10/30/2025
✨Copper’s Second Chance✨ NorCal Golden Retriever Rescue wrote a heartfelt story about our very own Copper🥰
This spring, four-month-old Copper was surrendered to a vet hospital under heartbreaking circumstances. Copper was visibly unwell-his belly was distended, he was in clear abdominal pain, running a fever, and struggling to breathe. Under Dr. Hermance’s care, Copper underwent multiple tests to determine the cause of his rapid decline. His condition worsened, and he required blood transfusions to stabilize. After extensive diagnostics, Dr. Heermance identified the culprit was a congenital liver shunt, a rare and serious condition where the blood bypasses the liver, preventing it from properly filtering toxins. Without surgery, Copper’s chances were slim. Liver shunt surgery is highly specialized, and luckily, with Norcal’s Compassion Care program, Copper was referred to UC Davis Veterinary Hospital. The stakes were high, but Copper was ready for the challenge. Thanks to the UC Davis surgeon and team, Copper recovered from surgery like a champ.
Today, Copper is back home and thriving. His energy levels have soared, his growth is right on track, and his zest for life is contagious.
He’s a whole new pup, finally able to enjoy his puppyhood the way every Golden Retriever should - stealing socks and rugs, wagging his tail, and stealing hearts wherever he goes. 🐾
