The Crazy Lady

I am the crazy lady who has two dogs. I also have two full grown teenagers. Add in two adults and it is easy to see that my home is filled with bodies. Things are little crazy around here. That is why I have been known to call the kids Girl Child and Boy Child. It is also why we have dubbed the dogs Big Dog and Little Dog. My life is easier when I break things down to the most simple form because when we added the dogs to the mix, things became chaotic... too many bodies is what I've always said. I think my little dog agrees with me, because most often, she can be found laying on top of the sofa - I'm sure that's due to all the bodies in this house; she sometimes gets overlooked - or worse... she gets stepped on.

Every so often, Little Dog can be found curled up against the belly of Big Dog. She does this late at night when all the big bodies have gone to bed, leaving just me and the dogs to enjoy the peace and quiet. A few weeks ago, I snapped this picture. I thought the dogs looked sweet laying together on their bed. The picture gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling - Big Dog and Little Dog sharing their doggy space.

Today the warm, fuzzy feeling has flown the coop. No longer do I think Big Dog is cute, nor do I think he is sweet. In fact, I am so mad at Big Dog that I could spit bullets (and since I'm a lady, spitting is not something I usually do, which is a clear indication of just how mad I am right now). Last night, my big dog attacked my little dog. This has never happened before (remember... they share their doggy space, and I think that means that they share their doggy love, but I'm not sure, since I'm not a dog). Anyways, the big dog hurt the little dog, and now the little dog can't move the lower half of her body - she is paralyzed from the hips down.

One would think that I should take the little dog to the vet. But I can't do that because the last time I took her to the vet, she freaked out. Not only did she freak out, but she almost died. The cause of her then impending death was diagnosed as heart failure due to her freak out over the trip to the vet. At that time, the vet told me that I could never take her in for medical care again - not for shots, not for routine check ups, not for anything other than a life saving catastrophe. His counsel was based upon how close Misty came to dying, since the stress of the car ride had caused her heart rate to accelerate and her blood pressure to soar. Her temperature on that day rose to 106 degrees - the vet watched it rise, and he said he couldn't believe she wasn't dead... all because she freaks out in the car. My little dog has issues.

Humph. So the vet is not an option. And what that means is that I am now the doctor and the nurse for my little dog. It also means no sleep, because Misty freaks out when I leave her side. Last night, I slept on the floor by the dog bed. I really didn't get much sleep though, because Misty whimpered in pain throughout the night. And so all night long I cried with her as we both offered each other comfort: doggy love at it's finest.

What Misty doesn't know is that *I* am freaking out over this accident. I am afraid she might have internal injuries. But I am also afraid to take her to the vet. My fear is that if I take her to the vet, it will kill her. And so I wait and I watch. I don't leave her side as I continue to sit on the floor praying to the All Mighty that my little dog will recover. My hope is that when Buddy attacked Misty, he just bruised her hips and that her hips will get better over time. She's an old dog, and so hip problems are not a new ailment. She will recover if it is only her hips or her back. If it is anything else, I just don't know. And I don't know what to do. I don't want to kill her by seeking care, and I don't want to watch her die by not seeking care. It's a dilemma I am struggling with.

As for Buddy, the bully, he's in his kennel. I know he didn't mean to hurt Misty. What I think happened was that they were fighting over a crumb of food (the attack occurred by the kitchen trash can). Buddy would never intentionally hurt Misty - he's a loving dog and although he is sometimes a bit rough, he has never been aggressive or mean. But still... I'm mad at him because he hurt my little dog, and that makes me sad. It also scares me because to be quite honest, I will fall to pieces if I lose Misty.

So yeah, I'm the crazy lady with two dogs. And in spite of the daily chaos that occurs due to all the bodies in my house, when all is said and done, I would miss the chaos, and I am not ready to say good-bye to the littlest member of my tribe.

Comments

[Susan]

I cannot imagine how you feel - my dogs are part of the family, like yours. We have mobile vets out here that come to your home for the very reason you mention about your little guy. Do you have anything like that? There has to be some option besides both of you crying in pain. You should call your vet either way. I'm so sorry for what you are going through. Please let us know how Misty does in the next few days.

[Randi]

So sorry to hear about little dog. Muppy couldn't move her back legs back in 1998. The vet said that it was due to a strok. Do take little dog in? To bad that Kelli is just now studing to be a vet tech (and that we don't live closer - she would check out little dog for nothing)..she had to learn 91 bones by Friday of next week. So far so loves the class...alot of studing. Sending lots of Love and thoughts your way...Randi

[Sudie]

Oh, no. Kelly, I am praying that your sweet little dog is ok. Hugs.

[Randi]

*hug*

Maybe get a sedative for the little dog and then take to the vet? I have a dog that needs a lot of TLC in that department and I just give him a little Valium and off we go (he does have seizures and that's the main reason for the Valium). Dogs ARE part of our family and I feel your pain. Which would be worse though? Her suffering at home or at the vet's where you may get help. I'm so sorry you're going through this, especially with the last few posts. I'm in a similar situation.

*big hugs*

[cary]

hey - i feel your pain, these animals become full family members as only another dog lover could relate. We had to take a very long road trip once when we moved across country. The Vet gave us doggie valium for our stressed out dog. I bet if you called the vet, they would write you an Rx for doggie valium, give misty the valium when she conks out... take her in... may work...

[Becky]

Kelly

I am so sorry about your precious dog. I agree you need to call the vet and see if they can call in a sedative for her so you can get her to the office to eb checked out. Or make the vet do a house call.

HUGS

[Krys72599]

I'm praying for Little Dog!
Perhaps (for the 8th time!) your vet could make a house call? Especially knowing how traumatic a visit to the office would be for the dog?
I'm sending prayers your way, and some cyber-petting for the dog!!

[slammie]

GIANT HUGS and P&PT for Misty. Too bad Dr. Trudi isn't close to you....

[Missy]

Yes, call about a sedative to give her just to transport her there. Once there, they can keep her quite sedated enough to x-ray. Please! I am so sorry this happened. I know how pets are really like our children. Sending a (hug) tonight as you deal with this.

[Marjorie]

I'm so sorry Kelly. Maybe the vet will make a house call? It must be hard for both you and Misty. Misty will be in my thoughts...

[elana]

Poor doggie and you too! Can you find a vet who will make house calls?

[Barb]

OOooooh, Kelly. I am so sad for you. I hope your little dog will be okay. I can't stand this. One of my dearest friends just lost her dog a couple weeks ago. I am heartbroken for her. I am sending a hug and a prayer for your dog. And for you. :(

[Stacy B]

Is little dog a dachshund? If so, they are know to break their back causing paralysis of their rear ends. I would see if a vet could make a house call or give you a sedative just to take little do in.