When Life Gets Real…Fast
Today’s post is simply an update on my life. No fashion, no controversy…just how life can get real, very fast. Our little dog Lucy had some minor health problems lately that have suddenly turned more serious.
Two weeks ago I found a strange lump in her paw. She was limping and seemed in pain so I took her to our regular vet. He decided she had arthritis. I insisted she had something in her paw but he didn’t believe me. Frustrating!
Three days later I took her to my friends vet who saw a growth and recommended surgery to remove it. I signed paperwork to pay for a biopsy of that growth but this vet decided it was not important and tossed the tissue with no biopsy. I was not happy. 
Two days after her stitches were removed she began limping worse than before. I took her back to the vet who’d done the surgery who decided Lucy needed to take fish oil and “let’s just do another round of antibiotics”. I was furious and frustrated.
We headed out for a few days of camping in our trailer but I was worried. Her paw began to swell dramatically, so we came home quickly and took her to the emergency hospital, who had no idea what was going on.
We finally took her to the UC Davis veterinary hospital yesterday, which is one of the best in the country. We were lucky to snag a cancellation with one of their oncologist’s who did a needle biopsy and admitted she’d never seen anything like it.
We’re driving back tomorrow to see a dermatologist and perhaps get a larger tissue biopsy. She’s almost 13 and was the picture of health 2 weeks ago. This is shocking and frightening. I simply want her out of pain and to get some answers.
She’s a darling little dog and it’s my responsibility to make sure she has the best quality of life.
Is there anything we wouldn’t do for our pets?
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
xo
So sorry to hear about Lucy. I hope that she will be able to fully recover. I have two small ones myself, and they are a part of the family.
Please take care of yourself – I am saying a prayer for you and Lucy.
Many thanks Melinda! All prayers welcome. We continue to pray for a miracle.
It’s so distressing to read of your’s and Lucy’s pain. I’m a little late with my prayers and good wishes, but I hope everything goes well.
Thanks for your good wishes and prayers CJ. We continue to hope for the best while we wait for some results. She’s on pain meds and just started an anti inflammatory so hopefully that will help her. It’s so hard not to know what’s wrong.
I truly hope you get answers for you baby girl. I really know how it would be if it were my baby girl Daisy. Take good care of her “Mom”.
Thank you so much! I’m doing the very best I can. It’s so heartbreaking to see her in pain!
So pitiful to see Lucy with a bootie on her little foot. At least it is a stylish bootie! I hope she gets well soon. Keeping you and Lucy in my prayers.
Thanks so much Cindy. We are grateful for all prayers!!
Oh, I hope you get an answer to Lucy’s health problem soon. So frustrating, and, yes, I totally agree with you that our ‘fur children’ do deserve the best care we can afford to give them at all times. Hope Lucy gets well soon!!
Thanks so much Sandy!
My cat had similar lump on her paw. She was not limping or showing any discomfort. My vet removed the lump and results showed very aggressive cancer with 3 to 6 mts to live. It was suggested her leg be amputated I said no as my cat was 17 yrs old. I took her home with out any medication and she lived a very good quality of life for 3 more years. And passed away at 20 years old. Go with your gut feelings Jennifer and keep asking yourself will this benefit my little dog or add to her discomfort. Good luck
I’m so sorry for your loss Lillian. You did the very best for your girl. Everything we do is to ease her pain and fund an answer but I won’t go through heroic efforts that compromise the quality of her life. She’s totally reliant on us and I take that. Dry seriously.
Jennifer, listen, Don’t you dare hold back, be nice, reluctant to act…This little precious soul has been given to you to take care of during her time on this earth…You step up, be assertive, research your girl’s symptoms and push when your vets may brush you off…I am so glad you have her in the UC Davis vet care…I will so keep this little one close to my heart and you, too, as her person…
From one who has learned this lesson so well..
Deede
Bless you Deede! We are pushing hard to get her the help she needs and are praying for an answer. Thank you
Jennifer, I am pulling for Lucy. Sending good thoughts your way that all will be okay. I think she’s in good hands there at Davis. Hugs, Kim
Thanks so much Kim! We’re hoping so. They seems fabulous. Xx
Jennifer:
Relatively new reader, but until now among the silent majority.
