Possible new addition.. [Archive] - BrainTalk Communities

GinaMarie

01-06-2008, 01:51 AM

Nathan and his dad were on thier way back this way with his dads motorhome when came across this puppy. They said she was found along the side of the road. She had a chain or rope arond her leg. She is VERY malnourished. She is all bones. I know she is mostly German Shepard but we think she has a mix of something else. Her paws are HUGE.. The pics are of her paws in Nathan's hand and they take up his hold hand. We have one of her paw in Noah's hand also.

Im not sure how old she is. She is just a puppy tho. Im thinking about 4 - 5 months old. They brought her home. She wasnt interested in eating but drank some water. A little later she ate some soft food. Tho a little bit ago she threw up some.

Im not sure if we will be able to keep her because the only way we can keep a dog is if its trained to be a service dog so we can take her to RMH and places we go and it depends on her legs. Her legs dont look real strong right now but it might be because she is starved. She is gorgeous tho. We are thinking of calling her Moriah or Grace.

She is soooooooooo gentle. She loves Adam and Noah. She has shown NO aggression at all and is so quiet tho shows some interest in the cats. lol I think I uploaded a pic on here of what TC thinks of her when he saw her. lol

HUGS,
GM

GinaMarie

01-06-2008, 02:01 AM

Oh here is a picture of how skinny she is. It doesnt even come close to how REAL skinny she is but it gives an idea.

milivica

01-06-2008, 02:14 AM

Well good luck getting to keep her - she looks really 'defensive' in posture in the pics. Wonder what her past has been? Did you get her to the vet yet, what he say? If not, just for the heck of it, see if she's dehydrated...if you don't know how, just pull the skin from her neck area, it should be elastic and 'snap' back, not stay 'standing' and pulled. If she's skinny, drinking but puking and not way interested in food, she could even have parvo, that is one miserable death, I've seen it. Mostly, you don't want her to have anything communicable to the kids and your cats. Be unlikely, but cool, if she had an ID micro chip, you'd know her medical history, know if she had a good home and got lost or not. What's her demeaner like? She's so beautiful, what a lovely soft face, but she looks so whipped, so for lorn. She is really emaciated. Poor girl. I just want to love her up, thank God you didn't just leave her. What a great time she'd have in your family with all the kids, all the love! Let us know what happens next.

GinaMarie

01-06-2008, 02:37 AM

She has drank a good amount of water. I just checked her skin and it doesnt stay up. :) She is real good with the boys. When they come lay or sit by her she lays down with them. She has gone potty outside once or twice already. She hasnt growled or been jumpy at all. Even when she is asleep and I come up or start petting her she doesnt jump at all. She just lays there and enjoys it.

They just brought her tonight so I havent got her to a vet yet. This month is killing me financially so I hope it wont be much to take her.

Adam wants to call her MellownShy. lol

Here is a cute pic of her laying in Adam's lap on the couch.

callyflower

01-06-2008, 09:38 AM

She looks like a purebred German Shepherd to me. Just beautiful! It takes up to 6 months for their ears to stand erect. German Sheps are very high powered dogs and require at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily to keep their temperaments in check.

She sounds as though she's in shock right now, as gentle, low energy behavior is not typical of any puppy. We took in a semi-feral border collie cross several years ago and she slept for about 3 solid days before "coming to life" and displaying her true (or should I say "CHEW") colors. I think she would have eaten the whole house, bricks and all if we hadn't gotten her a buddy.

German Sheps are fine dogs if properly trained and managed, but they are costly to care for. If you aren't able to keep her, you may want to search for a German Shepherd rescue group in your area.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Cally

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-06-2008, 11:10 AM

Give a call to your local rescue league or SPCA.

If they had come across her they would do all the testing and immunizations (if healthy enough to adopt out). So you may be able to have them do all of this and only pay the normal adoption fee versus the cost of the work-up and shots.

Providing, of course, that they don't find an owner.

Good luck! She's beautiful!

KJ

Mayzoo

01-06-2008, 02:00 PM

It looks full shepherd to me too. Here is a link with a few of the different color combos of shepherd.

http://puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/grmanshpd.htm

He may need deworming desperately.....check into that too.

We had an AKC shepherd and our friend has a white one, and a brown/black shepherd. If you have any training questions feel free to ask. They are prone to "mouthing" which is putting their mouth on your hand but not bitting, and head flailing. Watch out for the head flailing---ours almost broke hubby's nose, and the doggie was just playing. Shepherd are also prone to hip dysplasia (most large breeds are due to rapid growth--shepherds just a tad more so).

callyflower

01-06-2008, 04:52 PM

Oh, and to me, she looks no more than 3 mos old....

Mayzoo

01-06-2008, 05:14 PM

Oh, also I buy the vaccines for my furry kids from http://www.omahavaccine.com/ and administer them myself. In my state I still have to have a vet do the rabies shot, but doing the other vaccines myself saves a bunch!!!

But, since this one is a stray, I would take him in to see a vet as soon as you can for deworming, first shots, exam, and heartworm consult.

GinaMarie

01-06-2008, 06:15 PM

I do need to get her to a vet possibly tomorrow because all she is doing today is throwing up :(

milivica

01-06-2008, 07:08 PM

She is just gorgeous, her personality sounds lovely. I think shepards are number 1 the best guard/family dog hands down...some need some training, others are just a natural at it, babies can pull tails and ears and so on and they 'get' it. She really just won my heart in all those photos.

I hope you can find a vet or organization willing to help you with the vet costs. I know they can be astronomical. Costs are the only thing that keep us down to a 2 dog family, well vet costs and a limit to how much poop I can deal with (lol). I have absolutely no reason to believe this, but I keep thinking 'Parvo' over and over. Now that I said it, I feel according to Murphy's Law I will be totally wrong ;) .

I was thinking last night after seeing your post here, if I were that pup, alone and starving and sick in the world with no pack, sleeping out doors, so vulnerable - how incredibly comforted I'd be now. Even around a new family that were relative strangers to me. Your dog has a place to rest and feel safe, especially as young as she must be, she must feel such relief and joy with your family (except with the cat of course, lol).

