Sad happenings with my poodle, AnnaBelle

[kimlovescats]

I've been away from PT for quite a while, but I wanted to share something horrible that happened to my precious AnnaBelle.

About a month ago, she suddenly became paralyzed in her back end. We rushed her to the ER vet and they kept her overnight. The next a.m. I took her to my regular vet .... she had blown a disc in her spine ..... halfway down her back. It was crucial that surgery be done within the first 24 hours of the accident. So.... we rushed her out of town to a neurological specialist vet, and she went in to emergency surgery. There was a very slight chance that it would help, but we had to try. Unfortunately, when they got inside, her spine was blue with terrible bruising. As it turns out, there is little to no hope of her ever walking again. She is paralyzed from her waist down, and is totally incontinent. The vet said that "most" people would have her put down, but that is not an option for us right now. As long as we can give her some sort of quality of life, we will keep trying.

I keep AnnaBelle in regular baby diapers, I cut a hole in each one for her tail to stick out. I also dress her in human baby onesies and pull on pants so that she doesn't get carpet burns and irritations from dragging her belly and back legs around. It is quite an adjustment, as we have to manually express her bladder and I do her bowels as well. It's just like having another human baby, except even more detailed. I will keep on trying and fighting to keep her comfortable, healthy and happy as long as I can! We are planning to order her a doggie wheelchair / cart soon as well, so she can have some freedom of mobility.

It has been a financial burden as well, we have already spent $3000.00 on her surgery and a cart will be nearly $400.00 .... but we just love her so much!]

Here are a couple of recent pictures of my baby!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/kimlovescats/P1070679.jpg


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y244/kimlovescats/P1070682.jpg

Please send some good thoughts and prayers that my girl will be able to live a full life!

Kim

[k9krazee]

Oh my goodness!! She will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers!

[lv4dogs]

Oh Kim, what a tragic thing to happen. I am so sorry. You are an angle for keeping her alive & comfortable. kudos to you.

Yous will all be in my thoughts & prayers. ((hugs}}

[zoomer]

Oh, AnnaBelle... I'm so sorry you're going through this :( Give thanks to your owner for doing what she can for you.

I'm so sorry about your baby ((hugs)), when I read your thread it made me sick thinking of what you & AnnaBelle are going through. AnnaBelle will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Ginger's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear about AnnaBelle. She is lucky that you were so quick to try to get her the help that she needed. I will definitely keep that pretty little girl in my thoughts and prayers. How old is that little girl? Hugs to her and to you for being such a loving Mom.

You may want to contact Bailey's Mom since he has the seems to have the same problems as Annabelle, maybe you can share some thoughts and ideas.

[Muddy4paws]

I am so sorry to hear about AnnaBelle. She is lucky that you were so quick to try to get her the help that she needed. I will definitely keep that pretty little girl in my thoughts and prayers. How old is that little girl? Hugs to her and to you for being such a loving Mom.

You may want to contact Bailey's Mom since he has the seems to have the same problems as Annabelle, maybe you can share some thoughts and ideas.

I was going to suggest talking to Bailey's Mom too, She seems like a really nice lady and Im sure she will have plenty of tips for you about AnnaBelle, Im really sorry to hear she went through that

[catlover4ever]

Oh Kim, I'm so sorry that this had to happen to you and AnnaBelle. You can see that her quality of life is still good and I'm so happy that you decided to continue to give her a chance. :) (((HUGS))) to you and AnnaBelle...prayers and good thoughts coming your way --- Meg

[moosmom]

Kim,

I am so sorry to hear about AnnaBelle. At least she's home, not in pain and is living out her life with her favorite people. You are far from most people, and I know you'll only do what's right for her.

She is adorable!

[kufan]

What a lucky girl to have you! Poor thing.

[Karen]

Aww, I have seen several dogs with wheelchaiirs who do quite well. Thank you for loving her and caring for her so much. Kisses to AnnaBelle.

[Jadapit]

She is a beautiful girl! I agree with Karen thank you for loving her so much and doing so much for her. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Laura's Babies]

Kim, that is true love for you not to give up on her when times get bad and I think this is about as bad as it gets. Honestly, I am not surprised with what you decided, knowing you, what else would you do? This is YOU and what you do! Once all the adjustments are made, I think you and AnnaBelle will have lots of wonderful years still ahead. Thank God you are her Mommie and not someone else who would have thrown in the towel.

(By the way, I've missed you!)

[pitc9]

Many hugs to you and sweet Annabelle.
Bless you for not giving up on her.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Oh how horrible, poor Annabelle. She is in my prayers.

Are those Jenna's old baby clothes? They look adorable on her, pink is certainly Annabelle's color.

