How do people react when they are informed that their pet requires surgery to sustain life, or prolong the life of an aged pet?
Rescuing a pet from illness or simply the cost of spaying or neutering is a major deterrent for some families and they often chose euthanasia or abandon their pets to the streets or some lonely country road. The results we see too often are pets who are neglected or are simply handed over to the SPCA. That is the sad reality many furry friends face, and how traumatizing for them.
Fortunately there are also many happy stories regarding our four-legged friends, for instance, today in Fort St. John, B.C. I heard on the news that a woman had offered a $5000 reward for the return of her cat. The cat was her companion, not of any special breed, just a valued member of her family. I am sure with a reward such as hers, there will be many out hunting for her cat and it will be returned safely home.
Coming back to how people react to the news that surgery is required to save a pet, I was faced with this very question one month ago.
I had taken Zeus in for his wellness check-up and to update his rabies shot, but on examination the doctor discovered a mass in his stomach and things didn't look good. I was informed that the prognosis looked very grim since he also suspected cancer in Zeus's prostate gland. I was initially shocked beyond words and of course devastated. The doctor advised me that he would make an appointment for Zeus to see one of the other veterinarians who specialized in difficult cases, and was a skilled surgeon as well, but not to get my hopes up.
In an attempt to shrink the massive fluid filled cyst he was put on a regime of medication for the month of July, however it didn't help and the cyst continued to grow, as well, Zeus began to feel discomfort and pain and was put on pain medication. Now a decision had to be made, surgery or Zeus would die. The downside of surgery was there was no guarantee with the outcome of the surgery since the cyst and major blood vessels ran through Zeus's prostrate and that made the operation dangerous and perhaps the entire mass couldn't be removed. The skin surrounding the cyst was now paper thin, and there was a danger that it could burst at any time, so there was no time to wait.
While Zeus laid at my feet, still drowsy from the sedative, Dr. Udenberg informed me that Zeus would die without this operation and there was no time to lose. A skilled surgeon himself who specializes in difficult cases, had taken the initiative, I guess anticipating my response, and was able to book Zeus into the Guardian Veterinary Centre, a hospital with some of the finest surgeons in Canada and 'state of the art' facilities in Edmonton, Alberta, 600 miles from here.
An interesting thing happened when Dr. Udenberg stated that Zeus would die without the operation, Zeus sat up and looked deep into my eyes as if to say, "I want to live." There was no question in my mind as to the operation, but I was an emotional mess with the thought of Zeus dying before we could get him to the hospital, and then there was a chance that he 'might' not make it through the operation.
My daughter Melody, was driving, and while we loaded the luggage in the trunk of the car, Zeus calmly stepped onto the backseat of her car and to our surprise there he sat waiting as if to say, "Let's get this show on the road." Zeus doesn't particularly enjoy traveling in vehicles, and he 'never' enters vehicles other than mine, so this was unusual, to say the least.
From the time we arrived in Edmonton Zeus took great interest in his surroundings and constantly entertained not only us, but strangers who were completely under his spell upon meeting him.
We stayed at the Radisson Hotel - Edmonton South and upon arrival Zeus began to present himself in his very best form by marching at my side right through the sliding glass doors and straight to the reception desk. Now you have to remember that this dog is a country boy...never has he been in the city, much less large buildings with people coming to and fro...he did his breed proud. We received the friendliest welcome imaginable by all staff, and when I say 'we', I mean Zeus as well as Melody and I. He remained sitting calmly at my side while I checked in, even greeted admirers who increased in numbers and were actually surrounding him...like a celebrity, he shook hands with those who offered. I anticipated some difficulty with him on the elevator but again to my surprise he entered just like he had been doing this all his life and calmly sat down facing the door.
He was truly enjoying himself!
The Radisson Hotel in Edmonton South really has gone all out for travelers with pets, and our room was large and with full amenities, even a balcony that allowed Zeus to lounge outside. He found that a rather different view since we were on the 5th floor.
Zeus has lost twenty pounds this past month, therefore his collar was almost falling off. I decided a new collar was in order so Melody, Zeus and I went shopping at a large pet store to buy a new one. Well you can just imagine Zeus as he strolled through this store, eyes nearly popping out of his head upon seeing all the kittens, puppies and rabbits, but it was the kittens that fascinated him and he sat happily watching them with his tongue lolling out while he smiled.
The next day was scheduled for Zeus's operation and I walked with him to the surgery and then left to wait. That was so hard and I'm afraid that I wasn't very good company that day. Zeus seemed to know that 'this was it' and walked into the surgery with the technician calmly. I feared that this was the last time I would see him alive. My heart was breaking. Melody though, was very positive and her energy did help me through, that and the fact that he was in the care of one of the finest surgeons, Dr. Sereda, and his team. So if Zeus were to live it would be through the efforts and skill of this doctor. The operation lasted 3 hours. Dr. Sereda called me when he came out of surgery, he was able to remove the entire mass and Zeus had come through with flying colours. He would remain at the hospital for two days longer for observation and medications in preparation for his return home.
He and I had a joyful reunion to say the very least...and emotional! So he is now home with staples stem to stern, holding him together, but they will come out next week. In the meantime he has to remain on leash constantly to avoid running, jumping or tearing through the brush. I do take him for short walks and it is rather uncanny how he seems to understand.
So, for you Canadians, if you find yourself in the same situation that Zeus and I were, remember there is hope - The Guardian Veterinary Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, and this is a 'state of the art' hospital with outstanding specialized surgeons.
We were lucky, but there are some "if's" involved. IF Dr. Udenberg hadn't arrived in Fort St. John when he did; IF I couldn't afford the expenses involved; well it would have been tragic. What is equally tragic is that many loving and caring pet owners can't afford the care necessary for their companions. So what is the answer?
This journal is a tribute to all four legged friends and companions.
Pets aren't everything in our lives, but they make our lives a whole lot better. I can't remember who made this quote, but it is true.
ZEUS
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An update regarding the $5000 reward offered for the missing cat. The cat was located. The story of the reward the lady offered hit the newspapers across Canada and resulted in some very negative comments regarding the amount of the reward. Believe it or not, this story was also the subject of several talk shows and many felt a 'pet' wasn't worth $5000, however there were some who disagreed. What do you think???
And may the blessing of the earth be on you,
soft under your feet as you pass along the roads.
Joyce
Joyce
