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What to do with the little bugger when you have an emergency

2K views 26 replies 21 participants last post by  Ewokpup 
#1 ·
I just spent the morning (5hrs) in the emergency room. I`ve been having a really hard time with my asthma for the last month or so. I should have gone much, much earlier for treatment (and I barreled through all the inhalers I had in short order).

The problem....

What to do with Brody. There just aren't facilities here to handle this sort of thing.

I`m not from here originally and I`m not super good at the whole making friends thing (and it`s just so much harder an adult and when there isn`t $$$ to spare for hobbies, etc.). I`ve never been the social butterfly. I`ve been up here 7 years and haven`t made one friend. So, I`ve kept putting off going in and trying to just ease by and hope it would pass so I wouldn't have to worry about Brody. I don`t trust him not to bark non-stop in my apartment.

This morning, it was -20C and there was 2 feet of snow on my car. By the time I got out there I was gasping for air...by the time I unburied my car, I thought I was going to die. So, instead of heading in to work, I headed into emergency.

4 rounds of medication in the nebulizer and it was just getting worse. Plus the drugs made my heart rate pretty much double. I had monitors galore which kept beeping like crazy because it apparently didn`t like my breathing rate or my heart rate.

Meanwhile, poor Brody is in the car. The hospital phoned my work and my boss came and picked him up. I was worried about the poor guy left alone in there (he was in there about 3 hours).

Anyhow, after a round of IV and prednisone and another round of nebulizer things finally started to improve and my vitals finally hit a point where they would release me.

When I got to my car, the inside of the windows were all fogged up (and frozen over), so I`m sure that was from Brody. I`m so shaky I dropped my purse and my prescriptions (4 different ones), my cell phone and my wallet fell under my car. I didn`t notice the wallet, but a lady in the parking lot did and told me...thankfully! I`d have been so screwed without my wallet too.

So, off to the pharmacy to fill the prescriptions and pick up a few groceries since I had nothing here (not even toilet paper!). Then I headed home to drop off the groceries and peel all the sticky things they left on me from the monitors.

Just trying to relax a little bit. I still have to go pick up Brody from work. I`m so sore and so shaky from the meds, I just need to sit a little while before I go do that.

I miss him.

I hope he`s behaving and not too traumatized. Poor guy.
 
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#2 ·
Wish I could help you, but too far away! I hope you feel better very soon. Maybe there is some kind of doggie day care/hotel you can try?

I am going to leave my baby for the first time over Xmas with the place I got her and I know they have lots of other dogs to play with and are very good with them, but I know I will be so stressed out when I go, and miss her so much!
 
#3 ·
OMG, what a horrendous day! Thank God your boss was so good to go pick up and take care of Brody!!! I'm glad they were able to get you back in shape, but my lord, what an ordeal! Knowing your baby was out in the car in those tempatures, didn't help calm your asthma attack in the least! Did they give you something to prevent this whole thing from getting so out of hand again! No hubby, significant other, kids or family near to help with Brody?!? If not, it's time to research day care, dogsitters, and whatnot, in case of another episode!! I hope the kid is no worse for wear from his stressful day! Best wishes!
 
#4 ·
I picked Brody up from work and he was fine - although he did apparently poop in my boss' truck when he came and got him. (I'm not surprised, he didn't do his morning poop).

Brody was happy to see me, but not anxiety ridden so, just happy.

We're home now relaxing. I'm very sore.


There really is nothing here in terms of pet sitting, day care, etc. - it's a small and more remote (not like total boonies remote, but there's one Walmart and a Staples and that's it for major stores)...the only kennel isn't even in this town. I have no hubby, kids, recent exes or significant others. It's really just me and my lonesome. I'm glad my boss came and got Brody. I think he just stayed in his crate at work and cried for me (Brody, not my boss ha ha).
 
#6 ·
Hi Tracy,
Wow, what an awful day. Glad you're both home now. I know what you mean. We're pretty remote too. It's not like there's a doggy daycare or anything of the sort.
That's a nice boss to come pick him up for you though. Long time for the little guy at -20. Does he always come with you? Or would he be okay at home by himself?