Two years ago our Molly was diagnosed with an aggressive, fast-moving dental cancer. Within a few days, every vet and specialist we saw told us there was no reason to hope. And then, we were referred to the angels at UC Davis. On Christmas Week Molly was examined, given a treatment plan, and started radiation – with more attention and compassion than human doctors. As a result, we had one more happy healthy year with Molly – enough to celebrate Birthday #14. If there is a miracle to be had for Lucy, you are in exactly the best place.
Wishing you hope and comfort.
Thank you for sharing your story Judith. I’m so impressed with everyone we’ve seen at Davis and I’m praying we get some help for her.
How did everything turn out?
She’s having exploratory surgery this morning Pam. Her foot is so swollen they can’t diagnose what’s going on without going in. Praying now.
Here’s hoping everything turns out well! We love them so much and they can’t tell us what the problem is, very difficult to live through such times. I know.
It is so worrisome. We are praying for a miracle.
Thankfully, you were persistent! My daughter works at an emergency vet and she has told me many stories similar to yours…….I recently had an almost fatal emergency when some pills I was taking fell to the floor and my mini dachshund, Flubadub, gobbled them up…..be VERY careful when taking pills around your dog!!
That’s great advice Cherrie! Thanks for reminding us.
Hope your dog is feeling better soon
Thanks Jan!
I had a little Lucy who I lost 2 years ago. I hope your Lucy recovers quickly and pain free. She is, like all Yorkies, a sweet and loving fur baby ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss Pam. We are praying hard
I sure hope that your sweet dog gets better! I would be so angry and frustrated by the veterinarian! Our animals are so much more than pets. They really are our family. I hope and pray they figure out what is happening with her paw. My heart and prayers are with you!
Many thanks Arell. They are frequently the sweetest members of our family.
Jennifer, I am so sorry about Lucy’s foot. She is a doll! So cute & sweet, I love when you show her on your trips. We lost our Lucy about 18 months ago. She was a beautiful, smart, black standard poodle that we had for 17 years. We still miss her, but know she is in a better place and we will see her again one day. I will pray for little Lucy’s foot to heal. Please let us know how she’s doing. Blessings, my friend…
I’m so sorry about your Lucy. They are such loving members of our families. Thank you
Jennifer,
I’m sorry to hear about your sweet little Lucy and your difficulties with the vets. It’s especially hard because our fur babies can’t tell us what’s wrong. I hope she will be back on all fours in no time. Sending some good energy and I’ll say a prayer for you both tonight.
Thank you Connie! I’m grateful for every prayer we can get.
This makes me so sad. I have a yorkie, Annie, and she is also 13. I hope Lucy gets the help that she needs so that you can stop fretting. I totally empathize. Good Luck!
Thank you Suzanne! Hug your cutie
My prayers for Lucy! She is the cutest thing!!$
Many thanks!
It is so worrying to have our “babies” ill and unable to let us know what they are feeling. It is very disappointing that the vets didn’t take your concerns seriously.
I’m so angry at those 2 vets and praying for a miracle.
Sorry to hear this. I hope you get some answers for your little dog. Thinking of you and hoping things go OK. Please keep us updated on your sweet dog. I have pets too and know how precious they are.
Thanks Sue! They’ve kept her to do exploratory surgery tomorrow. I’m praying for a miracle.
Jennifer, I read your blog entry early this morning and I’ve found myself thinking of you all day long. I’m so sorry for Lucy’s troubles and the anguish it’s causing you. Each of my pets has been a beloved member of the family, so I understand how much Lucy means to you. Fingers crossed for some answers and a rapid cure.
Thank you Judy! Today’s team of Doctors had no answers so they’re doing exploratory surgery tomorrow. I’m so worried. I want a miracle.
Sending hugs from afar and hoping you get some answers re Lucy.What a precious little girl she is.
We have 3 furry friends,2 dogs and a cat.Our eldest dog,a pug/shitzu, was very sick in July with a UTI and incredible itching:she is nearly 15 now.After many tests,drugs,etc she is a lot better but our caring vet said we should treasure every month we have with her and that’s what we’re doing.
