Dog with heart condition models new winter outfit

River is a beautiful dog with an incredible story. Due to medical complications, she needs custom made clothes for extra extra warmth so that she can enjoy what she loves most; a walk in the forest with her forever family. River is living a great life now, but she was literally seconds away from death when she captured the heart of Serena, a veterinary assistant who fell in love with her and rescued her from euthanasia.Show more

River has a condition that causes blood to flow between the chambers of her heart in reverse when her heart rate becomes elevated. Her first family loved her dearly and they tried their best to deal with River's medical trouble. She would become temporarily paralyzed due to lack of oxygen to her hind legs, caused by the improper blood flow. When River collapsed on Christmas eve and did not recover, they returned to the veterinarian for help. River was suffering from a few complications and her treatment was going to be complicated and extremely expensive. Even if they could afford the solution, managing River's medication and treatment simply wasn't a realistic possibility. River was one year old and she had been a wonderful family dog and companion for the children in the home. But River's people faced an impossible dilemma and they made the difficult decision to end her suffering.

As River's IV line was placed and she was about to take her last breath, Serena came up with a plan. River had looked into Serena's eyes and connection formed in that moment. Serena and her mother, a veterinarian, could manage to keep River's heart issue under control with medication, a special diet, and carefully planned exercise. River is actually taking a liquid form of Viagra to regulate her heart and prevent long term damage. At 4 years of age, River has had an extra 3 years, with no sign of slowing down yet. Her life expectancy might not be as long as an ordinary dog, but River is enjoying a quality life for as long as she can.

River dearly loves her daily walks in the nearby forest. At the right pace, an hour long hike daily helps River maintain her weight and fitness. But the cold temperatures in this Canadian winter decrease River's circulation. If River collapses and lies in the snow to recover, the cold will make things difficult. Ordinary dog coats don't provide the much needed insulation on River's legs and back end.

Serena and her mother found a talented lady in Scotland who makes specially fitted dog pyjamas and coats. Her process involves a virtual fitting session with dozens of precise measurements being taken for each dog. The result is a fitted outfit that gives River the maximum warmth with complete comfort. It is even designed to allow River to complete her bathroom duties without a problem.

River wasn't so sure about the new outfit at first, but she has learned to associate her winter coats with going to this beautiful forest. It wasn't difficult to get her to try this one on and she seemed to catch on quickly that she was now warmer than she had been.

River's owners can't help but chuckle at how cute River looks in her outfit. It almost looks like she is wearing pants and a sweater. River has found a second family who love her dearly and they will spoil her and give her the best of everything for as long as she is able to take it.