Get better :)
 
#7 ·
Hi Tracy -- What a horribly stressful day. Maybe the silver lining is to spur you on to think "outside of the box" in terms of what supports might be available. Your boss sounds like a great guy. Tho have to say, I am glad you cleared it up that he was not the one in the crate crying for you all day. I was just trying to picture that. :pound:

Anyway... I think I feel particularly drawn to you posts because although my situation is not the same as yours in some ways, i.e. I live in a big city, I am a single person in an apartment (actually a tri-plex), so can relate to your challenges around that. I do have a neighbor and a friend who can sometimes watch Benjamin, though not necessarily at a moment's notice. He is scheduled for his neutering surgery at the end of this month, and until that is done with he is not eligible for doggy daycare. Even when he is, I can't afford to put him there too often, because it is expensive! Anyway... how about advertising in the local paper, possibly offering a dog sitting exchange? I have one friend who currently has a full schedule, but after she is done with school will be more available. We are talking about taking turns, i.e. she will leave her dog with me 1 evening a week, and I will leave my dog with her on another evening. Both of our dogs love playing together! I know you said you are not a big socializer, neither am I, but it amazes me how much dogs can bring people together. No matter how small of a town you live in, I'm sure there are plenty of dog owners around, possibly some who are a lot like you. Maybe you'd even make a new friend or two. I'm rootin' for ya! :whoo:

-- Eileen
 
#9 ·
Tracy, I'm so sorry you had such a horrible day. It's bad enough to be dealing with a health crisis, without worrying about your pup at the same time.

Even if you aren't "friends" with the other people in your building, is there anyone else with a small dog that you could approach and ask if you could each be reciprocal "emergency care" for each other? Often people are happy to step in to help if they know there is a need like this. For that matter, even if Brody made noise in your apartment, could you, in an emergency, call the super, tell them what's going on, and leave a note on your door? Certainly people could put up with him making some noise in an emergency situation.
 
#10 ·
Tracy, sorry for your rough day. You sound too nice not to have some friends you can rely on. Try to get out there, we're like our dogs , we need others to some degree and need to socialize. Join some sort of group, and see what happens ,or get talking with others you meet that have dogs. You're much too nice not to be interacting with people. Take care of yourself. Hugs Dave
 
#13 ·
I've had a couple of family emergency situations where I had no one to help out. What I did was make sure Marlowe had potty'd, then I hid a key under my doormat, and once I had a bit of downtime at the hospital or whenever, I texted a semi-friend from work to go check in on Marlowe. It's worked out well enough.
 
#14 ·
So sorry about all your health issues, Tracy . . .I'm sure the stress of what to do with Brody only made it worse. I agree with the suggestion of checking your vet for boarding. But in bad weather and and a health emergency, there's not always extra time to drop off pets. It's absolutely vital to connect with others. I moved to West Texas four years ago from another state and didn't know a soul. First thing I did was get involved in a birding group, a church and a local women's political club. Before I knew it, all my free time was taken up and I've made some wonderful friends in the process. It's not easy, I know . . .but people, like our beloved dogs . . .belong in packs :)

Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com App
 
#15 ·
In my town I belong to a dog walking group. They call themselves "the doggone walking club". I've met lots of cool "dog people" and now have a list of contacts of people that probably would love to help in an emergency. Perhaps this might be something you could start in your community (once the weather improves). We have a facebook group where people will post "walks" and anyone is welcome to join them. It is nice walking with a pack, meeting new people and the dogs love it too. Here is the link to our group if you wanted to copy something similar in your town.

https://www.facebook.com/DogGoneWalkingClub
 
#16 ·
I'm sorry you had such a bad day and I hope you're feeling better today Tracy.

I think your situation is more difficult because of the weather, I've met a lot of "dog" people just walking and at the park. I know you can't do that in 2 feet of snow. I do know from your posts that you are a great, funny person-are any of your neighbors friendly?
 
#17 ·
I am so sorry this happened to you. I am a severe asthamtic and have a GI disorder. I once took Buzzy in the car with me and drove an hour to the "better hospital" near my parents, and had my parents pick him up from there (all the while bleeding internally). Not fun. With that being said, I did a quick google search, and found this:
Melissa
Walkers, Sitters, Daycare, Groomers & Spas, Training & Obedience, Dog Waste Removal
8924 87th street
Fort St John, BC V1J 5H4
I do dog walking, pet taxi, dog daycare, bath/brush, doggy doo clean-up, and will be doing dog training soon!

It might be a good idea to reach out to her and see if you can set something up for emergency situations. I don't know if there are others in your area, but you might want to do a search. Feel better!
 
