Please pray for our little dog!!

Simba'sBud · #1 10-10-2008, 08:06 PM

We had a very traumatic evening this past Tuesday night when our little Shi-a-Poo was hit by a car and suffered a spinal fracture halfway down her back. Her name is Annabelle and she is 8 years old. She is the most precious pet I have ever had the privilege of knowing and she's been a part of our family since she was 6 weeks old. They were able to perform emergency surgery on her the night of the incident and managed to fix her spine but she is still paralyzed in the back half of her body.
The veterinary surgeon said that she may or may not regain the use of her back legs but that if she continues to recover as she is currently doing, then we have a great chance to have her back home with her personality and spirit. The paralysis will be the only obstacle that we will have to help her to overcome. They are weaning her off pain medication gradually and are working on getting her to a point where she won't need any at all. My DW and I decided that this would be the only way we will agree to allow her to live out the rest of her life with us, without the pain and suffering, as long as she is happy and able to be herself as much as possible.
We've been assured that a simple wheeled cart will be an acceptable alternative for her mobility and that most dogs adapt to it very well. We were able to visit with her earlier today and she was so happy to see us and seemed to be in great spirits and the nurses say that she seems to be eating very well.
They began giving her some fluids today to help clean out her system and are monitoring her progress and recovery very closely.

My request is that you say a little prayer for her speedy and healthy recovery and that we are able to get her back home soon to help her with the new adjustments that will need to be made for both her and us. Thank you so much!!

Marilyn Michetti · #2 10-10-2008, 08:14 PM

You've GOT it ! Our pets are indeed family members. Isn't it amazing what can be done for them today? Our Bentley had Valley Fever and completely lost the use of his back legs. We took him to a physical therapist who recommended water therapy. We got him a doggie life preserver, and he and I took to the pool. He regained the use of his legs, and until we lost him two years later at age 14, he did very well. I wouldn't do anything different today.

disneydeb · #3 10-10-2008, 10:01 PM

and prayers sent your way.

jrkcr · #4 10-11-2008, 04:09 AM

for Anna belle!!! Let us know how she is doing!

vizsla · #5 10-11-2008, 05:32 AM

Prayers and

on the way.

TinkerbellT421 · #6 10-11-2008, 08:13 AM

I am so sorry to hear about your baby! (Yes I consider my animals my children lol, I have two baby girls (cats) lol)
I am sending pixie dust and prayers your way for a fast and full recovery for her!

Stitchahula · #7 10-11-2008, 09:29 AM

tons of prayers and

for you and your pup. It's so hard when they are hurt and you feel helpless. I've heard great things about the wheeled carts for the little guys.

RenDuran · #8 10-11-2008, 09:32 AM

Poor little Annabelle. I really feel for your baby and you! I will definitely keep you all in my thoughts and hope that she continues to recover and feel better. The good thing about animals is they don't feel sorry for themselves. Annabelle will still be sweet Annabelle with or without the use of her back legs. Give her a big smooch for me!

Goofy Forever · #9 10-11-2008, 10:21 AM

Here's prayers and

for Annabelle

mrsgaribaldi · #10 10-12-2008, 09:02 AM

I'm so sorry for your baby.

Prayers and

on the way for her speedy recovery.

Simba'sBud · #11 10-12-2008, 10:19 AM

The doctor called this morning as we were getting ready for church and said that she is doing fairly well. Her attitude, eating and interaction is great, but she still doesn't have deep pain sensation in her back legs. They said that it still shouldn't keep her from being happy and enjoying the rest of her time here with us. We've already been e-shopping for doggie wheelchairs and carts in order to get her 'walking' again quicker.

We were even informed yesterday that she should be able to come home some time next week!!

Thank you all so much from the depths of our hearts for the prayers and

and please continue to keep it coming!!

Stitchahula · #12 10-12-2008, 10:23 AM

That's such great news. It must feel like someone lifted a ton of bricks off you. More pixie dust and prayers coming.

daparish · #13 10-12-2008, 03:02 PM

Prayers and

to Annabelle for a speedy recovery. I know how our pets become members of our family and I am so sorry you all had to go through this.

Simba'sBud · #14 10-13-2008, 11:22 PM

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that we should be bringing Annabelle home tomorrow if all goes well! This is a huge relief for us, although there will be some serious adjustments that will need to be made for her new lifestyle. We went to Petco tonight to get some supplies and goodies for her. She still is not feeling anything in her back legs, so there will be a lot of work on our part to help her feel as normal as possible. We will be doing everything we can to keep her mobile and making sure she stays free of pain.

Please continue to remember us as we go through these changes and that we will be able to get her into her new groove without too many difficulties. Again, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!!

DisneyWhirled · #15 10-14-2008, 02:05 PM

Best of luck to you, your family and sweet Annabelle!

I was just reading an article this weekend about dogs who didn't have use of their back legs. There is a husband and wife team that take in dogs and cats in these situations when the animals are abandoned. The doggie wheels help these beautiful animals have a full life!!

As much as it is going to be a dramatic change for your family, I commend your dedication to your sweet puppy. Good luck to you!!

Keep us posted!