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They Saved My Dog's Life

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  • They Saved My Dog's Life

    As some of you may recall from previous threads about dogs in public places, I have a service dog. Last Saturday she snuck out of the house while we were doing a kitchen renovation and got hit by a car. We were very lucky that the lady who hit her stopped and came looking for us, since my dog may have died of shock before we ever realized she was missing. Anyway, her back leg was broken into three pieces, but there was nothing else wrong with her (no internal bleeding or head trauma). Still, the emergency vet was telling us it would cost $3,000-$5,000(!) to fix her leg.

    Well, I couldn't put a young dog down over something as stupid as a broken leg, so the ER vet gave her lots of meds to keep her pain under control and Monday morning I hit the pavement with her x-rays to see if someone would work with me. Every place I went the response I got was basically "That's going to be expensive. Have you applied for a credit line to pay for the surgery?" $3-5k was an impossible amount for me to come up with... there was no way I could get credit to pay for it, either, especially at the 19% APR the vets were offering me. If I couldn't find someone willing to help me I was facing having to have her euthanized. I was getting desperate and it was only 9:30 in the morning.

    Then I found the people at James Landing Veterinary Hospital. Their first concern was that my dog was comfortable and the first thing they wanted from me were her x-rays. They promised that they would do everything they could to take care of my dog, and they have. Because she's my service dog they cut the price to a third of what every place else was quoting: a difficult price to pay but not impossible with the help of friends and family. They sent me that day to their sister clinic, the Thomasville Veterinary Hospital. She got her surgery Tuesday and is doing well. We expect to have her home late next week and the vet says she'll have a full recovery! They even think her leg will be strong enough for her to perform her mobility work of helping me get up off the ground if I fall.

    I am so glad that I didn't succumb to the shock of the amount her surgery would cost that first day and fought to keep her alive. There are still people out there who will bend over backwards to help those who need it.

    Thank you Dr Milliren and the staff at both James Landing and Thomasville Veterinary Hospitals for saving Goldie's life!!!
    Sorry, my cow died so I don't need your bull

  • #2
    I'm glad that your dog will be OK, and that you found a place with kind vets who helped you out .
    Got pictures of the dog posted somewhere?

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    • #3
      Excellent news about the vets! Have you thought about sending in a thank you to them and the local newspapers? I'm sure they would enjoy the positive press!

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      • #4
        So far I've gone around to everyone in the neighborhood and spread the word about their caring attitude. I even joined Angie's List just so I can post a write-up (I'm waiting for my puppy to come home from the hospital tomorrow so I can write a review of their total service).

        Word-of-mouth advertising can be a blessing for companies, but I'm a little hesitant about saying anything to the press. They might not want everyone knowing just how much they took off the price of the surgery. I wouldn't want to encourage SCs to try to wheedle discounts that they don't deserve... and we all know SCs will try if they hear about someone else getting a discount. I've got to find just the right balance of praise, fact, and tact.

        I will definitely be writing them a thank you that they can keep in their records or use as a reference. They're giving me back a dog that will soon be a fully functioning mobility assistance dog again. Without their help the best I would have been able to do is pay to have her leg amputated, and that would have seriously restricted her ability to work.

        As soon as I get some time I'll put up some pics of my girl on photobucket and link 'em here.
        Sorry, my cow died so I don't need your bull

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        • #5
          Maybe just take an ad out thanking them for their caring and customer service. When I found out my pup had diabetes the vet I was using asked when would I like to schedule to have him put down. I was horrified. We don't put people to sleep for diabetes, why would I put my dog down? I called 10 different clinics. All of them suggested the same thing. I was in tears before I called the last place. The vet tech put me on hold and ran and got the vet who walked me through all that i would have to do to take care of my pup, the costs and tests and continued care and monitoring and all the time I would have to put in and told me basically, no nonsense that it was a lot of time and work but if I was willing to put in the effort so was she. I was so grateful for Doctor Callahan and the Mission Pet Clinic. They were there for me for the 3 years I continued to enjoy the company of my pet and were there when he finally passed due to cancer. I was so lucky to have those 3 years.

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          • #6
            just a question? If the lady who hit your dog was kind enough to bring your attention to her.....why didn't she offer to help pay for the bills of the dog?
            It is by snark alone I set my mind in motion. It is by the juice of the coffee bean that thoughts acquire 'tude, the lips acquire mouthiness, the glares become a warning.

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            • #7
              To Aislin: That is a great story. Finding a great vet is a dream... having to work with a greedy or uncaring vet is a nightmare. I know they have to make money like any business, but when dealing with issues as sensitive as the (potentially) terminal illness or injury of a pet you would hope that they would show a modicum of sympathy.