GinaMarie

01-06-2008, 08:54 PM

She is a beautiful dog. When I was telling Nathan (the one who brought her home) about how sick she is and that it is POSSIBLE she might die, he is just torn up. I looked up parvo and others on the other boards are thinking and we are hoping it is more worms than parvo. She doesnt seem to be running a fever. She has only seemed to have ONE bout of diarrhea and it wasnt all liquid (sorry).

The sad thing with vets is that unlike doctors who will bill you and let you make payments is vets dont. They want all the money UP FRONT no matter how much it cost. If I were to sign her up with pet insurance they usually dont take effect for 30 days. Because if I have a service dog I definitly will get medical insurance on her.

callyflower

01-06-2008, 08:58 PM

No vaccines while she's sick!!!!!!

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-06-2008, 10:00 PM

Seriously, contact your local humaine society. There is likely something managable you can do about the costs!

I used to work for the MSPCA/Angel Memorial. They DO have sliding scales and payment plans and they DO use their heads about things.

You could very well just drop her off there. And this is actually a financial benefit to them, otherwise they's be driving out to get her themselves. Then they would STILL do the whole work-up to determine if she was placeable. And if it turns out to be something less than parvo, they'd treat her then place her up for adoption. Then, could simply walk in there in a couple weeks and adopt her for next to nothing.

And they'd be absorbing the whole cost, plus caring for her while she is treated.

It's to thier benefit to work something out with you. Trust me. YOu may need to drive further than your local vet, but in the end it'll be worth it for you.

milivica

01-07-2008, 02:12 AM

Please don't put to much into my saying Parvo, it just kept coming to mind, totally doesn't mean I'm right. No matter what her illness, a pup that's not bouncing off the walls is either very sick, in a lot of pain, or both. Add to that the puking and runs, honestly it's not good. Not knowing how long she's been this way is part of the urgency.

She may 'get over' what ever she's got and be fine and live with you guys forever, leaping couches in a single bound, inhaling any food left within reach, you know the whole dog thing.

There may be grim alternatives to not getting her immediate treatment too. You have to decide where your ethics lay, and act on them. You will impart your ethics on your children, they will accept them in time.

Personally, I am no longer willing to break the bank for strays. If you fear she might die to the extent that you've tried to prepare your kids, I'd get her help pronto. If that dog dies in front of your eyes, can you imagine how you'll all feel? Even if it means giving the animal up - though it sounds like some ladies here know ways to get the help and keep her. No matter what you decide, make a firm decision very soon. Use your ethics, and if anyone don't like it, oh well.

I feel like I'm being so negative, and honest I'm not trying to be. No one could know how sick or well a stray is right off. I was hoping she'd be fine after a few weeks of good meals, that she was just skinny and that was it. The poor girl, so young, and out on her own feeling so sick. You (Nathan) finding and taking the dog home was the luckiest day of her life.

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-07-2008, 10:24 AM

Puppies like to chew things, she may have just eaten something like a toy or a set of keys or something.

Actually that's a perfect example of why you should call the humaine society and NOT a vet!

A vet will tell you, "well it's gonna cost $2500 (or whatever) to surgically remove the obstruction. without removing it, she will die, so if you can't afford that, it will cost you $75 (or whatever) to put her down so she doesn't suffer."

The humaine society will say, other than an obstruction this dog is perfectly healthy and it is inhumaine to put her down or let her die because of a COMPLETLEY treatable thing. It will then get removed whether you pay for it or not.

Just make sure you tell them that the dog is a stray, and that you would consider keeping her, but you are concerned she is sick and can't afford anything major...Also you should tell them that you are interested in training her...they may be able to help with that too.

GinaMarie

01-07-2008, 11:38 AM

Thanks soooooooooo much for all your guys help.
Kristen I did look up the SPCA's numbers. I can try to call the one here in Tracy but from what I remember is that because I do live in Tracy BUT I live in the RURAL area and so they wont cover us :mad: . I have to go all the way to Stockton. I remember calling them once because someone told me that they spay/neuter kittens for like 20.00 if you are low income, so I called when we got TC. They said I didnt live in the city limits so I couldnt do it and I wont lie so I couldnt do it.

I looked up Stocktons number also and will call both. Thankfully she (Grace/Moriah) has held on another night . From what I had read with parvo that within 24 hrs of vomiting they get extreme HIGH fever and pain and stuff and die and she isnt showing any signs of that so Im more hopeful its not that. Also that the stool I did see her have didnt see any blood in it. :o)

Mili I didnt feel you were being negative at all. I have done the same thing with going back and forth with parvo or just being sick especially with being overly starved. On another forum Im on, one of the members is a vet tech and she has been given me advice also and told me to hold off on ANY water since everytime she drank any she vomits. She told me to hold off on anything to try to give her stomach a rest. Tho she hasnt had any and she is still vomiting. Tho she (Grace) knew that I had given her water after she vomited so she would get up after she vomited and go to her water bowl to get water and sadly there was none in it and she would look at me soooooo sadly. I know how much I want water after Im sick to rinse out the acid.

Im waiting for the SPCA to open before I call them to see what they say. Im hoping tho that they can help her with me still keeping her. I dont want to have to go thru the homestudy and all that stuff to get her back. Maybe I will tell them I will be her foster home if necessary.

Im so tired. I was up til after 2 and then back up at 6. I was going to go back to bed after the boys left for school but Caleb called me and said the bus still hasnt come (almost an hour late) and I might have to drive him to school. School starts in 20 minutes and the bus might not be here for longer than that and still has all its regular stops to go to. uggggggg.. Not fun when you are sick and dont feel good.

I'll let you all know what the SPCA says.
GM

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-07-2008, 12:28 PM

I would just bring her there, they won't tell you to bring her somewhere
else...she clearly needs attention, ya know. Especially if you are clear on the fact that she's a stray.

Great idea on the fostering!!!!

Good luck!

milivica

01-07-2008, 01:30 PM

Fostering also puts you first in line for adoption ;)

I like Kristen's idea about taking her to the SPCA...though you are acting in a loving and selfless way for the pup with all the time and effort into getting her help. Draw a line for yourself when it becomes too much. You're only one person, Humane Society and SPCA have teams of people, training, etc...

