An eight year old intact male Shih Tzu was presented to Cornell University Hospital for Animals Emergency Service for a 24 hour history of persistent vomiting, with eventual production of a string. On presentation, the dog was depressed and responsive with normal vital parameters. He vomited multiple times in the exam room, and physical examination revealed marked dehydration, abdominal pain, and the presence of a long string in the mouth. The string did not wrap around the tongue and was immediately cut to allow retraction into the stomach and prevent further anchoring. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound were supportive of a linear foreign body causing gastrointestinal obstruction. The patient was taken to surgery and had the string removed via a gastrotomy and three enterotomies. Additional foreign material identified as bone was removed via a fourth enterotomy site. Post-operatively the patient experienced multiple complications including opioid hypersensitivity, persistent regurgitation, bradycardia, and hypertension. Despite a prolonged recovery, the patient was discharged from the hospital six days after presentation and continues to do well at home.