Our new puppy seems fine in every way but he began "huffing", gagging, etc.. Monday morning. It was about that time that we noticed my husband's houseshoe liner was missing. If he did eat it, will it pass, or what should we do? He's a shelter puppy and we are retired so we cannot afford expensive x-rays.

Unfortunately, no one can tell you if your dog will pass it. We can't examine him. If he has a blockage, he can die from it. It's really not worth risking your dogs life.

For the time being, watch for any retching or gagging. If he does not have a bowel movement in 24 hours, he needs to go to the vet asap. If he is retching and gagging, chances are it's lodged somewhere.

Call the shelter where you found him and ask about where you can get low-cost vet care. Call around to vets, explain the situation, and ask for a payment plan or a special dispensation or a bargaining deal. If the puppy swallowed the houseshoe liner (sounds kind of big for his gut), he may very well be in serious danger without vet care.