Keep us posted.

milivica

01-07-2008, 01:58 PM

Ok, I can't help it...I'm upset about the suggestion from the woman on another forum you mentioned, that you got to not give the dog water without any suggestion of how to keep her hydrated. The image of the dog going to her bowl, having no water there cause of what the woman told you. It's breaking my heart. Here's what I know, you decide what you think.

First you need to know the dog's temp (gently!) anally. A dog's n norm temp is around 101-102, anything more than 1 degree higher or lower is a low or high grade fever.

High grade means she will dehydrate more quickly, so she'll need even more fluids. Fever means her body is fighting infection, just like us.

Low grade fever means the puppy is chilled. Just like when we are chilled, cover her with a blanket or something to warm her more. With a low grade fever, WARM any liquids you give her.

Don't feed her SOLID foods if she's got a fever. If she can hold down liquids I'd go for a chicken veggie broth.

I know you mentioned she was not dehydrated, but I'm thinking she's got to be. Does she have dark pink gums? If they are light or grayish she is dehydrated (or has worms). When you pinched the skin on her neck, did it snap back as quickly as it would say on your own arm? It should not stay standing even a second or two. That would be dehydration.

Dehydration causes the organs to work harder, severe dehydration can make the body can shut down quickly, the dog will die.

I'm betting a vet would give her IV fluids or subcue fluids under the skin. I wouldn't try this cause this I have no experience with, but if you know how, since she is not holding fluids orally, you can give her enema fluids for her body to absorb so she can rehydrate.

Ok, I just had to say that. Everything she currently might be fighting off, will be so much worse if she isn't hydrated. I totally get not doing fluids orally if she's going to vomit, but that doesn't mean don't give her fluids, just means don't give them orally - IV, under the skin, enema. She needs one of those.

GinaMarie

01-07-2008, 02:19 PM

I have given her some water today Mili and before I went to bed I have her SOME water in her bowl. Not a lot to upset her stomach because she will drink it down and then just throw it back up. I know when I throw up the acid feeling when I throw up. Today she has walked around more than she has yet. Still mostly laying and throwing up but walked into the kitchen and sniffed around and has gone outside to potty and sniffed. She drank the water out of a broken christmas fixture from the rain last night also. Right now she is laying by me.

Im trying to get my teen up to help me take her in. He is harder to wake up than she is. lol

Even when I dont give her water she throws up so she might as well have SOMETHING to throw up.

I wont let her dehydrate mili. I keep checking her skin. She is still peeing also. I've been looking for my thermometer to take her temp and cant find it for nothing. Its usually by our toothbrushes and its not there now. She doesnt feel feverish at all. If anything she feels cool so I have a fire going on the woodstove to keep the living room warm. I covered her up when I went to bed this morning (2:30 am). Caleb was up at 5 or 5:30 for school so she wasnt alone long.

HUGS,
GM

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-07-2008, 02:36 PM

Good Luck GM! I hope it's minor, a virus or something she needs to & can pass...

Crossing EVERYTHING!

KJ

edited to add: http://www.pspca.org/about

milivica

01-07-2008, 04:23 PM

Ditto! Hope it's minor. I know you're doing your absolute best for her, she's in good and loving hands, you'll make the right decisions. I do panic when I hear any critter can't keep down water, I can't tell you the suffering and miserable deaths I've seen...all needless. Some families don't believe animals can 'feel'. You know those types?

I keep forgetting to mention, and you might have already done this...make sure and call the police animal control and humane society (places like that) to report her as found. I just think it's unlikely that this pup would be discarded - not cause I think all people are good to animals, but because a German Shepard female is worth a lot of money.

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-07-2008, 05:22 PM

Not if she's sick, Mili...

Actually, I wanted to suggest that you make sure to tell the PSPCA the condition that you found her in, because if they determine someone abandoned her, they will prosecute them if they can figure out who it is...course it will likely be just a slap on the wrist, but still...

milivica

01-07-2008, 09:58 PM

True, but I was thinking she got lost, then got this sick...I guess you could have a point there though actually.

And as 'slap on the wrist' as any prosecution would be, it'll still be more than the school system is held accountable - OK I WON'T EVEN GO THERE!!!!

So Gina, how are things?

Knowing your heart, I wonder if you're driving all over right now with a puking pup in your car, trying to get her to help.

Let us know.

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-07-2008, 10:06 PM

I know! I was thinking the EXACT same thing while we we're in the ER with Audrey...fact what occured to me even after knowing how well animals are defended and all, is that prisoners aren't even treated as poorly as we were treated, and yup, even thought of poor Vince in the closet...WTF! :mad:

OK, back to subject...Gina, hoping all is well...thinking of you and your little furry one!

KJ

GinaMarie

01-08-2008, 12:24 AM

:( I took Grace in to the vet. I couldn't take her to SPCA because they werent open today and I didnt want to wait another day. So I took her to a regular vet. She does have Parvo. :( She only weighs 26 lbs and is btwn 4 - 5 months old.

Now is the part Im really questioning myself.. At first the boys dad said he would pay to take her in but told Nathan he didnt get paid til tomorrow (tho I know his pay days and he doesnt get paid til the 10th). THEN we asked for a estimation of how much it would be to help Grace... They said she would have to stay there 3-5 days sometimes 7. It will cost btwn 1,000 and 1,700. :eek: They have a care credt credit card you can apply for. I DIDNT think I would be approved for it but I tried because NOW thier dad wasnt wanting to pay for it which I didnt think he would. I was approved.. So now Grace is at the vet HOPEFULLY SOON to get better..

Im NOT telling almost ANYONE.. I will get CHEWED OUT ROYALLY.. I cant believe Im doing this.. I could be using this money for A LOT other things.. BUT this puppy is soooooo well behaved. Even the vet tech was suprised who well Grace was. She will let you handle her paws even btwn the pads (which MOST dogs HATE) and she hardly flinched when they did her temp or anything tho they said she is VERY sick. She never had ANY accidents in the house. She always went to the door. We saw puppies that looked like her online that were going for 1,200.00.

