Why do we love them so? She's my heart, my best friend and she's only 8. If you remember, this summer she became diabetic and after months of tweaking her insulin levels (I don't have to lie down on her on the bed to hold her down for the shots anymore) and the routine blood curve tests, she is finally doing well. Except for her eyes. Sister has now developed cataracts, something that seems to go along with the diabetes.
Diabetic dogs have the type I kind; when their insulin is gone it is gone. I still have to prepare (cook) all her meals as she won't eat the diabetic dog food. It is a real pain to do so and I've had to buy up all the flax seed and chia, hemp hearts, lean meats, etc., at Whole Foods. It is all so expensive, (when did lean meat become so expensive), but I do it for Sister.
After a trip to the vet this morning, I found out that they can do surgery on her. One eye costs $2100.00 and 2 eyes will be $3500.00. I will also have to take her to Tulsa and Oklahoma City 8-10 times for weekly checkups for 3 months after the surgery. The trip takes about 2-3 hours one way.
She is bumping into things and I know she is nearly blind now. I just can't stand it. When she was 4, she became paralyzed from a blown out disc in her back that cost $3500.00 for surgery. I'm afraid my husband might divorce me when I tell him this news as he would certainly say let her be blind or put her to sleep which I would not do.
I want her to see again. I know what I am going to do.
25 comments:
I understand completely---they unquestioningly live for us, and we do whatever we can to keep their lives as pleasant as we can.
says Rachel, who once owned a $3400 ferret. All Chris said to the vet bill was "Ruby's FAMILY."
I can think of worse ways of spending money - like the way I have spent a lot of money.
Put it out in the Universe, for all will reveal itself as it should be! I know your marriage will survive, the hospital will work with you...and Sister will be the better for it. I too cook for my little boy, Zipper...and we have spent thousands as well...but a day without him in our World for the love of money, well the loss of a loved one is never a savings!
Only eight? They typically live till 15 to 20. So..... Christmas will be a bit short this year....go for it! When we get news like that we look at each other and say Happy birthday! Merry Christmas!!
Sister is beautiful. So sorry for her diagnosis. I hope you get an unexpected gift of several thousands of dollars, or find it in a forgotten coat pocket.
Helenx
You can't put a price on a dogs devotion , as their caretakers we make hard decisions .I know the feeling have been through these types of situations myself.
I just wrote a comment that went on a little too much likely, and don't suspect it "took" anyway-my thinking is we should all deal with these heart wrenching decisions as we must. we are their keepers and never should they suffer for lack of what they need or because we might love them too much, and they suffer because of it. You and Sister will know each others heart, but of course you already know that. pgt
Dear Donna - I certainly understand. These decisions are so tough and when we love our furry friends we do everything we can to keep them with us and free of pain. I will be "looking up" for you. Take care my friend. Sending you a hug as well as Sister.
Rachel, glad you understand. I once had to raise some pinkies when their mother got squashed in a drawer. Everyone told me to toss them in the trash but I just couldn't so I fed them with a dropper till they were big enough to be let out in the wild, far from the house.
It is definitely worth it to me. My husband finally agreed to pay for one of her eyes, thank goodness. I'll come up with the rest of it and be glad driving to all those appointments, except the one next week, two days before Thanksgiving which I'll be having at the farm.
Thank you so much for the boost Swan. I think you are one of the most exceptional/interesting people out there and your comment means so much to me.
Yes Doc. I've had at least 15 dogs in my lifetime and not one has had diabetes or cataracts. Sister also has idiopathic liver disease (high liver enzymes) which might shorten her life. My dogs always live a long time, the oldest died of old age at 18. Thanks for your support.
Dear Helen, thank you. We can afford it, but we just sent our kids and grandkids to Disney World, which was pretty expensive. Worth it though.
I am the animal lover, while my husband is not. But, I can not imagine being alone half the week without my little shadows. The dogs love me so much.
I agree Gaye and thanks for your words.
Debbie, thank you. You're so sweet. First visit is next week, right before Thanksgiving here at the farm, but I know what I'll be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Poor, poor Sister :( Hugs to you both OOO
What a good Momma! They are our babies. My cat is partially blind and when the light hits her eyes just right, they shine the most gorgeous emerald green you've ever seen. She was a rescue off the street in a friend's neighborhood in Portland. She and all her neighbors were taking care of her but snow was coming so she asked me if I could take her in. My guy is also not an animal lover and it took some working on him but we hadn't had any animals in 10 years. Now he adores her. She came to us partially blind and the vets can't be certain what caused it but it's not fixable. And once she knows the lay of the land, she gets around perfectly (tho she doesn't go out in the yard, fenced deck only.) We just have to make sure to keep chairs pushed in. It's only when she's scared and starts running that she doesn't pay attention to where she knows things are and runs face first into them. Happy Thanksgiving to both you and Sister! Sending love and good wishes for the surgery!
Thank you Sara. And back to you and Gregory and Fifty.
Thank you so much Kirsten. Happy Thanksgiving and my best to you and yours.
You are a great mommy!
I wish treatments were less expensive..
For people too..
We brought one of our dogs to a school of vets..Chouchou needed a pin in his little leg.
It was perfectly done and was more reasonable..
Is that an option for you? :
I wish it were so Monique. There are only 3 animal opthalmologists in our state, two of which are at the veterinary college. It was almost the same cost, but many more trips there. It is also quite a bit farther than Tulsa and the many trips would be hard indeed. I'll just have to take it as it comes and bite the bullet. Sister and Emmy are my babies and as you know we'd do anything for them. Do you remember I have an Oliver grandson and he had a yorkie named Choochoo. Isn't that a coincidence?
That is uncanny!
Sending you love and hugs. So difficult when animals get sick and they don't understand ...
You know what the right thing is for her, and that is what you will do.
Sending healing juju and lots of love.
That means a lot Lucinda. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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