I have great, better than great news! Gizmo is finally back home! He was released about 3pm today. The great doctors and techs at VERGI performed a miracle and were able to save him. I can’t say enough great things about them. If you need a great vet in the middle of the night and are in Houston, go there. They will receive the best care possible. Everyone there was great keeping me updated and so very patient when all I could do was weep into the phone when I called them.
OK–now back to Gizmo. When we first got there today, Skye, one of the vet techs, came out with the medicine we’d be taking home for Giz. He’s now on Keppra every 8 hours to prevents seizures. Six am, two pm, ten pm. That’s my new schedule. It cannot vary.
They also sent us home with multiple syringes of Buprenorphine for pain.They said he’d probably not need it, but I have it just in case. His stomach was distended and he was in a lot of pain when he arrived at VIRGI. I saw the word “Starvation” written in big letters on his chart today.
As elated as I was knowing I was going to bring him home, when I saw that word it made my blood boil all over again. I’m still looking for a coupon for a wood chipper. I will find her. It may take me awhile, but I will.
I’m now positive if we’d been delayed getting back one more day, maybe even just hours, Gizmo at the very least, would’ve been dead for sure. Perhaps others in our pack as well.
We were able to go to the back to see him today. He was curled up and sleeping soundly. They had the words “Seizures” and “Flop” written on cards attached to his cage. I started whispering his name to him but got no response. After a minute or so I got a little louder. He started to stir and looked at me with glassy looking eyes for a few seconds. Eventually he realized who I was and started to get up. Then he fell over. My eyes teared up. Now I understood what “flop” meant. They had to be careful when they opened the door that he didn’t just fall right out.
Amanda held him in a soft throw she’d brought for home for him for a couple of minutes while we were told more about his condition. Then they sent us out while they removed his IV.
I was told to keep him right near me for the next week at least. So although I never carried a baby in a sling before, I will have Gizmo that way with me if we have to be away from the house. I’m sure some people will think I’m crazy, but that’s OK with me. I’ll do whatever it takes to insure his recovery. Some people who want to see my “baby” might be in for a big surprise though.
We stopped at Amanda’s house on the way back home where she took this photo of him. He still looks stoned as you can see.
We put him outside to use the bathroom. He squatted like a girl dog, the first time. Eventually he started to lift his leg, however he fell onto the urine soaked grass when he did so. They said that may happen for awhile. He doesn’t smell great right now. (Come to think of it, I’ve seen some guys do the same thing.) I may try to give Giz a bath tomorrow, if he’s doing better.
Tomorrow we take him to our regular vet, Dr. Parham for a follow up. I think for the first time in 3 nights, I’ll actually get some good sleep with Gizmo in his little crate on our bed. He’s not himself right now. They think he should do well. However, he’s not completely out of the woods yet. Please keep sending any spare good thoughts or prayers his way.
The rest of our furry family is coming around. I guess the chicken and rice diet is slowly doing the job. Of course, the pack thinks their new diet is just great. The twins are starting to play together again. That’s a good sign. Daisy finally picked up one of her toys and gave it a squeak. Usually I find that shrill sound annoying, today- not so much. Little Bit is starting to be a pain in the ass again, so I know he’s feeling better too.
I hate to sound mushy but I just cannot thank everyone enough for all the kind thoughts and prayers for Gizmo and the rest of our pack the past few days. I know all those were a major part of his recovery. I just know it. Yesterday this site got over 19K hits. My server actually crashed for a few minutes due to all the traffic. How wonderful to discover that so many people were thinking of him.
To all those of you who shared our story with others on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter, I will be forever grateful. I’d personally had never been all that involved with social media before. (I think it’s a generational thing.) Seeing the power of it though, I certainly will be in the future for sure.
For those that were able to send something towards his huge bill, I hold a special place for you. I know that many people wanted to help financially, but just were unable to. Do not fret, we will be fine. Of course my career as a bikini model will soon be over after I sell that kidney, but I was tired of doing that and eating is just way overrated anyway.
My God, it feels so good to be able to laugh again.
And for those of you who have just found my blog, please come back sometime soon. Usually this is a great place to spend a couple of minutes then leave with a smile. It’ll be that again soon, I promise.
I’ve really been trying for some time to figure a way to get my blog to grow. Obviously, though this wouldn’t have been they way I’d chosen.
