Let's Make Jackie Smile

I took in Jackie (formerly Blackie) because she's a senior girl who deserves the best life has to offer for her final days, months, or years. It quickly became apparent that Jackie had frequent urination and it seemed to be a medical issue rather than a problem with housetraining. Every time she got up from her bed she would need to pee, and would do so, outside if possible, but indoors if necessary.


Our new tile floor has been a godsend, but it was a problem that seemed to be getting worse. I actually have a potential home for her lined up, but didn't feel right about sending her off with an unknown medical problem. I collected a urine sample which showed that she had a UTI (urinary tract infection), but it also showed a large quantity of crystals in the urine, which indicated another problem.

I took her to the vet Thursday morning for an xray, which showed that her bladder was full of stones - too many and too large to entertain any hope that they could be dissolved. Surgery is needed.

I started her on antibiotics for the infection and tramadol for pain, which must be considerable. She's having surgery on Friday to remove the stones. I really hope this will alleviate her pain so we'll see Jackie really come to life. She's been doing fine around here, but there's something missing. I've remarked before that I haven't seen her smile yet, and this is probably why. She's been in pain for so long that she's grown accustomed to it, but of course it's taken a toll on her quality of life.

Animal Connections is her rescue group and will be getting her the surgery and care she needs, but I hate to saddle any rescue group with a major expense for a single dog when it was my choice to save that particular dog. I'm going to make a contribution for her care and if anyone else is inclined to help, I'd really appreciate it. We are probably looking at about $1,500 for the surgery and the vet visits and medications that she's already had and will have to follow up.

Here's a link to the Animal Connections website: www.animalconnections.org
You can access their PayPal account through the "Donate Now" button on the main page, or here's a direct link:  PayPal  (You don't have to have a PayPal account yourself, you can use a credit card.)

If you'd like to write and mail a check, the address is:
Animal Connections, Inc.
54 Zion Springs Lane
Louisa, VA 23093

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Animal Connections is now a 501(c)(3) organization, so any contribution is tax deductible.

Happy Solstice everyone, brighter days are just ahead.