I hope no one here chews me out either. I've been in tears. I just couldnt put her down. I cant put animals down especially if they didnt do anything wrong to be put down. We have put dogs down that attacked Nathan in the face or had to put one of our dogs down that bit another dog (not meanly). but that was differently and "I" didnt take them.

I know IF my family finds out I will be in SOOO MUCH TROUBLE. Because I have a hard enough time financially as it is. The boys dad SAYS he will help.. IF he does thats great.. If he doesnt.. well I will keep making payments.

The vet said of all the animals they have treated they have only lost one with parvo.

I pray she isnt #2. When she sees us she just wags her tail. I will go visit her when I can. Im suppose to take Adam out of town tomorrow to see his oral surgeon. I have an ear infection and headache and feel icky again like I did this weekend.

Thanks so much for all your help, concern and prayers.. She needs all the prayers she can get. I will throw away her bed and start with a new one. I have to bleach the towels I used and Nathan will have to spray our yard with bleach to kill the virus. Im not sure how I will clean the rug yet. I cant bleach the carpet because its brown. Will Lysol kill it since its a disinfectant?
I want the living room and rooms she was in cleaned before she comes back.

I soooooooo appreciate you all. I cant talk to my family and some friends here because I feel I will get chewed out for trying to save her.

I did ask about an obstruction and they didnt xray her but felt around and didnt feel anything obvious in her that would feel like it. Just felt like her intestines were inflamed and tender.

HUGSSSSSSSSSSS,
Gina Marie

P.S. As I was putting the title, I asked Nathan, "Isn't there a movie or something called "Saving Grace"? He said Yes I think so.. He said maybe you could start a fund for her.. called Saving Grace and maybe some will help with trying to save her for us.. We want to train her to be my service dog. If she stays the way she is, I believe she has the perfect temperment for it. :)

moose53

01-08-2008, 12:48 AM

Ohhh, ((((((Gina Marie)))))),

I KNEW it!! I KNEW!! You named it (her). You're a goner as soon as you name 'em. Never name 'em :D

There was this cat throwing itself at my window where I used to live. He was trying to break the window. I came home the next day and he was sleeping in my kitchen. My son said "I figured you could throw him out". Man :p !!

Well, long story short, I had him almost 15 years. He developed diabetes late in life and it couldn't be controlled. He was a nice cat :cool:

Sometimes The Universe just steps in and takes over. I guess you're meant to have a VERY SPECIAL service dog. There's a saying "follow your heart and the money will follow". I guess you're about to find out if that's true or not. Don't beat yourself up, you'll find a way. It's better to live by your principles.

BIG HUGS.

Barb

milivica

01-08-2008, 02:19 AM

Oh Gina! I am so sorry it's Parvo, thank God you got her to the vet. It is soooo costly to treat, and can be lengthy, but yes it is treatable when caught in time. I am SO relieved she is getting medical care - what I'm wondering is if YOU needed medical care when you got the bill!!!

Your heart is so good, the expense is going to be so hard on you all. I hope you'll consider any reasonable options to surrender her, just so you don't have to pay for treatment. Mostly I hope the boys' dad does the right thing and pays like he offered.

I want to say just one more thing for you to consider, she may be very sweet and even tempered and so on, but when she feels well, she's going to be a maniac like all pups. Keep that chaos in mind, when you visualize your future together. Visualize sitting on a chair with three legs, cause she ate one, as you write out the monthly check to pay her vet bill, ongoing still after months and months. However, you will no longer need to pre-rinse your dishes.

But if you're going on this furniture and financial suicide mission no matter what, then what is left to say but I'm totally am behind you baby! If you're going for having a full throttle heart with reckless abandon and financial debt beyond your wildest dreams, I'm with ya all the way!!! If what you're doing is nuts (and it is, I know I've done it too) well hey, you are a grown woman and it's nobody's business. You do what your ethics tell you, not what your accountant tells you, not what your family tells you.

Some folks in this world got money to burn, including animal lovers. Maybe there is some fund or place you could get financial help with this - I mean I'm sure there is, I just don't know where or how. Maybe that place Jamie's mommy posts on?

GinaMarie

01-08-2008, 02:46 AM

Oh the expense will be hard alright.. But a friend on Child neuro came up with some ideas.. She suggested I contact the German Shepard Rescue and see if they might possibly help with some funding and also to put a post on CraigsList and see if some will help donate to "Saving Grace" to the vet.

I even DREAD with capitol letters if thier dad helps because I will not live it down. Especially when I am trying to get our seperation legalized and need to get him served and he will be served with child support and all and it is going to be SUPER UGLY.. NOT the time that I will be having to live with him paying this or hearing him say what he did... He is emotionally and verbally abusive...

Im so thankful to have people here that I can turn to that support me and know what its like to love animals and not want to see them dead.

HUGS,
GM

milivica

01-08-2008, 02:59 AM

Maybe when Grace is feeling better, she can BITE him.

Shame on me saying a thing like that. My apologies to Grace, I'm sure she has better taste than that.

:D

She probably wouldn't want to eat 'junk' food either.

:D

I couldn't help saying those things...I don't like bullies!

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-08-2008, 11:33 AM

I don't want to be the downer here, but have you looked at the prognosis & all for a pup with parvo. It ain't good.

How many days did you say you had her before she got to the vet?

Did they test her for the virus?

I hate vets, and am EXTREMEMLY suspicious of them...I'm sure that kinda surprises you, but if you saw some of the stuff I did that were caused by vets, I'm sure you'd feel the same way. Let's just say that I've seen more damage caused by vets than by automobiles! And that is NOT an exaggeration. There isn't a lot of control over veternary care.

Regardless of that, something just isn't sitting right with me on this...

And in the end, YOU shelling out the cash for a dog that may not live, and that may not be trainable (long term damage) and that you may not be able to keep...

