Snowball Lee

Pet Profiles 2024

Snowball’s Journey: From Heart Murmur to Healing in Japan

Snowball is our food-loving, little emperor gremlin of a Shih Tzu who firmly believes he runs our household—and honestly, he kind of does. Born in New Jersey, he’s lived in New York City, spent a year in Dallas, and now rules his kingdom in Los Angeles, where he’s truly blossomed. His royal paws have touched down in over 15 U.S. states, and most recently, he earned the nickname “Mr. Worldwide” after a trip to Japan—one that would end up saving his life.

My husband and I have been Shih Tzu parents since 2001. That’s when Truffles, our first, entered our lives and changed everything. At age six, Truffles was diagnosed with a heart murmur that eventually progressed to congestive heart failure (CHF). She became part of the EPIC Study—a groundbreaking clinical trial on the use of pimobendan for dogs with early-stage heart disease. But despite our best efforts, Truffles passed away in April 2013, shortly after turning 12. That experience was heartbreaking and taught us just how cruel mitral valve disease (MMVD) could be.

In December 2013, Snowball came into our lives—a completely different dog in personality but no less loved. At six years old, Snowball was also diagnosed with a heart murmur. And with that diagnosis, all the fears and emotions from 2013 came rushing back. But this time, we were better prepared. We monitored him closely, hoping his MMVD wouldn’t progress—or at least, that it could be managed with medications like pimobendan.

In July 2023, at age 10, Snowball’s cardiologist confirmed he had entered stage B2. We started him on vetmedin, hoping to slow the disease. But by March 2024, it was clear that the disease was progressing despite the medication. At his July recheck, the cardiologist gently suggested we begin preparing for surgery. He was now in advanced B2—still before CHF, but not for long.

Then came the moment we’d been waiting for. In October 2024, we finally heard from Jasmine Clinic in Japan. Snowball had a surgery date: December 9. We immediately began the whirlwind of preparations—rabies titers, quarantine, import paperwork, travel logistics—and somehow pulled it all off in just a few weeks.

We left Los Angeles on November 29. Snowball, peacefully sedated, slept through the 10-hour flight and woke up in Tokyo. On December 2, we met Dr. Sayaka Takeuchi at Jasmine. She explained every detail of the surgery and process with such warmth and clarity that we felt completely at ease. She confirmed what we’d hoped—Snowball was the perfect candidate for surgery: not yet in heart failure, but just in time.

With nine days until the procedure, we spent that time soaking up Japan with Snowball—visiting new cities, making memories, and connecting with other Mighty Hearts families. It was a beautiful calm before the biggest day of our lives.

Surgery day—Monday, December 9—was emotionally overwhelming. Saying goodbye for the day was incredibly hard, but we found comfort meeting up with families who had just picked up their own pups post-op. Hours later, we got the best news: Dr. Masami Uechi reported that Snowball’s surgery had gone perfectly. No complications. No transfusions. In his words, it was a “boring” procedure—exactly what you want to hear when your dog is under the knife.

During his week in ICU, Snowball was a model patient. Each day we visited, bringing him homemade bentos, and each day he looked stronger and brighter. One week later, he was discharged. We celebrated Christmas in Japan as a family—healed, relieved, and grateful.

Today, six months post-op, Snowball’s heart is functioning beautifully. His echo shows a normal-sized heart, with only trace mitral regurgitation and a tiny murmur. He no longer needs heart medications and is considered a B1 dog—living his best life with no restrictions.

We are endlessly thankful to The Mighty Hearts Project for being our guide through this long, complex journey. Without their resources and community, we wouldn’t have known this life-saving surgery was even an option. We’re also deeply grateful to Dr. Sayaka Takeuchi, Dr. Masami Uechi, and the entire Jasmine team, and to our LA veterinary team—Dr. Chapel for his steady care and Dr. Tyler for making the Japan import process happen under tight deadlines.

Thanks to all of them, Snowball has many more royal adventures ahead.