Sofia Mae (Portuguese Water Dog Mix)

Sofia Mae is a 9 and a half year old Lab and Portuguese Water Dog mix. I adopted Sofia Mae from the Sacramento Animal Shelter in June 2001 as a companion for my German Shepherd mix, Colton. She likes to swim, dive, snorkel, and take walks, as well as, chase squirrels, birds, and laser lights. I adopted Sofia Mae at 6 weeks old.

She was hospitalized at 9 weeks in July 2001 with pneumonia (due to complications from kennel cough). After recovering from pneumonia, Sofia Mae was sent up to my folks home in the Yosemite area for safe keeping, while my swimming pool was under construction.

It was during this time she ate poison (left out to kill mice) and started bleeding to death internally. After about 12 hours of concern, my parents rushed Sofia Mae to their vet, where she began treatment. She had less then a 20% chance of survival. Among other things, Sofia Mae received blood transfusions from a beautiful German Shepherd (belonging to one of the lab assistants) and blood was siphoned (by the pints) out of her chest (to keep her from drowning in her own fluids). The wonderful vet took Sofia Mae home with her over that week-end so she could keep a round the clock vigil over her. I was told that if she survived the next 48 hours, she would recover. Sunday morning, I got the call, she had miraculously survived! Even the vet admitted, she really did not expect her to live! She has been dubbed the "miracle dog".

March 2009, I had to put my beloved dog Colton down. Sofia Mae has been my constant companion and joy! She is so full of life and a tenacious will to live. It is infectious to all who know and love her. Sofia Mae is a very unique, sweet, strong, and affectionate dog. A genuine blessing and gift from God!

By Laurine from Elk Grove, CA