I think you need to get that dog out of the vets and bring her to the SPCA...I can't believe they weren't open yeaterday, that doesn't make sense to me either...ours is open 24/7 (they are animal control on top of everything else they do)...did you call any of their partners that they have listed on the website? Someone must be opened or have at least a recommendation for a vet that won't charge you for a dying dog that isn't yours.

milivica

01-08-2008, 12:34 PM

It was really bothering me all last night, that you have to worry about your family's reaction (I assume you don't mean your boys) and your kids' dad's reaction cause of any decisions you make. Or that if he helped financially with a dog for his kids, you'd never hear the end of it. I mean I hope you find some ways to empower yourself to more of a "my life, my business, butt out" attitude. Living with abuse, physical and verbal, can really fill a woman with doubt, self blame, feeling like she could have done things different then he wouldn't get so mad, etc etc... You make yourself 'responsible' for things, that really aren't your doing. Blame yourself for things other's do. Ya know what I mean?

As you can read, I've been on the edge of my seat with this whole Grace saga. You are a grown woman, it's your house, it's your kids, if you want to blow money you don't have on a dog, so be it. People have wasted far more, on far worse reasons. BUT, I do love the idea of contacting the SPCA to see what they can do.

Anyhow Gina, I was just thinking lots about the 'tone' of your post. It's great to be concerned about how others in your family or even your soon to be ex will feel, people should think about how others feel. Your priorities have to be YOURS no matter what anyone else thinks. If you decide the $$$ is too hard on your family and change your mind, I'm behind you. If you go with your heart and pay all that for the dog I think your possibly the only person I now that is crazier than me, you already have enough on your plate, but I'm still behind you.

While at the start of this I was horribly worried about Grace's health, now I've shifted to concern about your 'self esteem' health - not sure what to call it. Maybe I'm reading you wrong. But bullies break people around them down, so what can I say or do but try and send you my prayers for strength - which I know you have loads of inside, don't be concerned about not being 'nice' if you need to be strong and direct. God doesn't want you to be a victim, took me forever to understand that. Nice does not = martyr.

Ok well enough outta me for sure! I am worried about you, and hope I'm not coming off too intrusively. I care, and hope I'm not too clumsy showing it. No one, not your almost ex, not your family, no one has the right to make you feel like crap about your decisions, and you have to find ways inside of you, to not let others have that control, to empower yourself. I know you can, cause you're already strong!!!

Lisa

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-08-2008, 02:37 PM

I agree with Mili on all the stuff about what others think.

There is no need to feel guilty about adding an expense or whatever...if this was a therapy there would be NO discussion. And there is plenty of evidence to support therapeutic benefits of pets with kiddos like ours...'nough said on that. So the added benefits of having a service dog in your house is just that much better...and to be able to pick her up nearly scot-free well you'd be a fool not to try!

However, I am concerned about you being taken advantage of...I've seen it plenty of times. A vet will hook Grace up to IVs and start the meter running, knowing FULL well that she's got a slim chance...or even that she doesn't need that and is lying to you about the care she receives....how would you know the difference? One of the worst things I've seen is that vets go home at night, shut off the lights and leave those animals by themselves all night long, as sick as they may be... Course being alone & scared is one thing, but being alone without a monitor while on the edge of dealth or whatever is far more irresponsible. And trust me that vet will charge you for her care during those hours even though she recieved none!

K...I'm obviously scorn! Just please be careful with that and the expense and all...I'd be looking into rescue type places...they may have some assistance for you, given that you are literally doing their job and absorbing their expense!

Hoping things are better than what's running through my imagination!

KJ

milivica

01-08-2008, 03:06 PM

Ok, this was a bad surprise...I called around your area Gina, Humane Societies, SPCA's, they said if you were to sign her over, she would be euthanized, killed. They said though Parvo is treatable, and now a days with a great rate of success, it's not only extremely expensive but way too risky to the other animals at their facility since it's so highly contagious (just to dogs, not cats or humans - it is species specific).

Naturally I'm concerned you're going to be taken advantage of by the vet, however, the SPCA told me that you might want to make sure the $1,700 wasn't for 'starters', that if that was the full costs of treatment it was a good deal. So, when they said that, I felt more hopeful you weren't going to get hosed by the vet. The SPCA further said, once treated, that'll be it and she won't ever need treatment for Parvo again. So this won't be ongoing, once she is treated.

I asked a few more questions, told Grace's story, and hoped there was even one number or email they could give me, so I could give it to you to help defray costs. Nope.

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you all this, though I think you already knew a lot of it - I really thought you could get help from these agencies. That's why I called them, I figured you did so much, I could do a little phone work and surprise you. Surprise :( .

I see now, that you have 2 options only. Surrender her to sure death, or foot the bill. I honestly don't know if I'd step up to this like you have, what a difficult decision you had to make. I can just imagine you standing there in shock, wanting to do what is right, while the vet is telling you all this.

You sure have some big balls lady, you are really amazing.
(((hugs)))
Lisa

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-08-2008, 03:22 PM

I was just doing the same thing...looking up rescue agencies and HOSPITALS, not vets...there are plenty there!

Mili, although it's true that parvo, like any other virus can be fought off, and that's generally not the part that's tough for a pup with it...it's the damage it causes to the intestines in it's wake, and then the ramifications of that after...you could end up with a dog with a horrible immunity due to the scaring, or just some terrible desease like stomach cancer or something...or just one that has malnutrition issues and is destined to eat a prescription diet for the rest of it's life.

The prognosis, beyond the virus is not good...but the thing that's bugging me BADLY, is that you said she wasn't bleeding...I don't get how the vet could Dx her without bloodwork...it's been 2+ days for a malnurished dog with parvo and it hadn't advanced to the point her intestines were sluffing?????? I dunno...I mean I'm not a vet, and it may have only been 2 days, we don't know, and beyond that her skinny self may only be from these last 2 days (but that seems unlikely)...something just isn't adding up here...

And as cruel as it may sound Mili, remember that the SPCA has determined that this is the best course of action, that has to tell you something...

I don't know what the protocol is today, I could check if you are interested, but the MSPCA had a quarantine unit for things like this and a similar virus with cats when I worked there...

