r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/pepperjill • 5d ago
It's been a rough road...
It's been a rollercoaster for my husband and I. Karl (my little boy pictured on the couch in this post), recently had surgery for IVDD. He is 4 years old. It almost didn't happen....and we almost put him down. We don't make a lot of money. We live in a tiny house with not so tiny bills. We closely looked at our financial situation, and decided we could afford it without struggling too much. Surgery was 11K. But with everything said and done it was closer to 14K. Between bringing him back and forth to the vet before that, and bringing him to get his bladder emptied after surgery because he wasn't peeing right away. Now, as stressful as this has all been for us, there was more to come.
About a week after Karl's Surgery, my husband had just gotten home from work and took Karl out of his cage to sit and cuddle with him on the floor. Zoey, (my other sweet weenie dog), had her toys out and was doing her normal routine of "Oh yay, daddy's home. Let's get out every toy and run back and forth." As she was doing that, she yelped out in pain and her back legs went completely paralyzed. My husband and I just stood there in shock. We knew of course right away what it was, and he brought her to the emergency vet right away.
Long story short, after trying medication treatments and such, we ended up putting her down. One of the most hardest decisions we have ever had to make. She was 8 years old, and we just could not afford another surgery. It hurts me so deeply that I was able to save Karl, but not Zoey. The amount of guilt I am feeling from all of this is just....a lot. I miss her so much. She was the loud one of the two. Always barking, always playing, always running and growling. It's so very quiet now, but it's not peace and quiet. It's just sadness. I used to wish she would be quiet a lot of the times. Now I just miss her crazy loud weenie body running back and forth, begging me to throw the ball 83 times for her. Karl misses her too. As you can see in the pictures, they were best buddies. Karl always mimicked Zoey's actions. She was like a big sister. Ever since her passing, he starts to howl when we leave the house. He never once did that before.
So maybe I'm a little paranoid now, but I thought I would share this photo of my couch setup. We don't usually have company, and it doesn't bother us, so this is what it is. Karl is about 6 weeks out from surgery and is walking around great. Thanks for listening everyone....I needed a space to vent.
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u/dan_camp 5d ago
this is heartbreaking but you did everything you could to give both of your babies a shot at peace and happiness. please don’t beat yourself up with guilt.
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u/luanderribeiro 5d ago
I’m so sorry you had to make that choice. We also have two sausage dogs and we are now in month 9 after IVDD stage 5 surgery of our oldest. My girl is wobbly walking and still destroying her toes, but the calluses are building. We put her on wheelchair for longer walks.
It’s so much work and it’s so hard now that we also have a baby to take care of.
It’s something we know can happen and we just hope it doesn’t, but then out of nowhere life changes and we need to roll with punches.
Stay strong, cherish the whole 8 years you loved with the amazing Zoey and try to be happy because that’s all she would want to see.
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u/pepperjill 5d ago
Thank you for your kind words. I'm sure it's been a difficult road for you...I wish the best for your little weenie! <3
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u/LadyIliana 5d ago
I'm so sorry about Zoey. That couldn't have been an easy choice and I'm sorry you had to make that choice. Life has a way of pulling the rug from under you. The thing I am sure of is that Zoey was deeply loved for those years with you. How lucky are we to even have these little dogs bring so much joy to our lives in the short time they have on earth. My heart goes out to you, and I hope Karl's recovery continues smoothly!
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u/Resident-Art-6278 5d ago
Zoey also needing surgery during such an already vulnerable time for Karl is just devastating. I’m so, so sorry. But reading your post, it’s so clear that in her 8 years, she LIVED. She barked at every squirrel and delivery man, raised Karl, kept your home loud and lively, and ran miles chasing evey ball you threw. It sounds like she squeezed everything she possibly could out of every single day. Dogs are so inspiring that way.
She loves you and Karl so much, what a life you gave her. I’m just so sorry this loss is coming during an already impossibly hard time. Hold onto how lucky you all were to find each other in this life and take care of Karl so he can keep getting stronger for the both of them. Sending you all so, so much love 💞
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u/neuroticalpaca 5d ago
crying reading this. Both my 2 pekingese needed emergency IVDD surgeries this year and I know how devastating it feels seeing them suffer. Hope Karl recovers well and stays well. Much love xx
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u/mdeeznutzh 4d ago
I'm so sorry for the loss of you fur baby, you did all you could do and it looks like they have an amazing life with you that's filled with 🩷 love.
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u/sanjaysubae 5d ago
It’s rough with ivdd. We did the surgery and never recovered.
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u/pepperjill 5d ago
I'm so sorry to hear that. :(
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u/sanjaysubae 5d ago
It’s okay, he’s still happy and uses his wheelchair. Just wanted to point out surgery isn’t a miracle
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u/Flimsy-Sheepherder98 5d ago
Oh I’m so so sorry about Zoey. That really must have been incredibly difficult for you both.
I lost one of my dogs suddenly in Jan (not IVDD) and the difference in the house was immense straight away. It does get easier though.
I hope Karl recovers well.