Adopt a American Staffordshire Terrier / Presa Canario / Mixed (short coat)

Breed: AmStaff, Presa Canario, Bulldog mix
Gender: Male
Estimated Date of Birth: May 21, 2014
Size:  101 lbs
Location:  Dallas, GA

RESCUING TYSON

Tyson is an adorable Black Lab, Pit mix puppy who was confiscated in a cruelty case and taken in to animal control in July 2014. Just a baby, he was released to FTTF after he ended up with a bad case of kennel cough. After we treated his respiratory infection, our vet discovered a heart murmur. We found out that Tyson has a congenital heart disorder called Valvular Pulmonic Stenosis. This disease causes a narrowing of the pulmonic valve in his heart, leading to elevated pressure on the right side of his heart. He had open heart surgery to improve his heart function and although he is not fully cured, it did improve the function of his heart. Tyson has to take beta blocking medication twice a day for the rest of his life. His medication is relatively inexpensive and he has no problem taking it.

ABOUT TYSON

Tyson is a confident, outgoing boy who loves to play. He loves people and is happy to great anyone with his puppy like enthusiasm. He is housebroken and crate trained. Although he has a heart disorder, you would NEVER know it upon meeting him as he has zero outward signs of a heart condition. He has no physical or activity restrictions so he is happy to play with other dogs or go for walks and adventures with his people!

Tyson has lived with another large male Pit and a female Pit Mix and he does great with them. He can often be found playing with them or snuggled up with them in a pile. His favorite toy is anything with a squeaker, but above all, he loves treats! A Kong filled with some yummy peanut butter is sure to keep him busy for a while. Tyson is also very smart, especially when treats are involved. He knows sit, down, wait, and come. He has yet to turn down any food given to him, although sweet potato chews, ice, and peanut butter seem to be his favorites. Tyson would likely be find with children, but he does like to jump up when excited. He is also a cat friendly guy!

Update May 2016 … FTTF oversees Tysons care at GVS and UGA for his heart issue. His follow up echocardiogram earlier this year revealed his heart function severely declined. Tysons heart was pumping at 4 times the normal rate and he had to undergo a 2nd Valvoplasty at UGA. This time around, UGA added 5 days of radiation to his treatment. The radiation is experimental, but UGA has had some great results with it in the past. Tysons surgery and radiation took place at the end of April. He has recovered well and is back to his incredibly silly and sweet self. He will have a follow up echocardiogram in a few months to see if the 2nd surgery with added radiation made improvements to his heart function. You would never know upon meeting him that he has a heart condition. We are going to do everything we possibly can to ensure he has a fighting chance at the longest and healthiest life possible.

Tyson had a DNA test done and these were his results!

American Staffordshire Terrier 25 percent

Perro de Presa Canario 25 percent

Bulldog 12.5 percent

Mixed Breed 12.5 percent

Photo Album of Tyson: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.743938552330980.1073742046.162554320469409&type=1&l=d36d2111e5

Video Playlist of Tyson: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDnJXruR1h0n4CHMfRrjkRN44yIHeMfV

Our adoption fee is $250. All dogs are current on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, on heartworm prevention, and are fed top of the line grain-free food.