But parvo is terrible...and it can get pretty painful and sad the more it advances. Puppies are particularly hard hit because they just don't have the immunity in place...

I know, I'm all doom & gloom...but I'm telling you, unless there is more to the story, I'm smelling a big fat rat here!

Oh, and think of this too...a vet, verus a hospital is better equipted to manage a highly infectious virus....uuuuummmmmm...doubt it.

GinaMarie

01-08-2008, 04:11 PM

Hi guys,
Im here. They did a test on here but it was a fecal test. They stuck a swab up her bottom and got it full and took it out. It was dark. They said it would take about 8 minutes to find out. She brought back the test results and said it was a positive and showed me the dots.
I've contacted the German Shepard Rescue and explained the situation and asked if there was any special funding to help with the cost of her bill. The director emailed me back and said she would contact the volunteers and see what they could do.
I might call them also and see what they think about her future.

Lisa you arent being to hard. I've grown up with my mom being an alcoholic/drug user and a single parent so I had to grow up fast with her. My dad can be emotionally abusive at times. Right now I just dont want to hear him telling me that I dont need to be or shouldnt be doing this when I have a hard time with gas and stuff. He always tells me and my brother how things are so rough with him finanacially yet he has bought the NEWEST "TOYS" (computer or video camera etc) or redone something in thier house.. So we kinda roll our eyes at his griping. I've ALWAYS grown up with either being emotionally/verbally aboused or teased. So I do question myself. I've never been the type to stand up for myself ESPECIALLY with my familly. Now with my soon exhusband.. oh yeah.. but not my parents. I never talked back to them or stood up to them tho I have been defending myself and my mom against my dad with my disease. Its been proven that I inherited thru him but he is in a denial and thinks I got it from my mom. Oh well thats the past.

There was a labradoodle that we tried to get thru a rescue a week or two ago and she was sooooooo pretty.. We applied and were nervous when they wanted to do a house visit ( we need septic work and stuff).. but it didnt get that far because they called us later that day as we were leaving for church and told us that they dont give thier dogs to families to become service dogs. :eek: :mad: I thought a rescue would be HONORED to know thier dog would become a service dog and be HELPING someone. They said they are to be FAMILY dogs.. With my learning disabilities and the way my brain works/doesn't work, I was in shock and couldnt think of anything to say at that time on the phone. NOW I could because she wouldnt have been JUST a service dog. MOSTLY I would have her certified as a service dog so when we go to the ROnald McDonald house to stay for doctor appts WE CAN TAKE HER instead of LEAVING HER HOME ALONE or in a kennel (to get sick). YES she would help me walk at times or retrieve (which dogs like to do). but she would be MOSTLY a family dog.. But.. I couldnt think of that to say when I was on the phone with her.

But I feel now that was God now not letting us have her knowing that "Grace" was coming. I had also applied earlier yesterday for a Visa Creditcard thru PetsMart before taking Grace to the vet.. I was denied.. So I didnt think I would be approved for CareCredit at the vet. NOW I think I was denied for PetsMart from God because he knew I wouldnt get the amount I needed on THAT card I needed and so I could be approved on CareCredit. I just in some way see God in this.. I hope. I told Nathan last night that just like I wont kill babies in abortion no matter what because its not thier fault they were made.. I cant kill this puppy just because she was abandoned on the road and picked up a virus. I have to learn to leave it in God's hands.

HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS to all of you for your support.
GM

milivica

01-08-2008, 04:19 PM

Kristen, all the 'doom and gloom' you say about Parvo is true near as I can tell. I have no experience with parvo's aftermath even if treated, I only have experience knowing it 'looks like' when puppies are suffering from it, and die from it. I really do understand the SPCA's reasoning too. It's not idealistic, but is logical, considering how contagious parvo is, all the dogs that would be exposed, and their limited funds.

Great minds, aye Kristen ;) . Ironic we are both looking for resources for GM!!!!

Ok Gina, I did find a wee thread of financial hope for ya.

I called your regional office for the HSUS, they directed me to United Animal Nations. Here is the site http://www.uan.org/ . I called United Animal Nations, they said for you to go to their site, and under Our Programs click on LifeLine Grants. She said there were applications online you could complete and send to them. She said she did not know, based on what I told her, if you would or would not qualify. She said that the detail for qualification were on the site. I read the qualifications, sounds like you would qualify for a LifeLine Individual Grant, but, the max is $300.

Also on that site, there is a link to other organizations that you may find financial help at for Grace http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navId=163

I hope the little legwork (finger work) I did helped you feel some support toward all your work and devotion to Grace so far.

OH we were posting at the same time.

I read what you said about being used to verbal abuse and being teased. Girl, start to get UNused to it - do you realize how very strong you are? How brave - not that mom's have a choice about bravery, but you choose to go above and beyond. No doubt you don't want to hear about how your money could be better spent, but it's YOUR money and no one elses business. I know that's easy to say, and harder to 'live' that feeling...but being as I'm naturally stubborn and hard headed (or so says my husband) I can definitely help you flex if you think you'd like that. You know, just give you support and pep talks...you ARE strong, already have all the answers you need inside of you - including being more assertive. Life is a journey, you ain't supposed to be done growing, so you're still working on the assertive thing. That's fine!

AHHHH school's out, gotta go!
Rock on Gina,
Lisa

GinaMarie

01-08-2008, 04:19 PM

Where she is at is actually a veterinary hospital. Not just a vet. I have taken my other pets there for years tho not regularly. They are the lowest cost. They were last night when we were there 30 minutes even after they closed and didnt push us to leave.
GM

GinaMarie

01-08-2008, 09:23 PM

The doctor just called me and said Grace is stable and doing good. She only had ONE bout of vomiting and lots of diarrhea because she has the IV's so she has more fluid in her. But they dont see a lot of blood in the stool but it has the BAD ODOR of parvo. So she said its good that they dont see blood or a lot of blood in the stool and she isnt vomiting (tho they have her on meds to help with that). When she goes 24 hrs without vomiting then they will try her on food. When she can eat food then she can come home! :o) They also have her on pain meds because her intestines are still tender. I asked her if there will be any after affects from this and she said there shouldnt be. She doesnt see it in animals. She should be fine when she comes home. ONCE in awhile a dog is put on a bland diet for a few days then goes on regular food.

