Prayer reqest for my little puppy

Well, now I am really confused. I have been doing some research online regarding liver shunts. They are serious and expensive to operate on but a lot of them can also me managed with special diet etc. The breeder called me yesterday and said Killer is playing with the other dogs, eating and drinking, and whining when he doesnt get his way. I called a specialiist animal hospital to see just how much the surgery would cost (They quoted between $3400 and $4400 depending on what they find in there). I started asking some questions and they said there were a number of things that could have cause his symptoms. The breeder has Killer on antibiotics and he seems just fine. I am so confused. I want him so much but I also want what is best for him (someone with the money to have it fixed immediately if he needs it). I guess if he can be happy and healthy with us until we can save the money for the surger our prayers will be answered. Is it really a shunt or is it something else? if it is a shunt can I take that chance with his health and life? Lord help me figure this out. I guess it may seem silly to some to agonize over this so but we do love this little guy like crazy. People tell me just give him back and let the breeder deal with it, get a different dog, you dont need the expense but I feel like a mom who has just given birth to a baby with health issues, would I give my baby back. I know he is JUST A DOG (God how I HATE that statement!) but..... I will stop whinning now,,,,,

Oh, I am so sorry.

I'm keeping you and your li'l guy in my prayers.

Some people just don't get it when it comes to pets. They don't realize that to many people, pets are just like children and we would do absolutely anything for them. I'm sorry people are telling you "it's just a dog". Don't listen to them. Go with your heart. Do what YOU feel is right. I'm prayin' for ya.

That's so sad! I'm saying prayers for you and your puppy!

You go with what your heart tells you about your baby...yep he is your baby...just like mine is to me...I know people say "its just a dog"(which I hate that saying) well then they have never had a pet and yes you can bond that quickly to them...I have had Dutchess since she was 3 months old and I would be lost without her...

Keeping you and your baby in my prayers...

Hugs to you both...

Thank you all so much for your prayers. Killer is doing okay. When I talked to the breeder this afternoon she said he had a bad day yesterday but is doing fine today. She put him back on antibiotics. She wants to keep him for a couple of more weeks to get his weight up etc. My husband said it is my decision and if we decide to bring him home and he does indeed need the surgery, we will deal with it and do what needs to be done. I call every day to see how he is. I can't wait to bring him back home. People are telling me I am nuts. I guess in a way I am but what can I do... He looked at me and I fell in love. Thank you again,,,, what would I do without you

You are definitely NOT nuts! You are a responsible pet owner trying to do what is best for their pet. This world could use a lot more responsible pet owners. I have had my 95 pound "baby" for over 12 years and am not looking forward to the day she is no longer with us. I had my last dog for 15 years, so don't let anyone tell you it's "just a dog".....it's a member of the family from the minute it comes through the door for most serious pet owners. Good luck & go with your heart!
Myrna

I have a Doxie (actually have 4 doxies and a lab that thinks he is a doxie), that is 7 years old with a Portal Systemic Shunt problem. This may be what they are talking about. He was diagnosed 4 years ago and today is doing well with it. Special diet and meds to keep amonia levels down. He suffers from seizures as a result of this problem.
Keep faith, you and your little puppy can be together and you can provide a wonderful life for him with a few special adjustments in his life.
I understand your attachment to him, I would be devastated if anything happened to one of my kids (that is what I call them). I am a empty nester and these guys have filled the void in my life. They are my kids and they give unconditional love.
I wish you the best and send prayers that your little guy will get better so that the 2 of you can be together. Let me know if you want to talk more about the liver shunt problem. I will tell you all that I know and how to care for them. The Vets that treat his problem have provided me with the resources to learn about it and they are always willing to answer my questions.

Well if you're nuts, then there's alot of us "nuts" out there because I'd be the same way. My dogs are like my kids to me and I would do whatever it takes to make them well again. Even if I did have to mortage my house. LOL

Seriously though, I hope yours gets to feeling better and you can have him with you again.

First of all, I want to thank all of you who responded so kindly and so lovingly to my request for prayer for my little puppy. You are the reason I love this site! Not only are you artistic, creative, talented people you are kind and loving friends.

I spoke with the breeder last night and she said Killer (short for Lady Killer, ha ha) is doing beautifuly. He is off of the antibiotics, eating and drinking on his own and behaving like a normal, healthy puppy. She says he will be ready to come home on the first of the month. I am soooo happy!

My husband and I have had lots of discussions about this and have agreed that even though the risk is there that the vets we took him to are correct and he has the shunt, we will deal with it when we have to. We are not going into this with our eyes closed but with them wide open and full of love for our little guy. He is comming home soon,,, YEEEE HAAAA!!!

Thank you all so very, very much and please keep him in your prayers.