Doodle Needs Heart Surgery. Any Advice?

[Jason]

My 4 month old English Mini - Goldendoodle puppy needs heart surgery (Serious PDA). The doctor said it was one of the worse ever. We initially received the dog for free because of some genetic defects in the mouth and eyes but we were unaware of the heart. I paid about $500 today for the initial exam and the surgery is about $2200. Way out of my range. Anyone know of a surgeon who could do a cheaper surgery? I am in the Chicago area but would be willing to travel. I have already contacted several universities like Madison, Purdue, TN, Auburn and Miss. Most are very expensive. Any Advice?

[Lynn D.]

There is a Vet School in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado State University
http://csuvets.colostate.edu/

I am so sorry about this. She is very pretty!

[Sally Rollins]

If you have to travel far, it might be cheaper to pay the $2200. Take gas,tolls ,food and hotel room for you while she has her surgery. I would ask the vet about payments. It looks like you have some good leads. Good luck to you and your puppy. She is adorable.

[Jason]

Update on Lucy -
I have called all over the country. The cheapest places are the University of Tenn. and The Ohio State University. However, once I travel to those places and stay there a few days it all comes up to around the same amount.

The Breeder offered us another puppy for free. That was very nice because we didn't pay for this one in the first place but took her on because of her jaw defect. But it's not Lucy.

I have 4 kids who are very affected by this.

Should I keep the dog in my house until she passes? Should I have her put down now or wait until things worsen?

Any other options?

Thanks for all your helpful input.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Jason,
Have you contacted IDOG www.idog.biz ? It's possible that with all the work they do with doodle rescues that they might be able to guide you in a direction with all their connections.

[Jason]

I am currently at Ohio State University with Lucy. We decided to do the surgery. The surgery went well but Lucy is not waking up. They think that there is a blood clot on her brain stem. I am devastated. I will probably have to make a decision in the morning to put her down.

I am at a loss of what to do. I am going home to my wife and 4 kids who are devasted. We have had Luch for 3 months and she will be gone soon. Do I find another dog on the way back to Chicago? Do we mourn for a while and then get a dog? We got the dog to help my 9 year old Daughter sleep through the night. This is a big deal.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Jason

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

I am SO SORRY for you and your family, Jason.

[Tamara & Giada]

I am SO SORRY..........how devestating!!! I think tou and you kids need a time to morn before you make any big decisions :( Again so sorry.............can't imagine your pain!!

[Jeanette]

Wow! So sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you! Wonderful people here with awesome responses. We will keep you elevated in our thoughts and prayers!

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm so sorry to hear that. And sorry that you are faced with this decision - again. I guess there's nothing they can do about the blood clot? As far as getting another dog, I think that decision is different for every family, so I don't have any advice for you. Your heart will tell you what to do, and your family will help you make the decision.

[LINDA & TEDDY]

Jason,

My heart is breaking for you and your family. I will keep Lucy in my prayers and maybe the morning will bring a miracle for you and her.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Jason,
I am so sorry. I will pray for a miracle for Lucy. I think getting another pup right away or later is really something that is such a personal decision that whatever you decide will be correct, and even then you will second guess yourself for a long while. Just from her picture, I could see what a bundle of joy she was. Another pup won't replace her in your heart, but as you know, your heart just grows to make room for more love.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I am so very sorry that you and your family had to go through such heartbreak. We have always waited a little while before we got another puppy. Your hearts will tell you clearly when you are ready for another love in your life. You don't say how old your children are, but when my children were small we waited about 8 or so weeks to look for another puppy. We were fortunate enought to find the perfect puppy who was born on the day our old dog died. We all seemed to find this comforting and have continued to wait about 8 weeks for our newcomer when an old friend left us. Dpending on how you feel about this you can help your children make up various stories or reasons why Lucy had to leave you and send you a new friend to keep you company. Take care.