FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS

One cold fall morning, a well-known and respected client and breeder of goldens came in with her newest litter. The mom was 7 and this was going to be her last litter. Unfortunately she had the bad luck of acquiring mastitis a few days after the birth of all of her babies. She had 9. She wasn't positive that no puppies had nursed from the infected nipples, but we took care of the infected nipples and wrapped them to keep the puppies from suckling those. Becky..the owner returned a few days later with the mom and litter again, plus a plastic box, the size of a tiny shoebox with a little toweled bundle inside. She sadly informed us that at least 2 of the pups must have nursed the infected areas, because one had died despite her trying to bottlefeed it and give it fluids. The little box contained another little pup, barely alive, cold, dehydrated and could barely whimper. Poor Becky looked beat and exhausted from trying to bottlefeed this guy, who did not have the strength to live at this point. She asked if we could do the humane thing and euthanise him. Back in the lab area, away from the exam room, my boss said "You have my permission to offer to take this pup and try if you want...i think you can do it...". So I went in there and offered to take him and at least see what I could do. She said go ahead...there was nothing to lose, and she was so tired. So....that night I packed a little pup and a bunch of supplies home to work my magic. I had to tubefeed(put a tube down his throat into his tummy) him those first few feedings as he just did not have the strength, not to mention he was sick from the infected milk he had suckled, so he had to have antibiotics as well. The first week was real touch and go as he was weak and sick. Becky got to see him every time she came in ...which was often...and was pleased with his progress. When he was about a month old she asked if he was ready to go back with the litter.. I said I don't know Becky..he might need more time..see how little and fragile he is?..... So he continued to stay with me. All the while during this time..I had become homeless due to a renting situation and was living out of a motel for a month. All of my other dogs and cats had to be boarded at the hospital while I in this situation. This puppy became my main focus, and so I devoted all of my energy to him. When it appeared he was really doing well and was indeed going to make it...Becky offered him to me...IF I wanted him. I said IF?!? I told her he was as much a child to me as one my own skinkids...I loved him so much. So then it was done and he was mine.... I couldn't believe it! He grew and grew.and has done so well. The other shoe did not fall however....until the time I had him neutered at 6 months of age...did some bloodwork and discovered him to be in renal failure. I was absolutely devastated. I thought...how could God do this to me...make me feel so much love for this boy...only to have him develop a potentially fatal condition. My boss told me.... no matter what happens...you have given him what he probably never would have had...a chance to live..and love and play and just be a dog. For however long or short that is...you have given him that. I wasn't so sure that made me feel better...but I have spent every chance I have loving this boy, and being the best mommy I can be. He goes to work with me everyday...I share his story with many people..and he helps to persuade people who might not want to do wellness bloodwork to DO it just in case there might be a hidden condition like Maverick had. He has always had a great thirst and need to pee often. He is also now on a special diet for renal failure to help minimize his symptoms and hopefully prolong his life as much as possible. He gets blood-draws every 3 months now to monitor his levels...and so far..they are not going too high. They aren't normal...but stable. He goes to work with me everyday...so that he can have unlimited water and potty breaks. He is my light...and never would I have ever thought I could love a dog so much. He turns 1 year old tomorrow...11-28-06 Happy birthday baby

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FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS	[email protected]