rescuing and treating challenging medical cases, highlighting the transformative impact on many animals.