Milo, a special-needs dog, thrives at Iowa animal shelter
By Stacey Horst
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Milo, a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix with a rare condition, is thriving at Animal Lifeline of Iowa, a special-needs, no-kill animal shelter.
Stacie Leinen, executive director of Animal Lifeline of Iowa, said, “He loves people. He literally smiles and lights up with kids.”
Milo has been at the shelter for a month after arriving in poor condition.
“He was vomiting frequently. He wasn’t able to keep food down. He was sluggish and underweight when he arrived to us,” Leinen said.
Diagnosed with megaesophagus, Milo’s esophagus muscles do not work properly to move food down and keep it down.
“His esophagus muscles essentially do not work the way they should in forcing the food down and keeping it down,” Leinen said.
To help him eat safely, the shelter had a Bailey Chair custom-made for Milo, which keeps him upright and uses gravity to move food into his stomach.
“Now he’s feeling good. He’s gained some weight,” Leinen said.
For the first time in his life, Milo’s disorder is under control.
“He’s a loving, playful little guy. He loves kids. He loves people. He’s a typical dog outside of how he needs to eat,” Leinen said.
Milo will be ready for adoption in a few weeks, and the shelter hopes to find him a “fur-ever” home.
Animal Lifeline of Iowa also provides care for pregnant dogs and cats, a service that was rare when the shelter first opened 40 years ago.
“Pregnant dogs and cats were often immediately euthanized because of space and financial restraints,” Leinen said.
Today, the shelter continues to offer care for pregnant animals. Currently, the shelter is caring for three mother cats and their 14 kittens, who are healthy and preparing for adoption.
You can support this special-needs, no-kill animal shelter at Animal Lifeline’s Annual Paws and Claws Benefit Auction. It is Saturday, Nov. 7, at Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines. Go to the shelter’s website for ticket information. You can also support the shelter’s mission by shopping at Animal Lifeline’s Thrift Shop at 3304 SW 9th in Des Moines.
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