Isn’t it frightening how all of a sudden our devoted buddies can get sick and we have to trust that the professionals care enough to go one step further to get to the bottom of things?Were so lucky that our local vet is also an animal hospital and has first class equipment and staff.
Give Lucy a cuddle from me.Take care.
Thank you Julie! We do need to enjoy every moment with our fur babies. I’m praying they can help her. Good like with your sweetie!
Please do keep us posted. We have two precious rescue furry babies in our household and how I wish they could talk when they are not well! You feel so helpless and your heart breaks until they are well. My thoughts are with you…
Thank you so much. Our hearts are breaking for her
Thinking of you…poor little Lucy I hope they figure out how to alleviate her pain and help her get back to normal.
Our furry family are loyal and we’d be lost without them.
Sending positive thoughts to you Jennifer.
XO
Thanks Leslie! They are members of the family and so loyal.
Thank you for sharing a very tender and real part of your life. At times like these who cares about fashion….just help my precious baby.
Have you considered homeopathy?
Blessings
Joan
We have not thought of it but will try anything so thank you for mentioning it Joan!
Lucy is the cutest little Yorkie. Your pictures reflect her personality and show that you have taken excellent care of her. I hope the news is soon and positive.
Many thanks! She’s actually a Norwich who look a lot like Yorkies. Just a bit larger.
Please let us know how things go for Lucy. Pets are a blessing and in their senior years they need our love and support. Lucy is lucky to have such a loving owner.
Thanks Jill. We are doing all we can and praying hard for her
Sending love and prayers for Lucy, Jennifer. Hope all turns out well.
Thanks Kathy!
Our furry babies are just so precious to us. They are our companions and show us all about unconditional love. I hope they find out quickly what’s going on so it can be taken care of. Prayers for recovery for sweet Lucy. And for you, patience and serenity.
Thank you Kathleen. We are praying hard
Sending love & (hang in there) hugs for all of you as you work to find answers to your little love’s issue!
Thank you Linda!
Prayers for your sweet Lucy. I know how concerned and upset you must be.
We are partial to Yorkies. We had one that lived to be 15. Now we have a puppy mill rescue Yorkie. We think she is around 3 years old but she is my little shadow. She follows me everywhere in the house and is the most loving an loyal dog ever. We are just finishing her treatment for heart worms (result of being an uncared for puppy mill dog!) but there is nothing we wouldn’t do for our sweet Lollie. Sometimes I call her Lollie Pop because she is sweet as candy.
Love to you and Lucy. Let us know.
Bless you Sandra. Puppy mills are horrific and I’m so glad you’ve given her a loving home.
OMG what a frightening time. We just got a new kitten and already there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him. I hope your darling dog is soon out of pain and back to his usual self. Best of luck.
Thank you Cathy! Good luck with your kitty.
Your dog is a bundle of joy. So annoying re the 2 vets. Thank goodness you have persisted with getting another one.
Lucy deserves the best care and now is in good hands.
We are praying for answers and help
For her.
Praying that Lucy’s pain will be lessened soon and you can have your happy pup back again. Sorry. For all the frustration with different vets.❤️????????
Many thanks Carolyn. All prayers welcome!!
I know the worry you’re experiencing. If anybody says it’s only a dog they have never owned, bonded and loved a dog. I hope Lucy is going to be ok. She is a sweetie.
Thank you Joanna. I agree. Dogs love us wholeheartedly.
I hope little Lucy is feeling better soon and the vet can find an answer. Our fur babies hold a special place in our hearts.
They sure do. She so darling to us. Thank you Sue!
Prayers, hugs, blessings, and miracles!! Please keep us posted we all care!!
Thank you Norma! Miracles do happen and I’m praying for one.
I hope you get some answers soon, and that the outlook for sweet Lucy will be good. We’ve been in similar scary situations with our Golden Retrievers. They are family. My heart goes out to you and your pup.
Thank you Barbara
They are family. Thanks so much Barbara!
