Whopper is having the ultimate bad day...

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

Hi all...today has not been a very good day. This morning when I woke up Whopper was cuddled right next to me and I thought this was the start of a great day. After cuddling for a while, Whopper started to dry heave. She clearly tried to get something out a couple of times and nothing came out. She then settled back down on the bed and was giving lots of kisses. A little while later, more dry heaving and I quickly ushered Whopper out to our patio in case she was able to get anything up. Still nothing! Back to our bed Whopper went. My husband tried giving her a little water but she refused to drink anything. We also chose not to feed her until she was feeling better. A little more time passes and Whopper starts dry heaving again...for 5 minutes she's struggling and only once does a little acid come out. We call the vet as she is very uncomfortable. We get to the vet within 45 minutes after Whopper pooped. We were relieved that she pooped before we left. In the waiting area Whopper was acting totally out of character and barking very excessively at all of the other dogs. I chalked this up to her just be very anxious and uncomfortable. Anyway, at the vet her temperature was slightly elevated and because of how deep her chest is and how high up her stomach is, the vet was a little concerned that the dry heaving may be an early sign of bloat and that an x-ray would be necessary. We waited back in the waiting room for probably 15 minutes before walking back into the exam room. The vet said I've got good news and bad news...the good news was it isn't bloat, the bad news is that Whopper swallowed a brillo pad that is now stuck in her stomach and intestines and wasn't going to clear through. So...Whopper is currently in emergency surgery and will be at the vet at least until Monday. I am desperately trying to keep busy as I wait for the vet to call us to tell us that the surgery went well and is over. I know this is long but I guess the moral of this post is that we all know our dogs pretty well. Probably 9 out of ten times Whopper will throw up and I won't even call the vet. Today we just sensed it was something more and are very lucky we did. Always trust your instincts! We are very fortunate because a few months back I finally decided to buy pet insurance. When the vet showed us an estimate ranging from $1750 - $2260 we knew that pet insurance prevented me from heading to an ER myself. Anyway, please send good thoughts and well wishes Whopper's way because she will definitely need all of her friends helping her through this recovery!

[Shawn & Bella]

We are hoping for a speedy recovery for Whopper keep us all posted.......

[Frannie & Callie]

Callie and I wish Whopper a speedy recovery (and hope that she remembers that brillo pads aren't a delicious treat moving forward!)

[Kathy Spyker]

I hope Whopper gets well soon, I think you made a good decision on not going in to see her, (even though its hard fo you) she needs rest now.

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

Whopper is doing surprisingly well according to the vet. They will soon try feeding her to see how that goes. The only issue they have encountered was that overnight she pulled out her IV catheter. Fortunately, she didn't chew it or anything it was just out. I guess she wasn't comfortable! It is now back in and she is forced to where the cone of shame which she can't be happy about. We have decided not to go visit her this morning as much as we want to go and give her hugs and kisses. We are concerned she will get too excited and it will cause unnecessary stress for her and she won't appreciate us coming and then leaving her behind. It is our hope that by staying away we will be able to pick her up tomorrow night and not have to wait until Tuesday. Thanks again for all of the well wishes.

[Penny, Comiskey & Beemer]

Sending you hugs and belly rubs for a speedy recovery.....

[ej]

Poor Whopper!! Get well soon!

[Christine & Shelby]

Oh Whopper....Just read about your surgery. So happy it went well, take it easy and get better soon!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Glad to hear the surgery went well and hoping for a speedy recovery.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Fingers and paws crossed here for a fast recovery for Whopper! hugs to all of you!

[Laura & Chewie]

Oh no, so sorry to hear all of you have to go through this. I (luckily) was able to avoid this the other day when Chewie ate part of a corn cob. They induced vomiting and it came up. I hope Whopper makes a very speedy and uneventful recovery.