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How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

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

in Family on 05/14/19

 

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.

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    Comments

    1. Krista M says

      September 22, 2019 at 12:07 pm

      When such upsetting, unexpected circumstances such as these come up, it just shakes your whole world. Thank goodness for your family that he survived the surgery & he can continue to have days full of love & hugs.

    2. Elizabeth Matthiesen says

      September 10, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      So sorry that you all had to go through the pain and sorrow of this experience.

    3. Jacki says

      May 16, 2019 at 1:33 am

      Poor guy. So, so happy it all worked out. Get better Watson! 🐾 💕

    4. Aneta says

      May 15, 2019 at 12:28 pm

      Girl we have had two pups pass away in the past decade and I am so glad you are not dealing with that. You are in my thoughts

      • Stephanie says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:28 pm

        Thank you so much. We lost our black lab at age 13 and that was hard enough. We are feeling so blessed that our big oaf is still here 🙂

    5. kristen visser says

      May 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

      oh my goodness hun!!! so scary and emotional! my heart broke reading this but so happy to hear the surgery was a success and he is healing <3 he is such a darling

      • Stephanie says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:29 pm

        Thanks so much for your sweet comment. Gosh those dogs have a way of owning your heart 🙂

    6. Soozle says

      May 14, 2019 at 8:28 pm

      Oh dear 🙁 I am SO sorry to hear you and your family had to experience that. I understand completely that your pets become family and you do what you need to – no matter the cost.

      Unfortunately, it is common for danes to have the “twisted stomach” issues. One thing that is said to help to ensure the pup eats slowly, if he is a gulper. There are puzzle feeders that help to slow down the meals (and it should be a few smaller ones verses one larger one)

      Hope Watson feels better soon!

      • Stephanie says

        May 15, 2019 at 9:28 am

        Thank so much for your kind words. This was his large colon that twisted so they don’t think it was from gulping, but I do love your idea of a puzzle feeder. I never want to experience anything like this again 🙁

    7. Emily J says

      May 14, 2019 at 5:12 pm

      I’m so happy to hear he made it through, such a strong and adorable dog!

      • Stephanie says

        May 15, 2019 at 9:29 am

        Thank you! Feeling pretty lucky today.

        • Emily J says

          May 15, 2019 at 2:15 pm

          You’re welcome!

    Travel addict, sun seeker, coffee drinker, fashion lover, picture taker. This is a peek behind the closed and competitive doors of the suburbs. A place to come to learn about the best places to travel with your kids in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and beyond! stephanie@sassymodernmom.com
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