Louie

I have had pets all my life and loved them all very much. However, Louie is very special because he is the first being that Jonathan and I have together. Though he is a dog, he is very loved by many. He is our little furry son.

On Sunday night I was going to shower Louie and I saw that he started to lift his little right front leg. I thought he just didn't want to touch the water in the tub but then he started to yelp! I got so scared I took him out of the tub dried him bit and saw he was breathing heavy. He started to pant and squeal quietly. I had never seen Louie like this, I knew he was in pain. We took him to the ER. The vet didn't find any broken or fractured bones on his little leg so he sedated him and I took him home. 

Louie sedated

Since he was sedated he just sleeped for rest of the night. Around 2 am he woke up yelping in pain and limping in a  circle not knowing where to go. We didn't know what to do, we just tried to make him comfortable hoping he had a scared reaction to being sedated. But it didnt stop... He kept randomly yelping and limping around. Then I notice his neck was turned to right and he wouldn't put it straight. We decided to take to the ER again. This time the vet took an xray of his whole body.

The vet told us he thought he had a spine issue by the cervical region (neck) but he needed to confirm that with a radiologist specialist. He was able to give Louie an injection to help with the pain. 

We received a late night phone call from the vet letting us know Louie had Intervertebral disc disease which is like a herniated disc in humans. I quickly looked up what IVDD was and saw that it was something that may need surgery. That night I cried so much seeing my poor puppy in pain, he could barely walk. He just looked miserable and I didn't want him to suffer. We prayed with our hearts, so he could be healed or if it was his time to go, we understood as hard it was to accept that we just wanted his pain to end. It was just a very difficult time for both of us.

We had an appt with the vet on Monday evening to try a laser therapy that had yield good results with dog injuries. While we waiting for the appt time to arrive we took turns taking care of Louie. We did what we could to make sure he was as  comfortable as he could be with the pain. Since he couldn't turn his neck we would place blankets and pillows so he could easily rest his head comfortably. It was so sad to seem sleep in such odd position.

When it was finally time for the appt, he had his first laser therapy and was prescribed  stronger pain killers and steroids to help with the inflammation and pain. We went home hoping for the best. The vet told us Louie would need to be rest crated for at least 3 weeks. Meaning no activity and remaining most of his time in a crate. Louie had never been crate trained, so it was difficult for him to stay there. He wasn't happy. We were not happy either. 

Then on Tuesday I saw the first sign of Louie feeling better, he started to sleep with his head up. This was our first ray of hope. 

By Wednesday, we started see a continuous recovery, he was trying to use his right leg more and was able to turn his neck straight. Hope filled our hearts, the Lord had answered our prayers, Louie was going to be OK.

his fav blanket, even though its pink

 Our emotions were everywhere. It was a very difficult and stressful week for both us. However we are so grateful for the love we felt from our family and friends. They worried about Louie and gave us encouraging words and support. Louie even received a 'get well' gift from his Auntie's Damaris and Daylin! Thank you so much! 

with is 'get well' gift

Now Louie is still recovering everyday.  He will never fully be the same but with proper care he can have a good life. Overall our puppy is doing good. He sleeps upside down again, which I believe is his favorite way to sleep.  He still walks a little funny but that doesn't stop him from wagging his tail!!

This experience taught me so much. It taught me to have more faith and be positive,  I tend to think the worst. I never gave up on him but did think that we would have to make that hard decision no ones wants to do. I also appreciated my family and friends more. I realized how great a team Jonathan and I are.  Most important it made me realize that I need to be closer to my Heavenly Father because when I ask of him,  I should be deserving of it. I love my little furry son and I am so happy he is still with us.