[catfamily]

Prayers on the way for poor Annabelle.And prayers to you kim to keep up the strength.She looks good.I hope she can adjust and live a long wonderful life with you.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm sorry this happened to your AnnaBelle. :( She is truly blessed to have you to love her and care for her. She's a beautiful girl. :)

[cyber-sibes]

What a sweet little girl, I commend your efforts to care for her. Hopefully the cart will help her feel more self-sufficient again. Keep us posted!

[jazzcat]

Oh Kim I'm so sorry. I know AnnaBelle is so very special to you.

Prayers and good thoughts are on the way for your little sweetheart.

[kimlovescats]

Thank you all so much for the kind words and support. We actually didn't keep any of Jenna's baby clothes, so I bought these new for AnnaBelle! Thank you also for telling me about Bailey's Mom ... I will try to contact her! I did find a wonderful board at www.handicappedpets.com ... there are several other members there with the same type injuries as AnnaBelles. They have been a great support and given me lots of tips on caring for her!

Kim

[Craftlady]

Looks like AnnaBella, is doing great under the circumstances.
Those outfits are adorable on her. Thank goodness she will let you put them on her.

[Jods]

Oh my goodness!! Poor annabelle1 YOU ARE SUCH A great! OWNER FOR DOING THIS FOR HER!!

[catmandu]

Kim you know taht we are praying hard for Annabelle.
Regis, and Buster Angels and The Moose are there to comfort your brave Little Dog, and see her through her crisis.

[wolf_Q]

I'm sorry to hear about Annabelle. :( She does look adorable though I hope the cart will help her.

Do you still have Hampton the siberian husky?

[elizabethann]

Oh poor thing. She is so cute & looks like a love. I think the cart will help allot. Good luck & keep us posted. Take care.

[rg_girlca]

Oh Kim, I am so sorry to hear about dear Annabelle. I pray that she is able to adapt to her handicap and remains a happy girl that she is.

Bless you both for loving her enough to make sure that she lives out the rest of her life in comfort.

I viewed some of the handicap website and there are alot of inspirational stories there and I am so glad that they have been such a great support for you to help you deal with your precious Annabelle's handicap.

Prayers on the way for her and ((((((HUGS)))))) for you.

[luvofallhorses]

beautiful Annabelle will be in my thoughts and prayers. (((Kim & Annabelle)))

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kim, I'm so sorry to hear about Annabelle.:( I hope that she'll be able to adapt to the cart so she'll be able to get around easier. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[zoey]

I'm sorry to hear of dear AnnaBelle's misfortune. Her life is so different now, but obviously the love and caring is the same. Bless you for your devotion to her. I'm sending out positive thoughts and prayers for her and for your family.

[Alysser]

I'm so sorry, for both you and pretty little, Annabelle. Your a wonderful owner for doing this, and I hope the cart would help her. ((hugs)) and prayers on the way for you both.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

I'm so sorry :( Good for you though for helping Annabelle as much as you can through this time. I'll keep Annabelle and yourself in my thoughts.

[trayi52]

So sorry to hear of Annabelles sickness. Kim, I am so happy you have made the decision you have to keep her with you. I know you can do it, because you love her so much. She is just too beautiful to let go of now. I pray that she has a very long and useful life, that it is alway happy. I know that it can be too.

My prayers and good thoughts are with you and Annabelle. You done exactly what I would have done in that situation. I would not have her put down either. You are the woman!

Willie

[shais_mom]

I'm so sorry to hear this Kim.
Much love to you and Annabelle.

[Pam]

Kim I am totally heartbroken to read this. How did she injure herself? I had a toy poodle once who was jumping up in the air and must have twisted herself somehow because she let out a horrible yelp. She, too, had injured herself but thankfully after a regimen of steroids she was OK. These freaky accidents can happen anytime and it is so scary to even think about it. AnnaBelle is one very lucky girl to have you in her corner. Bless you as you care for her. I am glad you have found some support groups to help you through this. Please don't stay away from this board so long. I am so happy to see you back but of course not under these circumstances. :(

Do you remember this? You made it for Ripley and AnnaBelle in honor of their romance. :) Ripley sends his love to you and AnnaBelle as do I. (((hugs)))

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v80/Belrip/Graphics/RipAnnabelle.jpg

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so sorry to hear about Annabelle, Kim. She's such an adorable little girl and she has the best family she can possibly have. Please tell us how she was injured. I worry about Daisy jumping down so much. I dread the day that she can't walk from jumping too far when she doesn't realize what she's doing. Kisses to that sweet little baby from me please :)

I love the siggy, Pam. How adorable!!

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Do you still have Hampton the siberian husky?

Oh yea, I can't believe I'd forgotten about Hampton. We'd love an update on him and Gretta too.

