In a heartwarming tale of dedication and care, a young golden retriever puppy named Jadzia has been given a second chance at life after a birth defect almost cost her everything.

Just a week old, Jadzia was brought to Isle of Man vet, Lukasz Kuberka, to be euthanised due to a suspected congenital condition. The puppy was incontinent, and the breeder had made the difficult decision to put her to sleep. However, Lukasz had other plans.

“I knew her condition, though genetic, was treatable,” explained Lukasz, who owns Medicor Veterinary Practice in St. Johns. “I couldn’t bring myself to do it. My immediate reaction was that I can’t put her down and instead I will adopt her and repair her.”

Lukasz, determined to save Jadzia, reached out to the expert team at Kentdale Referrals, a specialist-led animal hospital in Cumbria, for assistance. There, Jan Beranek, a small animal surgery specialist, confirmed the diagnosis of an ectopic ureter—a defect preventing urine flow from Jadzia’s kidney to her bladder. Further scans revealed the situation was even more severe than anticipated, and surgery was the only option.

“We found that the right kidney was no longer viable due to the extent of the damage,” Jan explained. “It had to be removed to ensure Jadzia could have a healthy future.”

The complex surgery lasted four hours but was a resounding success. Jadzia made a remarkably quick recovery, with Lukasz recounting how the playful pup was back to chasing chickens by the next morning.

This week, a similar story in the news captured the nation’s heart when a vet nurse saved a cat brought in for euthanasia by discovering the animal could still live a healthy life. These acts of compassion highlight the extraordinary bond between veterinary professionals and animals, showing that every life is worth fighting for.

Lukasz couldn’t be more grateful to the team at Kentdale for their part in Jadzia’s survival. “Their care and dedication were evident throughout our experience,” he said. “She’s brought so much joy to my life.”

Now thriving, Jadzia’s story is a testament to the power of second chances and the unwavering commitment of veterinary professionals like Lukasz and the team at Kentdale.

For more information on Kentdale Referrals, visit www.kentdalevets.co.uk or follow Kentdale Referrals on social media.