LIVING LIFE

We had our first scary health experience with our two-year-old pup last week. Bella, who is normally the Energizer Dog, woke up a few days ago, lethargic, shaking, and barely capable of sitting up. After observing her for a few hours, we took her to an emergency pet hospital for evaluation because our pet clinic had closed for the day. At first, she did not present as significantly sick, so we took her home with some meds. Within a few hours, Bella appeared to be worsening and we took her back. She was admitted to the hospital and we approved a five thousand dollar bill so that extensive testing could be done.

By the next afternoon, with the exception of a mild fever, the tests did not show any abnormalities, however, the vet wanted to observe her overnight, just to be sure that nothing new developed. We were able to pick her up the next day along with three prescriptions, all of which had a “drowsiness may occur” label stuck to the side of the bottle.

I checked on our precious fur baby numerous times throughout the night and her breathing was regular but she was barely responsive. My husband and I decided to hold off on giving her any more medication until we contacted Bella’s regular doctor. After examining Bella, our vet determined that she had a fever and that the meds given were not appropriate for our puppy. She administered antibiotics and anti inflammatories.

Her doctor handed me a new digital thermometer, gave me her cell number, and told me to check Bella’s temperature in the evening and to text her the results. Luckily, Bella was a cooperative patient and allowed me to complete my less-than-appealing task. By 8 p.m., she was fever-free, moving around, and eating.

I have had many dogs throughout my life, but this was the first time any of them needed hospitalization and extensive testing. We are forever grateful to our veterinarian for her accurate assessment of Bella and her devotion to her furry patients.

When we first adopted Bella, I asked my husband to purchase pet insurance even though he had not done this with his former pets. Little did I know that within two years we would be submitting a bill for over four thousand dollars.

And that is the answer to “How much is that doggie in the window?”

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