              Quoth Sarlon View Post
              just a question? If the lady who hit your dog was kind enough to bring your attention to her.....why didn't she offer to help pay for the bills of the dog?
              I couldn't be a sucky person: It was my fault the dog was out (she slipped out the door while we were doing some remodeling) so I couldn't see trying to strong-arm her into paying the bills. I take responsibility for my actions (not making sure my dog was secured), and I'm thankful that she took responsibility for hers (she went to three houses before one of the neighbors told her who the dog belonged to). She stopped by a few days ago to find out how my dog was doing and has asked if she can visit again once my dog is feeling up to company. She absolutely has no obligation to give so much as a damn about how my dog is doing, so I appreciate her thoughtfulness.

              Will I be grateful if she offers me anything to help? Absolutely! Will I accept the offer? In a heartbeat! We just found out hubby's financial aid was cut further than we thought and we could really use the money.

              I just don't have the gall to try to guilt her into it. It would make me as bad as some of the SCs written about here.
              Sorry, my cow died so I don't need your bull

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              • #8
                Quoth EvilEmpryss View Post
                I couldn't be a sucky person[.....] I just don't have the gall to try to guilt her into it. It would make me as bad as some of the SCs written about here.



                Mike
                Meow.........

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                • #9
                  Thank you, JustaCashier.

                  As promised, here are some links to my puppy's pics. Her Mug Shots
                  Attentive
                  Sleeping (yes, she sleeps with her paws crossed like a lady)
                  And finally, her leg x-ray. Don't view this one if you're squeemish. It's not really graphic, but some people can't handle seeing a bone broken into three pieces... even if just in an x-ray.
                  Sorry, my cow died so I don't need your bull

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                  • #10
                    The good part: bone was clean breaks, I didn't see any bone chips floating around in there (can cause pain later, chip tendons, arteries etc)

                    Bake some human cookies and some doggie cookies, and take it to the vet's place. They did a hellajob helping your girl...

                    Oh, belly scritches for the doggie.

                    Cutenoob
                    In my heart, in my soul, I'm a woman for rock & roll.
                    She's as fast as slugs on barbituates.

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                    • #11
                      Cutenoob, thank you for the wonderful idea! I think I can manage to whip up some yummy treats for the staff and their guests. I'll pass on your bellyrubs, too. Goldie will love them!

                      So, we got Goldie home today, and she's full of energy and wants to run! Oh course, she isn't supposed to be running, but it's a joy to see her spirits weren't crushed with the leg. For those who are interested, here are the x-rays of her repaired leg. Dr Milliren also caught the fact that her liver was bruised by the accident, but assures us that she'll be fine so long as we give her some medicines for a few months. Goldie's in her crate and my daughter is doing a great job playing nursemaid.

                      Dr Milliren did an awesome job, though the family was a little shocked by the two pins sticking about 2" up out of her hip. My husband told the kids Goldie can pick up radio signals now, and if you put your ear against her belly you'll hear the music!

                      He also wants to put one of those little styrofoam antenna toppers on the pins. I said that since she's a veteran's dog, she should be flying a flag instead.

                      The people at the Thomasville Veterinary Hospital are the best, and I am so thankful that they saved my dog's life!
                      Sorry, my cow died so I don't need your bull

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                      • #12
                        I'm so glad they were able to help!

                        I poked around trying to find some financial aid for you, but it looks like the nonprofit that used to deal specifically with service dogs had to shut down. I don't know if we have any vets on here who might have other suggestions for where to look.

                        Give your puppy a hug for me.

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                        • #13
                          Maybe the vet has some contacts.. or may be able to work out a payment deal for you on his own.. or maybe be waive the fees and he can write them off as a charitable donation

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                          • #14
                            I agree with JustACashier; you're a very decent person for not trying to guilt-trip the lady into paying your vet bills.

                            I'm pleased to hear about the veterinarian who was able and willing to help you for a reduced fee; I second the cookie suggestion.

                            Your dog is adorable. Love the crossed paws and the hamming it up for the camera! What breed of dog is she?
                            I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.
                            My LiveJournal
                            A page we can all agree with!

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                            • #15
                              That's wonderful news! I'm so glad your pup is on the mend and that you found such a great vet. They're a rare breed, pun intended

                              I'm not sure how much help it will be, but here is a page with a list of links and info for vet costs:

                              http://www.humanesociety.org/animals...nary_care.html

                              Sorry about the formatting. You may have to cut and paste. Towards the bottom is where they list breed specific organizations and those for service animals. Also, since you mentioned she is a veteran's dog, contact your local Veterans Administration, VFW (Veterans of Foreign War), American Legion, or any local military posts.

                              Goldie is adorable! My puppy folds her legs like that too, it's so cute!

                              Good luck!

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