On January 27 Laurel , our receptionist, called me late in the afternoon very upset because her 12 year old Yorkshire Terrier, Romeo, was attacked by two dogs. While Laurel was sweeping off her porch Romeo was in the yard sniffing around when a large Husky and a Bull Mastiff came into her yard and began to attack this eight pound dog. She rushed him to the clinic and we started emergency treatment on him. He had several puncture wounds to the thorax, was bleeding from the nose, his respirations were very quick and shallow; he could not walk or even sit up. Radiographs revealed he had a traumatic spinal cord injury. We were not even sure he was going to make it through the night. But the strength of an eight pound dog should never be underestimated! Romeo is still with us, and today he took his first steps! They were not but a few; they were awkward and clumsy and completely motivated by a McDonald's french fry but they were undoubtedly steps!
Romeo's injuries were severe and it is still not known if he is going to make a complete recovery. His progress has not come without tough times. In the beginning he was in a lot of pain. He would urinate and defecate on himself, and had to be fed a slurry with a syringe. Laurel has devoted countless, sleepless nights to his care and at times has wanted to give up. She even went as far as to have a coffin custom made for him. He currently spends his days at our office underneath her desk. If she gets out of his sight, he begins to get a little noisy and attracts a lot of attention to himself. As a result most people who come in the office hear his barking, so naturally they inquire about his story. We all have been touched by the outpouring of concern for Romeo and genuine interest in his progress from our clients and we thank ya'll for the kind words and prayers.
Romeo still has a long way to go, but today our hope has been renewed.
Romeo's injuries were severe and it is still not known if he is going to make a complete recovery. His progress has not come without tough times. In the beginning he was in a lot of pain. He would urinate and defecate on himself, and had to be fed a slurry with a syringe. Laurel has devoted countless, sleepless nights to his care and at times has wanted to give up. She even went as far as to have a coffin custom made for him. He currently spends his days at our office underneath her desk. If she gets out of his sight, he begins to get a little noisy and attracts a lot of attention to himself. As a result most people who come in the office hear his barking, so naturally they inquire about his story. We all have been touched by the outpouring of concern for Romeo and genuine interest in his progress from our clients and we thank ya'll for the kind words and prayers.
Romeo still has a long way to go, but today our hope has been renewed.
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