[Lori Jordan]

I'm so sorry to hear the news,My thoughts and prayers are with Dear AnnaBelle!She is still cute as a button!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I'm very sorry to hear about AnnaBelle. It sounds like you can offer her a very good quality of life even after such a tragedy. You'll both be in my thoughts.

[kimlovescats]

Thank you all so much, I truly appreciate your support! To answer a few of your questions ...

AnnaBelle is only 4 years old.
We aren't sure how she injured herself, but the only thing she ever did that could have caused it was to jump off of a twin bed. She laid on it regularly, so we are nearly positive that's all that happened. I would never have dreamed that could cause such an injury, so everyone please be cautious about beds, couches, etc. with your doggies!!!!

Yes, Pam I certainly do remember AnnaBelle and Ripley's romance!!!! Thanks so much for caring about my girl so much!!!

Hampton went through puppy classes, but became so large and strong and just would not calm down. He constantly jumped on everyone, and he was hurting me all the time. I am just too weak and small framed to handle him. Plus, there was no way I could ever let him around my grandbaby, just his claws alone would have seriously hurt her. In addition, AnnaBelle could not stand him at all! As fate would have it, it has worked out for the best, because he would certainly not have been safe to have around her now!

We could not bear to keep him confined outdoors, so we made the difficult decision to rehome him. Thankfully his breeder was able to place him with his next door neighbor, and we live in the same neighborhood! Unfortunately we recently found out that Hampton has a Sibe condition that is causing him to lose his sight, and that just breaks my heart!

As far as our doxie, Gretta ... she is 8 years old now and doing great. It is ironic because we have always halfway expected her to have a back injury, then it happens to AnnaBelle. Oh, Pam, AnnaBelle isn't actually a "toy", she is a miniature .... slightly larger.

I hope I answered everyone's questions! My girl is at a special groomer's today who takes care of special needs doggies! I'm so thankful and can't wait to see my girl all cleaned up! I think it will make her feel better to get all prettied-up again!

Kim

[Cataholic]

Kim,
You are simply amazing, and AWEsome! What compassion. I hope you and AnnaBelle enjoy many, many more years together. We live with what we have, not with what we don't.

Johanna

[ramanth]

Kim, I'm so sorry about AnnaBelle. But it looks like she's doing well with your love and support. What a sweetie.

My gecko breeder has a Chihuahua and she did the exact same injury jumping down from the couch. She, however, was able to keep her motor skills with the emergency surgery.

Such a scary thing to happen.

*HUGS*

You and your family are awesome.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

AnnaBelle is only 4 years old.
We aren't sure how she injured herself, but the only thing she ever did that could have caused it was to jump off of a twin bed. She laid on it regularly, so we are nearly positive that's all that happened. I would never have dreamed that could cause such an injury, so everyone please be cautious about beds, couches, etc. with your doggies!!!!
Bitsy, my pomeranian, hurt her back on Christmas Eve a few years ago. All she was doing was going down a couple steps off our porch. We were so fortunite that she wasn't hurt as badly as she could have been. The best Christmas gift that year was that she was going to be alright and didn't need to stay at the vet's office. She was on meds for a long time after that, but now she's doing great. That day was the first thing I thought of when I first read about Annabelle. I really took Bitsy's health and good fortune for granted. Annabelle's story was a huge eye-opener for me.

[RobiLee]

Wishing AnnaBelle all the best. This must be so hard on you. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[BaileysMom]

Dear Kim,
I am sorry, I just now was able to read this thread. THANK YOU sooooo much for not putting your little girl down!!!! My baby has the exact same handicap and I actually adopted him after the fact. He is the love of my life! Bailey wears baby diapers as well and LOVES life! We are actually building him a wheelchair today and are almost done just have to run to the store and get a couple more parts. If you would like information on how we made it I'd be happy to get that for you. It only is costing us about $30. or so as opposed to $250 if you buy one. It is soooo easy to make. I think we will have worked on ours for maybe a total of an hour if that. So any help I can give, I am very glad to! I am soooo excited to hear that there's another member on here with the same situation. Of course I am sad that it happened to your little girl but maybe this will be good as we can swap ideas and support eachother. If you search my screename you can find pictures and stories on my little boy. I would love to help and support you in any way. Good luck to you and AnnaBelle (LOVE her name). May God Bless you!

~ Dani and Bailey

[CathyBogart]

AnnaBelle, you are so lucky to have such a loving mama. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well. Poor girl, who could have guessed that such a small thing sould cause such an extensive injury. :(

[kimlovescats]

I appreciate so much all of the loving words of comfort and support!
Bailey's Mom, I would like to know how you are building your cart .... wow!
We haven't ordered ours yet, maybe we won't have to if they are that easy to build!

I sent you a PM as well!

Kim ;)