Mighty Heart Project helps pet parents access life-saving mitral valve repair surgery under bypass for dogs diagnosed with mitral valve disease when they’ve been told there are no options left.
Candid 2025 Gold Seal of Transparency Recipient
Mighty Hearts Project earned the 2025 Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid showcasing its dedication to openness in mission and impact. We believe that every supporter deserves clarity on how their contributions create real change for dogs with mitral valve disease.
Your dog was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Disease. We can help.
If you’ve been told there’s nothing that can be done — you’re not alone. Many vets in the U.S. don’t offer solutions for mitral valve disease, leaving families heartbroken and out of hope. But there is a proven surgical option. And we’re here to help you understand it.
Start Your Journey with Canine Mitral Valve Disease
What was once considered only a palliative prognosis, surgical intervention to repair the mitral valve and heart chords is now possible. We want to share this information with pet owners, vets, and researchers globally in an effort to advance the care and demand for this lifesaving option. This website provides extensive knowledge and resources about leading surgery clinics, the application process, travel guidance and more.
Our Mission
Hope
We give hope to owners of dogs suffering with Mitral Valve Disease. From the inception of diagnosis, throughout their decision-making process on type of care and all the way through surgery if they should choose to take that path.
Support
We provide the most up-to-date information and resources, so our members seeking support can make well informed decisions. We support emerging research on mitral valve disease and repair, sharing the best possible proven options for dog owners.
Education
We educate owners about viable vetted options for advanced treatment of canine mitral valve disease. This includes creating awareness to veterinary professionals about pioneer surgeon Dr. Masami Uechi’s mitral valve repair technique at the Jasmine clinic.
Advocacy
We advocate for dogs with mitral valve disease alongside veterinary cardiologist who support mitral valve repair. We attend veterinary lectures and workshops to spread awareness about MVR surgery to industry professionals.
Events & Webinars
Importance of Pet Health Insurance
Jasmine MVR Surgery Webinar
Dr. Sayaka Takeuchi Interview
Dr Masami Uechi Interview 2
Dr. Masami Uechi Interview 1
Interview with Dr. Judy Morgan and Nate Estes
MVD COMMUNITY
Connect with other members, experts, and the Mighty Hearts team. Get your questions answered, share your stories, and get support.
Join webinars and live events hosted by pet care professionals and the Mighty Hearts team. Dive deep into important MVD topics that matter most.
Get exclusive perks like giveaways and other benefits reserved for our members to help navigate MVD.
MVR Success Stories
Not only did Emma pass her prognosis - she is thriving
“It’s crazy to think that we flew our chihuahua to the UK for open heart surgery, but we’re so glad we did it. The surgery is a gift of time..."
Words cannot explain how grateful I am - Thank You!
"We are almost a year out from his MVR surgery... he is acting like he is a puppy - getting zoomies, eating treats and playing with his sister Mila everyday."
Meet The Team
Nate Estes
Michelle Lawson-Fairfield
Michelle Skrovan
Jessica Braun
Mighty Hearts Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports dogs with Mitral Valve Disease through surgical intervention.
Disclaimer: The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for advice from a trained veterinarian or any other medical professional. Please do your own research and contact each clinic performing MVR surgery for the most up to date information.
I will always be eternally grateful to MHP & Jasmine
“I & Oliver thank you Mighty Hearts & so many of your wonderfully kind & generous members who answered all of my questions and concerns.”