Meet Violet!
Age: 6 years old
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier & American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
Favorite Grandma Lucy's Product: Bladder Pumpkin Pouch
Sometimes, the dogs who spend their lives taking care of everyone else are the ones who need a little extra care themselves.
For Hannah and her boyfriend, Violet has always been that dog.
She was the kind of dog who seemed to look after everyone around her—from the children she met to a tiny kitten she helped care for. But in June 2026, everything changed when Violet was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 5 IVDD.
Her family knew recovery would be a long journey. They just didn't know Grandma Lucy's would become part of it.
From Foster Pup to Forever Family
Violet's story with Hannah and her boyfriend started in July 2023.
LifeLine Animal Shelter had asked the community for help when summer storms caused flooding at the shelter, and the couple opened their home to Violet as a temporary foster.
It took less than a day to realize she wasn't going anywhere.
Violet had already mastered the basics. She was potty trained, crate trained, knew her commands, and had an incredibly sweet personality. But what stood out most was her instinct to care for others.
The shelter shared that Violet had previously had puppies, and her motherly personality was impossible to miss.
She wanted to take care of every child she met. She even became a surrogate mom to a newborn kitten, Hannah and her boyfriend was fostering until he found his forever home.
Violet had found her family and her family had found theirs.
A Sudden Change
For years, Violet was healthy, happy, and full of life. Supplements and specialty foods weren't something her family had ever needed to think much about.
Then, in June 2026, everything changed.
What started as mild discomfort quickly turned into an emergency.
Violet was diagnosed with Stage 5 IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease) and underwent an emergency MRI and surgery that same day. Her family learned that she had herniated nine discs, five of which surgeons were able to operate on.
The road to recovery would be long.
Because Violet is no longer able to empty her bladder on her own, her family has to express it for her, which also puts her at a higher risk for urinary tract infections.
For Hannah, finding ways to support Violet during recovery became a new priority.
Finding a Little Extra Support
While looking for a natural way to support Violet's urinary health, Hannah discovered Grandma Lucy's Bladder Pumpkin Pouch.
There was just one problem. She wasn't sure Violet would eat it.
Violet had never been much of a vegetable lover, and the pouch contains pumpkin, kale, broccoli, and cranberry. Hannah wasn't exactly optimistic.
But Violet had other plans.
She absolutely loved it.
Her family began using the pouch as a topper on her kibble. They also mix it with water and freeze it on a lick mat, giving Violet something fun to enjoy while she rests and recovers.
What started as an experiment quickly became part of Violet's everyday routine.
"She's never been much of a vegetable girl, so I wasn't optimistic. To my surprise, she absolutely loves it!"
Making Recovery a Little Easier
Recovery hasn't been easy, but the little moments matter.
For Violet, that can mean enjoying a favorite topper, working on a lick mat, or simply having something she looks forward to during a difficult day.
For Hannah, knowing that Violet enjoys what she's eating and that it agrees with her stomach has provided a little extra peace of mind during a time filled with uncertainty.
"Knowing she's enjoying something that's also helping support her health gives me a little extra peace of mind during a recovery that has otherwise been filled with uncertainty."
Taking It One Day at a Time
Violet's recovery is still unfolding, and her family is taking it one day at a time.
After spending so much of her life caring for everyone around her, Violet's family is grateful for the opportunity to give that same love back to her.
She's more than a rescue dog.
She's a foster who became family, a protector, a kitten's surrogate mom, and a beloved companion who means the world to everyone around her.
And as she continues healing, her family is grateful to have found little ways to make each day a little easier.
Violet's Favorite Grandma Lucy's Products:
New to the Grandma Lucy's Family?
Every dog's journey is different. Whether you're looking for wholesome toppers, complete freeze-dried meals, or simple ways to add variety to your dog's bowl, we're here to help you find the right fit for your pup.
