lazycrockett said:

Actually, I'm not sure how much it's going to cost. They warned me that it's commonly that much for this type of procedure and had me sign an agreement to pay if it indeed became that much. When I took a cat into this guy last year, he did about $1500 worth of corrective surgery on his shattered arm and the cat had a million other problems as well. Because he has such a huge heart and truly appreciates people who will go out of their way to help a stray or injured animal, he only charged me $350. He might cut me a deal again. But if he doesn't, that's fine too.

Our very first dog Breezy was hit by a car on the highway and shattered her pelvis. We took her to Michigan State University which is just about the best veterinary hospital in the country. They did hip replacement surgery on her and it cost $2500 if I remember correctly. The funny part about this story is that my grandmother gave my father a bunch of grief about spending that much because she's "just an animal". Everyone in my family gets along great, but I think it's the one time I remember my dad telling my grandma to fuck off.

I understand that many people don't have the same kind of emotional and sometimes financial investment in their pets as I do. I was raised to feel the way I do about all creatures and I think I just gravitate towards animals anyway. Having pets can be an expensive and trying experience, just like children. But I don't adopt these animals and do my best to give them a good life, just to give up when a difficult patch comes along. I don't know if you were passing judgement for my decision to help my dog, but that's how it appears in the way you worded your question. I'm not going to take offense to it, but I'd just ask you to not judge me or others for this, the same way I'm not judging you right now. Thank you.

Not my Frank!!!


I hope he's feeling better soon.


For you and Beamie.

Hi sweetie,

As sappy as it sounds, I just have to say that the love between you and Nathan is an awesome thing to witness and brings tears to my eyes. How could Fang not be okay with a daddy and uncle like you two? Love like that is where the living God is truly found.

Moonbeam said:

OMG!

Fang's getting CRUNK!!! That's totally how you guys are together.

I think a simple "Shut the fuck up" sufficed. There was no need for his comment whatsoever.

Moonbeam said:

True. But if someone doesn't get it, they just don't get it. If explaining my decision helps someone understand, I'm more than happy to do it.

psychodelicide said:

He's absolutely remarkable. I brought a dying cat into him last year that he was miraculously able to save. He said that it was the closest he's ever seen an animal to death that actually lived. I've brought in injured opossums and birds and he'll take anything in and give it his best shot. I've even known him to go to the site of an accident to try to save a deer or whatnot. The guy's extremely gifted. And he's at most 35, probably younger.

GangstaFam said:

Yup. But that kind of comment is still completely uncalled for and its point could have been better utilized as its own thread.

i hope your dog is doing better today, Gansta. Flipped stomachs is a genetic thing, not a give your dog spaghetti thing.
My grandmother (not a dog) had it happened too. Surgery corrected it, and she lived to be 95.
Your dog will be fine too. Soon he'll be back to humping legs and stuff

Wow, what a guy! He definitely has a deep love for animals and definitely loves what he does for a living. Wish there were more people like him in this world.

purplerein said:

Flipped stomachs can happen in people too? That's a scary thought. It must be very painful, not to mention uncomfortable.

Moonbeam said:

you two are like a walking, breathing yin/yang symbol.

Hey Gangsta, if this vet who's taking care of Fang has saved two of your pets now, why don't you use him all the time?

Anx said:

I don't usually lash out at people, but nobody messes with family. Ask Paul Zamit!

psychodelicide said:

Where do you live? People like him are out there.

psychodelicide said:

That's what I wanted to ask. I've never heard about it in people.

Moonbeam said:

We usually line up on most things. And if someone was giving me shit in person about this decision, I might not feel so charitable. But I think just like vegetarianism, many people don't have any point of reference for why someone makes that lifestyle decision. Some are just animal people. Some aren't. But it doesn't mean that they can't become that way. Sometimes it just takes the right person to show the way.

In Ohio. There probably are vets around like him here, I just haven't found them yet.

you know i understand completely.

and the thing about yin yang is that when you put them together, they make a balance. in other words, i was teasin' you guys with my comment, but (especially from a taoist) it was definitely meant as a compliment.

it's cool to see how you guys interact.

psychodelicide said:

That's what I wanted to ask. I've never heard about it in people.

she kept throwing up...this was when she was in her late 80's...the doctor said her stomach was twisting, and had to be tacked into place to keep from twisting.

purplerein said:

Yikes! Glad they caught it in time.

See, that's what's great about these threads. We can find out information that might save a life someday.

GangstaFam said:

I think a simple "Shut the fuck up" sufficed. There was no need for his comment whatsoever.

Okay. Now for an update...

I got a call from the vet this morning. Fang has been resting well and not too anxious about his new surroundings.

He's gone to the bathroom and has been drinking some water. But he still hasn't eaten yet. The doctor originally wanted to discharge him today, but he wants to make sure he's eating and handling the food before sending him home. So they're going to keep Fang through the weekend. The doctor will check on him several times each day and let me know if there are any changes I need to know about.

I'm a little relieved about this decision. Fang has mostly been at my mom's house since we rescued him. Because he's a hound, he always has to be on a leash when he's outdoors. And there are a lot of stairs to get into her house. I think I'm going to Fang-proof my own place since there are no stairs to get in the house and my backyard is fenced in. It will be a lot easier for him to heal if he doesn't have those physical obstacles to deal with. But I'm going to need a couple days to get it together. I can't imagine this lining up any better for him.

you haven't answered why you don't use the vet taking care of Fang right now, for regular visits..?

to be honest Moon, Gangsta impressed me with the patience, wisdom and serenity of his answer. I don't know Gangsta, but he seems like someone I'd like to know

GangstaFam said:

Word.