It all started a few days before Halloween, when someone saw a little dog being kicked and punched on a sidewalk in New York. Behind the injuries of Gidget, a 2-year-old Yorkie cross rescued by the police and then entrusted to the ASPCA, veterinarians discovered a liver malformation present since birth. Operated on February 11, 2026, she now lives with Jessica L., a volunteer who initially refused to accommodate her for a weekend.
Upon his arrival at theASPCA Animal Recovery Centerhas new Yorkthis skinny Yorkshire Terrier cross, with matted and neglected hair, bore recent marks of beatings. His journey was traced by ASPCA. This is the NYPD (city police new York) who had sheltered her: a few days before Halloween, a person had witnessed, on the sidewalk, the scene where her owner was kicking and punching her.
“This is where Gidget’s story got even more interesting”
Like all dogs taken care of in this setting, Gidget was entitled to a complete blood test, provided for by the forensic examination. “ This is where Gidget's story got even more interesting », says Dr. Cveterinarian atASPCA Recovery & Rehabilitation Center. His analyzes revealed a form of anemia, an unusual crystal in the urine and abnormal liver values, all clues pointing to a liver problem present since birth. Her appetite came and went, she vomited at times and went through phases of depression.
Thanks to Dr. Lesnikowskispecialist in internal medicineASPCA Animal Hospitalthe little dog was able to have an ultrasound and a consultation shortly after her arrival. The workup revealed changes suggestive of a congenital portosystemic shunt, or cPSS. L'ASPCA describes this anomaly as a blood vessel that diverts blood from the intestines: instead of passing through the liver to be filtered, it joins the general circulation directly and transports substances that should have been eliminated to other organs, including the brain. Affected animals grow less, remain thin and have small livers on imaging, which veterinarians have noted in Gidget. Accumulated ammonia can also cause hepatic encephalopathy, with lethargy, convulsions and, if left untreated, a risk of death.
Medications fitted to each meal
In the center of new Yorkthe survivor was closely monitored, gained weight and was groomed, before her transfer, on December 4, 2025, to theASPCA Recovery & Rehabilitation Center of Pawlingin the state of new York. His days there were punctuated by medications administered several times a day and synchronized with his meals in order to limit the ammonia in his blood, while the teams watched for the slightest neurological sign. Her protein intake also had to be strictly controlled, even though almost all of the center's treats contained it: through testing and trips to the local grocery store, the staff ended up finding protein-free treats that she liked.
On approximately 2 occasions, Gidget collapsed after overexertion, due to a drop in blood sugar, another complication of the shunt; each time, it was examined without delay. Despite her capricious appetite, she proved to be an easy patient, accepting repeated blood tests and examinations, and became attached to the medical team. Dr. C remembers a lively dog who paraded around with toys as big as her, howling. “ She was a very cute, very sweet dog that we all loved. “, she summarizes.
After about 1 month PawlingYorkshire returned to new Yorkthis time atASPCA Adoption Centerwhere his follow-up continued, especially in a foster family, until the operation on February 11, 2026. Dr. Gayleveterinary surgeon, closed the offending vessel; a liver biopsy showed the organ was receiving less blood than it should have, consistent with the diagnosis, Dr. Magnaterradirector of veterinary services at the center. Gidget recovered well and coped very well with the reduction of her medications.
A weekend welcome initially declined
For her convalescence, the dog needed a calm home. As his usual host family was on vacation, the team sent an email to find a replacement. It is in this call that Jessica L. spotted Gidget. This volunteer had launched into temporary reception with the partner Muddy Paws after following the account Instagram SimonSitsthen joined theASPCA as a volunteer following a move. She was not looking to adopt a dog and initially refused this foster weekend; As the week went by, however, she understood that she had to get to know the little dog.
The meeting changed everything. “ We would have no idea that she ever suffered any trauma », confides Jessicawhich describes a sweet, anxious little dog who just wanted to stay where she was. In less than 24 hours she emailed to book Gidget for adoption. The animal's health issues made him hesitant at first, until the foster and adoption teams answered all his questions. We then had to wait around 3 months, the time of convalescence and a legal case still in progress, before the adoption became official.
“I am so grateful that Gidget came into my life”
Since the operation, Gidget has no longer experienced any problems related to cPSS, even though her owner monitors her carefully and remains in close contact with her veterinarian. At 12 pounds, she spends 3 days a week in daycare while Jessica works in the office, and plays there with dogs much bigger than her, sneaking under, over and all around.
“ I think Gidget saved me more than anything. She fit in so well », underlines the adopter.
In the street as when leaving the daycare, the Yorkshire has a habit all her own: with all 4 paws planted on the ground and her rear end raised, she asks for scratches and doesn't move until she has had her fill, having fun Jessica. Travel is now part of his daily life: a first plane trip, headingOhio where his mistress's family lives, took place without incident, and the NJ Transit regularly drives her to visit her friends, not counting weekend getaways. “ I'm so grateful Gidget came into my life when she did », concludes Jessica.