I’m so sorry but glad you have the perseverance to continue with this. Our pets are part of our family and just because they get old(er) and, unfortunately, more expensive doesn’t mean we toss them on the trash heap. We have two dogs, aged 11 and 13 and have certainly noticed an increase in vet issues over the past few years. I’m just so relieved that we have the financial resources to look after them. Best wishes for you all. Get well Lucy.
You bring up such a great point Rosemary. I feel blessed we can afford to get her continued care. I can’t imagine how devastating it would be to not be able to continue getting her help. My fingers are crossed today’s appointment brings some answers. I can’t bear to see her suffer.
Jennifer,
My thoughts are with you and Lucy
Eileen
Thank you
MY SON is going through similar problems with VETS……………NO CURE come back in a month = $600.00 each visit!Tomorrow he sees another VET……..perhaps UC DAVIS is for THE GOOSE as well………
HOPE SHE IS ON THE MEND!
XX
Thanks Elizabeth. I hope he gets some answers too!
I totally relate – wishing you all the best in restoring Lucy to health. We go the extra mile for our furry friends, companions, fellow travellers….
We do, they’re such faithful friends.
Lucy is a sweetheart. It is very difficult when one moment our beloved pets seem like overgrown pups and the next they are in a health crisis. I wish for Lucy’s swift recovery and less worry for you.
Thank you Maureen. She was the picture of health 2 weeks ago. I knew she was an old gal but she didn’t.
Jennifer please keep us updated on Lucy’s health issues. Such a sweet looking little dog. I hope this is something that can be treated with medication.
Betty
We are praying for that too Betty. She’s having exploratory surgery tomorrow.
Hope that it isn’t serious after all. Our dogs are as important as any other family member.
Wishing you and your puppy all the best.
Thank you Maria
Praying for answers for little Lucy. Our fur babies are precious.
Thanks Becky. I’m praying the very same thing!! Medication to fix it.
I do hope that all will be resolved soon. So difficult to see our fur babies suffer. Please keep us posted..
Thanks Helen. I certainly will!
Jennifer,
How heartbreaking! Know that you are doing the very best you can for Lucy. I hope she finds comfort soon!
Thanks Kat
My cousin’s Yorkie had something similar. Thinking of you & yours. Pets are so important.
Did they find what it was?
I’m very sorry your dog and household are suffering with this.
Thank you Karen
I hope she’s pain free and up and about sooner than later. Our furry babies are such an important part of our lives!
She’s so sweet, I’d do anything for her. Thank you Deborah
I so know what you are feeling. What a precious baby. I have 2 shih-tzus we rescued, and I don’t hesitate to keep them healthy ????
I feel so lucky we can afford to keep trying until we get answers????
Oh, Jennifer! We have been where you are with your sweet Lucy! I hope all goes well and she can be out of pain and enjoying life again soon with you and your husband.
Years ago, we had to make some really hard, heartbreaking decisions with our tuxedo cat, Cottontoes. She was 18 years old at the time, and it looked like she had dislocated her jaw. In actuality, she had cancer, and our vet said he could do surgery, but she would be disfigured badly, and there was no guarantee he’d get all the cancer. We elected not to have the surgery, as we loved her sweet face too much, and went with a regimen of painkillers and soft food to make her as comfortable as possible for the time she had left (just a few months). Finally realizing it was her time to go, we had her euthanized – one of the saddest experiences we’ve ever had, only to be repeated 6 months later when Toes’ sister, Peppercorn, reached the end of her fight with cancer in her left hind leg.
Over the years, we’ve had 7 cats in all, and the sweet boys we have now – Scallywag and Brambleberry – are by far the sweetest, most affection, gentle cats ever! They’re both about 4 years old now, and more fun than a barrel of monkeys. We adopted Scally first, and 5 months later, Brams joined the party. The two of them are truly brothers, with all the affection and tiffs being brothers includes.
All the best to you and your family, including Miss Lucy!
Oh Candy, that’s so heartbreaking but you Gabe them the best quality of life you could. Lucy is having exploratory surgery tomorrow and we are praying for a miracle.
Our pets become members of our family. I will keep you and Lucy in my thoughts and prayers.
She is. Thanks Mary
Wishing Lovely Lucy a speedy recovery, and the pain goes away.
Thank you Gail. We are praying for that too.
