Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Story
Age: 8 months
Weight: ~80 pounds
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Unknown
Kid friendly: Yes
Potty trained: Yes, good on a schedule
Crate trained: Yes
Inkling is an 8-month-old female Newfoundland with a story that perfectly reflects her name—she is a little spark of hope, resilience, and possibility.
When Inkling first arrived at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, her future looked uncertain. She was originally presented for what was believed to be a severe left shoulder growth plate (Salter-Harris) fracture. After discussing the extent of treatment required and the long-term prognosis, her previous owner elected euthanasia. Fortunately, Healing Hearts Rescue, working alongside the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, stepped in and offered Inkling a second chance. Inkling underwent orthopedic surgery that same day. She handled anesthesia and surgery beautifully and quickly won over everyone involved in her care with her sweet, gentle personality.
Like many Newfoundlands, Inkling is affectionate, kind-hearted, and happiest when she is surrounded by those she loves. She absolutely adores other dogs and would thrive in a home with a canine companion. Whether it's playing, cuddling, or simply following another dog around the house, Inkling lights up around her four-legged friends.
She is equally enamored with people. Inkling has never met a stranger and greets everyone she encounters with a wagging tail and a gentle disposition. She has done wonderfully with adults and children alike and embodies the patient, loving temperament that makes Newfoundlands such treasured family dogs.
Inkling thinks water is one of life’s greatest joys and would happily go swimming in her water bowl if given the opportunity.
Unfortunately, Inkling's recovery has been far more medically complicated than anyone anticipated, and will need ongoing medical care. She will need adopters as special and caring as she is!
**Medical History and Disclosures**
Inkling is being adopted with several known pre-existing medical conditions that her future family must be prepared to manage.
Left Shoulder Orthopedic Disease
Inkling initially underwent surgical stabilization of what was believed to be a left shoulder fracture. During follow-up evaluations, repeat imaging suggested that the original lesion may not have been a fracture at all and may instead represent osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder.
At the time of surgery, a pin and screw were placed in the humerus. The pin subsequently migrated and has since been removed. The screw remains in place and is currently serving a function. However, if the screw migrates in the future or begins causing pain, lameness, joint irritation, or damage to surrounding structures, it may also require surgical removal.
Because of the abnormal shoulder development, the retained screw, and ongoing concerns regarding OCD, additional orthopedic surgery may be recommended in the future, particularly once she reaches skeletal maturity.
Potential adopters should understand that continued orthopedic monitoring and future surgical intervention may be necessary as Inkling grows.
Left Stifle (Knee) Disease
Several weeks after surgery, Inkling developed significant left hind limb lameness associated with marked swelling of the knee joint.
She was diagnosed with septic arthritis (joint infection) and treated with antibiotics. Her lameness improved dramatically with treatment, but persistent joint effusion remains despite resolution of the infection.
The orthopedic surgery team is concerned that the previous infection may have weakened her cranial cruciate ligament, potentially resulting in a partial or complete cruciate ligament injury. At this time, she is using the limb well and remains comfortable, but future surgery may become necessary if instability or lameness progresses.
Right Eye Entropion
Inkling has entropion of the right eye, a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward and causes the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye.
This condition requires surgical correction and will need to be addressed by her future family.
Future Orthopedic Monitoring
Because Inkling is still growing and has a complicated orthopedic history, ongoing monitoring by a veterinarian—and likely by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon—is strongly recommended.
Additional diagnostics, rechecks, medications, rehabilitation, implant removal, grooming maintenance, and/or future surgeries may be necessary as she matures.
Adoption fee: $595
