Overcoming the odds, Thumper turns1 in August. In December of 2007, a very sick little puppy came to NH to seek out the help of a Cardiologist. We were unsure that "Little Dude" was going to make the 12 hour trip, I met the last leg & was stunned by this little bit of a black tri boy, sad eyes, half shaved, purple gums, labored breathing weak & exhausted, but he found the energy to sit right up and lick my face.
To make a long story short. Through some fantastic fundraising, donations and discounted services provided by the cardiologist and surgeon, we were able to get Thumper the surgery he needed to repair his heart. The day I dropped him off for the surgery, he could barely walk to the front door of the clinic. His gums were blue and his breathing was very labored. The next day I was greeted by this little puppy trotting down the hall to me. Even though Thumper was excited to see me, he had a long and painful recovery ahead of him. During this extended recovery time he went everywhere with us and was an outstanding ambassador for ARPH and aussies in general. I haven't even had him a year, and when I attend agility and herding competitions, I always have several people ask me about him. Everyone remembers him and many people go out of their way to come and let him give them a little wiggle and kiss.
Thumper has truly overcome adversity, and in the process has won many hearts. We were never planning on keeping Thumper but Thumper had other plans and decided that he was keeping us. Thumper is now an active member of my training program. He comes to my agility classes to demonstrate some of his obedience skills. Thumper is our King of Hearts.