Oh, how upsetting. She looks like such a sweet dog. I hope that you get answers quickly so that she can find relief, and so can you.
She’s very sweet. Thank you Dorothy
Oh Jennifer! I totally get it! My little Brittany spaniel is 15 and a half and, while she’s in very good health, I know things can (and likely will) change on a dime. Sending you and Lucy healing hugs.
Good wishes for your little doggie. Thank you!
So sorry, Jennifer. I know how much you love your dog and how you love to stroll with her. I hope someone can help soon.
Thanks Pam. We are praying for a miracle.
I’m so sorry to hear she’s not well. Lucy is well loved and I know she will get the best care possible. As you said, there’s nothing we won’t do for our pets. All best.
Thank you Lor!
Poor little sweetheart 🙁 I hope you get answers and she gets relief soon!
Thanks Patty!
I hope you get good news soon!
Many thanks
Hope your sweet little pet will be well soon. I know how hard it is to lose one or have one be sick.
Love your posts !!
Thank you Betty!
Oh, I hope she’s going to be okay!!! As a pet parent, I know how much they mean in your life and wish you all well!
Thank you Maureen.
Prayers for you and Lucy. I have two senior fur babies and they are very important members of my family. Excellent compassionate vets are hard to find. Sounds like you are on the right track now. Keeping Lucy in our thoughts.
Sherry, Riley and Kirby????❤️
Thank you so much Sherry!!
Lucy is so sweet. I️ don’t have a pet but I️ love animals and always want them safe and secure. My positive thoughts are with you for Lucy.
Thanks Lee! All good thoughts welcome.
I’m so sorry you are going through this. As I write this, I am caring for my little bichon who is 8, and on Friday had to have a TPLO surgery which is for the doggie version of a torn acl muscle, only it involves cutting the bone, screws and a plate, etc. It’s intense. It’s an 8 week recovery and we are just praying for that recovery. $6,000 in, and I’m prepared to spend whatever it takes, so long as he can regain his quality of life, even an “adjusted” quality, if necessary. They are such gifts to us, aren’t they? Prayers for you and your little one.
Dear Laurie, I’m so sorry for your little sweetie. Sending prayers for a healthy recovery for your little one. Lucy is having exploratory surgery tomorrow and we are praying for a miracle.
Jennifer, I am so sorry about Lucy. She looks absolutely precious. It is so hard to see them suffer when they cannot tell us what is wrong or that they are in pain. I retired from Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson, so animals were my life at work and home. UC Davis is definitely one of the best. I would never go back to either one of those vets you saw the first time…if they brush you off or do not listen to your concerns, they would be a no go for me. I used to tell my students that being a vet is as much about people as it is about the animals; every dog who walks in your clinic has a person attached to the leash, and they pay the bills. Please keep us updated on Lucy’s progress.
You’re a hero to me Roxanne. Caring for animals must be so difficult because they can’t explain what hurts! I won’t be going back to either of those vets and one has been caring for our pets for over 25 years!
What a Sweetie Pie!!! I hope she gets well soon!
Thank you Karen
I’m so sorry about Lucy’s paw. Our pets are family and it’s so hard to see them suffer. Prayers for answers and a speedy recovery for your girl
She is my girl and do devoted. I’ll do whatever I can to help her. Thank you!
I had a little Yorkie who we had to put down at 14 years of age. I see Lucy’s tongue hanging out which indicates to me (from our experience) that she’s had teeth removed and her tongue has difficulty staying in her mouth. My Maggie walked 3 miles with me just 4 days before she died….picture of health, no issues. I feel your pain and completely understand. If I were standing beside you, I’d give you a hug and little Lucy, too. Now I have to quite typing so I’ll stop crying.
Oh no Sandy! I’m so sorry for your loss. Yes she’s missing bottom test and always looks like she’s sticking her tongue out. It’s so sad when they get old and ill. Xx
Sorry….just realized I had an incomplete thought in my earlier comment. We will do anything to keep our beloved pets free from pain or suffering.
I totally agree Mary!
Prayers for your sweet pup. And yes, because they give us the joy of unconditional love, we will do anything possible to help them. Keep us updated, please!
