Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
Heartbreak and tears
So, as most of you know, I have been anxiously waiting for my new puppy for months; asking questions, shopping, and reading EVERYTHING so that I would know what to do. My countdown to January 30th started the day she was born. She was the best looking pup of the bunch!
At about 6 weeks old, the pup I had picked out sprained her right wrist while still with the breeder (Sharon). By some freak accident, the mom-dog stepped on her just right and tore the ligaments holding her carpal bones together. Though it swelled, there was no fracture, known infection, and her vet said it would heal and she shouldn't have any lasting problems. She took her to the vet multiple times for xrays, needle aspirations, pain meds, and prophylactic antibiotics, taking great care of her. Sharon gave me the option to pick another puppy (there was one not sold yet), but since there wasn't supposed to be any lasting effects, I decided to take the one I had originally picked. I named her Lizzie Louise. The last puppy in the litter sold immediately after that.
Fast forward to 1/30/09. Lizzie walks and runs on both legs and the right is slightly more swollen than the left leg, but much better than 2 weeks prior. I go to pick her up and take her home! I was SO excited. The whole way home, which ended up being 8 hours due to visiting bunches of family along the way, she was very sweet, but very sleepy. She kept refusing food and treats, but did drink plenty of water. I figured it was just stress, and we would be fine. I introduce her to the feline siblings and get her settled in her new home!
AM of 1/31/09- First Vet visit. Vet finds that the leg is worse than sprained and does xrays. He is also worried that she is somewhat lethargic, so does bloodwork also. The xrays of the leg are terrible, and the joint is infected and had actually shrunk (lyced) the carpal bones, which were terribly misplaced. The puppy was also anemic, which was thought to be due to the infection. Therefore, she had a 1/6 systolic heart murmur secondary to the anemia (would clear up as soon as the anemia was cleared). So the prognosis was not good. If the puppy was not already septic (SCARY!), and we could get the infection controlled with antibiotics, we would still need to see an orthopedic surgeon someday to repair the leg. So my tears start.
I take her home, cry a bit, called my parents (because at 22, I still do that), talked it over with the boyfriend and finally call Sharon. She was very sweet and we talked about the options, and I just couldn't see giving up this beautiful puppy. So I decided to keep her and deal with the vet bills as they came.
2/1/09- Super bowl. Sharon and I both spend the whole night not sleeping trying to think of what to do. She e-mails me that morning and says that the best thing would be for me to bring her back and get a healthy puppy when the next litter arrives. Though it would be tough to let her go, I had to agree this would probably be best. I spent 10 years caring for a special-needs dog, and couldn't see doing it for another 10-15. At this point, Lizzie still hasn't eaten anything, and I am giving her a small dose NSAID every 12 hours. It appears to help her a little, but she is still very lethargic and sleeping. I end up having to force nutri-cal on her tongue just to introduce some calories. I had to ensure that Sharon was going to care for her then, if I wasn't going to.
2/2/09 I call Sharon back and tell her that I agree and I make plans to drive her back (3 hour trip) on Tuesday. I spend the day hugging and snuggling with Lizzie.
2/3/09. The hardest drive. I had a friend with me (since the boyfriend had to work) so that I wouldn't be alone. We drive all the way out there, and I was fine. But seeing her in the rear-view mirror as I drove away made me break down. I am crying just thinking about it. Sharon is going to do everything she can to get Lizzie back to good health. She has appointments to continue the plan of care. She promises to send me updates on her health and well-being.
And now I start the wait for another puppy, probably 5-6 months at best, once another golden Sharon has is bred. My house is still covered in puppy stuff because I can't bring myself to put it away yet. There's a water bowl, a bed, toys (though she never did play), crate, food, puppy books, everything. I think it will sit out for a few more days.
So though this is a very long blog post, I had to write my story out. I know in a year when I have a healthy puppy and life is good, I'll be okay. Right now I am heartbroken.
