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 Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca on February 4, 2009 at 2:21pm
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I am so sorry to read about your story. I am sure the next few months will be tough to wait for another puppy but it was the right thing to do for the puppy.
Things happen for a reason, and you sometimes do not get the puppy you want but the one that you deserve. Just remember that there is always a reason for what life throws at you.
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Comment by Michele on February 4, 2009 at 6:15am
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So sorry for you and Lizzie. Sharon will take good care...
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Comment by Beth and Gang on February 4, 2009 at 2:56am
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How sad for you and the poor sick puppy.
BEST of luck with the next puppy,but truthfully, you did the right thing with Lizzie.
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Comment by Zoe, Benny and Tyler on February 4, 2009 at 2:27am
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OMG what a story. I really really feel sorry for you and I can imagine that it was the hardest decision to bring Lizzie back to the breader but it was the right one I guess. Even if she looks that cute in your arms her eyes look sad. I wish her all the best that her leg heals again and please keep us updated about the progress. I assume you are following up what it happening with her and if the breeeder should experience problems to find a home for her later on I am sure the doodlekisses community can easily find someone even if Lizzie will have special needs which we all don't hope.
Don't loose your confidence you will get a gorgeous puppy in a bit. I am on the waitinglist at Rutland Manor right now waiting for a second dog and I don't even know how long it will take until I get one. So I can understand the feeling although I still have Benny who lightens up my life every day.
While you are waiting just spend your time here with your doodlefriends :)
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Comment by Adina P on February 3, 2009 at 9:17pm
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Oh Missi, I'm so sorry...poor puppy and you. It is heartbreaking after waiting so long and finally getting her home. She looks so sweet in your arms. But sounds like she is in good hands with Sharon. Just a few more months and you'll have your healthy perfect pup!
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Comment by Oliver on February 3, 2009 at 9:13pm
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OMG!!! I'm so sorry! I just read this to my husband and we're both sooo upset for you! This is horrible!!! :(
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