Because it’s not fair to only share the good stuff

 

It’s been the longest weekend…and not in a good way. On Thursday – our Watson (the cuddliest Great Dane on the planet) was “off”. He wouldn’t eat. Threw up a couple of times and was shaky. It was disconcerting.  When we couldn’t get him into our regular vet we made the call to take our giant pet to the Emergency Vet.  In all honestly, I kind of thought we were over reacting, but my Hubby and I, we decided to follow our guts.

A lot of blood work and couple of x-rays of his insides didn’t give us any kind of answers.  Blood work normal, some evidence of gas build-up, basically; inconclusive.  After a few hours we were given three options for care:

• Send Watson an hour away for an ultra sound that may or may not give us different results.
• Take him home.
• Or leave him over night for observation and x-rays could be taken again the morning.

After a quick discussion we decided we had to leave our dog overnight. We brought him into the vet because we were worried about him.  We still had no answers and something was definitely wrong.  We left without our giant fur baby.

The next morning we we went about our regular routine.   We had a busy weekend ahead.  My oldest had an exam to write at noon, my youngest a dance competition to get to.  We actually expected to get a call telling us we were clear to come pick up Watson – so kept real life rolling.  Then the phone call came.  Watson was in trouble.  Real trouble.  His colon was twisted and we had a decision to make.  Now we only had two choices.

• Surgery – $6500 – his odds of surviving 50/50.  Actually – probably less.
• Or put him down.   I can hardly even type those terrifying words.

Unfortunately, my daughters overheard every word of that uncomfortable  phone call with the veterinarians.  The pain, the heartache, the fear for our poor dog was instant and real.  For us the decision was obvious.  We had to give Watson a chance.  We gave all the medical clearances needed.  We passed along a credit card number.  We prayed.  We felt helpless.  We cried.  There was nothing else we could do…..and it was horrible.  How had this happened?  Was it something we did?  He did?  Watson is young, healthy, spoiled.  I went into Mama Bear mode.  Pretending to be strong when I didn’t feel it.  Holding my breath to stop the flow of tears, rearranging plans for the weekend.  The next 6 hours were a blur.

My oldest made it through her exam.

My Husband went to work.  Desperately trying to keep busy.

My youngest and I took a 3 1/2  hour drive to her dance competition.

Then the phone call came.  Watson survived the surgery.  More tears.  Tears of relief.  Tears of joy.  Tears of pent up emotion, and tears because we know the next couple of days, weeks are still important.  This poor pup has a long road to recovery but at least now there is hope and we’re so thankful for that.

Life can throw you a curve at any moment.  People may say “it’s just a dog”.  Those are not my people.  The minute you bring a dog into your house he becomes a member of your family, and when he’s important to your children, you will do anything in your power to protect him and the hearts of your kids.  Today I find myself thankful for all kinds of things.  I’m thankful for a 24 hour emergency pet centre.  Thankful we had the means to pay for that surgery.  Thankful we listened to our gut.   Thankful for another day with Watson.