Sorry to start the day out on a bad note...

I took my dog to the hospital last night. She ate some cloth the other day and has stopped eating. They did xrays and found she was obviously obstructed but couldn't see anything. They wanted to do surgery to the tune of two thousand dollars. As much as I love her, there's just no way I can come up with that kind of money. I explained my situation to the vet and let her know this dog is my kids best friend. She's mine too and has gotten me through some hard times as well. The vet was very kind and even donated some IV fluids. The intent was to keep Lady alive through the night so my kids have a chance to say their good byes. That's going to be an ugly scene. I'm supposed to take her in again this morning for more xrays to see if there is any change. I just let her out to use the bathroom and although she tried, no success. If surgery is required to remove the obstruction, I'm afraid I'm going to have to let her go. Does anyone know of a vet any where in the Westland/Detroit area that could do something for real cheap? Are there any funding groups out there that can help? I was up till 3am looking and sent an email to Angels4Animals only to have it returned undeliverable. I hate to lose a friend and companion simply because of lack of funds.

I'm so sorry about your dog Being a pet person myself, I know your decision is not an easy one. I used to be from the area, but it's been a long time and I can't think of anyone off-hand. Perhaps you could call the Humane Society and ask if they know of a vet who might be able to help?

And while I know you want to do the right thing for everyone, please keep in mind that it may be far crueler to your dog to put him through so much, when he won't understand what is happening or why. Hard as it is, sometimes the most loving thing you can do is to let them go.

If you need an ear, please feel free

Perhaps I am so sorry to her about your dear friend!!!!

I will say a prayer and hopefully the obstruction will clear. Try gently massageing her tummy. It may help loosen things up.

So sorry to hear that.Just went throuhg same thing with my brother. Luckley his dog turned out okay for now.
If i ever win thew lotery.Thats what i will donate money for.
PEASE TO YOU AND YOUR KIDS>AND OFCORSE THE DOG!!

thats so sad..over here in england they let you pay it off bit by bit if you cant afford to pay in full. if she is in pain i would get her put to sleep love.as much as it would hurt you, it would be the kindest thing to do for her.could you not get a loan from the bank or something?

can you not sell your boat or bike, its just a thought, i would sell anything it ment saving one of my animals...or even pawn them until you can raise the cash to buy them back?

Sorry to hear about your friend... I had to put one of my dogs down 2 yrs ago..was the one of the hardest things I've ever had to do..but she had lymphoma..no choice.. so I know how hard this is for you..

Will the vet not take any kind of payment plan maybe ? or is that not an option..

find out if that vet accepts care credit. care credit is a medical credit card that you can use for vet care also, in addition to human care. if that vet accepts care credit, they can get you an answer within a minute or two. i have it and it is invaluable. the credit limit approved will vary based on personal circumstances, but it never hurts to try....i didn't think i would qualify, but i did, for $1,000. maybe the vet will be kind enough to let you make arrangements to make monthly payments for the balance, or for the complete surgery. if not, GET ANOTHER VET!!!!! it is deplorable, that a vet would refuse to treat, because of up front money. i've lived all over the US with my animals and made it a point to find a GOOD vet to work with. Thank God, i've always been blessed to do so. PLEASE do not give up---get on the phone immediately to other vets.....and apply for care credit. My heart goes out to you and your dog.....Freda

so sorry to hear this....animals can touch our hearts just like kids.

did you inquire as to whether the vet would do a payment plan? I know I've had to do that with a cat I had years ago, that was mauled and attacked by dogs and he had to go through some extensive surgery to save his life.

Thanks for the prayers and advice everyone. I plan to check with the Humane Society and my regular vet for options. The emergency vet offered care credit but I'm still waiting on my ex to pay off our marital debt with my retirement! I won't swear here, at least not out loud. It would be nice of her to offer to help, after all this is our family pet which she abandoned along with everything else. So, my credit is in limbo at the moment. I wouldn't be able to sell the boat this time of year in Michigan. I owe more on the bike then it would sell for. It's gonna be a tough call. I don't want Lady to suffer and will have to make a decision this afternoon. I don't want the kids to suffer anymore either so I hope something good happens today.

I wish you the Best in any decision you have to make..

So sorry to hear of your situation! Can't the vet bill you and let you make payments or something? I know how you feel though, I had to take put two dogs to sleep. The first was our family dog of 13 years and no one else had the heart to do it and the second was my dog of 2 and a half, he was hit by a car. It was very tough for me to do but I feel if we love them enough, we will not let them suffer! I just stayed and hugged them until it was over, that's all we can do sometimes.

Try calling the humane society. They may be able to help you. I'm so sorry for your situation.

Thanks MariJane. I see you have some real swell dogs of your own. I have 3 dogs, a cat, a rat named Dumbo, and two fish. I got my kids a Shar Pei Boxer mix for Christmas this year. His name is Rufus. Great dog, but unfortunately it upsets Lady cuz he gets all the attention. This is why she started eating clothes. Man, you try to do something nice and it upsets the whole pecking order.

Yes I know what it's like. I had a beautiful black female cocker named Lady Charmaine Caviar that had to be put to sleep when she was 8. It really hurt my older kids, they were young at the time. It hurt me a lot too. I spent a lot of time personally grooming her and she was an excellent pet. It seems like I'm reliving it with my younger kids now. I took her away after the kids loved on her for a while and didn't come home with her. I stayed with her when she got the shot until she was gone. Very hard thing to do. I named my new Lady after her.

yep..my Ruby thinks she needs all the attention..and makes sure she gets it.. I hope you can find a good solution for Lady..Dont give up..

I just wish it would stop raining for a moment.

expecting rain here today ..but it is 60s

What makes this even more difficult, is my ex decided to get a dog for my 12 year old for her birthday last year. She got it when her mother was on vacation, she lives with her. When MIL found out, it upset her, she doesn't want pets. Two months later, the dog (and it's cage) were mysteriously stolen. My daughter was devastated! This daughter wants to be a vet herself, a real animal lover, which is why we have so many pets. Dad's a softy I guess.