Hi everyone,

My name is Spikey, and I'm a puppy. I'm three months old, and right now I live at North Shore Animal League America. I don't know much about medical stuff, but the doctors here at the League told me that I have a very bad heart murmur - a serious grade five out of six. They said that the murmur was caused by an abnormal heart valve; and according to the heart doctor, I will most likely develop Congestive Heart Failure by the time I'm only one year old.

The doctors say I may live to five or six years old and then develop Congestive Heart Failure, but either way, my life expectancy is significantly shortened, and I'll probably only make it to about six years old or so. Once I actually develop the heart failure, there's really nothing that can be done to stop it. Currently, I'm on some special heart medicine and feel pretty good. The doctors tell me that I'm doing wonderfully, and that they are going to do their best to make me as comfortable as possible – that includes my favorite white smooshy blanket and lots of tickles under my chin! I'm a little shy right now, but I'm sure that once I get used to things, I'll come out of my shell. Since I only have a short time, I'd really like to get started on a happy life. Every day I dream of living in a loving home with my very own family. I think about how they will hold and cuddle me, and how I’ll be able to make them smile. I really need an adopter or foster care parent who understands that every day is precious. Together, we can live life to the fullest.