A big wet kiss from Gizmo and the rest of our pack- a big hug from me.
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Good happy morning!
As I read your latest update my eyes filled with tears — happy tears. This is such great news, not just about Gizmo, but also the rest of your pack. What a huge relief for all of you!!!
I remember when I first read about what happened I was thinking what a good thing it was that you got home when you did, that there were no traffic delays or spontaneous side trips.
By the way, I think carrying Gizmo around in a sling is a fabulous idea. He will be up close to your heart where he needs to be… where you need him to be. Good thing he’s not a Great Dane!
Emergency vet people can be so amazing. When my little grey fur ball spent 48 hours in emergency last September they were calling me several times a day with updates. They were so patient and kind.
I’ll send more Reiki and prayers.
I’m so happy for all of you.
Please do keep sending them Miss Dancing. I’m sure they too were a big part of his turnabout.
I can’t take any credit for his turnabout, but I sure am grateful it happened.
How is the rest of the pack doing and how are they treating Gizmo? When my older cat comes back from the vet, the younger one hisses at her a lot. Must be the weird vet smells.
The rest of the pack is still having digestive issues. I know because I went out with them this morning to observe. I’m going to talk to our regular vet today to see if they need to be put on medication as well.
The pack welcomed Giz back with open paws. He was growly at first, I think because he knew he wasn’t right quite yet.
I’m not surprised the rest of the pack is still having digestive issues after the trauma they went through. I’m glad they welcomed him back. The growly part is understandable. Poor little guy isn’t feeling well and might be setting boundaries.
I’ll send extra Reiki and prayers re. the digestive issues and for Caroline and your neighbour. There is no excusing what they did, but I still would like to think that people can change for the better.
I do think some people who make an impulsive bad choice might be able to change for the better. However, this wasn’t one decision it was almost two weeks of bad decisions and serial neglect.
I think I’ll just have to leave those kind of better thoughts to you. I’m, just still way too angry.
See, I am afraid that with out some sort of consequece that there might not be a change. She needs to at least be made to see what kind of damage was done. Can we at least find a way to reach her on face book?
I looked last night. I just don’t have enough info and my neighbor certainly isn’t forthcoming. I haven’t given up though.
So happy! Thanks for letting us know.
You are most welcome Namaste. Keep your fingers crossed. He’s home, but not all the way back yet. It’s so nice to have him right next to me.
I was having a wee bit of insomnia last night, so I saw this shortly before 1AM here. I couldn’t reply as first responder, of course, so I went RUNNING to your blog and posted there. And now, finally I can post here.
I. Am. SO. HAPPY AND RELIEVED!!!!!
It is scary, though, to think that if you’d been just hours later, you might very well have been too late to save Gizmo. But hey, you were on time and he’s gonna be fine in a sling being Mama’s baby for a while, so everything is wonderful.
Bikinis be damned, it was so good to see you able to be silly and make me laugh out loud again.
Thanks for that so much Duffy. It really does feel so great to be able to laugh again.
Morning M, Thanks for the great news about Giz and the Pack. Nothing better than friends, doctors and people who care! A good blessing in a hard disguise. Happy for you and Doug…TRACK
Good morning Track. It felt so good to be able to finally share some good news for a change. Doug and Brett left for Austin this morning. I’ll tell them a big hello for you. Brett thought you were an absolute riot when we met in NYC. I sure wish I’d been able to get that cake though…
OMG, I am tearing up, I discover the horror last night and this morning the miracle! What a little cutie…Just snuggle him up! I know being with the pack will help him too…I am sharing your story also!Love to Gizmo and the others!
Thanks Pinkim. As you can probably tell from all the comments, it’s been a really rocky last few days. I’ll give them all a sweet sqeeze from you!
Oh please do! That is the first thing I wanted to do when saw his cute little picture…such a sweetie…
I was so relieved to read your post this morning….whew what a whirlwind of upset….I have been praying…I work in a church and hit the quiet, dark cool sanctuary a few times in the last couple of days praying especially for your little guy, but all of you as well…..keeping Gizmo close to you physically will do you some good as well…nothing like the warm comfort of a dog next to you…..maybe we should be praying for a change of heart for this dogsitter and your neighbor as well…..
I really appreciate your prayers Sunblossom. I just have to believe that all of them helped bring my little guy back to me. I’m not praying for my neighbor or that vile young woman. They’re on their own!
