Harlow Update

The good news is, we think we have FINALLY figured out what it is that is causing Harlow's bladder leaks. Our new vet, (whom I shall from here forward refer to as the most wonderful intelligent Goddess of all things Canine) has figured out in 2 months time what our other vet never figured out in a year and a half. She is my hero!!!



Harlow has a severe bladder infection. (Her 4th one to date.) She has e-coli in her urine as well. (Yuck!) It has been treated in the past with the wrong antibiotics. So it would subside for awhile but never completely go away. Then, after several months, after growing stronger, it would again rear it's ugly head. We did another sterile urine sample last week. It figured this out for us. It even gave the exact type of anitbiotic that would completely kill this horrid infection. (Hopefully, for good!) So after the antibiotics are taken, we are hoping we can then wean her off of her bladder strengthening medicines. And she will be as good as new. Or at least as good as refurbished. :)Having a 140 lb dog that leaves urine puddles the size of a tire in your house is not easy to contend with. Diapers won't contain that much urine. It tries your patience. It horrifies the clean freak in you. It makes you want to cry, scream, puke, curse, etc. I often wonder what someone else would have done if she had gone to another home. Would they have spent this much money? Given her up? Put her down?....Or worse?

In the past 18 months we have spent more on this girlie than our entire family's medical expenses combined. Quite frankly, it's enough to make me want to puke! I feel guilty when I think of the amount of money that could have gone into paying bills or towards our children's education or towards retirement.



In the end, right or wrong, I can only say we did what we felt was right for us. It hasn't been easy. It hasn't been cheap; but, I can't contend with the thought of doing it any other way. I could have paid off some credit cards with that money; but would it have cost me my soul in doing so?! My children could have had more money for college; but, isn't this a life lesson they have learned? So what if we can't retire now. We probably would have just gotten on each other's nerves anyway. :) Perhaps, when we get to the pearly gates, this will make them overlook some of the other stuff I've done before; and with Harlow's recommendation, I can squeek on in by the hair on my chinney chin chin.