Barry
Adoption Status: Accepting Adoption Interest
Please read full bio before applying
Gender: Male
Breed: Pitbull Terrier Mix
Age: DOB: 01/2025
Dog Friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Likely due to young age
Kid Friendly: Yes
House Trained: Yes
History: Barry has been diagnosed with a congenital defect called pulmonic stenosis (PS). PS is a condition in which the pulmonic valve is abnormally formed, creating an obstruction of blood flow from the right heart to the lungs. This then causes the right heart to have to work harder to push blood to the lungs, which in turn causes enlargement and thickening of the right heart.
Due to the severity of Barry's pulmonic stenosis, Barry had surgical intervention to open the pulmonary valve to reduce the obstruction and lessen the amount of work that the right side of his heart must do daily. This was performed in April 2025 by the University of Minnesota Veterinary Cardiology surgeons.
The average reduction in the pressure gradient with balloon Valvuloplasty is reported to be approximately 50-60%. In Barry’s case, they were able to decrease the pressure gradient by 53%. Barry’s original pressure gradient was around 170 mmHg, and the pressure gradient following surgery was around 80 mmHg and last checked (6 months post-op) his was about 90 mmHg. At this pressure gradient, Barry still falls within the severe category but very close to the cutoff (which is 80 mmHg). The thickening to the right ventricle hopefully decreases with time and with the continued use of a beta-blocker will also help this. Barry will need a recheck echocardiogram in 6 months.
An increase in pressure may indicate the need for another form of surgical intervention, which would likely include placement of a stent at the pulmonic valve. This is not indicated this time however, it may be necessary in the future.
Barry will most likely need to be on lifelong heart medication. He will also need yearly echocardiograms.
A Note from the Foster: Barry is a beautiful boy who has been with our family for about 6 weeks. So far he has captured our hearts with how loving, cuddly, and smart he is. He is extremely tolerant of our daughters constant hugging, smooching, and obsessive touching. I have seen his interaction with other dogs and he loves being around them but also loves having 100% of your attention too. His DNA from a sibling indicated he has American Bully, Pitbull Terrier, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Husky. He is a great mix of those breeds. He is going to be on the larger side as he is nearly 50lbs now at almost 6 months. He is a loving companion and loves being outside. He will require exercise to help maintain his great behavior and to help prolong his life.
Barry has a genetic heart condition that required a heart surgery when he was younger. After a cardiology follow up it was determined he will have to remain on a heart medication for the rest of his life. He has an audible heart murmur and it was advised that he will need routine echocardiograms. In addition, it is very possible that he will require another heart surgery to place a stent. I was advised that routine exercise, medications, and a healthy diet could support him until middle age.
Barry is a very intelligent boy. He knows many commands and is learning new ones almost weekly. He is potty trained, crated when we are gone, and sleeps in a dog bed all night. He does best when you are around during the day. He has been pretty clingy to me but I love it! He is my little shadow. So if you need a helper in the kitchen who is very food motivated he's your best bud.
Adoption Fee: $550 + tax
Adoption Status: Is this dog available? Submitting an application is the best first step to learning if a dog is still available. There is a chance this dog could have a pending adoption when your application is submitted, however our team will offer approved applicants to be put on a waiting list for that dog. Additionally, we can make recommendations on other dogs that may be a match. Pending adoptions do not mean the adoption is finalized. Why did we implement this change? We implemented this update because, unfortunately, dogs were pending for applicants for several weeks and then the applicant would change their mind. This happens more often with puppies, as applications are submitted impulsivly more often for them. Our process is great because it takes a little time, so impulsive decisions fade. However it was unfortunate for the dogs, and the foster homes, as then the process needed to be re-started. By securing a wait-list we are able to move forward more quickly if a pending adoption falls through. This is a new process for us, so your feedback along the way is helpful! Thank you for supporting rescue and adoption!