This is what I was hoping to read when I logged on this morning. Whew! What a relief!!
Loved the wood chipper (Fargo) reference…how very appropriate. Hugs to you and the pack.
Good morning Lisa. I was glad to bring some better news to everyone for a change. Evelyn said I shouldn’t mention the wood chipper again. So I guess I won’t- mention it anyway. I just wonder what she’d do to her children if she ever had any. Hopefully she’ll be infertile.
I so glad that Gizmo is doing better and yes Houston have a great 24 hour vet we have had so use it ourselves.Take care and Gizmo will be in my thoughts of well wishes and fast recovery.
Hi Fayette. Thanks for your well wishes. We all appreciate it so much. I didn’t realize there were other VN readers here except Buzzing Bee.
Thank God Houston does have such good ER vets. We were lucky VERGI was there when he needed them so.
OMG wood chipper, what the hell happened, send me the site please. My dogs are w/my husband, thank God! He never wants to leave them in a kennel or with anybody that is not my son, he or i. Which is unfair to my son. Fortunately so far one of us has stayed at home. There are a lot of baby sitting services here in Florida where they come to your house or do the sitting at their home. I prefer my house. Send me the blog where you describe what happened. OMG if that ever happened to us, i would be ready for a criminal act, literally.
Just to make sure no one misunderstands my last response, here’s my perspective on the situation.
If Carolyn had been asked to take care of five children and had neglected them the way she did these poor dogs (with all of them becoming ill and one of them having to be rushed to emergency), you can bet this would be front page news and the police would be involved.
For some people, animals don’t have the same rights as us; they’re either pets, something you take pictures of at the zoo or serve up on your dinner plate.
As far as I am concerned animals have feelings; they have rights and should be treated with love and respect. And if you’re being paid (or even doing it as a favour) to take care of someone’s animal companions, you have agreed to be responsible for their well being.
Please, don’t misunderstand. I totally understand meigler’s anger. You must also be feeling vulnerable. After all, your neighbour recommended this girl and you’re the one who returned from a two-week holiday to this horrible situation.
As for Carolyn, that girl is scary. Her lack of compassion for other beings is scary. My sending her Reiki is an attempt on my part… well, let’s just say I get scared that she could do the same thing again to other animals, to children, to anyone who is vulnerable. Imagine if she were to become a nurse! So I’m sending her Reiki in hopes she’ll change for the better. That her heart will open up and be filled with something other than dry sand and yet with Reiki it’s about the highest good for all concerned, whatever that might be. Same with prayer.
Ultimately, this situation need not have happened. Carolyn caused it to happen with her neglect. I would expect more from a 10-year-old. When Carolyn chose the behaviour she chose the consequences and she needs to be held accountable.
You know, I hope what you’re trying to do for her helps her; even if it just saves some other living creatures from going through this. I looked at Gizmo yesterday and he had blood dripping from his mouth. He’d lost two teeth. I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever get by this. I’m really slow to anger, I am. But if something truly heinous has been done to me or someone I love, I can be a really awful bitch for an incredibly long time. At least where the evil doer is concerned.
Yeah, I’d really like to see you be able to take some kind of legal action against her, M. Or maybe scratch her eyeballs out (anonymously, perhaps with a bad over your head) if you can’t do it legally. It sounds like poor, sweet Gizmo has a long road ahead of him before he’s back to a healthy, happy little dog. So you just go right ahead and be a total bitch for an incredibly long time. I think you need that right now, since you’re experiencing so much frustration over what happened and not being able to DO anything about it.
I think we can all understand this. But barring doing bodily harm to the stupid bitch, I guess we might have to settle for trying to make her a better person…Please hand over the phone number! Not to use, just to get a name to report her. Too someone, anyone…By the way, I tried to temper this so as not to be censored…hope I succeeded…
I understood the ending of your original post, dancing – but I definitely realize that people who aren’t familiar with Reiki might not have. So this explanation from you was a good idea. It was also excellently worded.
You’re NOT being “kind” toward Carolyn because she deserves it, given her criminably inexcusable behavior she CHOSE to engage in. You’re sending her Reiki in the hopes she can change and not do this to anyone else. And P.S. I *loved* your last paragraph. In my opinion, you nailed it.
So happy Gizmo is okay. Prayer works!