So thats her update for today. They told me to call tomorrow or I might go see her. Depends on gas.
GM

milivica

01-09-2008, 12:20 AM

So far, things are turning out better for Grace than I could have ever hoped.

How does it feel to go out on a limb and save a life? What kind of peace does your heart have, when you lay down to go to bed at night, and picture her on the mend, warm, finally comfortable?

Feels like the greatest satisfaction ever, to intentionally cause GOOD and HAPPINESS for something that cannot help itself - doesn't it! Weather a child, animal, anything weaker than yourself, that has no voice...when you reach out like you did, there's no better 'high' (other than seeing your children happy!).

Very well done Gina,
May karma shine right back at ya!
Lisa

GinaMarie

01-10-2008, 12:41 AM

I called to check on Grace tonight since the doctor didnt call me when they clsoed. Well because it wasnt her regular doctor today. I caught them before they left. They said she hasnt thrown up at all today!!! LOTS of diarrhea THO they had called me earlier today to let me know they also had tested her for worms and she also tested postive for roundworm and another one. So they are also treating her for those. They didnt charge me for that test. :) That is some of her diarrhea problem
I was HOPING they would have started her on food today but they didnt. It wasnt her regular doctor. They will start her on small amounts tomorrow. If she does fine they said she can come home tomorrow night or the next day. I HOPING for tomorrow tho I wont be home because I have to take Noah to San Fransisco for a derm appt that has been scheduled for 3 months.
IF she comes home tomorrow Nathan and his dad might have to pick her up because I wont be home by 5 pm. THO IF I AM... IMMMMMMMMMMMM picking her up!!!!

Oh they also said tonight that she has been BARKING and HOWLING today!!! She is responding to the other dogs barking!! She is more perky.

They also are treating her for fleas as they said she has a BAD case of fleas.

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I had contaced the United Animal Nations (or something like that).. They help people with animal emergencies and they are donating/paying 200. towards Grace's bill. They sent 200 to the vet hospital!! I just have to make sure I spay Grace as soon as she is healthy. That was one of the conditions. They normally dont send the money unless/until the pet is already spayed/neutered but since the bill has to be paid before she leaves and she is getting out soon and she CANT be spayed right now. I told them she would be as soon as she is healthy. I have to contact them when she is spayed.

Things are going well!! We are SAVING GRACE!!! :) :D

milivica

01-10-2008, 01:47 AM

Wow, you got that grant already, WONDERFUL! That was from LifeLine Individual Grant I bet. That's really beautiful they helped you help Grace. Her story is certainly compelling.

I'm guessing the other type of worm she has is hook worm, hmm wonder if hook and round worm are the same? Well anyhow, doesn't sound like a huge issue like heartworm. Super! And fleas too, my goodness, did she have a partridge in a pear tree as well, the poor baby.

Told ya the luckiest day of her life was when she found you. ;)

And Grace is howling? Wow cool, I wonder if she's howling for you and your boys!!! She's calling someone, and it sure ain't her previous owner.

Man, all such good news.
Really glad to hear it all Gina,
Well done!
Lisa

GinaMarie

01-10-2008, 02:04 AM

Yeah. I know she probably misses us. I had planned on us going to see her before we went to church but Caleb doesnt get home from school til 4 and by then Nathan didnt have his church clothes even ready and when I told him he still had to put them in the dryer. The vet hospital closed at 5 and we live almost 30 minutes from town. :( So we didnt get to go see her. I MIGHT try to go stop by there before I head out to San Fransisco tomorrow. lol Maybe if I rile her up they might want to get her out faster. lol

The place that gave us the grant was United Animal Nations. I tried another one called Angels4Animals but I guess they might not be in business or something.. When I called thier number it said thier voicemail box was full and when I emailed them it was returned user unknown.

I havent done the CraigsList yet because the vet cant take donations and I have to find a way to have people donate.

Oh here is a site I set up for her on my dogster site... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/696867

GM

milivica

01-10-2008, 10:38 AM

How ever much she misses you and the boys is well worth it, it's not for long, it's so she can regain her health and finally go HOME for the rest of her life.

Once she's home with you, you should post your story to some animal rescue sites, lots of them have 'happy ending' sections they post stories in - though usually I think that's for animals they place, who knows. Wouldn't hurt to include in your story that you are accepting donations to defray medical costs.

Really an ending greater than I imagined, you're inspiring.
Lisa

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-10-2008, 10:43 AM

Gina I'm SO glad that Grace is getting better & will be able to come home soon!

I'm still a little suspicious, she's not in quarantine? I know I'd be PO'd if my dog went in for neutering or something and came home with parvo! That doesn't make sense!

But in the end the only thing that matters is that she is better! I just hope you don't get hosed in the process!

What's the deal with that credit card too? Is it like 25% interest? Check those terms girl & make sure they aren't about to rake you over the coals! It's kinda fishy that you didn't think you'd get approved, yet you did.

I know...I'm a big party pooper huh!

Sorry, like I said...I've seen my share from those vets! You'd absolutely barf if you saw half of it...I just don't trust any of them anymore! But I'm sure some are good and honest and EDUCATED/LICENSED:eek: !

Let me stop now...but I'll be much happier when she's home and well...keep us posted. And I'll try to stop being so pesimistic!

JungleWoman

01-10-2008, 01:53 PM

Gina,

I am so excited to see all you've done for this dog!! Lisa and Kristen, Im also grateful for your quick thinking to help our friend and her new friend!!

Thank You Lord that this family gets to see not only Your healing, but that the kids get to learn a lot about compassion and mercy :D

Hope she gets to come home today!!

Kristen (ColeysMom)

01-12-2008, 11:54 AM

Gina, just checking in...how's Grace doing? Do you have her home...hoping that's why you haven't had time to update!!!!!

Post when you can, k.

