One Tough Chip: Dorito's Story

Not many chips have taken a journey quite like our beloved Dorito.

At just five months old, this stunning Bluetick Coonhound was rescued from Morgan County, Georgia, where she was deemed a lost cause due to her severe heart conditions. But Big Dog Ranch Rescue saw her potential and immediately stepped in, ensuring she made it to safety. Her journey led her to our Alabama campus before she finally arrived at our Ranch here in Florida, where she’s been given a second chance at life.

Dorito battles both Valvular Pulmonic Stenosis (VPS) and Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD)—two congenital heart defects that often go undetected but can be life-threatening in dogs. VPS narrows the pulmonary valve, restricting blood flow to the heart and lungs, while TVD is an extremely rare condition, accounting for only 7% of canine heart defects. Sadly, Dorito is one of the few affected.

Because of her condition, Dorito also developed an incurable heart murmur. But our dedicated medical team wasted no time taking action to prevent further pain and discomfort. She underwent a balloon valvuloplasty, a procedure that enlarged her heart valves and gave her the best chance at a happy, active life.

And that’s exactly what she’s doing—thriving! Despite everything she’s endured, Dorito runs, plays, and keeps up with all her fellow pups at the Ranch. Because of our lifesavers, Dorito had a second chance at life, and we can see her smiling face bouncing around the Ranch. She may have had a rough start, but now she’s ready for her next big adventure, finding her chip-loving furever home!