Meet Morty

Welcome Morty! The day Morty was rescued from the deplorable conditions of a puppy mill, this little Shih Tzu mix found himself nestled safely in the arms of one of our exceptional kennel managers who noticed immediately that this adorable dog was struggling to breathe.

An x-ray later confirmed that Morty had pneumonia and was started on a course of medications to fight the infection while continuously monitored by our veterinarians. A CT scan soon revealed that little Morty has a rare disorder in which air becomes trapped inside one of his lung lobes. Due to his condition, Morty will always be susceptible to upper respiratory infections and pneumonia which will require hospitalization and oxygen therapy. But luckily Morty can breathe easy now that he has YOU, our Pet Sponsors, to make sure he has all the medical attention he needs to live a happy life.

Your support of Animal League America’s Sponsor Program will ensure that Morty and the other Sponsor animals receive the love and care they need to be as happy and healthy as possible.

Morty is a lovable dog with lots of energy. Thanks to your support, Animal League will be able to care for him in our Sponsor Program for the rest of his life.

2021 Updates

July 2021

Morty has maintained the same friendly and affectionate nature from the moment he entered the lives of his adopted family. His mom, Katlyn, feels that Morty is a source of happiness and entertainment, not only for all the people around him, but for his other canine siblings as well. Thankfully, his medical condition has not created any new problems for him, and Morty is able to continue to be the same wonderful and loving dog he has always been.

March 2021

Morty’s mom, Katlyn, reports that he’s been a true wonder to have around during a difficult time with the passing of her grandmother. “Morty, along with his dog siblings, brought us so much joy during a dark time.” He’d snuggle up next to someone who was having a hard day or bring over a toy to a family member just wanting to play. Katlyn feels that Morty has taught everyone to stop to enjoy the moment and pet a dog. Though the family still has some sad days, this loving dog is always there to make them smile and laugh — whether it’s letting them dress him up or watching him dance around with his happy feet. They are so pleased that Morty hasn’t had any new issues during the three years he’s been with them. “Every day feels like the first day we brought him home because he has the same joy every single day,” exclaims Katlyn.

2020 Updates

November 2020

Morty has come a long way from the day he arrived on Animal League America’s Port Washington, N.Y. campus aboard a mobile rescue unit as part of a big mill dog rescue. That day he was rushed into the Pet Health Centers as he wasn’t breathing well and it ended up that he was suffering from pneumonia. Later, it was discovered that his real problem was a congenital defect called lobar emphysema and he had surgery to remove an affected lobe in one of his lungs. Now he’s in a loving home and his breathing has been well controlled with no recurrence of pneumonia. He’s able to go on neighborhood walks regularly and run around the house playing with his furry siblings or his toys. Petting and cuddling him has been therapeutic for Katlyn and her entire family especially when everyone was at home a lot during the pandemic.

July 2020

Morty couldn’t be happier because mom, Katlyn, and the rest of the family have been home more during COVID-19 health crisis. He loves snuggling up on the couch when they watch television. His new favorite thing to do is to sit on someone’s lap while that person is eating lunch. Everyone tried to discourage this because they didn’t want him to develop such a bad habit, but surprisingly he doesn’t beg or ask for food. Morty just wants a lap to lay on at all times. There is a “cute” behavior that Morty has that his family calls “happy feet.” Every time he hears someone come in the door or walk up the stairs, he taps his feet on ground so fast it looks like he’s tap dancing. “It’s the cutest thing ever and we love how happy he is to see us,” said Katlyn. Morty loves his older canine sister and, once they wake, they play all morning. He’s been keeping her moving and keeping the nine-year-old young. He loves his daily walks still and the second he sees his leash the “happy feet” start. “Morty is one of the happiest dogs I’ve ever met and we all love him very much,” expressed Katlyn.

March 22020

Morty’s mom, Katlyn, reports that he loves the winter time because it’s when he thrives. During that season his breathing issues are completely under control and he never seems to have any flare ups. However, mom still has to make sure he takes his allergy medicine every day. The family celebrated the second holiday season with Morty. He just loves the Christmas tree especially when it lights up. His present was a candy cane full of Greenies™, his favorite treat. Morty always enjoys snuggling with his fur sister and roughhousing with his fur brother. Katlyn says he’s been an amazing addition to their family and everyone loves him so much.

2019 Updates

November 2019

Morty continues to do well at home with mom, Katlyn. Of course, the family is careful to monitor his breathing especially in very hot or very cold conditions. When Morty was rescued from a puppy mill, he was rushed into the Pet Health Centers at North Shore Animal League America because he wasn’t breathing properly. It turned out that he had pneumonia but after it was taken care of, Morty had to undergo surgery to remove a damaged lung lobe. Morty is a love bug and is always looking for a lap to sit on. He also enjoys playing with his canine brother and sister. He’s able to do so thanks to you, his Sponsors, who continue to support the care necessary to monitor his continuing respiratory issues.

July 2019

Morty was recently given an all clear from the doctor—his lungs seem to be doing well and there has been no more pneumonia or upper respiratory infection. His breathing has also been better, though he still needs to be monitored. “He was finally able to enjoy his first nice day outside,” said mom, Katlyn. “His favorite thing to do is go on walks with his human grandpa.” And his favorite toy is his green turtle. She reports that after dinner every night he snuggles up and takes a nap with the turtle. Then he wakes up and gets the zoomies and runs around like a crazy puppy. “Morty gives the best cuddles and looks for laps to nap on,” comments Katlyn. “We love Morty very much and it’s great having him in our home.”

March 2019

Morty, the little Shih Tzu mix puppy mill survivor, is thriving. Follow-up x-rays showed that his lungs are good…and life is good, too. According to his mom, Katlyn, Morty continues to be devoted to his human grandpa. He spends his days rough housing with his canine brother and taking care of his doggie sister. Katlyn said that she and Morty’s human dad recently got engaged. Morty was very excited to be part of the engagement pictures and is eager to take part in the “big day.” “We absolutely love him,” said Katlyn, who thanks Morty’s Sponsors for their generous support.

2018 Updates

March 2018

Morty has fit right in with his new family since being adopted! His pneumonia is gone and he is one little ball of energy according to his mom, Katlyn. He’s loves playing with all of his toys and his canine siblings — even if he’s the smallest. He is always looking for a new face to kiss. Morty is receiving so much love and affection, as well as the medical care he needs to remain a happy, healthy young dog. A big thank you to all of his sponsor parents for ensuring that he thrives in his new home!