Tuesday, November 24, 2009

We all know our own child's cry

Even if that "child" is your dog.



This morning I was planning on going to Pilates and then getting my Thanksgiving shopping done. Jana (my neighbor across the street with the two black doggies) sent me a text asking if I wanted to go for a hike. Hmmm. Remembering that one year ago today was the first time Jana and I hiked together, I decided it would be nice to do that. So, we loaded up the doggies and headed over to our favorite park, Garin.

A photo from April - Izzy, Boomer, Jana, Me, Spike


After getting through the first two gates, it's a free for all and the dogs go running off in different directions. We wanted to go to the right today but Spike had already taken off to the left. Jana called for him and we suddenly heard a dog crying LOUDLY. She said it was Spike but I didn't think so. She threw down her water bottle and leashes and ran down the road toward the crying. Spike came limping out slowly, onto the road. I stood for a while, waiting for them to come back up.

Suddenly Jana threw up her arms and screamed, "SPIKE......" I ran down as fast as I could. She kept screaming and she could hardly breathe. She fell to her knees. When I got there I could hear her saying, "his chest, his chest." I looked down and saw a wide open cut with a flap of skin just hanging off.

We rushed all four dogs (I had Bella too) back to my car. Thank GOD I was driving. I had her sit in the back and told her to take the blanket and hold it against his chest, holding the skin up. I drove as fast as we could to Central Vet (about seven miles away) and called to let them know we were on our way. A technician met us at the door and took Spike right away. Jana finally broke down. I held her and let her cry.

I went outside and called Jana's husband to let him know what was going on. About this time the technician came out and told us we could go into a room, the doctor would see us now. He had been able to examine Spike quickly and give him some pain medication. He let Jana know what needed to be done. Spike was going to have surgery immediately. They will have to sedate him to clean out the wound, shave the area and staple it up. He also has cuts on his feet, thighs and under his belly, that all need to be cleaned up and looked at. He's pretty positive it was some barbed wire. Hopefully he will be coming home early this evening or late this afternoon.

Say a little prayer for Spike. Poor guy. A park he's been to SO MANY times in the past year just ripped him up. He just wanted to go have a little fun on a beautiful day.

Until later.............

*UPDATE* It's 5:30 and Spike is home. He has 18 staples in his chest and four stitches in a foot. He has to rest and behave himself for a few days.

19 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

OMG! How awful for Spike and for Jana and her family! Glad you guys were able to get to the vet quickly... poor puppy :(

Missy said...

I almost cried, seriously. I hate that feeling. I'm glad she wasn't alone. I've been known to just freeze and not know at all what to do.

Spike, big kisses.

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

saying prayers for Spike!! That breaks my heart, poor puppy !(and his poor mama!!)

Anonymous said...

That was horrible to read. Made me think of "my child". Barbed wire - nasty. I wish Spike a good recovery.

Unknown said...

Oh no. How heartbreaking! Sending healing vibes his way. :-(

Mark Tanaka (Ultrailnakaman) said...

I was so happy to finally see you in that park, but had no idea-- how horrible! I hope Spike recovers quickly.

Maybe we should look for the barbed wire or other sharp object to have it removed.

Judi said...

swww, poor baby!!!

5 Miles Past Empty said...

Oh my! I am so sorry! That must have been horrible! I cannot imagine, these dogs are more than dogs, they are our family. Where did that barbed wire come from?

I hope he has a speedy recovery and peace of mind for you all!

Aron said...

omgosh i cant imagine how scary that must have been :( i am so glad he is ok! thank goodness you were there for her, wow you can hold it together good.

Donald said...

Yikes! Best wishes for Spike. What an awful experience.

Shannon said...

Wow, said little story about Spike. I'm glad he survived~I wonder if he'll be skiddish about that area now?

Drs. Cynthia and David said...

Poor baby! I know the feeling.

Why are such nasty hazards sitting around waiting to hurt someone? They get the land, turn it into open space, but don't clean up the nasty barbed wire! Guess that's what volunteers are for...

Hope he feels better and everyone recovers from the trauma!

Lily on the Road said...

OMG, I sooo sorry to hear this, I really hope that Spike will recover and be a happy, healthy little guy again real soon!!

I literally sucked air while I read this, I truly hope that no one had set a trap. Maybe you should go back and see if you can ever find the location again...

Sending big hugs and kisses from Lily and me...

xoxoxox

LDub said...

omg hooowww scary! you situation was handled well... way to save the day

get better spike!!!

Maryland Girl aka Michelle said...

Wow, glad you were together and that you were thinking during the situation. Send Spikes well wishes from me and my animal crew.

René said...

I hope Spike has a quick recovery - good thing he has such wonderful and caring friends!

Southbaygirl said...

i'm so glad Spike is ok! I was crying reading this, on my phone at work! And I was so pissed off at my stupid phone that I couldn't leave a post!! It's horrible hearing that cry!!! Horrible! So glad Spike is home and better!!

RunningLaur said...

This makes my chest tighten up - it's so frightening to have this happen to your own furry friend.
Hope he recovers well and quickly.

Unknown said...

Wow!! Thanks everybody for the warm wishes and thoughts!! I am very glad to have had JoLynn with me, she really saved the day. Spike is doing great, the hardest part is keeping him calm so he doesn't rip out his staples.