KJ

GinaMarie

01-12-2008, 02:29 PM

Hi Kristen.. I meant to post yesterday but with being sick it didnt get done. also wasnt sure if people were getting tired of hearing about her.. I'll copy what I put on my caring bridge site. Also I had stopped by the vet hospital on my way to S.F on Thurs and they did have her in quarentine in a back room. When we left the room we had to step in a container of bleach water to disenfect our shoes. Here is the update..

Grace is HOME and EATING!! :D I wasn't home yet from San Fransisco so Nathan had a friend take him to go pick her up so it wouldnt cost more to keep her another night. I also think the vet was PRAYING we would pick her up because we soon found out.. SHE IS A CRYER. lol Nathan heard her crying and HOWLING all the way across the hospital and asked if that was her and thier faces gave it away and they said YUP thats Grace. lol They have her on a BLAND diet for a few days and LITTLE water so she doesnt start throwing up again and we gradually increase it. If she wouldnt eat when we brought her home last night then we were to bring her back today. We got nervous as she wouldnt touch the food last night. Finally about 10:30 last night she ate some. Then again by the time I went to bed she ate a little more. She would drink water but didnt want to eat. Tho its only bland rice and turkey.

Today she is EATING MORE (tho I kinda added some powdered chicken broth to give it some flavor). lol ;) I'll call the vet and see if we can increase the amount of food and water. Right now she is asleep under my feet. She DOES NOT like to be left ALONE..

I went to my doctor today (I promised my pastors wife).. She said I have a bad case of bronchitis. I still think I have ear infections tho she said they look fine. But she didnt really look INSIDE them that well. You can tell when they stick that ear thing in deep enough. My left ear is plugged and hurts and has all week. Oh well she put me on Z-pack so it SHOULD take care of my ears. If not I WILL be back next week. THo she also prescribed another inhaler but the copay was $30.00!! I didnt fill that one. I will use what albuterol we have for our neubulizer and see my pulmonologist on Monday because he told me to see him if I ever need meds and cant afford the because he would give me samples. I called today but he wasnt there so they said they would leave my chart and the note on his desk for Monday.

Adam is fine. I keep forgetting about his bouts he gets once in awhile where he will wake up and be sick for about an hour or so and then be fine the rest of the day. No fever. Just nauseated and throwing up for an hour or so and then all the sudden its gone and he is back to normal. That seems to be what happened yesterday. But I didnt know because I had left to take Noah to San Fransisco. So he missed a day of school for nothing.

Noah wouldn't let them do any biopsies yesterday. We (doctor and I) picked a few that we are pretty sure are skin cancers so we decided to try to use Aldara cream on them again more aggresively and see if that takes care of them. She wrote another prescription for it (ugg more money) and I will mail that in (if its less expensive) and fill it and start using that on the skin cancers we picked. I will put it on them 5 days a week and give weekends off. If they dont show a reaction then we will have to biopsy them. Both boys see her again when I go in March to see my derm.

OH YEAHHHH.. WHILE driving there.. GOD had his hand on me.. I was driving on 580 freeway near the fast lane in pretty busy traffic about 55 - 65 mph.. All the sudden.. THUMP THUMP THUMP..... I almost paniced.. God opened traffic up and I was able to get over to the other side of traffic and pull over.. (Thank you JESUS).. I got out and looked and my rear drivers tire had PEALED the tread OFF. It was TORE UP!!! I was 25 MILES from the doctors office and was suppose to be there in 30 minutes and I had a bad tire!!!! Traffic was going so fast it was rocking my van and I have a HUGE VAN (79 Dodge Maxiwagon). Thankfully my AAA doesnt expire til the 15th!! I called for a repair.. They said it could be an HOUR!! Im like Im suppose to be at a doctors appt SOON.. She put a priority on it. He was there in about 10 - 15 minutes. He had a hard time changing the tire but got it changed. Then UCSF does NOT have parking and I drove around for about 20 -25 minutes on the streets looking for parking. I finally found one a block away. I was an hour late for my appt but the lady said dont worry about it. I had called when I was on my way from the tow and told them. God was so good to me to help me get on my way. My spare is NOT a good one so The boys dad HAS to get new tires put on the back. lol

Anyway.. THATS our day Thurs.. and FridayI think.. I pray everyone else had a great day. I pray those who are sick are feeling better. Those who are in pain have LESS pain. Those who are grieving will feel Gods love surrounding them. Those who are down will feel Gods love lift them up.
Blessings,
Gina Marie

P.S. Today she is GOBBLING her food!! I gave her about 3 heaping tablespoons of food and she ate it in about 30 seconds and was licking the bowl after. She keeps going to it for more.. :D

moose53

01-12-2008, 03:15 PM

((((((Gina Marie)))))),

That's some spercalifragilisticexpialidocious dog you've got there :D They say that "angels" come in all forms. I wonder if Grace is *YOUR* angel. I've never heard of any animal connecting up so fast to humans -- and so TIGHTLY too -- maybe you should have named her "Glue" :D

Thanks Be to G-d that The Universe seems to have you wrapped in protection now. So many things that could go wrong and don't -- you're truly blessed. We ALL knew that saving Grace would bring you good things :D

I hate that you're boys have to deal with this cancer so much :( It would be good if Noah could learn a way to relax into the treatments that are really designed to help him. You might want to look around and see if anyone knows either "Therapeutic Touch" or "Reiki" -- it used to be thought that these are just "New Age-y" kinds of things. But, more and more, they're finding that they really do work. A lot of the hospitals and other places that work with cancer patients are finding that these techniques are invaluable for allaying fear but also for aiding in healing. There must be some sort of group of cancer patient support or even cancer patient nurses' group or the hospital that can put you in touch with someone who does this. A lot of hospitals are teaching these techniques to their nurses. Maybe the hospital where you take your boys has some nurses on-staff that know how to do this -- try giving a call to the nurse coordinator to find out.

It's great to have a soft, warm puppy snuggling at your feet, isn't it :cool: I always say *FUR* can cure just about everything :D

You have a great day, too, Gina Marie. You're a wonderful Mom and a wonderful caring dog Momma :D BIG HUGS (and love).

Barb http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/moose53/MINIS/ANIMALS/060103dog_prv.gif