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
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!