At about 6 weeks old, the pup I had picked out sprained her right wrist while still with the breeder (Sharon). By some freak accident, the mom-dog stepped on her just right and tore the ligaments holding her carpal bones together. Though it swelled, there was no fracture, known infection, and her vet said it would heal and she shouldn't have any lasting problems. She took her to the vet multiple times for xrays, needle aspirations, pain meds, and prophylactic antibiotics, taking great care of her. Sharon gave me the option to pick another puppy (there was one not sold yet), but since there wasn't supposed to be any lasting effects, I decided to take the one I had originally picked. I named her Lizzie Louise. The last puppy in the litter sold immediately after that.
Fast forward to 1/30/09. Lizzie walks and runs on both legs and the right is slightly more swollen than the left leg, but much better than 2 weeks prior. I go to pick her up and take her home! I was SO excited. The whole way home, which ended up being 8 hours due to visiting bunches of family along the way, she was very sweet, but very sleepy. She kept refusing food and treats, but did drink plenty of water. I figured it was just stress, and we would be fine. I introduce her to the feline siblings and get her settled in her new home!
AM of 1/31/09- First Vet visit. Vet finds that the leg is worse than sprained and does xrays. He is also worried that she is somewhat lethargic, so does bloodwork also. The xrays of the leg are terrible, and the joint is infected and had actually shrunk (lyced) the carpal bones, which were terribly misplaced. The puppy was also anemic, which was thought to be due to the infection. Therefore, she had a 1/6 systolic heart murmur secondary to the anemia (would clear up as soon as the anemia was cleared). So the prognosis was not good. If the puppy was not already septic (SCARY!), and we could get the infection controlled with antibiotics, we would still need to see an orthopedic surgeon someday to repair the leg. So my tears start.
I take her home, cry a bit, called my parents (because at 22, I still do that), talked it over with the boyfriend and finally call Sharon. She was very sweet and we talked about the options, and I just couldn't see giving up this beautiful puppy. So I decided to keep her and deal with the vet bills as they came.
2/1/09- Super bowl. Sharon and I both spend the whole night not sleeping trying to think of what to do. She e-mails me that morning and says that the best thing would be for me to bring her back and get a healthy puppy when the next litter arrives. Though it would be tough to let her go, I had to agree this would probably be best. I spent 10 years caring for a special-needs dog, and couldn't see doing it for another 10-15. At this point, Lizzie still hasn't eaten anything, and I am giving her a small dose NSAID every 12 hours. It appears to help her a little, but she is still very lethargic and sleeping. I end up having to force nutri-cal on her tongue just to introduce some calories. I had to ensure that Sharon was going to care for her then, if I wasn't going to.
2/2/09 I call Sharon back and tell her that I agree and I make plans to drive her back (3 hour trip) on Tuesday. I spend the day hugging and snuggling with Lizzie.
2/3/09. The hardest drive. I had a friend with me (since the boyfriend had to work) so that I wouldn't be alone. We drive all the way out there, and I was fine. But seeing her in the rear-view mirror as I drove away made me break down. I am crying just thinking about it. Sharon is going to do everything she can to get Lizzie back to good health. She has appointments to continue the plan of care. She promises to send me updates on her health and well-being.
And now I start the wait for another puppy, probably 5-6 months at best, once another golden Sharon has is bred. My house is still covered in puppy stuff because I can't bring myself to put it away yet. There's a water bowl, a bed, toys (though she never did play), crate, food, puppy books, everything. I think it will sit out for a few more days.
So though this is a very long blog post, I had to write my story out. I know in a year when I have a healthy puppy and life is good, I'll be okay. Right now I am heartbroken.
Comment
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Comment by Sine on March 4, 2009 at 10:59pm
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Hi Missi, I read your story and I'm totally tearing up. I know what taking care of special needs pups entail and I'm glad that you made the right decision of giving her back. Still-that doesn't make the heartache and loss any better. Take care and know that you played a really special part in Lizzie's life and progress.
