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?

[Jason]

The Doctor called this morning. Lucy is opening her eyes and swallowing a bit. But she is still unresponsive. They are going to let the sedative wear off and see what happens. We are going to give it one more day. They may let me see her later on today.
Thanks for all your support and encouragement.
Jason

[LINDA & TEDDY]

Jason,

I am going to look at the opening eyes and swallowing as a positive sign that Lucy is on her way back. I will keep Lucy and your family in my prayers as I await more good news. HANG IN THERE LUCY!!

[Debbie and Thomas]

Jason-you are the best!! What a great father, not only to your dog, but also how you are worried about your kids. I have goosebumps thinking about your battle. I am so upset for you-keep the faith! No matter what happens, you did it all and you should not have any regrets! You are now a hero to me.

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Jason I hope and pray that Lucy makes it through and you get to bring her back home...what a wonderful story of love, and she just may pull through wanting to make you happy too... my heart has been breaking for you and your family as I was ready every response....Waiting to here how she does today....in my prayers.

[Beverly Wright]

Jason,
I am soooo sorry ..........I know that your children will be so upset. I believe that you should take the puppy the breeder is offering to you.......this will certainly help the children to cope with missing their sick pup. It will be easy for them to love a new puppy..........be harder for you and your wife!
Bev

[Adina P]

Hi Jason...I'm sooo sorry about the turn this has taken. You never know, she might make a comeback and be fine! But we don't know and I will pray for peace for you and your family. What a difficult situation.

I think whether you get another pup soon is up to you and your family. Your kids might actually benefit depending on their age, BUT the difficulty will be finding a reputable breeder in a short time if you are in a hurry.

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

We are all hoping and praying for the best... she may just come out of this and in a few months she will be getting into puppy trouble and you will be thankful for it. Think positive thots...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jason, I am so sorry to hear this devastating news. My thoughts are with you and Lucy. I will pray for a miracle as well.
But if the worst does happen, I agree with Adina that it would be better to wait rather than act out of grief & panic by getting another puppy right now. After what your family has been through, you all need a little time to grieve and absorb what has happened. And as Adina said, a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder may not be immediately available. I know you will not want to risk having another tragedy, and will want to carefully research breeders in order to get the healthiest puppy possible.
So very sorry that your family has to go through this.

[Kim Williams]

Jason,
I am so sorry. Lean on everybody here at DK while going through all this.

[Jason]

There was no change in Lucy and we had to put her down this morning. We are all very sad. I drove all day today and came back to Chicago. I know the trip was not wasted because we did all that we could humanly do.

I really appreciate all the encouragement this group has given me.

OSU were some great great people. They went above and beyond without always charging me above and beyond.

We are going to have her funeral on Sunday. I am going to use a passage from the Bible as the Eulogy, Romans 8:18-25. Before Lucy left she dug a hole in our bare flower bed. We are going to plant a flower in that hole. We are also going to make some type of Marker on the Fence that will say, "Lucy, Our Beloved English Mini-Goldendoodle."

Once again, thanks for all the support.

Jason

[Beverly Wright]

Oh Jason,
I am so sorry and I know that you did all that was possible to get her help. For this you will forever be thankful! I think the scriptures will be perfect! Best wishes to your family and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Losing a dog is so painful.
Bev

[Debbie and Thomas]

Jason, with tears, all I can say is that you are an amazing person and that Lucy in her short life must have brought you so much joy. When my wheaton terrior passed away in October- a friend sent me this quotation which helped me a lot. "THE PAIN OF LOSING HER WILL NEVER EVER BE GREATER THAN THE JOY OF KNOWING HER". My thoughts are with you and your family, Debbie