Puppy Problems

I mentioned when we adopted Zoey that it had been a very long time since we added to our dog collection. Ten years, give or take, but who's counting? I'm fairly certain that the last puppies we got were our two Corgis in 2003. That said, anyone who ever came into our veterinary clinic will remember our three-legged German Shepherd, Silver. She came to us as a twelve week old puppy who had gotten too close to a broodmare. Her back leg was badly broken, and the owners decided they would rather put her down than fix her leg. As we were fresh out of veterinary school and still thought we could save the world (ha, ha) my husband asked if we could have her. He wanted to try to fix her leg and then "find her a home." To make a long story short, two surgical attempts and a consult later, we amputated her shattered leg and found her a home - ours.

She has been with us for almost 11 years now, watched over me through my pregnancies, and protected my children. So this morning when I found her flat out on her side, I was quickly and harshly reminded how old she really is for a big dog. Her pupils were dilated, she was breathing hard, and didn't seem to know her name. In my best owner who also happens to be a vet opinion, she seemed to have had a seizure. When her breathing became more labored, I was afraid she was going to die right then. Thirty or so minutes passed, and suddenly she rolled up onto her chest and seemed to know me again. So far, she has had some bloody stool and hasn't been able to get up. I'm really hoping this isn't the beginning of the end for her. Today I am praying for the strength to do the right thing for a very good and faithful companion. Any and all positive thoughts are appreciated.

On the flip side, I am delighted to say that Zoey is feeling much better! Having survived her surgery, the first few days at home were pretty rough. She vomited almost nonstop for a couple of days, got really dehydrated, and we started to have some serious talks about her quality of life. We decided that we hadn't come this far to quit on her now, so we dosed her up with anti-nausea meds and fluids. And it worked! She trotted behind me in the house, which she's never done, and she actually played with my husband. He took her outside yesterday and she even barked and chased the truck. I can't tell you how much good it did my heart to see her happy and feeling good. She even jumps up on us and demands to be petted, which is also new. Thanks to her dental and surgery, she just smells like a dog now, instead of walking death! We can only hope that she has many happy years ahead, and if she doesn't, at least she has us now.

PS - When I returned from my doctor appointment this morning, our sweet Silver was gone. RIP, my dear and faithful companion. You made so many people happy, and your life truly mattered. We miss you already!