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Comment by chastity on February 14, 2009 at 11:26am
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awww missi!!! i've been M.I.A for a little while due to moving to a new place and getting internet set up and all so i havdn't been able to check up on you until today. oomg, i am so sorry for what you had to go thru... i don't know how i would have been able to make it through that myself. atleast you can be at ease knowing that when lizzi gets totally healed and better, just know that you had a major part to do with that as well. you did a great thing taking her even tho she had an injury. you'll be ok, and just think, soon enough your going to have a new little bundle of joy healthy as can be!! XOXOXOXOX----chastity
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Comment by Trowby on February 11, 2009 at 12:53pm
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Hi Missi,
What a beautiful little puppy. It's good to hear she is doing better and I hope that you are able to have her back again. But if not, there will be another little sweetie to love. Our Sage and I send hugs.
Trowby
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Comment by Paul & Michele on February 10, 2009 at 6:35am
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Hi Missi,
I read your story and am very sorry to hear about what happened to Lizzie. I'm sure that Sharon will take very good care of her. I think we have purchased our dogs from the same breeder, I had a black lab I had gotten from the spca about 12 years ago and he passed away last Feb. I had always likes the labordoodles but they were so expensive and we have 2 other choc. labs. For my birthday this last summer my husband surprised me and drove 3 hrs to SE Kansas and picked out a black Goldendoodle for me. She is great with the exception that she chews EVERYTHING in the backyard. She is really great with our kids and seems very smart with the exception of the chewing.... I think when you get your new puppy you will be very happy with her. Good Luck and send me some pictures when you get her.
Michele
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Comment by Missi on February 8, 2009 at 4:07pm
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Thank you, Sharon for posting the update! I was going to post an update on here from all of the e-mails, but have worked the last four days and not had a chance! I'm so glad that she is eating and gaining weight!
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Comment by Sharon "Dawgma" on February 8, 2009 at 12:06pm
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Lizzie's progress update to all...Lizzie was re-checked and no infection found, swelling is gone and she has full weight baring on her foot now, ortho consult revealed very little could be done that would benefit the injury since there was no break and may cause more problems with stiffness and arthritis in the future. It broke my heart Missi knowing how you must have felt as you left Lizzie with me. Missi you did make the right choice, it is my responsibilty to be her care giver in this time of need. It's been less than a week since she returned and things just keep getting better every day. Blood test show her red blood cells are regenerating, PCV (packed cell volume) is up to 28 normal is above 30, she is eating on her own as of Friday and as of today has gained over a lb.in two days up to 6 lbs 5 oz Doesn't seem like much, but wonderful to see. My hopes are that I will get her to 100% and you will have your lil girl back, but if that is not an option you will have your new baby in no time at all and she will be as loving and special as Lizzie.
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Comment by Alexandra Wilkins on February 7, 2009 at 4:09pm
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Oh Missi...I'm so sorry to hear about this. Please hang in there and know that your little pup will be here soon. Take care and I'll keep Lizzie in my prayers.
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Comment by JBAdorableDoodles on February 7, 2009 at 2:57pm
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Oh Missi
I am sorry this happened to you. You did do the right thing.I will keep Lizzie in my prayers.
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Comment by Michele, Biscuit & Mo on February 7, 2009 at 1:00pm
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Dear Missi,
What a sad story and it truly is heartbreaking. You know that all of us here understand what you must be going through and you did the right thing, especially after having taken care of a special needs dog for so long. We all pray for Lizzie's recovery and trust that whatever the world brings on, it was meant to be. Be patient and soon you will have a new lovely puppy to give all your love to - it will make it all worthwhile.
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Comment by Susan on February 7, 2009 at 9:09am
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Missi, I am sorry about what happened with your puppy. What a terrible experience! I think you did the right thing, but that must have been hard to go thru. I hope Lizzy recovers and you get a new puppy replacement soon!
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