Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to. ~Author unknown, 1960s
I’ve had dogs for most of my life. I’m no newbie.
But coping with puppy chewing, digging, and jumping is WAY different from dealing with constant diarrhea, vomiting, and digestive upsets.
I was exhausted. Running on a low battery.
Monkey was exhausted, too.
I figured we’d be better off apart. When you trust your vet yet can’t get the answers you need, you panic.
And make hasty decisions based on emotion, not reason.
I decided to return this pup to the breeder.
She’d instructed me on his Gotcha Day that, if things didn’t work out, she wanted him back.
And things sure weren’t working out.
Then I learned that, for a multitude of reasons, returning him wasn’t an option.
Sheltie Rescue was my Plan B. But I couldn’t make myself surrender him.
When Dallas’s breeder suggested another breeder friend, I figured she’d place Monkey in a better home than the one I was providing.
What puppy wants to be stuck with a stressed-out mama?
Still I hesitated.
The idea of being “rid” of Monkey was appealing — look how much time and money I’d save, how much wear-and-tear on mind and spirit! Then his eyes would meet mine and once again, I’d feel our heartstrings entangle, and I’d be ashamed of myself.
I prayed about it … over and over … and I knew I couldn’t give up. At least until he was well (if that could happen).
Off we went to a different vet — one who’d listen to us and not act like I was Nervous Nellie.
She ordered a fecal test to see if Monkey had intestinal bacteria or, gasp, worms.
He didn’t.
Additionally, she put him on a special diet designed to heal his intestines, added some probiotics, and suggested I continue feeding him boiled chicken and rice.
With only kibble for treats.
And she prescribed 21 days of Metronidazole to heal his colon while killing the bad bacteria in his gut and clearing the way for the good strains to grow.
The jury’s still deliberating, but I’m cautiously optimistic that it’s working.
Over the past 10 days, his diarrhea has ceased. His vet cut the Metronidazole prescription in half and instructed me to gradually add back in his regular puppy food.
He acts far happier now that his bottom isn’t sore. He’s getting the hang of potty training, and we’ve taken several walks around the neighborhood to meet new people and see/smell new things. And he’s gained some weight.
Maybe we’ve finally turned a corner.
Monkey is on the mend!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Cheers to your gut for Monkey turning the corner with hopes that each corner is in a positive direction.
I hope you’re right, Frank. For sure, it’s been such a long haul to this point!
I’m so, so glad. That last photo of Monkey is more than appealing — once he’s healed up, he’s going to know you stuck with him, and he’ll stick with you like glue!
You think so, Linda? You might be right. I don’t know if puppies have that high reasoning capability though. But anything is an improvement on the past two months!
I keep remembering the connection you two had when you first met. I sincerely hope he feels better and soon brings you both the joy you deserve.
I remember that connection, too, and I know we both felt it. He’s got a lot of soul in his eyes and when he feels good (like he has recently), he’s a different pup than the one I’ve endured for two months. I just hope and pray the bad times are over.
Phew! May the progress continue! Hope that a corner has been turned and the next months are easier.
Thank you, Laurie. I’ve never known any dog owner who’s had to go through the trials we have. Lots of people have hinted I probably should let him go — for a lot of different reasons — but I’d really like this to work out. And his new vet says he’s doing way better. Fingers … and toes! … crossed.
Sounds like you are on the right path. Fingers crossed for both of you.
Thanks, Laurie. We’ll take all the good wishes … and prayers … we can get!
*thunderous applause*
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! I just love a story with a HAPPY ending, Debbie!
Kudos to you for sticking it out and following your intuition by pursuing different options. And I’m sure this whole challenging ordeal has made the bond between you and Monkey even stronger.
I love the photo of him because it literally looks like he’s SMILING!
Thanks so much for sharing your journey, my friend.
X to you both!
P.S. love the quote you shared too.
Well, Ron, I’m still vacillating, you know. Part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop. I just can’t erase all the misery we’ve both been through. Still, I’m guardedly hopeful that he’s improving. And gee, it’s so hard with a puppy because they can’t tell you how they feel or if anything hurts. And doesn’t it sound gross to have to examine the poor thing’s poop every time he goes, just to see if it looks okay?!?
You’re right … he does look like he’s smiling in that picture! And a smiling dog is a happy dog, right?!? xx
Good news! Sometimes we are tried in challenging ways, but if we persevere, we come out better and stronger. Hope the trajectory continues to climb!
I do, too, Eliza. I really want to keep him; I just can’t endure much more of this misery.
Did you find a puppy class for him?
Not yet. I’m hoping to get him over these health issues first. No one feels like learning to behave when they’re sick. If all he was doing “wrong” was digging, that’d be one thing!
I’m glad you decided to try another vet – sometimes a fresh pair of eyes sees things that someone else may have missed. I hope it all works out, Debbie – it would be a shame if you felt you had to give him up. Maybe better days are ahead…
I do hope you’re right, FF. He’s a sweetheart and he really deserves a better hand than he’s been dealt. (So do I, ha!!)
I do hope and pray that brighter days are around the corner — it looks promising with the fresh perspective of the new vet. All the misery you and Monkey have endured is incredible. Best wishes for a full recovery for puppy and a much needed rest for you. 🌷
Thank you, Barbara. I sincerely hope so, too!
Hope things are better now, Debbie! Monkey is SO CUTE!
Aw, thanks. He does get away with far too much because of that cuteness, ha!