OT: mrs climb's dog

[Climb01742]

OPEN ON:

10 years ago mrs climb adopted a "mutt" from the new york city pound. he was slated to be put to sleep had mrs climb not adopted him. he was found chained to a fence, a skeleton with fur, who had been beaten and abused for the first year of his life. his name was 'sota (short for minnesota.)

CUT TO:

a while later. mrs climb (before she was mrs climb) is putting out garbage in front of her apartment in brooklyn. a bottle broke into sharp pieces in the garbage bag and sliced her ankle. she had no health insurance so no hospital. she went inside to her apartment and tried to stop the bleeding herself. she started to fall asleep/pass out. 'sota starts licking her like crazy. pawing at her, nudging her with his snoot. she wakes up, sees more blood and grabs a cab for the emergency room. the docs say she would have died had she fallen asleep.

CUT TO:

last night. we get home and 'sota's left eye is swollen and cloudy. he's in pain. 6 hours and two animal hospitals later, he's at tufts. the normal pressure on a dog's eye is 10-15 units (pounds per square inch?). it is 55 units on his left eye. last night they couldn't tell if it was glaucoma or a tumor. he had to stay the night and wait for the eye specialist today at 8:30AM. we'll know more this afternoon. mrs climb loves 'sota (more than me sometimes and who can blame her?) i am a well paid BS shoveller. i often feel what i do adds little to the world. but there are moments in life where money matters. to be able to say "do whatever it takes, money is no object" when a soul that your wife loves is in pain is a satisfying moment. when your child, or a family member, or a loved pet needs health care, being a well paid ***** shoveller is ok. to give mrs climb the peace of mind that anything that can be done for her loved 'sota_will_be done helps make the BS of working ok. at that moment, a dog isn't an animal. it is a soul who's become part of your soul.

[Too Tall]

You ain't all those "things" , I won't repeat, Climb-O you ARE a wonderful life partner to your wife. This is about being in the right place at the right time and having heart.
Everything will be OK. Take that to the bank.

[petitelilpettit]

Wow! What an amazing story, Climb. I hope that everything will work in your favor regarding 'sota.

Pettit

[davids]

I'll say a little prayer for 'Sota tonight.

Good luck to you and your family. And take care.

[Karin Kirk]

Climb, it sounds like you've got the proper priorities here! :)
Best of luck to 'Sota - we sure hope he feels better soon and it's nothing too serious.

[weisan]

Can they come to R2D2 too? I want to meet em' both. Take heart, love is supreme. :p

[ericspin]

I hear ya man. Last year when our (read:my wife's) Westie, Terry, got tangled up with the highly poisonous Bufo toad we had a similar situation. We flew to the world class veterinary emergency clinic we have in Tampa and they said that it was gonna be tough for him. It was nice to have shovelled enough shiite to be able to do the same thing that you did. Unfortunately the poison was just too strong and his organs began to shut down. They kept him going for 3 1/2 days. It cost $4800.00 and I do not regret spending that for one moment. Of course I wish he was still with us and we miss him EVERY day. We talk about him all the time. He definitely touched my soul. I learned so much about loving my dogs to the fullest through that experience with Terry. I have a new (17 week old) Border Collie puppy, Matsi, and I treat him differently than any puppy I have ever had. Last night was cold by Tampa standards. We put the down comforter on the bed. I woke up in the middle of the night with Matsi spooned up agaginst me _under_ the covers. In the past I would have put him on the floor and made a big deal about dirt and hair and bugs and stuff. But last night I just pulled the comforter up around him nice and tight, gave him a big hug and went to sleep. He was in the same position when the alarm went off this morning. Thanks for your post. You and your wife are doing 'Sota right.

Eric

[Chad Engle]

Pets are more than just pets. BTW, lab and a boston sleeping in our bed.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, enjoy each day.

[soulspinner]

I miss my late Newfoundland Rufus. He was a character. He was "larger than life"....

[fierte_poser]

Climb,

I hope things turn out for the best for little 'sota. That's a difficult choice you faced... I faced the same choice in June 2006 when my greyhound fell ill. Keep us posted if you can.

Kent

[Keith A]

Climb -- I do hope that the vet will be able to resolve the problem for 'sota and that he will be back with you soon. Sending you a little Florida sunshine your way...

http://www.azfoto.com/raro/photos/18.jpg

[Len J]

we're with you man........it's all part of livin'

& for soulspinner........see below.

Len

[Louis]

Abby hopes that 'sota get better soon!

[1centaur]

Good luck Climb, and I totally agree with your sentiments. Happened once 15 years ago when our German Shepherd needed specialized spine surgery to walk correctly; happened 10 weeks ago when our Doberman swallowed too much of an edible bone and it stuck halfway through the system so no food could be consumed and weight was dropping fast. X-rays did not show it, but Bronwen the vet at Bulger Animal Hospital in North Andover felt it and prepped for surgery at 2:00 a.m. Out came the obstruction, out came the credit card, life lesson for my son about the importance of money and trying hard in life. Happy Doberman, happy family.

BTW - we are lucky to have places like Tufts and Bulger in our neck of the woods. Many people would not have the option even if they had the money.

[Ginger]

I think Climb,
It has little to do with how much money you make or you don't. It's just the thing to do. And I suspect you'd do it even if you didn't have the cash on hand.

I hope the pup and your family has restful and painfree days ahead.

Mary Ann

[soulspinner]

LEN-many thanks. My Rufus was the son of a Landseer and Newf. Beautiful animal you got there...love those big blocky heads.

[Kevin]

Best of luck Climb. My bionic dog with the artificial knees, neurosurgeons, acupuncturists, oncologists, dentists, etc., may be gone, but her rolodex lives on. Unfortunately, its a New York City rolodex. If you need the use of my doggie rolodex, let me know.

Kevin

[Kevin]

Climb,

Whats the status?

Kevin

[Climb01742]

thanks for asking/caring. mrs climb just took 'sota back to tufts half an hour ago. he's on 8 different meds, topical and pills. he made progress yesterday but this morning his back legs started spasming. called tufts and they said it might be a side effect of meds. with an 8 med cocktail, that's not surprising. he is whimpering, low crying often. it is heartbreaking. its really tough on mrs climb. its a rollercoaster now. a few good hours then a bad patch. but his appetite is returning and his eye is slowly clearing. we so wish we could somehow "talk" to him. ask what's happening. and tell him all these hospitals, meds and side effects are trying to help him. a dog's whimper is one of the saddest sounds there is. love is the sharpest double edged sword there is. thanks again to everyone.

[Smiley]

We all pray for Sota's quick recovery and even if you were not well off you would have done all within your powers to make this dog well. Our best to you and Mrs Climb

[Louis]

Glad to hear that 'sota's improving. Climb, what was the diagnosis?


love is the sharpest double edged sword there is
Oh so true. Sometimes I wish I did't love animals - things might then be easier.

[djg]

I wish the best for you all. Good luck.

[RABikes2]

So sorry to read about 'sota, Climb. You would have done the same thing whether you had the money or not; you did what was right. Mrs. Climb is very fortunate to have you as part of her support system. Please give updates on 'sota.
RA