Too Late for a Cart

We ordered the cart from HandicappedPets.com on Thursday, following Jif’s third trip to the vet. She got a shot of cortisone that day. By Friday she seemed a little perkier. On Saturday she was as bad as she had ever been in her life. She was about 10 weeks post surgergy for amputation of her rear leg. She had no control over her bowels, wasn’t drinking, and was dragging the remaining back leg behind her, paw up, and had no feeling in that leg.

We decided to return to the Northwoods Vet Clinic in Anderson, Indiana, where the diagnosis of cancer was made and her leg amputated. They were very sympathic in telling us that Jif was now paralyzed from her midsection back. They weren’t sure why but could do imaging to determine the cause. Regardless of the cause, they said it would involve more surgery and recovery. When asked, they said if it was there dog, it was time to put her down. I’m just now sharing this because it’s such a painful story.

So we put her down and requested a private cremation. That means she was cremated by herself with no other dogs. We received her ashes back a few days later. Along with her ashes we received a bit of her hair, a plaster cast of her paw print and a sad poem I couldn’t only read half of.

The cart arrived on Monday following her death. I contacted the company and they said not to open the box and return it to them. We would be charged for return shipping and a five percent restocking fee. The card was $580 with a back harness.

On Tuesday we began looking for rottie rescues near us but didn’t find any young adult or rott puppies. On Friday we put down a deposit on a pedigree rottie pup at Bowling Green, Indiana. She didn’t even have her eyes open yet. We pick her up on April 20. Maybe that will help us heal the tremendous loss we feel. I just try to remember that Jif gave to us and the happy times we gave to her.

Even if no one reads this blog, I appreciate the opportunity to put some of my feelings on paper in a place where others understand.

I had hoped that Jif would be the exception to the rule, that she wouldn’t be taken by cancer in the 6-12 months that the vet told us would happen. And she didn’t even make it that long.

One thought on “Too Late for a Cart”

  1. And we appreciate you sharing your story. We are sorry to hear about the outcome, but please know that by sharing your experiences here you are certain to help others who may face the same difficult decisions.

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