#18 ·
I'm sorry you had to go threw all that:( First off I was really worried about barking too. I got lucky and moved to a four plex that we all have dogs. No one cares if ours dogs bark. Its also an old house with thick walls so no one is really bothered. Your boss was a good friend to come pick Brody up.:) If this happens again I wouldn't be worried about the barking he is safe for a long time in your apartment. And do what Karen said. I think the closet vets office seems to be the best idea to look into entail you can find a dependable avenue to help. In a life threatening emergency I wounder if the fire department would help place an animal in a safe place? Or take him to the vets? You are not alone and I'm glad you were able to get yourself to the hospital and everything worked out fine.:grouphug:
 
#19 ·
I think the best thing to do is to 1. Take care of your health (make sure you have check-ups and current medications around.
2. Are there any teenagers around who would clean your car in this kind of weather? They like spending money and this might be too strenuous of an activity.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I am so sorry to hear about every thing you and Brody went through. I guess you realize you will need to find emergency contacts for Brody just as if he is a child. We have a very large family but I already talked to several people who would be willing to take Nina for a short time, even the night, in case of emergency. These are not necessarily close friends but are people who will take in a small dog in the house. In some cases they might be people that I offered to help them out with their pet if they need help. You might offer to pay or find people in your area that dog sit for $ or an animal shelter for boarding. I hope you will be able to find a set up that will work. I am sorry to hear Bordy was for 3 hours in the car and I am glad to hear he is OK too.
 
#21 ·
Dear Tracy...So glad you are feeling better and the little one is home safe and sound.
All of the above advice is, as usual, the best. Please consider some of what everyone had to say and know that we all care about you and wish the best for you..

I don't really have much to add except that young people are a great way to meet grown ups..... I read to local school children, at the school and sometimes at the local library and have met many new friends. Not only the children (potential pet sitters or walkers) but their parents. Good luck and stay well...Estelle
 
#22 ·
oh my gosh Tracy!! I am so sorry!! how scary! I can't believe you had to dig your car out and worry about Brody all the while gasping for air! :( That is scary.
I also can't believe you took him WITH you!! What an incredible doggie mama you are!!

I agree that you HAVE to find someone, somehow to help out in emergency situations like this!! Brody needs you to do that for him and you need to do it for your own health and peace of mind!! I can only imagine how freaked out he was being left in the car that long, in the cold, worried about YOU, his only person...
So glad you are both safe and together again!!
keep us posted on your recovery!
 
#23 ·
So sorry Tracy. I also have asthma - though it's never been as bad as you just went through, I do the same thing and put off going to the hospital if I am sick, so I have ended up in Urgent Care more than once getting breathing treatments (and each time, they give me a hard time for not coming in sooner! Once it hits hard, inhalers can only give very temporary relief I have found, and it will continue to get worse until you go get help).

I agree with everybody above that it's pretty clear that you (everybody, really) needs an emergency contact for their dog, just as (as Anna6 said) if it were a child. That being said, hopefully your doctors can give you better treatments for your asthma as it pretty obviously isn't being controlled well enough by inhalers.

Hugs to you - I know from experience that not being able to get enough oxygen is one of the scariest things. And I also totally sympathize with you about the 'shakes' - the most I've ever had was 2 nebulizer treatments in a row, and I was shaking pretty bad after that (and the respiratory nurse didn't want to give me another treatment if all possible, because my heart was beating so fast). So take care of yourself!!!
 
#24 ·
I hope Tracy is OK... we haven't heard from her in a while. I hope that's just because she's being a good doobie and RESTING rather than playing on the internet!!!
 
#25 ·
Yeah, I'm just wiped out. I was up half the night with a pounding headache (side effect from all the meds).

My best friend just found out she lost her job today (she's been there for 20 years) as the owner is shutting down the business immediately. So, I've been on the phone with her. It's funny how often we have bad things happen at the same (or close to) time. So, I have to say part of me feels sort of guilty that she got fired...like my asthma attack brought it on. Crazy line of thinking, I know.

I'm breathing much better today (better frankly, than I have in a month)

I fell on the ice after getting Brody out of the car today, so now I'm sore from that too and of course my first thought was "thank God I didn't land on Brody!". My keys went flying and then I had to find them in a ton of snow. Brody is no help, he's all jumping over me like it's a game, not to mention the barking, whining and carrying on while I was trying to park my car (which took 15 minutes as I kept getting stuck). Such sympathy that dog has....NOT! He'd not make a good canine assistant! ha ha

I can't believe it's only Tuesday. Hope nothing else bad happens! ha ha

Anyhow, I hurt all over and am going to try and make an early night of it (she says looking at the clock and seeing it's nearing 10 already).

I'm hoping to bring Brody up to see the pet Santa on Sunday, but we'll see how that goes between weather and health and stuff.
 
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