Rescue is a team sport and a random phone call and a 1st time transporter willing to make a 4 hour round trip are the only reasons that Lucy is alive today.
Lucy found herself at a vet clinic over on the west coast late yesterday afternoon with her family after she went down. That clinic knew that they didn’t have the expertise for diagnosis or treatment and directed them all to an emergency specialty practice where Lucy was quickly examined and diagnosed with IVDD.
Her family was not in a position to do surgery (no judgment) nor were they open to caring for her if she remained paralyzed (sigh……) and so Lucy’s family decided to opt for euthanasia (…..grrrrrr).
Lucy’s Dr. knew that she didn’t have a lot of time, nor did she know if her one chance was an option, and even if it was an option if the family would go along with it. Lucy’s Dr. grabbed her phone and dialed the number that so many Vets have, and guard as a precious resource and a “last resort”.
President Pam answered.
Lucy’s Dr. explained the situation and President Pam weighed all the options that are weighed each time an IVDD surrender comes to our door
- Will the dog recover? We already have one IVDD survivor, Circe, who has had zero interest from potential adoptive families.
- Who will foster? – We currently have two foster homes who will care for IVDD dogs – One has Circe and the other is caring for Godiva AND Schatzie post op.
- Can we raise the money? – Our community has already funded two IVDD surgeries in the last month. How many times can we go back to the well?
But then, as it always does, the photo comes through and how can we say no?
But there was one other problem, Lucy was on the west coast and needed to get to Miami to SEVN. And it was late. Joanna, our Doxie Transport coordinator started working the phones, and then, an incredible offer came through – Lucy’s Dr.’s Husband would make the 4 HOUR ROUND TRIP to get Lucy to SEVN.
Dr. Wong was alerted and he left his family to come back in to meet Lucy and her transporter. Based on her condition, waiting until today was not an option, so Lucy went to MRI with Dr. Wong shortly after arrival and then straight to surgery, finishing a little after midnight this AM.
Rescue brings the best of people and worst of people together at the same time. One group of people makes a decision to euthanize a dog that can live a good life, and another group of people give of their time, and talent to give her a chance.
Now we turn, once again, to you. This is the 3rdIVDD ask in one month. We never want anyone to feel obligated to donate and when we say every dollar counts, we mean it. You have made a miracle for Schatzie and Godiva, can Lucy count on you for a few dollars for her to have her chance so that we can be ready for the next “Lucy” who needs us?
