This real-life story features a dog’s stamina, a woman’s compassion and top-notch veterinary skill.
Bubbles, a Neapolitan mastiff mix, was found as a stray in Baltimore and taken in by a shelter in South Carolina. Dedicated to finding Bubbles a home, the shelter’s director knew she first had to address a big problem — namely, the 9-pound tumor on Bubbles’ face.
After contacting veterinary facilities across the country, she decided the University of Florida was Bubbles’ best chance. After a 10-hour ride to Gainesville, Fla., Bubbles had a CT scan, which showed that removal of the tumor would be tough but doable.
The UF veterinary oncology team removed the tumor as well as parts of Bubbles’ skull. Bubbles is now able to run with abandon and fit her head into her food bowl — all because of the humans who gave her a chance.