Monday, July 5, 2010

The things we do for our kids...er...pets

So, everyone knows I love dogs. All dogs.

But especially our dogs.

We have been married for four years and have had Samson and Sienna for almost our entire marriage. They are our children.

They're loyal. They make us laugh. They get obnoxiously excited every time we come home...even if we've only been gone for 10 minutes. They listen and don't talk back.

So, you can imagine how it felt when our Fourth-of-July-Weekend-of-Fun came to a screeching halt when we came home last night to Sienna completely paralyzed from the waist down.

It was literally the saddest sight I have ever seen as she came hobbling out of the bathroom using her front legs only...and her back legs/behind were dragging behind her. She was disoriented and appeared to not even know where she was. We immediately took her to the Pet Emergency Center, and they gave us a couple of options of what could be going on with her. We decided to bring her home for the evening and take her first thing to our vet this morning.

And after many pokes, prods, tests, they came to the conclusion that she has a herniated disc in her back.

Long story short: She has struggled with pain/yelping prior to this, and we've taken her in multiple times. But, just like when you take your car to the mechanic and it stops making that noise...she suddenly was no longer in pain and the doctor could never localize the pain.

But now, the disc has gotten so bad, it has squeezed out the "jelly" (as the vet called it) so that it has infiltrated throughout her back and caused her to no longer feel pain and remove all feeling and control over her back legs.

Needless to say, we were prepared to put her down this morning. It was just that bad. I was sobbing all the way to work. Mr. Ruby was fighting back tears all morning.

Final Diagnosis: She is in stage 2 (there are 3 stages) and has to have surgery. They are very positive that she will recover and have a happy/normal doggy life.

Final Blow: We had to pay $3,300 upfront. No, I did not miscalculate the zeroes: $3,300. And the worst part? It wouldn't cost that much, however, we are having to pay double because it is considered a holiday weekend. Sienna, couldn't you have waited until normal business hours to have emergency surgery? I mean really.

Are we crazy for spending that much money? Probably. But you know what? She is only four years old and incredibly healthy. It would be just wrong to rob her of a healthy, happy life.

So, if everyone could say a little prayer...the surgery is going on right now!

How could you NOT want to save that cute face???


12 comments:

Sherrie said...

I am so sorry to hear about Sienna's back. I will keep you all in my thoughts and pray the surgery is a success!

Aly said...

I am so sorry to hear that..I feel terrible! I know what your going through. My dog has diabetes and she started throwing up water and wasnt eating so my dad took her to the vet. from there he had to take her to this big vet hospital and they said she had 4 hours to live if they didn't start treatment. they were pretty sure she'd be ok. it was 5000 dollars but totally worthy it:)...pets are amazing (especially dogs) but the whole having to decide to put them down or not thing sucks..its not like ppl where them dying is not up to you its so craaazy and those vets my goodness do they know how to rip you off. you and sienna are in my thoughts! and chelsea (my dog) says woof:) (if you wanna see pics of her check out my blog www.nothinbutatshirton.blogspot.com) hugs xo

Unknown said...

OMG...so sorry! I'll keep her in my prayers that she recovers completely!

Alison said...

If she was my dog I'd definitely do it too!!! I hope she recovers completely! :)

Kelly and Sara said...

I love dogs too and I think I would've paid for it!!! Keeping Sienna in my thoughts xoxo

Lauren said...

I'm so sorry. i know exactly how you feel! I'm glad she will be getting better though! I will say a prayer and have Snyder send some doggie loves to her as well :) Miss you!

Mary Michal said...

Ooh, I'm so sorry. I hope she starts feeling better soon! I don't think you're crazy at all for spending that much to make your baby feel better. I would do it in a heartbeat to make one of my babies better. Keep us updated on her recovery!

Confessions of a Northern Belle said...

Oh my gosh - I am praying right now for a successful surgery and quick recovery for Sienna!

d.a.r. said...

I am so sorry about your sweet girl :( We shelled out $3,000 for King Arthur's knee surgery last year and didn't bat an eye at it. Yes, it would have been nice to be able to buy more furniture for our house, but he is our baby...

Good luck to her!!

LauraAnn said...

Oh my gosh! Poor Sienna!!!! Definitely praying for her!

And I do not think you are crazy one bit for spending the money on your family member! I hope that Sienna has a quick and speedy recovery!!!! Please keep us posted.

Carrie said...

Oh no! My thoughts are with Sienna!

Random Musings said...

OH NO!! I cried real tears reading this! I am so glad shes going to be ok!