Thank you. I will!
Praying for your baby. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my dogs/pets. Animals need health advocates just like humans. So glad you continue to look for the answers.
Thank you Mary! I’m her advocate and would do anything to get her the help she needs.
Poor little darling, I hope that they find out what is causing the problem and that she gets better soon. I had a similar frightening escalation in my elderly cat. He was 16 a was still looking fit and young and energetic but over a couple of days, he began to get fussy and eat very little. I went away for a few days, and when I came home I was astonished at how skinny he looked and got cross with my family for not giving him fresh food as it looked like they just left the food from a few days before until he ate it! But he didn’t want any of tempting treats that I gave him and I took him to the vets where they diagnosed a hugely enlarged kidney and mass on his bladder. Given his age, the fact that we about to go away and leave him for a week, and the pain that he was in and the little prospect of full recovery we all decided not to operate and to euthanise him. It was all so sudden and very distressing as I hadn’t thought that he was so close to his last days. I miss him terribly as we have decided not to get any more pets as we travel so much.
Dear Melissa, I’m so sorry for your loss. Ultimately, we must make the tough choices to give them the best quality of life. You made a hard decision. I’m prepared to do everything I can to be sure Lucy has the best quality of life. It’s hard as you know.
Good luck with your sweet little Lucy! Will say a prayer to St. Francis, patron saint of animals ,for her health.
Thank you so much Veronica! All prayers are so welcome.
Funny you should write about this now. We have two tabbies and they’ve been part of our family for 12 years. Well, one had a eye that clouded up, and began to swell. Not having pet insurance, we put the trip to the vet off. By the time we got there, the eye had to be removed. $700 later, he is stitched up and recovering very well. No, there is nothing we wouldn’t do for our “pet” family. I got these kittens when my youngest went off to college and i was experiencing “empty-nest” depression. Needless to say, 12 years later, they are a permanent part of our family.
I’m so sorry Regina! They are members of our families and firmly entrenched in our hearts.
God Bless your little doggie Lucy. Sounds like she’s finally in good hands. These dogs are fighters. My Eli is 14 almost 15 has kidney and heart failure for a year 1/2. I take him twice a week for fluids and he’s on medication. He eats like a champ, plays acts like he did as a puppy. Remember dogs love you more than you love them. You are their life. Enjoy everyday with Lucy.
Bless you Janet!! They love us so much and deserve all the care we can get them.
Jennifer, I’m sorry your sweet Lucy is having health issues. I hope you get answers quickly and she can get back to normal. Our pets are family and we will do anything for them! Our sweet Tootie turned 16 lately. So far so good. Prayers for Lucy.
Thanks Terry. Best wishes and prayers for Tooties continued health.
Oh Jennifer, I know how worried you must be. Best of luck with Lucy!! Sending you lots of positive thoughts and hugs!
Thanks Beth! We are terrified.
I hope Lucy is better soon. Our pets mean so much to us. As with our health, I learned recently we need to listen to our inner voices about what we think may be going on.
All the best to your family and Miss Lucy.
Judy in Phoenix
Thanks Judy. I completely agree and am following my inner voice to get her the best help I can.
You bet! Two hip surgeries for our Abby. She is 14. I comment that the kids are grown and gone but their dog is still here. You are correct. It is our responsibility for their health and well being. Good luck. Frustrating and concerning.
Yes! The dog is here and loves us unconditionally. Good luck with Abby!
Sending love and warm hugs to you & your fur baby Lucy. May she heal and be back to her happy self quickly. You are doing the best you can do for her.
Thanks Suzy. Xx
It saddened me to read about the shoddy care you encountered. Glad you found someone who will help Lucy. Sending best wishes for her speedy recovery. ❤
Thanks Jen. We are praying it’s not too late.
Oh Jennifer,
I am so sorry. The love we share with these fur babies is untellable. Hugs and prayers that all will be ok.
Rosemary
Thank you Rosemary. We need all the prayers we can get and are hoping for a miracle.
I hope they find an answer and can make her comfortable. I do like the sweater you are wearing????
Thanks Gayle. I’ll be so happy if they get her out of pain. It’s all about quality of life.